you. He told me to go and find out how you were. He sent his regards. (Bows again.)
Peter. I am dying.
Matréna. As I look at you, Ignátych, I see that suffering is not abroad in the woods, but keeping close to people. You are thin, my dear, very thin, as I see. Sickness does not make one look better, that is evident.
Peter. My death has come.
Matréna. Well, Peter Ignátych, that is God's will. You have confessed, and you will receive the extreme unction, if God grants it. You have a clever wife, thank God, and you will be buried in honour, and mass will be said for you. And my son will in the meantime look after the house as much as he can.
Peter. There is no one to whom I can give an order! The woman is not reliable, and busies herself with foolish things. I know all— I know— The girl is silly and young. I have fixed all this house, but there is no one to take care of it. It is a pity. (Groans.)
Matréna. If there is anything about money matters, you can order others—
Peter (to Anísya in the vestibule). Has Anyútka gone?
Matréna (aside). I declare, he has not forgotten it.
Anísya (in the vestibule). She has gone long ago. Go into the house! I will take you in.
Peter. Let me sit here for the last time! The air is close within. It is hard for me— Oh, I am all burning up inside— If death would only come!
Matréna. If God does not take away the soul, it will not fly away by itself. God has power over life and death, Peter Ignátych. You can't foresee death. There are cases when a man gets up again. There was once a man in our village, who was almost dead—
Peter. No. I feel that I am going to die to-day. (Leans back and closes his eyes.)
