[Matrena leaves cradle and stands by Marie.
Enter Sascha with Prince and Princess.
Nicolas and Pavlo watch with interest.
Kolinka [going forward hospitably]. Come in; you are very welcome. [Sees the strange guests.] Oh——
Marie [aside]. Oh, Matrena, who can it be?
Matrena [aside]. Marie, just see how beautifully they are dressed!
[Children stand back abashed. Sascha remains
by door.
Prince [who leads Princess by the hand]. We thank you for taking us in. I am the Prince Dimitri from the castle, and this is my sister, the Princess Dagmar.
Princess. And we have lost our way.
Kolinka [timidly]. We—we didn't know who it was. I'm so glad we heard you.
Marie [gently taking Princess' hand]. Oh, Matrena, how cold her hand is! Come near our stove, my lady, and warm yourself.
[Marie and Matrena rub the Princess'
hands while the boys on the stove peer
down curiously. The Prince puts his
hands against stove. Sascha and Kolinka
stand staring at the strangers.