Anísya. Oh, my wretched head!
Matréna. If you miss the opportunity now, you might as well look for it under the eagle's right wing. His sister will come, and then good-bye.
Anísya. If she comes, he will give it to her. What am I to do? Oh, my head!
Matréna. What are you to do? Look here: the samovár is boiling now, so you go and fix the tea and pour in (in a whisper) the whole lot of it. He will drink a cup, and then you take it away. Don't be afraid! He will not tell.
Anísya. It makes me tremble!
Matréna. Don't discuss now. Do it right away, while I am on the lookout for his sister. Don't make a blunder! Take the money and bring it here, and Nikíta will hide it!
Anísya. Oh, my head! How am I to begin it?
Matréna. I tell you not to discuss now. Do as I tell you, Nikíta!
Nikíta. What?
Matréna. You stay here! Sit down on the mound for awhile,—you will be needed.
Nikíta (waving his hand). What these women will think out! They will positively ruin me! Go to! I will go and dig out the potatoes.
Matréna (takes his hand). I tell you to stay!
Scene XVII. The same and Anyútka (enter).
Anísya. Well?
Anyútka. She was in her daughter's garden. She will be here at once.
Anísya. What shall we do if she comes?
Matréna (to Anísya). You will have plenty of time. Do as I tell you!
Anísya. I do not know what. I know nothing,—
