OLD WOMAN. (In a voice that is harsh and broken) Refuge—from the storm of the world!
HOLGER. Surely thou shalt rest here.
OLD WOMAN. (Half rises stiffly as HOLGER draws nearer) Oh, son, I am so weary and so heavy laden. (She sways and HOLGER runs forward, catching her in his arms and supporting her on the stool. The others stand watching. She sits huddled forward in a position that suggests collapse)
HOLGER. She's faint! (He touches her hands) She's so cold! Quick, Steen, build up the fire! (STEEN goes to the fire and puts on another log, the flames blase up. HOLGER busies himself chafing the woman's hands and covering her with the old cloak that has dropped back from her shoulders) She must have lost her way in the forest.
BERTEL. (Stands watching the woman rather suspiciously, now comes to HOLGER taps him on the arm and draws him a little apart, speaking in an undertone) We have scant time to lose with that old beggar.
HOLGER. What'll I do with her?
BERTEL. Leave her and come on.
STEEN. And come—before it is to-morrow! (He is back by the door, his hand on the latch)
HOLGER. (Turns and looks at the old woman and then back to BERTEL) Oh, I—ought we to go and leave her?
STEEN. Not go?