THURE. You don't mean to say you're going to the Palace?
AXEL. Exactly—I am asked to meet the Monarch himself.
THURE. Lord preserve us!—What do you think of that, Anna?
His WIFE turns and twists on her chair as if in torment, quite unable to answer.
AXEL. I suppose the old man will turn republican after this, when he hears that His Majesty cares to associate with me.
THURE. See here, Axel—you'll have to pardon me for getting back to something that's not very pleasant—but it has to be settled.
AXEL. Is it that blessed old loan?
THURE. Yes, but it isn't only that. To put it plain—we've had to stand an execution for your sake, and now we're absolutely cleaned out.
AXEL. That's a fine state of affairs! But why in the world didn't you get the loan renewed?
THURE. Well, that's it! How was I to get any new sureties when you were away?