NATASHA. And be a little more kind to her—you know she won’t last much longer.
KLESHTCH. I know . . .
NATASHA. Knowing won’t do any good—it’s terrible—dying—don’t you understand?
PEPEL. Well—look at me—I’m not afraid . . .
NATASHA. Oh—you’re a wonder, aren’t you?
BUBNOFF [whistling] Oh—this thread’s rotten . . .
PEPEL. Honestly, I’m not afraid! I’m ready to die right now. Knife me to the heart—and I’ll die without making a sound . . . even gladly—from such a pure hand . . .
NATASHA [going out] Spin that yarn for some one else!
BUBNOFF. Oh—that thread is rotten—rotten—