KERSTI. On the path to the cross I shall meet with my Redeemer, but not with you! Depart!
MIDWIFE. [Drawing away] There is a boat down at the shore—horse and carriage are waiting on the other side Mats is there, but the Sheriff not.... Run, run, run!
KERSTI [Struggling with herself] O Lord, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil!
MIDWIFE. Shash-ash-ash-ash! Horse and carriage!
KERSTI seizes the bell-rope and pulls it three times. At the third stroke of the bell, the MIDWIFE takes flight.
MIDWIFE. Ad-zee! Ad-zee! Ad-zee! [She disappears.
The CHILD IN WHITE comes forward from behind one of the pillars of the porch. His dress is that worn by girls at Rättvik, Dalecarlia (the one with liberty cap, white waist and striped apron, which is probably more familiar to foreigners than any other Swedish peasant costume), but all its parts are white, including the shoes.
KERSTI. [As if blinded by his appearance] Who are you, child—you who come when the evil one departs?
The CHILD IN WHITE puts a finger across his lips.
KERSTI. White as snow, and white as linen.... Why are you so white?