Saart.

If one goes, we all go. Together we won’t blow away. Good night, Kneir.

Marietje.

[Depressed.] Good night, Aunt Kneir.

Kneirtje.

Thank you again, Miss, for the soup and eggs.

Truus.

Are you coming to drink a bowl with me tomorrow night? Please say yes.

Kneirtje.

Well, perhaps. Good night, Miss. Good night, Marietje. Good night, Saart. If you see Jo send her in at once. [All go out except Kneirtje. She clears away the cups. A fierce wind howls, shrieking about the house. She listens anxiously at the window, shoves her chair close to the chimney, stares into the fire. Her lips move in a muttered prayer while she fingers a rosary. Jo enters, drops into a chair by the window and nervously unpins her shawl.]