Martha and Akulína. Michael is asleep
MARTHA[ takes hatchet ] I must go and chop some firewood.
AKULÍNA[ with a pail ] He'd have beaten you black and blue yesterday, had it not been for that fellow. I don't see him. Has he gone? I suppose he has. [ Exit one after the other ].
MICHAEL[ climbs down from the top of the oven ] Just look, the sun's already quite high. [ Puts on his boots ] She must have gone to fetch water with mother. How my head aches! I won't do it again; the devil take it! [ Crosses himself before the icon, prays, and then washes his hands and face ] I'll go and harness.
Enter Martha with firewood.
MARTHA. And yesterday's beggar? Has he gone?
MICHAEL. Must have gone. Can't see him.
MARTHA. Oh well, let him go. He seemed a clever chap though.
MICHAEL. He took your part!
MARTHA. What of that!