KERSTI. [Taking him on her lap and kissing his shoes] Oh, Lit-Mats, Lit-Mats!

BRITA. [To the soldiers] Is that allowed?

The soldiers stand at attention, but make no reply.

BRITA. [Taking LIT-MATS away from KERSTI] Come on now!

KERSTI. [To LIT-MATS] Go with your sister, Lit-Mats! And you had better keep away from me!

[She begins to read in a low voice out of the hymn-book.

BRITA. [To KERSTI] Shall I tell him?

KERSTI. For God's sake, don't tell the child!

BRITA. For the child's sake, I won't!

KERSTI. Thank you, Brita—for the child's sake!