nose. Go to! (Yawning.) It is time to go to bed! I don't want to go into the house. It is hovering all about my nose. It smells strong,—accursed liquor! (One hears the people departing.) They are gone, O Lord, merciful St. Nicholas! They are only collaring each other, and pulling the wool over each other's eyes. It is all nonsense.
SCENE VI. Mítrich and Nikíta.
Nikíta (coming out). Mítrich, go on the oven! I will pick it up.
Mítrich. All right. Throw it to the sheep! Well, have you seen them off?
Nikíta. I have, but things don't go right. I don't know what will happen.
Mítrich. Bosh! There is a Foundling House for that. Throw out anything you please, and they will pick it up. Give them all the babies you want, they won't ask any questions. They even give money, so that all a woman has to do after that is to become a wet-nurse. Nowadays these things are done very simply.
Nikíta. Look here, Mítrich, don't say more than you need to!
Mítrich. What do I care? Sweep away the track as well as you can! Oh, how you smell of liquor! I will go in. (Goes away, yawning.) O Lord!
Scene VII. Nikíta (long silent. Sits down on a sleigh).
Nikíta Bad business!
Scene VIII. Nikíta and Anísya.
Anísya (coming out). Where are you?
Nikíta. Here I am.
