They disappear into the porch, followed gradually by the rest.
SOLDIER. [Stops in front of KERSTI, shakes his head sadly and tries to find words] Well.... Well....
[He goes into the church.
KERSTI'S MOTHER. [Speaking drily, with a vain attempt to show emotion] Yes, here we are now!—Was it bad in the Castle?
KERSTI shakes her head.
MOTHER. Is there anything you want? To eat or drink—you can have it now, you know.... Did they give you any tobacco while you were in the Castle?
KERSTI shakes her head.
MOTHER. Keep your head high, Kersti, and don't let the mill-folk put us to shame. Don't weep so much either. Your father is a man of war, you know, and he can't stand that kind of thing. [Handing her daughter a hymn-book] Take this book—and read where I have put the mark. And look at the mark—I got it from some one—some one who is thinking of you in your moment of need. And it is a sure cure against the shakes Farther than this I won't keep you company, Kersti.... I can't—I really can't, being as old as I am....
KERSTI. Do what you feel like, mother. I have found my comforter! I know that my Redeemer still liveth!
MOTHER. It's all right, then, child. That's all I wanted to know.... And you don't want me to go with you?