Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/149

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THE POWER OF DARKNESS
135

Anísya (walks over to him and takes hold of his hand). Well, my husband has come. Go into the room.

Nikíta (holding back). That's it, your husband. What is his name? Say it correctly!

Anísya. Well, Nikíta.

Nikíta. That's it! You boor, call me by my patronymic!

Anísya. Akímych. Well?

Nikíta (still at the door). That's it. No, you tell my family name!

Anísya (laughing, and pulling him by his hand). Chilíkin. How angry you look!

Nikíta. That's it. (Holding on to the door-post). No, you tell me what foot Chilíkin puts first as he steps into the room.

Anísya. That will do! The room is getting cold.

Nikíta. Tell me what foot. You must tell me by all means.

Anísya (aside). He'll tire me out. Well, the left. Come now.

Nikíta. That's it.

Anísya. See who is in the room!

Nikíta. My father? Well, I am not ashamed of my father. I can show the proper respect to my father. Good evening, father! (Bows to him and gives him his hand.) My respects to you!

Akím (not answering him). The liquor, the liquor, so to speak, is doing it. It is bad.

Nikíta. The liquor? Because I have drunk some? I am quite guilty of this. I have taken a drink with a friend.

Anísya. Go and lie down!

Nikíta. Wife, where am I standing? Speak!

Anísya. Now, stop it! Go and lie down!

Nikíta. I will have a samovár with father. Fix the samovár! Akulína, come in!