The Caucasian Chalk Circle

The Singer chronicles Grusha’s ascent into the Northern Mountains, the baby on her back and a stick in her hand. After some time, she comes across a peasant’s cottage and asks the old man who lives there if she can have some milk. He demands three piastres for it. Grusha tries to bargain with him, but when he won’t budge, she gives him two piastres, which is “half a week’s pay” (55). She begrudgingly tells the baby to drink sparingly, so that the milk will last.

While they are standing there, a group of rich ladies appears, and Grusha decides to try to join them. Michael’s linens are of fine quality, so it’s easy for them to blend in with the ladies who are impatiently waiting for the Innkeeper to return. When he does, they take a room that is not up to the rich ladies’ standards, but they have to make do.

Grusha starts to make pallets out of the sacks and blankets. An Elderly Lady says to her, “You seem to be rather clever at making beds, my dear. Let’s have a look at your hands!” (58). As soon as they notice that her hands are cracked, like those of a servant, they are unnerved.