[Elis hastens out R. The center door opens and Eleonora and Benjamin enter. On seeing Lindkvist, she shows extreme fear.]
LINDKVIST. Well, little ones, step in and have no fear. Do you know who I am? [In a blustering voice.] I am the giant of the mountains,—muh, muh, muh!—and yet I am not dangerous. Come here, Eleonora. [She goes to him and he takes her head in his hand and looks into her eyes.] You have your father's kind eyes,—he was a good man—but he was weak. [Kissing her forehead.] There.
ELEONORA. You speak well of my father? Can it be any one wishes him well?
LINDKVIST. I can—ask your brother Elis.
ELEONORA. Then you don't want to harm us?
LINDKVIST. No, my dear child.
ELEONORA. Well, help us then.
LINDKVIST. Child, I can't help your father in his sentence. I can't help Benjamin in his Latin. But everything else is helped already. Life doesn't give everything, and nothing is given for nothing. Therefore you must help me,—will you?
ELEONORA. Poor me, what can I do?
LINDKVIST. What is the date today?