SCENE I

TIME: _the day before Christmas_.

PLACE: _Ingé's Mother's home_.

* * * * *

INGÉ.
HER MOTHER.

* * * * *

[_The_ MOTHER _stands at the kitchen window, watching for Ingé._]

MOTHER. Ah, here she comes at last!

(_Short pause. Enter_ INGÉ.)

I have waited long for you, my child. Where have you been?

(_Ingé is silent._)

Have you been to the Elf Hill? Tell me.

INGÉ (_hesitating_). Just for a little while, mother.

MOTHER. Ingé! Ingé! What have I ever told you?