(Silence.

How are things going to-day?

The Peasant: Eh, I don't know. I think it can't be more than five o'clock. The days don't get much longer.

Simon (shouting in his ear): And how is your daughter?

The Peasant: I don't know. She is not with me any more.

Simon: Perhaps she is better off than you are, eh?

The Peasant: Ah! She might help me out a bit then.

'Tis a bad business, surely!

Good-night to you, masters.

(He goes out. They remain silent for a moment.