[He throws a string round the back of the chair on which the cat is lying, takes up a stick, and seats himself at the foot of the bed.

Gee-up! Will you stir yourself, Black-boy?

Mother, you’re not a-cold?

Ay, ay; by the pace one knows it,

When Granë[[62]] begins to go!

Åse.

Why, Peer, what is it that’s ringing——?

Peer.

The glittering sledge-bells, dear!

Åse.