SCENE IV

KABANOV and KATERINA (_she stands as though turned to stone_).


KABANOV.
Katia! (_Silence_.) Katia, you're not angry with me?

KATERINA (_after a protracted silence--shakes her head_).
No!

KABANOV.
But why are you like this? Come, forgive me!

KATERINA (_still in the same position, slightly shaking her head_).
Peace be with you! (_Hiding her face in her hands_) She has hurt me!

KABANOV.
If you take everything to heart so, you'll soon fall into a decline. Why
listen to her! You know she must talk! Well then, let her talk, and you
let it go in at one ear and out at the other. Come, good-bye, Katia!

KATERINA (_falling on her husband's neck_).
Tisha, don't go away! For God's sake, don't go away! Dear one, I implore
you!

KABANOV.