[She tries to go out, but MERIK blocks the door.]

MERIK. Just throw a glance at him, with only one eye if you like!
Or say only just one kind little word to him! God's own sake!

MARIA EGOROVNA. Take away this ... fool.

MERIK. Then the devil take you, you accursed woman!

[He swings his axe. General confusion. Everybody jumps up noisily
and with cries of horror. SAVVA stands between MERIK and MARIA
EGOROVNA. ... DENIS forces MERIK to one side and carries out his
mistress. After this all stand as if turned to stone. A prolonged
pause. BORTSOV suddenly waves his hands in the air.]

BORTSOV. Marie ... where are you, Marie!

NAZAROVNA. My God, my God! You've torn up my your murderers! What
an accursed night!

MERIK. [Lowering his hand; he still holds the axe] Did I kill her
or no?

HIGH ROAD

TIHON. Thank God, your head is safe. ...

MERIK. Then I didn't kill her. ... [Totters to his bed] Fate hasn't
sent me to my death because of a stolen axe. ... [Falls down and