VASSILISA. I don’t want a speck of dirt! [Goes to kitchen; to Nastya] What are you hanging round here for? Why’s your face all swollen up? Why are you standing there like a dummy? Go on—sweep the floor! Did you see Natalia? Was she here?
NASTYA. I don’t know—I haven’t seen her . . .
VASSILISA. Bubnoff! Was my sister here?
BUBNOFF. She brought him along.
VASSILISA. That one—was he home?
BUBNOFF. Vassily? Yes—Natalia was here talking to Kleshtch—
VASSILISA. I’m not asking you whom she talked to. Dirt everywhere—filth—oh, you swine! Mop it all up—do you hear? [Exit rapidly]
BUBNOFF. What a savage beast she is!
LUKA. She’s a lady that means business!
NASTYA. You grow to be an animal, leading such a life—any human being tied to such a husband as hers . . .