INGOLF. See how the earth is slipping from under her feet. See how the pebbles pursue her! She is running away from them with the big stone. She is holding it in her arms as if it were a child she were rescuing.
HADDA PADDA [enters, carrying the stone which she cautiously places on the edge. Smiles]. You haven't gone yet! What are you waiting for? [Takes the spade, and starts to deepen the hole.]
INGOLF. Steindor and I will go down for you. We will search as thoroughly as possible.
HADDA PADDA. You are kind. But now I will let nothing prevent me from going down. Had you offered to do so before, I would have accepted; but when you say you forbid me to go down, I intend to go. [Steindor walks restlessly near the edge.]
INGOLF. You know that we can prevent you from going down.
HADDA PADDA. You can—how?
INGOLF. We can take the rope from you and go home.
HADDA PADDA. Yes—you can do that. [Turns away.]
INGOLF. What would you do then?
HADDA PADDA [in same position]. Go home and get another rope.