OLD WOMAN

...and beside the cottage was an old woman leaning on a crooked stick.You poor little child. How on earth did you come to be out on the river in a boat by yourself? Here, let me help you. (she does) Now, come and tell me who you are and how you came here. And where in the world are your shoes?

GERDA

And Gerda told her everything. About her dear friend, Kai, and how they used to play in the rose garden, and how he got something in his eye, and how all of a sudden he started being mean to her for no reason, and how then one winter day he went off to race his toboggan and was never seen again.

OLD WOMAN

But why must you be the one to go and find him? You're just a little girl.

GERDA

I don 't know. I just have to.

OLD WOMAN

Well, I haven't seen a boy, but perhaps he will pass this way. Why don't you stay with me, and we'll watch for him. I've been longing for a dear little girl like you. We'll have such fun. See, look at my flower garden. Here, let me comb your hair with this golden comb.

GERDA

What a beautiful comb.

OLD WOMAN

Yes, isn't it. And why don't you have some of my delicious cherries?

GERDA

Hmmm. They are delicious.

OLD WOMAN

Have another.

GERDA

So Gerda stayed with the old woman for many days. So many she lost count.

OLD WOMAN

The old woman combed her hair with the golden comb...

GERDA

...and fed her those delicious ripe cherries.

GERDA

I must leave soon, for I have to find my friend Kai.

OLD WOMAN

Yes, yes. Soon. I have something for you.

GERDA

News about Kai?

OLD WOMAN

Oh, better than that.

GERDA

A present? A real fur muff! Oh thank you! And new boots! I love them.

Gerda dances and stomps around in the boots, and prisses with the muff.

OLD WOMAN

What Gerda didn't know was that the golden comb and the ripe cherries were magic. The comb made her forget, and the cherries made her not care.

GERDA

Before long, she had forgotten all about...

OLD WOMAN

Have another.

GERDA

Oh well, I suppose.

OLD WOMAN

Take two.

GERDA

Gerda was really enjoying herself. Besides giving her beautiful things, the old woman was very entertaining.

OLD WOMAN

She could even make the flowers sing.

The Old Woman conducts with her crooked stick a symphony of flowers. As she calls out the name of each flower and points, they make the sounds which identify them. Musical piece should last a minute and should have a grand finish. Gerda watches with delight, and the Old Woman lets her conduct some. Old Woman helps her on the last measure to get the proper flourish.

Brava! Brava! Bravissimo!

(The Old Woman exits.)

GERDA

One morning Gerda awoke very early. The dew was wet on the ground, and the flowers had not yet opened their petals.

GERDA

Good morning, Narcissus. It's time to wake up, Sunflower. (low groan ) What's this? A rose!

Gerda runs to a single rose growing on the wall of the garden.

But why are there no other roses in the garden?

KAI (as Rose)

The old woman made us all disappear so you wouldn't think of Kai. I grew back to remind you. I'm the last rose of summer.

GERDA

Kai? Kai? Oh no. What a lot of time I've wasted. I was going to find Kai. Do you know where he is? Is Kai dead?

ROSE

No. Kai is not dead. Kai is alive, but his heart is almost frozen, and he has forgotten himself. You must hurry if you are to find him before it is too late.

GERDA

But where is he?

ROSE

I don't know. Far from here. Somewhere to the north. Far to the north.

OLD WOMAN

(voice from off)

Gerda. Come let me comb your pretty hair, my dear.

GERDA

I'm coming. Just a minute. (then to Rose) I've got to get out of here. Which way is north?

ROSE

To the left of the rising sun. That way.

GERDA

Thank you, Rose, good bye.

ROSE

Gerda, wait. Take me with you to help Kai remember who he is.

GERDA

Good idea! (quickly runs back, picking the rose) Ouch! Your thorn stuck my finger.

ROSE

You broke my neck. Hurry now.

Gerda sticks rose in her muff, tries to open the gate.

OLD WOMAN

(from off)

Gerda, come and eat your breakfast cherries.

GERDA

But the gate was locked. What was she to do?

The Gardener holds the Old Woman's stick as a gate.

GERDA

All of a sudden, as if by magic, Gerda saw a small hole at the bottom of the wall, and quick as a flash, she scrambled through it, into the forest.

(GERDA runs through the forest.)