MATRYÓNA [rolls up her sleeves] Is there any water in the copper? But I daresay the samovár is still hot. I'll also go and help a bit.
Curtain.
ACT III
The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed since [Act II]. Anísya, plainly dressed, sits before a loom weaving. Nan is on the oven.
MÍTRITCH [an old labourer, enters, and slowly takes off his outdoor things] Oh Lord, have mercy! Well, hasn't the master come home yet?
ANÍSYA. What?
MÍTRITCH. Nikíta isn't back from town, is he?
ANÍSYA. No.
MÍTRITCH. Must have been on the spree. Oh Lord!
ANÍSYA. Have you finished in the stackyard?