Kneirtje.

[Terrified.] Shut your mouth! Look for the matches! Not so slow! Quick! Beside the soap dish. [A silence.] Have you got them? [Jo lights the lamp, shivering with fear.] I’m completely chilled. [To Jo, who crouches sobbing by the chimney.] Why do you sit there?

Jo.

I’m afraid.

Kneirtje.

[Anxiously.] You must not be.

Jo.

If anything happens—then—then——

Kneirtje.

Be sensible. Undress yourself.