I did not suspect a thing, but they had an understanding long before.
Sponsor. Oh, oh, what an affair!
Anísya. The farther it went, the more they began to hide it from me. Ah, friend, I am tired, I am tired of my life. It would be different if I did not love him!
Sponsor. Yes, it is bad.
Anísya. It pains me, friend, to be wronged by him in such a manner. Oh, it pains me!
Sponsor. They say that he has become rough in his ways.
Anísya. Yes, that is so. Formerly he used to be peaceful when he drank; he used to strike me before, but he loved me; now, when he fills himself up with drink, he rushes against me and wants to trample upon me. The other day he stuck his hands into my braids, and I had the hardest time to get away from him. And the girl is worse than a snake. I wonder how the earth can bring forth such evil ones!
Sponsor. Oh, oh, oh, friend! You look pretty well worn out! It is hard to bear it all. You picked him up when he was a beggar, and this is the way he treats you. Shall you not try to stop him?
Anísya. Oh, my dear friend! What shall I do with my heart? My former husband was very severe, but I twisted him as I wanted; I cannot do so with this one. The moment I see him my heart softens. I have no courage against him: I walk around before him like a wet chicken.
Sponsor. Oh, oh, friend! You must be bewitched. They say Matréna does such things. It must be she who has done it.
Anísya. I think so myself, my friend. I sometimes feel so angry, I should like to tear him to pieces; but the moment I see him my heart does not allow me to raise my hands against him.
Sponsor. There is no doubt, you are bewitched. It
