Anísya. I wish you had not given it to me, and had not tempted me to sin. It makes me shudder when I think of it. Why did you give them to me?
Matréna. Don't say that, my dear! Christ be with you! Don't put it on me! Woman, it will not do to take it off a guilty head and put it on an innocent one. When it comes to anything, I shall stand aside. I sha'n't know a thing: I will kiss the cross that I have not given any powders and that I have not seen any, and that I have heard of no powders. Woman, think for yourself! We were talking the other day about you and how you are suffering. Your stepdaughter is a fool, and your husband is rotten, a real curse. What will one not do with such a life?
Anísya. I sha'n't deny it. Such a life will only make me hang myself or kill him. What life is this?
Matréna. That's it. There is no time to lose. You must find the money, and give him the tea to drink.
Anísya. Oh, my wretched head! I do not know myself what to do, and I feel so much afraid: I wish he would die by himself. I do not wish to take the sin upon me.
Matréna (angrily). Why does he not reveal his money? Does he intend to take it with him, so that no one may get it? Is it proper? God forfend that such a lot of money should be lost for nothing. Is not this a sin? What is he doing? Is it not a shame to look at him?
Anísya. I do not know. He has worn me out completely.
Matréna. Why don't you know? The thing is clear enough. If you don't look out now, you will repent it all your life. He will give the money to his sister, and you will be left without any.
Anísya. Oh, oh! He has sent for her, and I have to go and fetch her!
