If you would only smile a little.
SAVVA _(looking at her with wide-open eyes and a frank face, and breaking abruptly into a clear, ringing laugh)_ Oh, you funny girl, what should I be smiling for? I'd rather laugh. _(Both laugh)_ Are you afraid of tickling?
LIPA
Stop it! What a boy you are still!
SAVVA
All right. And Kondraty, isn't here yet. I wonder why. Do you think the devil has taken him? The devil is fond of monks, you know.
LIPA
What strange fancies you have. Why, now you are joking--
SAVVA _(somewhat surprised)_
They are not fancies.
LIPA
My fancies are different. You are a dear now, because you talk to me. In the evening I'll tell you all about myself. We'll take a walk together, and I'll tell you everything.
SAVVA
Very well, I'll listen. Why shouldn't I?
LIPA
Tell me, Savva, if I may ask--are you in love with a woman?
SAVVA
Ah, switched around to the subject of love after all--just like a woman! I hardly know what to say. I did love a girl, in a way, but she didn't stick it out.
LIPA
Stick out what?
SAVVA
My love, or perhaps myself. All I know is that one fine day she went away and left me.
LIPA _(laughing)_
And you?
SAVVA
Nothing. I remained alone.
LIPA
Have you any friends, comrades?
SAVVA
No.
LIPA
Any enemies? I mean is there anyone whom you particularly dislike, whom you hate?
SAVVA
Yes--G.o.d.
LIPA _(incredulously)_
What?
SAVVA
G.o.d, I say--the one whom you call your Saviour.
LIPA _(shouting)_
Don't dare speak that way! You've gone out of your mind!
SAVVA
Ah! I touched your sensitive spot, did I?
LIPA
Don't you dare!
SAVVA
I thought you were a gentle dove, but you have a tongue like a snake's. _(He imitates the movements of a snake's tongue with his finger)_
LIPA
Good Lord! How dare you, how can you speak like that of the Saviour?
Why, one dares not look at him. Why have you come here?
_[Kondraty appears at the door of the tavern, looks around, and enters quietly._