First Girl. All right, since you will not go yourself. (The girls walk along the path to the yard. Songs and tambourines are heard.)
Scene III. Marína (alone).
Marína (in thought). I don't like to go there, because I have not seen him since he gave me up. It is nearly two years now. I should like to take a peep at him and Anísya, to see how they are getting along. People say they do not live in peace. She is a coarse, headstrong woman. He has, no doubt, thought of me more than once. He wanted to have an easy life, so he took her in my stead. God be with him, I wish him no evil. Then it hurt me. Yes, it pained me then. But now I am over it, and have forgotten it. But I should like to see him— (Looking toward the yard and seeing Nikíta.) I declare! What is he coming for? Have the girls told him? Why has he left the guests? I will go away.
Scene IV. Marína and Nikíta (who walks at first with drooping head, and swinging his arms. Mumbling).
Marína. How gloomy he looks!
Nikíta (sees Marina and recognizes her). Marína! Dear friend! Marína! What are you doing here?
Marína. I came to get my old man.
Nikíta. Why did you not come to the wedding? You might have looked at me, and laughed at me.
Marína. Why should I laugh at you? I came to get my husband.
Nikíta. Oh, Marína! (Wants to embrace her.)
Marína (angrily turns away). Nikíta, leave your old tricks! What has been, is no more. I came to get my husband. Is he in your house?
Nikíta. So you will not let me recall the past?
