MONS. Hope so! Of course, I know what you mean?
WIFE. What do I mean?
MONS. That I should take your advice. So I have done in the past, and it has ended badly every time.
WIFE. Try it once more!
MONS. No!
WIFE. Then—may the will of God be done! [Pause,
MONS. That's the longest afternoon I have ever lived through!—And my friends don't seem to be coming.
WIFE. Yes, I think I hear them outside.
MONS. Well, you were right that time!
The stamping of feet is heard from the hallway outside. Then enter: ANDERS PERSSON OF RANKHYTTAN, NILS SÖDERBY, INGHEL HANSSON, and MASTER STIG [in clerical costume]. Each one says as he comes into the room: "Good evening, everybody!"