MATRYÓNA. Ah, sonnie, how you look at it! How can a woman manage such affairs? Even if she does get the money, is she capable of arranging it all? One knows what a woman is! You're a man anyhow. You can hide it, and all that. You see, you've after all got more sense, in case of anything happening.
NIKÍTA. Oh, your woman's notions are all so inexpedient!
MATRYÓNA. Why inexpedient? You just collar the money, and the woman's in your hands. And then should she ever turn snappish you'd be able to tighten the reins!
NIKÍTA. Bother you all,—I'm going.
ANÍSYA [quite pale, runs out of the hut and round the corner to Matryóna] So it was, it was on him! Here it is! [Shows that she has something under her apron].
MATRYÓNA. Give it to Nikíta, he'll hide it. Nikíta, take it and hide it somewhere.
NIKÍTA. All right, give here!
ANÍSYA. O-oh, my poor head! No, I'd better do it myself. [Goes towards the gate].
MATRYÓNA [seizing her by the arm] Where are you going to? You'll be missed. There's the sister coming; give it him; he knows what to do. Eh, you blockhead!
ANÍSYA [stops irresolutely] Oh, my head, my head!