Modern Icelandic Plays Part 43

_Ljot._

He gave me a bird's skin.

_Sveinungi._

Pshaw! You should have made him keep it himself.

_Ljot._

There was no harm meant.

_Sveinungi._

Einar could have brought you down one just like it, if you had cared for it. Why are you blus.h.i.+ng so?

_Ljot._

I did not think you would be so angry because I took the bird's skin.

_Sveinungi._

I can't bear him, that stone-picker! He roves from place to place like a tramp. Let him dare to set his nets for you! Give me the creature, and I'll hand it back to him next time he comes; for he's sure to come.

_Ljot._

I can burn it myself, if you grudge me the keeping it. [_Goes in._

_Sveinungi (talking in the doorway)._

And then you get angry to boot. (_To Indridi._) I see you have undone all the strappings.

_Indridi._

Yes.

_Sveinungi._

Where is Helgi?

_Indridi._

He went to the mill.

_Enter Helgi from the left._

_Sveinungi._

There he comes. Then you can do what I told you. [_Goes in._

_Helgi._

Anything amiss? The master seemed cross.

_Indridi._

That's nothing.

_Helgi._

Is Slvi gone?

_Indridi._

Yes. Let's get through with this. You go into the storehouse and take the things as I hand them to you.

[_They carry the breadstuffs into the storehouse._

_Einar appears in the door of the smithy._

_Einar._

H'm, I feel I'm getting old. There was a time when I could forge three nails in one heating, and now it's a hard rub getting through with one.

_Indridi._

We can't be young more than once.

_Einar._

And we can't cast the slough of old age, as they could once upon a time.

_Indridi._

Would you care to?

_Einar._

I don't know. I almost think these new times are not for me.

_Enter Frida._

_Frida._

Einar, I was to call you to breakfast. (_Runs against Sveinungi, who is coming out._)

_Sveinungi._

There, there! Why, you have brought it all under cover and the ropes in the shed. That's fine. Now, Helgi, when you have eaten, you can go and begin to cut turf. The others will join you when they have had their sleep. (_Lowering his voice._) Einar, will you ask Ljot to come out?

I want to have a little talk with her.