Olga. We are glad to see you, Ruster! And I want you to think—you have never been away. Let me have your wet coat. (Helps him out of it.) Halla will dry it in the kitchen.
(Exit Halla with coat.)
Olga. (Refilling his glass and putting it on the table by him) Are you warmer now?
Ruster. Yes—quite warm, thank you.
Oswald. (Offering the cookie he has been holding) Here’s a cookie. (Sigurd, who is about to eat the last fragment of his, stops and holds it out to Ruster.)
Ruster. (Starting up suddenly) I can’t stay here! I am of no use—here—or anywhere!
Olga. (Putting a hand on his arm) You are mistaken, Ruster. You may help, if you will. I must attend to setting the table for dinner and the children will be quite forsaken. Will you look after them a little?
Ruster. (Rising, alarmed) I can’t do that!—Why, I—they——
(Exit Olga, resolutely. Ruster looks after her, then turns, and seeing his glass of punch on the table, starts to pick it up. He encounters the steady gaze of the children, restrains himself and fumbles in his pocket. He draws out his flute and blows a note on it. The boys come closer.)
Oswald. How do you do that? (Ruster does not answer, but blows again.)