[Looks around suddenly as though afraid; then hides among the bushes. Some Wedding-guests[[30]] pass by, going downwards towards the farm.

A Man.

[In conversation as they pass.]

His father was drunken, his mother is weak.

A Woman.

Ay, then it’s no wonder the lad’s good for nought.

[They pass on. Presently Peer Gynt comes forward, his face flushed with shame. He peers after them.

Peer.

[Softly.]

Was it me they were talking of?