the stairs. Which way did you come?

OLD MAN. [Alarmed.] Did you see?

PEHR. No.

OLD MAN. Let me look at you! [Gazes fixedly at him.] Something has
happened here--

PEHR. Nothing--nothing whatever!

OLD MAN. My son, it will soon be midnight. Don't you want to retire
to your room so that I may lock you in?

PEHR. You always want to shut me in! Tell me, Father, have you
never meant to let me out in the world? Surely you cannot have
thought that I should sit here forever, and dry up!

OLD MAN. I have seen life; I know its Sodom apples--therefore I
wish to shield you.

PEHR. But life is not as sour as you say, perhaps.

OLD MAN. What do you know about it?

PEHR. Oh, I can see things from my high place! Come here and I will
show you.

OLD MAN. What can you show me that I do not already know?