Yes, yes, Varia! Only mind, Varia, for pity's sake....

VARVARA.
What nonsense! _You'd_ better mind, and not betray yourself in any way.

KATERINA.
I can't deceive, I don't know how to conceal anything.

VARVARA.
But there's no doing without deceit; think where you're living! Our whole
house rests on it! I wasn't fond of lying either, but I learnt the trick,
when I had to. I was out walking yesterday, and so I saw him and had a few
minutes talk with him.

KATERINA (_after a short silence, looking down_).
Well?

VARVARA.
He sent greetings to you. He was sorry, he said, that he never meets you.

KATERINA (_her head still more bent down_).
As if we could meet! And what would be the use....

VARVARA.
He is so sad and unhappy....

KATERINA.
Don't speak to me of him, for goodness' sake, don't speak of him! I don't
want to know him even. I will love my husband: Tisha, my dear one, no one
shall ever take your place! I did not want to think of him, you tempt me.