SIGGA [turning the bottle over in her palm]. Do you want some?

HADDA PADDA [staying her off]. No, no--not now.

DODDI. Oh, Hadda! I'll gather the bluest berries for you.

LITTLE SKULI. When _I_ come back I'll bring you berries and
flowers too.

MAGGA. You won't wait for us, Hadda Padda.

HADDA PADDA [_nodding assent--hand under cheek_]. No--no.

ALL THE CHILDREN. Aren't you going to wait for us?

HADDA PADDA [_with a start, recovering herself_]. Wait for you,
yes--yes, of course--do you think I would run away from you? I
will wait here till you come back. [_The children go off to the
right. Hadda remains seated for a moment, rises absent-mindedly,
walks to and fro thoughtfully, sometimes stumbling. Then she sits
down again, hiding her face in her hands._]

AN HERBORIST [_enters from the right. On her shoulder she is
carrying a canvas bag, half filled with herbs. She wears a knitted
shawl and a parti-colored kerchief on her head. In her hand, she
holds a large knife in a leather sheath_]. Good evening, young
lady!

HADDA PADDA [_startled_]. Good evening, Arngerd!