PEPEL. Yes! Of you, too!
[Vassilisa draws her shawl about her, pressing her hands over her breast. Crosses to Anna, looks carefully through the bed curtains, and returns to Pepel.]
Well—out with it!
VASSILISA. What do you want me to say? I can’t force you to be loving, and I’m not the sort to beg for kindness. Thank you for telling me the truth.
PEPEL. What truth?
VASSILISA. That you’re sick of me—or isn’t it the truth? [Pepel looks at her silently. She turns to him] What are you staring at? Don’t you recognize me?
PEPEL [sighing] You’re beautiful, Vassilisa! [She puts her arm about his neck, but he shakes it off] But I never gave my heart to you. . . . I’ve lived with you and all that—But I never really liked you . . .
VASSILISA [quietly] That so? Well—?
PEPEL. What is there to talk, about? Nothing. Go away from me!