horizon, deep blue mountains. Bright sunshine, a hot summer's
day.)

(In the middle of the room, around a table, set for coffee, the
Sheriff and Lady Margaret, Olof and Steindor, Ingolf, Hrafnhild
and Kristrun are sitting. The children, Little Skuli, Sigga, Doddi
and Magga are seated at a small table near the window.)

OLOF [to the children]. You may go out now, children.

THE CHILDREN [rise].

SIGGA [To Olof]. Mother, when may we go berry-picking with Hadda
Padda?

HADDA PADDA [smiles at the children]. We'll go next Sunday.

OLOF. Now go out and play! It's such lovely weather!

STEINDOR. And you may build your little play-house, but not in the
part that isn't mowed.

SKULI. Come along, children!

DODDI. Come along! [The children go out.]

HADDA PADDA. I had a letter from my friend Helga to-day. She
writes she is coming to see me for the week-end.

THE SHERIFF. We expect quite a few people over the week-end. I had