ALL THE CHILDREN. Aren't you going to wait for us?
HADDA PADDA [with a start, recovering herself]. Wait for you, yes—yes, of course—do you think I would run away from you? I will wait here till you come back. [The children go off to the right. Hadda remains seated for a moment, rises absent-mindedly, walks to and fro thoughtfully, sometimes stumbling. Then she sits down again, hiding her face in her hands.]
AN HERBORIST [enters from the right. On her shoulder she is carrying a canvas bag, half filled with herbs. She wears a knitted shawl and a parti-colored kerchief on her head. In her hand, she holds a large knife in a leather sheath]. Good evening, young lady!
HADDA PADDA [startled]. Good evening, Arngerd!
HERBORIST [putting the bag aside]. I seemed to recognise one of the sisters. It is you they call Hadda Padda.
HADDA PADDA. I came berrying with the children.
HERBORIST. I saw them down in the hollow.—It is lucky to visit the falls to-night.—I heard the song.—What a beautiful day! [Sits down]—Just look at the evening glow on that rock! [Smiles.] Its furrows seem like ruddy smiling lips!
HADDA PADDA [looking up]. Like bleeding wounds.
HERBORIST. Is the young lady in low spirits?
HADDA PADDA [keeps silent].