RITA. [At the extreme left, shrieks.] Ugh! Send her away, Alfred.

THE RAT-WIFE. [Laughing.] Oh, dearest lady, you needn't be
frightened of such a little mannikin.

ALLMERS. But what is the thing?

THE RAT-WIFE. Why, it's only little Mopseman. [Loosening the string
of the bag.] Come up out of the dark, my own little darling friend.

[A little dog with a broad black snout pokes its head out of the
bag.]

THE RAT-WIFE. [Nodding and beckoning to EYOLF.] Come along, don't
be afraid, my little wounded warrior! He won't bite. Come here!
Come here!

EYOLF. [Clinging to ASTA.] No, I dare not.

THE RAT-WIFE. Don't you think he has a gentle, lovable countenance,
my young master?

EYOLF. [Astonished, pointing.] That thing there?

THE RAT-WIFE. Yes, this thing here.

EYOLF. [Almost under his breath, staring fixedly at the dog.] I
think he has the horriblest--countenance I ever saw.