Anyútka. How can I help being frightened, grandfather! Sister was suffering so. She struck her head against the flour box. (In a whisper). I know—she wants to get a baby— Maybe it is born now—
Mítrich. You imp, the frogs may kick you! You must know everything! Lie down and sleep! (Anyútka lies down). That's it. (Covers her.) That's it. If you know much, you will soon get old.
Anyútka And will you go on the oven?
Mítrich. Where else? Silly girl! She wants to know everything. (Covers her still more and rises to go.) Lie like this and sleep! (Goes to the oven.)
Anyútka. It cried once, and now you can't hear it.
Mítrich. O Lord, merciful St. Nicholas! What is it you can't hear?
Anyútka. The baby.
Mítrich. You can't hear it because there is none.
Anyútka. But I heard it, truly, I did. Such a thin voice.
Mítrich. You did not hear it. What you heard was a girl crying, for the bogie-man put her in a sack and took her away.
Anyútka. What bogie-man?
Mítrich. The bogie-man, that's all. (Climbing on the oven.) The oven feels good to-day,—it is warm. Fine O Lord, merciful St. Nicholas!
Anyútka. Grandfather, are you going to sleep?
Mítrich. What did you think? That I was going to sing? (Silence.)
Anyútka. Grandfather, O grandfather! They are digging! Upon my word, they are. Do you hear? Truly, they are digging.
Mítrich. What nonsense! Digging! Digging at night! Who is digging? The cow is scratching herself. And you say: digging. Sleep, I say, or I will put out the light altogether.
