MRS. HEYST. Why are you all in black, as tho' you were in mourning? [Pause.]
ELIS. Is it still snowing, mother?
MRS. HEYST. It's sleeting now. [Goes over to Eleonora.] Aren't you cold out here? [Eleonora shakes her head.] Well, my little one, you are reading and studying, I see. [To Benjamin.] And you too? Well, you won't overdo. [Eleonora takes her mother's hand and carries it to her lips.]
MRS. HEYST [Hiding her feelings]. So, my child—so—so—
ELIS. Have you been to vespers, mother?
MRS. HEYST. Yes, but they had some visiting pastor, and I didn't like him, he mumbled his words so.
ELIS. Did you meet any one you knew?
MRS. HEYST. Yes, more is the pity.
ELIS. Then I know whom—
MRS. HEYST. Yes, Lindkvist. And he came up to me and—