BUBNOFF. Vassilisa? She won’t give up so easily what belongs to her—she’s a cruel woman!

PEPEL [stretching himself on the bunk] You two prophets can go to hell!

KLESHTCH. Just wait—you’ll see!

LUKA [singing in the kitchen] “In the dark of the night the way is black . . .”

KLESHTCH. Another one who yelps!

PEPEL. It’s dreary! Why do I feel so dreary? You live—and everything seems all right. But suddenly a cold chill goes through you—and then everything gets dreary . . .

BUBNOFF. Dreary? Hm-hm—

PEPEL. Yes—yes—

LUKA [sings] “The way is black . . .”

PEPEL. Old fellow! Hey there!