HOLGER. There will be many gifts!
BERTEL. —the rich are bringing their treasure, gold and jewels, king's ransoms, aye and the King comes. (BERTEL finishes his porridge and hands the bowl to STEEN)
HOLGER. The King?
BERTEL. The King Himself!
STEEN. Oh, and shall we see Him, Uncle, and the fine gifts and everything?
BERTEL. Why not?—Even the poorest may go up and give—what hast thou to offer?
STEEN. (Abashed) I?—Nothing! (Puts his porridge bowl and BERTEL'S on the shelf then goes restlessly to the door)
HOLGER. (Breaking in with eagerness) Oh, I have, see, Uncle? (Feels in his pocket and brings out two pennies) See!—Last week I was gathering sticks in the forest and a fine gentleman rode past and asked the way of me. I showed him the path and he gave me these! (Holds up the pennies)
BERTEL. (Rising and going to HOLGER who is in the middle of the room) Faith, real money in the family. (Stoops and looks at the pennies as though they were a rare sight)
STEEN. Oh, I thought we were going to buy cakes with those, Holger.