Scene 1. A room in Peter Vetrova's cottage. Door opens centre rear into a little yard beyond which is the village street. Centre right, door into Lavrov's room. Right second entrance leads to kitchen and garden. Between the two doors right a large brick stove whitewashed and at present unused. Shelf above stove. A loom stands in right hand corner rear. A window in rear wall between loom and door. Before window a small table on which are student's books and papers. On left side of door a small, rude cabinet is built in the wall about six feet from floor. A wide bench stands under cabinet. A small high window in left wall. Near front, very high up on wall left, hangs a half length portrait of the Saviour.
A table left of centre. Bench before loom. Two or three stools, one or two plain chairs; and a larger chair, of peasant make, near table centre.
Glimpses of grass and a fruit-tree in bloom seen through open door and window rear.
Vetrova discovered, making bark shoes. Catherine sits near him in the large chair, sewing. Vera at loom. Vasil in door rear with violin. He ceases playing as curtain rises.
Vetrova. That brings back young days, mother.
Catherine. The summer is getting into your head, Petrovich.
Vet. My heels too. If the boy plays any more I shall forget my broken bones and be off to the forest.
Vasil. I'll keep on forever if I can play your crutch away, grandfather.
Cath. [Hastily, as Vasil raises the bow] No! Enough for to-day.
Vera. [To herself, as she weaves] Rags—rags—rags! O, if I could make some of those beautiful things I saw at the bazaar! [Softly] Or just a sweet white coverlet for me and Sasha. [Turns from the loom to the others]
Vasil. [Who has crossed to Catherine] If I can please but one it shall be you, little grandmother.
Vera. [Running to Vetrova, and sitting on his knee] And if I could please but one it should be you, little grandfather!