[Curtain.]

PARIA

CHARACTERS

MR. X., an archaeologist

MR. Y., a traveler from America

MALMO, aged men.

SCENERY

Simple room in the country; door and windows at the back looking out on a landscape. In the middle of the floor a big dining table with books, writing materials, archaeological implements on one side; microscope, etymological cabinet, flask of spirits on the other. On the left a bookcase; otherwise the furniture of the house of a rich peasant.

MR. Y. comes in with a butterfly net and in his shirtsleeves; goes straight up to the bookcase and takes down a book, which he starts reading. The bells ring after service in the local church; the landscape and the room are Hooded with sunlight.

Now and again the hens are to be heard clucking outside. Enter MR. X. in his shirt-sleeves.