Why the Chimes Rang
Book Excerpt
(BERTEL _too turns toward his left hand and does not see the woman._)
HOLGER. (_In a tone of bright happiness, roused from his dreaming_) I'm coming!--Nothing can happen to stop us now, can it? (_As he says this he wheels to his right in a way that brings the chimney corner in his line of vision. He starts, bends forward staring as the others open the door, then he speaks in a tone that is little more than a gasp_) _Steen!_
(_The others stop and stare at him, then in the direction of his look._)
STEEN. Oh!--The Old Woman!
BERTEL. (Looking to STEEN) When did she come in?
STEEN. I didn't see her!
(HOLGER _crosses timidly towards her. As he approaches the_ OLD WOMAN _turns her eyes on him and holds out her hands in pitiful appeal._)
HOLGER. What dost thou want, dame?
OLD WOMAN. (_In a voice that is harsh and broken_) Refuge--from the storm of the world!
HOLGER. Surely thou shalt rest here.