See the flowers on the table! She ha's been plucking them as she walked through the fields, in that poor pink gown of hers and faded hair-riband. Here are some May lilies, with the dew not dry upon them. And a bright red pineflower. And violets. And field grasses. Do not touch them, dear children--do not touch the flowers. She has imprinted her kiss upon them, so we must not let them fall to the ground. She has breathed her sweet breath upon them, so we must not mingle our breath with hers. Do not touch them, dear children--do not touch them. She means him to see them the moment he enters the room. Yes, and to receive her sweet kisses from them. And to scent her dear breath in theirs. Come! We must go now, we must go now. But surely we did not come here to leave nothing behind us for these charming young neighbours of ours? That would be a sorry thing to do! I have brought a loaf of spiced bread and a bottle of milk. And I some sweet, fresh herbs. If we strew; the floor with them it will look like a verdant meadow, and smell of spring. And I some flowers. And we some sprigs of oak and birch, with their pretty green leaves. If we deck the walls with them the room will look like a fresh, luxuriant arbour. And my present is a fine cigar. It did not cost very much, but it is mellow and strong, and will be a splendid thing to dream over. And I have brought her a new pink hair-riband. When she has bound up her hair with it she will look so neat and charming! It was given me by my sweetheart, but _I_ have many ribands, whereas she has only one. And what have _you_ brought with you, little girl? Surely you have brought some present for our good neighbours? No, nothing--nothing. At least, I have brought my cough with me, but they would not care for _that_, would they, neighbour? No, no, little girl; no more than they would for my crutches. Ah, dear child, who would care for crutches? But you leave good wishes behind you, Grandfather, do you not? Yes, yes, my dear. And so, I know, do you. Now we must go, good neighbours, for it is getting late. [_The Neighbours begin to leave the room--some of them yawning as they go, the little girl coughing badly, and the old man stumping along on crutches._] Yes, we must go now, we must go now. God grant them the best of good fortune, for they are such a kindly couple! Yes, God grant them always good health and happiness and mutual love: and may He see to it that never a black cat step between them, to bring them evil luck! And may the poor young man find work to do; for it goes hard with a man when he cannot find work to earn his daily bread! [_Exeunt all._ [_Enter the Man's Wife, her hair decked with wild flowers, and her whole appearance graceful, pretty, and innocent. At the same time, her face is expressive of deep dejection, and as she sits down to the table she turns towards the audience, and says in a sorrowful voice:_]