VARVARA. You are such a fantastical creature, God bless you! What I think is: one should do what one likes, only be sure it's kept dark!
KATERINA. I don't like that. What good can come of it! I had much better bear it as long as I can bear it.
VARVARA.
And when you can't bear it, what will you do?
KATERINA.
What shall I do?
VARVARA.
Yes, what will you do?
KATERINA.
Whatever I long to do, I will do.
VARVARA.
Just try; why they'd torment you to death.
KATERINA.
What do I care! I should go away, and that would be the end of it.
VARVARA.
Where would you go? You are a married woman.
KATERINA. Ah, Varia, you don't know me! I pray, of course, it may never come to that! But if I am too miserable here, they would not keep me by any force on earth. I should throw myself out of the window, I should drown myself in the Volga. If I will not to live here, then I would not, they might cut me to pieces! (
VARVARA. Do you know what, Katia! When Tihon's gone, let's sleep in the garden, in the summerhouse.
KATERINA.
Oh, why, Varia?
VARVARA.
Why, isn't it just the same to you?
KATERINA.
I'm timid of sleeping in a place I'm not used to.
VARVARA.
Timid, nonsense! Glasha will be with us.
KATERINA.
Still one feels nervous, somehow! But perhaps I will.
VARVARA.
I wouldn't have asked you, only mamma wouldn't let me alone, and I must.
KATERINA (
What for?
VARVARA.(
We'll tell our fortunes together there.
KATERINA.
You must be joking.
VARVARA.
To be sure, I am joking; did you think I meant it?
[
KATERINA.
Where can Tihon be?
VARVARA.
Why, do you want him?
KATERINA.
No, I only wondered, he has to start so soon.
VARVARA.
He's sitting locked up with mamma. She's nagging away at him now.
KATERINA.
What for?
