KAREN. You saw my thoughts?

OLD SOLDIER (nodding). It was to you as if your red shoes passed before your eyes in the cup. Am I not right?

KAREN (showing fear). Y-e-s—

OLD SOLDIER. And I saw by the light of my beard that you forgot to sing the hymns; eh, Karen?

KAREN. Y-e-s—

OLD SOLDIER. And that you forgot to say your prayers; eh, Karen?

KAREN. Y-e-s—

OLD SOLDIER. You were thinking of your red shoes all the time.

KAREN. Y-e-s, Old Soldier.

OLD SOLDIER (holding Karen and stooping until his beard covers her shoes). Cover and touch and change, my beard! Cover and touch and change!