Anísya. It is impossible,—he is there himself. I notice that he sometimes has it on his person, and sometimes hides it.
Matréna. Remember, woman: once you make a mistake, you will not correct it in a lifetime. (In a whisper.) Well, did you give him the strong tea?
Anísya. Oh! (Wants to answer, but, seeing her neighbour, grows silent.)
Scene VII. The same and Sponsor (who passes near the hut and listens to the voice calling in the house).
Sponsor (to Anísya). Friend! Anísya, oh, Anísya! Your man is calling!
Anísya. He is just coughing, though it sounds as though he were calling. He is in a pretty bad shape.
Sponsor (walking up to Matréna). Good day, mother! Whence does God bring you?
Matréna. From the farm, my dear. I have come to see my son and to bring him some shirts. One naturally thinks of one's own child.
Sponsor. Yes, that is so. (To Anísya.) Friend, I wanted to bleach the linen, but I thought it was too early yet. The people have not begun to bleach yet.
Anísya. What is the use in hurrying?
Matréna. Well, has he made his confession?
Anísya. Certainly. The priest was here yesterday.
Sponsor (to Matréna). I saw him yesterday, and I can't see what his soul is holding on to. He is so haggard. The other day, motherkin, he was almost dead, and they placed him under the images. They were already lamenting over him, and were getting ready to wash him.
Anísya. He came to and got up again. Now he is walking about.
Matréna. Well, are you going to give him the extreme unction?
