tired of my old man, that long-nosed dog. I wish my eyes did not see him.
Matréna. Yes, that is the way it goes. Come, see this. (In a whisper, looking around.) You see I went to see an old man for some powders, and he gave me two kinds. Look here. "This," says he, "is a sleeping powder. Give him one," says he. "It will make him sleep so hard that you can do anything you please. And this," says he, "is such a drug that if you give it in a drink it cannot be discovered, but its strength is great. It is to be given seven times," says he, "and every time a pinchful. Repeat it seven times. And freedom," says he, "will soon come to her."
Anísya. Oh, oh, oh! What is this?
Matréna. "It leaves no traces," says he. He took a rouble for it. "I can't do it for less," says he. Because, you see, it is hard to get. My dear, I gave him my money for it. I thought to myself I would take it down to Anísya, whether she wanted it or not.
Anísya. Oh, oh! But maybe something bad will come of it?
Matréna. What bad can there be, my dear? It would be different if your husband were a healthy man; but as it is he barely lives. He is not a live fellow. There are many such.
Anísya. Oh, my wretched head! I am afraid, aunty, there might be some sin in it. No, I do not like it.
Matréna. I can take it back.
Anísya. Are these to be dissolved in water, like the other?
Matréna. "In tea," says he, "it is better. It can't be detected," says he. "They leave no smell, nothing." He is a clever fellow.
Anísya (taking the powders). Oh, my wretched head! Would I have thought of such things if my life were not so hard?
