THE RAT-WIFE. Yes, it was all alive and swarming with them. [Laughs with quiet glee.] They came creepy-crawly up into the beds all night long. They plumped into the milk-cans, and they went pittering and pattering all over the floor, backwards and forwards, and up and down. EYOLF. [Softly, to ASTA.] I shall never go there, Auntie. THE RAT-WIFE. But then I came--I, and another along with me. And we took them with us, every one--the sweet little creatures! We made an end of every one of them. EYOLF. [With a shriek.] Papa--look! look! RITA. Good Heavens, Eyolf! ALLMERS. What's the matter? EYOLF. [Pointing.] There's something wriggling in the bag! RITA. [At the extreme left, shrieks.] Ugh! Send her away, Alfred. THE RAT-WIFE. [Laughing.] Oh, dearest lady, you needn't be frightened of such a little mannikin. ALLMERS. But what is the thing? THE RAT-WIFE. Why, it's only little Mopseman. [Loosening the string of the bag.] Come up out of the dark, my own little darling friend. [A little dog with a broad black snout pokes its head out of the bag.] THE RAT-WIFE. [Nodding and beckoning to EYOLF.] Come along, don't be afraid, my little wounded warrior! He won't bite. Come here! Come here! EYOLF. [Clinging to ASTA.] No, I dare not. THE RAT-WIFE. Don't you think he has a gentle, lovable countenance, my young master? EYOLF. [Astonished, pointing.] That thing there? THE RAT-WIFE. Yes, this thing here. EYOLF. [Almost under his breath, staring fixedly at the dog.] I think he has the horriblest--countenance I ever saw. THE RAT-WIFE. [Closing the bag.] Oh, it will come--it will come,