There was no arguing with him. They could not tell him that all was going well⁠—how could they know, he cried⁠—why, she was dying, she was being torn to pieces! Listen to her⁠—listen! Why, it was monstrous⁠—it could not be allowed⁠—there must be some help for it! Had they tried to get a doctor? They might pay him afterwards⁠—they could promise⁠—

“We couldn’t promise, Jurgis,” protested Marija. “We had no money⁠—we have scarcely been able to keep alive.”

“But I can work,” Jurgis exclaimed. “I can earn money!”

“Yes,” she answered⁠—“but we thought you were in jail. How could we know when you would return? They will not work for nothing.”