ERIC and THYRA go toward the door, followed by the spot of light.
ERIC. Isn't it a nice little spot! [Talks to the spot as if it were a cat] Puss, puss, puss, puss!
PLAYMATE. Take it up on your arm, Thyra, for I don't think it can get over the threshold.
THYRA gets the spot of light on her arm, which she bends as if carrying something.
All three go out; the door closes itself. Pause.
The JUDGE enters with a lantern, the OLD LADY with the birch rod.
OLD LADY. It's cool and nice here, and then there is no sun to bother you.
JUDGE. And how quiet it is. But where are the children?
[Both look for the children.
JUDGE. It looks as if they had taken us at our word.
OLD LADY. Us? Please observe that I didn't promise anything, for he—you know—talked only to you toward the end.