Publisher's Synopsis
The Act takes place in autumn in a large village. The Scene represents Peter's roomy hut. Peter is sitting on a wooden bench, mending a horse-collar. Anisya and Akoulina are spinning, and singing a part-song. PETER [looking out of the window] The horses have got loose again. If we don't look out they'll be killing the colt. Nikita! Hey, Nikita! Is the fellow deaf? [Listens. To the women] Shut up, one can't hear anything. NIKITA [from outside] What? PETER. Drive the horses in. NIKITA. We'll drive 'em in. All in good time."
