ELIS. I won't have anything to do with Peter.
LINDKVIST. Then you are the most miserable creature that I have ever known. You can by a simple courtesy save your mother's dwelling and your fiancée's happiness, and you won't do it. There must be some motive that you won't come out with. Why do you hate Peter?
ELIS. Put me to death—but don't torture me any longer.
LINDKVIST. Are you jealous of him?
[Elis shrugs his shoulders.]
LINDKVIST. So—that's the way things stand. [Rises and walks up and down.] Did you read the evening paper?
ELIS. Yes, more is the pity!
LINDKVIST. All of it?
ELIS. No, not all.
LINDKVIST. No? Then you didn't read of Peter's engagement?