Modern Icelandic Plays Part 7

_Halla._

When I was a child there was nothing I wished so much as that I might have lived with Grettir in his banishment.

_Arnes._

Was it not eighteen years he was an outlaw?

_Halla._

Nineteen. He lived longer as an outlaw than any one else has done. He lacked only one year to become free.

_Arnes._

He must have been a great man, but that brings to my mind what the leper said the other day, when the talk turned to the old sagas.

_Halla._

And what did he say?

_Arnes._

Distance makes mountains blue and mortals great.

_Enter the Boy, running._

_The Boy._

The bailiff is coming on horseback.

_Halla (rising)._

What can he want so late? Did you find the cows?

_The Boy._

Yes, I met them coming home. They are in.

_Halla._

Did you tell the girls?

_The Boy._

No. [_Exit._

_Halla._

Gudfinna, you go and ask him to come in. (_Gudfinna rises._) You won't forget about the milk?

[_Exit Gudfinna._

_Arnes (rising)._

Now I think I shall go and seek my bed.

_Halla (smiling)._

Don't you want to have a talk with the bailiff?

_Arnes._

If I had found some dead sheep up in the hills with his mark on their ears, I'd gladly have told him so.

_Halla._

Sleep well!

[_Exit Arnes._

(_Halla smooths her hair._)

_Enter Bjrn, carrying a riding-whip with a silver-mounted handle and a leather lash; he wears riding-socks reaching above the knees._

_Halla._

Good evening!

_Bjrn (pointing to his feet)._

I did not take off my socks. I see now that they are not quite clean.

_Halla._

Will you be seated? May I offer you anything?

_Bjrn._

No, thank you. I want nothing. (_Sits down._) You know I have not far to come. The sorrel and I can make it in fifteen minutes, when we are in the humor.

_Halla._

How is everything at your place? Have you any news?

_Bjrn._

That depends on what you mean. Who was that I met in the hall? It was quite dark there.

_Halla._