SATINE [_leading Pepel to Natasha_] Don't be afraid, Vaska! Killed in
a row! That's nonsense--only manslaughter--you won't have to serve a
long term . . .
VASSILISA. Hold Vaska--he killed him--I saw it!
SATINE. I, too, gave the old man a couple of blows--he was easily
fixed . . . you call me as witness, Vaska!
PEPEL. I don't need to defend myself . . . I want to drag Vassilisa
into this mess--and I'll do it--she was the one who wanted it . . .
she was the one who urged me to kill him--she goaded me on . . .
NATASHA [_sudden and loud_] Oh--I understand--so that's it, Vassily?
Good people! They're both guilty--my sister and he--they're both
guilty! They had it all planned! So, Vassily, that's why you spoke to
me a while ago--so that she should overhear everything--? Good people!
She's his mistress--you know it--everybody knows it--they're both
guilty! She--she urged him to kill her husband--he was in their
way--and so was I! And now they've maimed me . . .
PEPEL. Natalia! What's the matter with you? What are you saying?
SATINE. Oh--hell!
VASSILISA. You lie. She lies. He--Vaska killed him . . .
NATASHA. They're both guilty! God damn you both!
SATINE. What a mix-up! Hold on, Vassily--or they'll ruin you between
them!
ZOB. I can't understand it--oh--what a mess!
PEPEL. Natalia! It can't be true! Surely you don't believe that
I--with her--
SATINE. So help me God, Natasha! Just think . . .
VASSILISA [_in the passage_] They've killed my husband--Your
Excellency! Vaska Pepel, the thief, killed him. Captain! I saw
it--everybody saw it . . .
NATASHA [_tossing about in agony; her mind wandering_] Good people--my
sister and Vaska killed him! The police--listen--this sister of
mine--here--she urged, coaxed her lover--there he stands--the
scoundrel! They both killed him! Put them in jail! Bring them before
the judge! Take me along, too! To prison! Christ Almighty--take me to
prison, too!