Mother. Thank you! (She seats herself. Pause.) Bring me a glass of water. (Christine waits on her.) Now you can leave me.
Christine. It is my housewifely duty to bear you company.
Mother. I didn't know that the housekeeper of a priest could call herself a housewife.
Christine. I am the wife of Olof with the sanction of the Lord. Don't you know that we are married?
Mother. You are a harlot—that's what I know!
Christine. That word I do not understand.
Mother. You are the same kind of woman as she with whom Master Olof was talking that evening in the beer-shop.
Christine. The one that looked so unhappy? Yes, I don't feel very happy.
Mother. Of course not! Take yourself out of my sight! Your presence shames me!
Christine (on her knees). For the sake of your son, don't heap abuse on me!