Modern Icelandic Plays Part 5

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.