There is no law to compel a man to marry against his will. I have sworn that I know nothing.
Matréna (to her husband). You foolish, stupid man! You believe everything they tell you. You have disgraced your son for nothing. Better let him stay with the master, as he has been doing. The master will now give us ten roubles in advance. When the time comes—
Peter. Well, how is it now, Uncle Akím?
Akím (clicking his tongue, to his son). Look out, Nikíta! A tear of offence does not flow past, but, so to speak, upon a man's head. Look out, or the same will happen with you.
Nikíta. I have nothing to look out for. You had better look out yourself. (Sits down.)
Anyútka. I shall run and tell mother. (Runs away.)
Scene XIV. Peter, Akím, Matréna, and Nikíta.
Matréna (to Peter). So this is all there is to it, Peter Ignátych. He is a riotous fellow: if something gets into his head, you can't drive it out. We have troubled you in vain. Let my son live with you as he has heretofore. Keep my son,―he is your servant.
Peter. How is it now, Uncle Akím?
Akím. I did not force my son,―if only it is not so! I wanted, so to speak―
Matréna. You don't know yourself what you are talking about. Let him stay here, as he has until now. Our son does not want to go to the house. And we do not need him: we shall get along without him.
Peter. I must say this much, Uncle Akím: if you take him away for the summer, I do not need him in winter. If he is to stay here, it must be for a year.
Matréna. He will hire out for a year. If we need anybody during harvest time, we shall hire somebody.
