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THE SOLSTICE

Ann.—So we have heard.

Hans (Unable to take his eyes off Julia).—Your sister! She seemed to me more like . . .

Ann.—What a ridiculous mistake!

Hans.—How could I have made such a blunder! But you are really Ann? Will you kindly tell me what you are doing at our house?

(Ann takes Hans by the hand and leads him to the doctor.)

John (Boisterously).—Jan! My dear cousin! Welcome! Welcome!

Hans (Dashing away his proferred hand).—Wait a moment! Aha! I begin to catch on! Husband and wife, is it? Oh, that is great! How wonderfully it all worked out! (He breaks out in wild laughter. His back is to the lodge. His laugh brings the old man out.) Say, but this is a surprise! I couldn’t have dreamed . . .

Old Man (Staggering through the door).—Julia, Julia! Hans is calling me again! I am afraid!

Hans (Turning, sees Julia run to the old man).—What’s this? What! My . . . Oh, my father, and alive? Andrew, this is he, my father, isn’t it? (To him) Father!

Old Man (Holding out his arms to Hans).—My little Hans! So you are back from the picnic, sonny boy? Everybody said that you would never come again, only Julia . . she promised. You were out a long time, my boy. Weren’t you afraid father would use a strap?

Hans.—Father!

Old Man.—Don’t you see how late it is? So late! And it is growing dark! It’s so dark! Hans, Jan, where are you? (Falls into his arms.)

Hans.—Father, father! Is our meeting to be so brief? Father, speak to me! Father!

Old Man.—The thing . . that was . . . you know, my boy . . you must forgive . . . that . . .

Hans.—Help, here, good people, help me!

Julia.—For the love of God, will someone stir! Get Dr. Crow, someone! Andrew (Andrew starts out right.)

Johnny (Weeping).—Grandfather! Grandfather!

Julia.—No Andrew, wait! Let Granny fetch the doctor. You help us here. We must put him to bed. Brother-in-law!

(Hans, Julia and Andrew carry the old man into the lodge.