"Too little!" Bah!
HOLGER. (_In a low almost frightened tone_) Steen, come here!
(_The tone, rather than the words, take_ STEEN _quickly to_ HOLGER'S
_side_.)
STEEN. What?
HOLGER. (_Pointing out the window_) Look, by the dead pine yonder,
an old woman facing us, kneeling in the snow, see? praying!
STEEN. (_In an awed tone_) She's looking at us!
HOLGER. She's raising her hand to us!
STEEN. She's beckoning!
HOLGER. No, she's making the Sign of the Cross.
(_Both boys drop their heads devoutly._)
STEEN. Who is she, Holger?
HOLGER. I don't know.
STEEN. (_Drawing back from the window and crossing the room to the
fire_) Oh, Holger, I'm afraid!
HOLGER. No, no! Look, she has turned away,--she's deeper in the
shadow,--why, she's gone! (_Following_ STEEN _with all his bright
courage bubbling high again, and speaks in a bantering tone_) Just some
old granny going down to town, and thou afraid!
STEEN. (_Recovering also_) And _thou_ afraid!
HOLGER. I was not!
STEEN. (_Derisively_) Oh-h-h-h!
HOLGER. Well, I was just a little bit afraid--lest she might frighten
thee. (_Steps are heard outside the house. Both boys start and look
frightened again_) Hush,--steps--coming here!
STEEN. (_Backing from the door_) The old woman!
HOLGER.
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