GUSTAV. By land. But—I am not going to stay, as—
TEKLA. Oh, there is no reason why you shouldn't.—Well, it was some time ago—
GUSTAV. Yes, some time.
TEKLA. You have changed a great deal.
GUSTAV. And you are as charming as ever, A little younger, if anything. Excuse me, however—I am not going to spoil your happiness by my presence. And if I had known you were here, I should never—
TEKLA. If you don't think it improper, I should like you to stay.
GUSTAV. On my part there could be no objection, but I fear—well, whatever I say, I am sure to offend you.
TEKLA. Sit down a moment. You don't offend me, for you possess that rare gift—which was always yours—of tact and politeness.
GUSTAV. It's very kind of you. But one could hardly expect—that your husband might regard my qualities in the same generous light as you.
TEKLA. On the contrary, he has just been speaking of you in very sympathetic terms.