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SCENE EIGHTH.
Sunrise. The mountain-side in front of Åse's sæter. The door is shut; all is silent and deserted.
Peer Gynt is lying asleep by the wall of the sæter.
Peer.
[Wakens, and looks about him with dull and heavy eyes. He spits.]
What wouldn't I give for a pickled herring!
[Spits again, and at the same moment catches sight of Helga, who appears carrying a basket of food.
Ha, child, are you there? What is it you want?
Helga.
It is Solveig
Peer.
[Jumping up.]
Where is <g>she</g>?
Helga.
Behind the sæter.
Solveig.
[Unseen.]
If you come nearer, I'll run away!
Peer.
[Stopping short.]
Perhaps you're afraid I might take you in my arms?