Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/206

 Karlsson.—Go into the bedroom.

Malin goes in.

( sits down on the sofa, brushes away the broken glass, feels the hole in the window, gets up, looks about for something and brings forth a handful of old rags.)

is busy stuffing the rags into the hole.

''comes in. She walks unsteadily, her face is distorted with anguish. When she sees the man, she stops and looks around as if seeking somebody. Thereupon she goes over to the fireplace, where she busies herself with the dishes, turning her back to the man.''

faces about.

( gives an involuntary shudder and begins weeping silently.)

Karlsson.—What are you bawling about?

( doesn't answer.)

Karlsson.—Are you going to break all the windows, do you think?

Anna.—I didn't mean to break it.

Karlsson.—Don't do it again. It won't go well with you.

Anna.—It won't go well with me anyway.

Karlsson (Looks at her, turns and walks slowly up and down the floor).—How old are you, Anna?

Anna.—You know well enough.

Karlsson.—You are full forty.

Anna.—That is so, yes.

Karlsson.—And I am thirty-two Why should you be concerned?

Anna.—Do you mean that I should stand this—

Karlsson.—It is best you do.

Anna.—You remember what you promised me when I came up here in the woods with you?

Karlsson.—That was then.

Anna.—You promised that the old life would stop.

Karlsson.—Forget the old life. It will never come again.

Anna.—Do you suppose I'll stand for this scandal in my own house?

Karlsson.—Many have before you.

Anna.—Then I'll throw myself into the lake.