Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/512

 Ann.—So we have heard.

Hans (Unable to take his eyes off Julia).—Your sister! She seemed to me more like

Ann.—What a ridiculous mistake!

Hans.—How could I have made such a blunder! But you are really Ann? Will you kindly tell me what you are doing at our house?

( takes by the hand and leads him to the doctor.)

John (Boisterously).—Jan! My dear cousin! Welcome! Welcome!

Hans (Dashing away his proferred hand).—Wait a moment! Aha! I begin to catch on! Husband and wife, is it? Oh, that is great! How wonderfully it all worked out! (He breaks out in wild laughter. His back is to the lodge. His laugh brings the old man out.) Say, but this is a surprise! I couldn’t have dreamed

Old Man (Staggering through the door).—Julia, Julia! Hans is calling me again! I am afraid!

Hans (Turning, sees run to the old man).—What’s this? What! My Oh, my father, and alive? Andrew, this is he, my father, isn’t it? (To him) Father!

Old Man (Holding out his arms to ).—My little Hans! So you are back from the picnic, sonny boy? Everybody said that you would never come again, only Julia she promised. You were out a long time, my boy. Weren’t you afraid father would use a strap?

Hans.—Father!

Old Man.—Don’t you see how late it is? So late! And it is growing dark! It’s so dark! Hans, Jan, where are you? (Falls into his arms.)

Hans.—Father, father! Is our meeting to be so brief? Father, speak to me! Father!

Old Man.—The thing that was  you know, my boy  you must forgive  that

Hans.—Help, here, good people, help me!

Julia.—For the love of God, will someone stir! Get Dr. Crow, someone! Andrew ( starts out right.)

Johnny (Weeping).—Grandfather! Grandfather!

Julia.—No Andrew, wait! Let Granny fetch the doctor. You help us here. We must put him to bed. Brother-in-law!

( and carry the old man into the lodge.