THIRD SCENE
AXEL. THURE and his WIFE.
AXEL. Oh, is that you, old boy?—It seems an eternity since I saw you last. And this is your wife?—Glad to see you!
THURE. Thanks, brother! And I wish you a happy return after your long trip.
AXEL. Yes, that was something of a trip—I suppose you have read about it in the papers——
THURE. Oh, yes, I've read all about it. [Pause] And then father sent you his regards.
AXEL. Oh, is he still sore at me?
THURE. Well, you know the old man and his ways. If only you hadn't been a member of that expedition, you know, he would have thought it one of the seven wonders of the world. But as you were along, of course, it was nothing but humbug.
AXEL. So he's just the same as ever! Simply because I am his son, nothing I ever do can be of any value. It means he can't think very much of himself either.—Well, so much for that! And how are you getting along nowadays?