Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/128

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114
THE POWER OF DARKNESS

Anísya Where is she? The paralysis take her!

Peter. Oh, I have no strength. It burns me within. I feel as though they were turning an auger within me. Why did you abandon me like a dog? There is nobody to give me a drink. Oh, send Anyútka to me!

Anísya. Here she is. Anyútka, go to father!

Scene X. The same and Anyútka (running in. Anísya walks around the corner).

Peter. Go, oh, to Aunt Márfa! Tell her, father wants her to come: he needs her.

ANYÚTKA. Well?

Peter. Wait. Tell her I need her at once. Tell her I am dying. Oh, oh!

Anyútka. I will take my kerchief and will go there at once. (Exit running.)

Scene XI. Peter, Anísya, and Matréna.

Matréna (winking). Well, woman, remember your business! Go into the hut and hunt everywhere! Hunt, as a dog hunts for fleas! Turn everything upside down, and I will go through him here at once.

Anísya (to Matréna). I have more courage when you are around. (Walks up to the porch. To Peter.) Don't you want the samovár? Aunt Matréna has come to see her son,—so you drink tea with her.

Peter. All right, have it made! (Anisya goes into the vestibule.)

Scene XII. Peter and Matréna (walking over to the porch).

Peter. Good day!

Matréna. Good day, benefactor! Good day, my dear! You are evidently sick. My old man is very sorry for