LINDGREN. [Returns, carrying in his hand a small bottle and some letters] What does it say? [He reads the label on the bottle] Cyanide of potassium!—How stupid! What a sentimental idiot—to kill himself for so little—[Everybody cries out] So you were no beast of prey, my dear Axel!—But—[He stares through the open door into the adjoining room]—he's not there—and his things are gone, too. So he has skipped out! And the bottle has never been opened! That means—he meant to kill himself, but changed his mind!—And these are his posthumous writings. "To Miss Cecilia"—seems to contain some round object—probably an engagement ring—there you are!—"To my brother THURE" [He holds up the letter to the light]—with a piece of blue paper inside—must be a note—for the amount involved! You're welcome!
The FIANCÉ appears in the doorway at the right.
THURE. [Who has opened his letter] Do you see that he helped us after all——
WIFE. Oh, in that way!
LINDGREN. And here's my note—without his name—He's a strong one, all right! Diable!
MARIE. Then the fireworks will be called off, I suppose?
FIANCÉ. Was there nothing for me?
LINDGREN. Yes, I think there was a fiancée—somewhere over there!—I tell you, that fellow is a wonder at clearing up tangled affairs!—Of course, it makes me mad to think that I let myself be fooled—but I'll be darned if I don't think I would have done just as he did!—And so would you, perhaps?—Or what do you think?