PETER. No, I feel I shall die to-day, I feel it. [Leans back and shuts his eyes].
ANÍSYA [enters] Well now, are you coming in or not? You do keep one waiting. Peter! eh, Peter!
MATRYÓNA [steps aside and beckons to Anísya with her finger] Well?
ANÍSYA [comes down the porch steps] Not there.
MATRYÓNA. But have you searched everywhere? Under the floor?
ANÍSYA. No, it's not there either. In the shed perhaps; he was rummaging there yesterday.
MATRYÓNA. Go, search, search for all you're worth. Go all over everywhere, as if you licked with your tongue! But I see he'll die this very day, his nails are turning blue and his face looks earthy. Is the samovár ready?
ANÍSYA. Just on the boil.
NIKÍTA [comes from the other side, if possible on horseback, up to the gate, and does not see Peter. To Matryóna] How d'you do, mother, is all well at home?
MATRYÓNA. The Lord be thanked, we're all alive and have a crust to bite.