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glass of water up to the pulpit). I'm sure the poor fellow will need something to wet his whistle to-day. Wife. Well, I shouldn't bother, if I were you. Sexton (speaking from the pulpit). Catherine--here he comes! Wife. Goodness gracious, and the sermon bell hasn't rung yet! Well, I suppose they won't ring it for a fellow like him. [Enter Olof, looking serious and solemn. He crosses to one of the prie-dieus and kneels on it. The Sexton comes down from the pulpit and takes from the wall a surplice which he holds out to Olof.] Olof (rising). The peace of the Lord be with you! [The Wife curtseys and leaves the room. The Sexton holds out the vestment again.] Olof. Leave it hanging! Sexton. Don't you want any robe? Olof. No. Sexton. But it's always used. And the handkerchief? Olof. Never mind. Sexton. Well, I declare! Olof. Will you please leave me alone, my friend? Sexton. You want me to get out? But as a rule, I-- Olof. Do me the favor, please! Sexton. Oh, well! Of course! But first I want to tell you that you'll find the missal to the right of you as you get up, and I have put in a stick so you'll know where to open it, and there is a glass of water beside the book. And you mustn't forget to turn the hour-glass, or it may chance you'll keep it up a little too long-- Olof. Don't worry! There will be plenty of people to tell me when to quit. Sexton. Mercy, yes--beg your pardon! But you see, we've got our own customs here. Olof. Tell me, what is that depressing murmur we hear? Sexton. It's some pious brother saying prayers for a poor soul. [Exit.] Olof. "Thou therefore gird up thy loins and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee."--God help me! (He drops on his knees at a prie-dieu; there he finds a note, which he reads.) "Don't preach to-day; your life is in danger."--The Tempter himself wrote that! (He tears the note to pieces.) [Enter Olof's Mother.] Mother. You are straying from the right path, my son. Olof. Who knows? Mother. I know! But as your mother I reach out my hand to you. Turn back! Olof. Where would you lead me? Mother. To godliness and virtue. Olof. If godliness and virtue are vested in papal decrees, then I fear it is too late. Mother. It isn't only a question of what you teach, but of how you live. Olof. I know you are thinking of my company last night, but I am too proud to answer you. Nor do I think it would do any good.
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