(HOLGER stands wrapt in thought gazing out at the cathedral.)

STEEN. (Taking the cap and cloak from the peg near the door and bringing them down and piling them into HOLGER’S arms) Here they are, old dreamer!—­(He turns back up toward the door in such a way that he does not see the silent figure in the corner) And hurry!

    (BERTEL too turns toward his left hand and does not see the
    woman.)

HOLGER. (In a tone of bright happiness, roused from his dreaming) I’m coming!—­Nothing can happen to stop us now, can it? (As he says this he wheels to his right in a way that brings the chimney corner in his line of vision.  He starts, bends forward staring as the others open the door, then he speaks in a tone that is little more than a gasp) Steen!

    (The others stop and stare at him, then in the direction of his
    look.)

STEEN.  Oh!—­The Old Woman!

BERTEL. (Looking to STEEN) When did she come in?

STEEN.  I didn’t see her!

    (HOLGER crosses timidly towards her.  As he approaches the OLD
    WOMAN turns her eyes on him and holds out her hands in pitiful
    appeal.)

HOLGER.  What dost thou want, dame?

OLD WOMAN. (In a voice that is harsh and broken) Refuge—­from the storm of the world!

HOLGER.  Surely thou shalt rest here.

OLD WOMAN. (Half rises stiffly as HOLGER draws nearer) Oh, son, I am so weary and so heavy laden. (She sways and HOLGER runs forward, catching her in his arms and supporting her on the stool.  The others stand watching.  She sits huddled forward in a position that suggests collapse)

HOLGER.  She’s faint! (He touches her hands) She’s so cold!  Quick, Steen, build up the fire! (STEEN goes to the fire and puts on another log, the flames blase up.  HOLGER busies himself chafing the woman’s hands and covering her with the old cloak that has dropped back from her shoulders) She must have lost her way in the forest.

BERTEL. (Stands watching the woman rather suspiciously, now comes to HOLGER taps him on the arm and draws him a little apart, speaking in an undertone) We have scant time to lose with that old beggar.

HOLGER.  What’ll I do with her?

BERTEL.  Leave her and come on.

STEEN.  And come—­before it is to-morrow! (He is back by the door, his hand on the latch)

HOLGER. (Turns and looks at the old woman and then back to BERTEL) Oh,
I—­ought we to go and leave her?

STEEN.  Not go?

BERTEL.  Go, of course we’ll go, she’ll warm herself and march along.

HOLGER.  But she is ill. (Turns to STEEN with new decision in his manner) Thou shalt go with Uncle but I—­must stay with her.