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. Aniacute;sya and Akouliacute;na 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. Nikiacute;ta! Hey, Nikiacute;ta! 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 lsquo;em in. All in good time.