Modern Icelandic Plays - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Now you can milk the sheep.
_Halla._
You are not through yet, poor boy. You will have to go down along the creek and look for the cows.
[_Exit Oddny._
_The Boy._
I hope they're not up to new tricks and begin to stay out nights.
[_Exit._
_Halla (calling after him)._
Take a drink of milk in the pantry; the key is in the door. (_Magnus rises slowly._)
_Arnes._
Are you going to buy my bag?
_Halla._
If you make the price right.
_Arnes._
You ought to have it for nothing-- you've given me shelter and good food so often. (_Lifts his foot._) What I need most just now is to get something on my feet.
_Halla._
I don't think we shall quarrel about the price. (_To Magnus._) Take it out into the kitchen.
[_Exit Magnus with the bag._
_Halla._
Will you not sit down? I'll go and find you a bite to eat. [_Exit._
_Arnes (following her with his eyes)._
That woman has a kind heart. (_Sits down._) How long have you been working here on the farm?
_Kari._
This is my second year.
_Arnes._
And overseer already? Yes, some folks have luck. (_Leans toward him._) As you may know, I haven't a very good name. I can't settle down very long at any one place, and it comes hard for me to be anybody's servant.
You must surely have heard me spoken of as a thief?
_Kari._
People will say so many things.
_Arnes (pa.s.sing his hand over his ears)._
My ears are not marked yet, but somehow it sticks to you like dust-- what people say-- no matter whether it is true or not. Have you ever been the target for gossipy tales?
_Kari (slowly)._
Not that I know of.
_Arnes._
Then you have it coming to you. Shall I tell you what they are saying about you in these parts?
_Kari._
Is it about me and Halla?
_Arnes._
I have heard that too, but this story is about yourself.
_Kari._
I would rather be spared listening to gossip.
_Arnes._
If I had been quite sure that it was nothing but gossip, I should not have opened my mouth about it.
_Kari (laughing coldly)._
You are at least frank.
_Arnes (rising)._
It is all the same to me, but if you have anything to hide, you had better keep your eyes and ears open, for you have an enemy, that much I can tell you.
_Kari._
I don't know that I have harmed any one around here.
_Arnes._
You live and fill your place. That is enough to make enemies.
