If I know anything of women’s eyes,
It’s either money, or a daughter, Rada.
And so—the key! Or else I burst the door.
Rada (looks at him for a moment before speaking).
I throw myself upon your mercy, then.
It is my little girl. She is twelve years old.
Don’t wake her. She has slept all through this night.
I thought I might have hidden her. It’s too late.
It’s of the other men that I’m afraid.
Not you. But they are drunk. If they come back....
Help me to save her! I’ll do anything for you,
Anything! Only help me to get her away!
I’ll pray for you every night of my life. I’ll pray....
(She stretches out her hands pitifully and begins to weep. The men stand staring at her. The door opens behind her, and Bettine, in her night-dress, steals into the room.)
Bettine.
Mother——Oh!
(She stops at the sight of the strangers.)
Brander.
Don’t be afraid. I’m Nanko’s friend.
What? Don’t you know me? I came down the chimney.