Anísya (looking for something in the coffer, and grumbling). You never can find a thing when you need it.
Mítrich. What are you looking for?
Anísya. I am looking for a cross to baptize it with. God grant it will die! It will be a sin to let it die unbaptized.
Mítrich. Of course, you must do everything as is proper. Well, have you found it?
Anísya. I have. (Exit.)
Scene III. Mítrich and Anyútka.
Mítrich. That's it. I would have given her mine. O Lord!
Anyútka (jumping down and trembling). Oh, oh, grandfather! Don't fall asleep, for Christ's sake! I am afraid.
Mítrich. What are you afraid of?
Anyútka. The baby will, no doubt, die. The midwife baptized Aunt Arína's baby, and it died, too.
Mítrich. If it will die they will bury it.
Anyútka. Maybe it would not have died if Grandmother Matréna were not here. I heard what grandmother said, truly, I did.
Mítrich. What did you hear? Sleep, I say! Cover up your head, that's all.
Anyútka. If it should live, I would take care of it.
Mítrich (bellowing). O Lord!
Anyútka. Where will they put it?
Mítrich. They will put it where it belongs. It is not your sorrow. Sleep, I say! Mother will come and will give it to you! (Silence.)
Anyútka. Grandfather! They did not kill the girl you told me about?
Mítrich. What girl? Oh, that one! She came out all right.
