CARL. No-o! There is no mistake. They were very well known ladies in St. Petersburg.
AXEL. And Bertha allows that kind in my house!
[Bertha comes rushing in from orchard.]
BERTHA. What does this mean? Have you insulted the young ladies?
AXEL. No—but—
BERTHA. They came out of here crying and declared that they couldn't stay in the company of you gentlemen any longer! What has happened?
AXEL. Do you know these young ladies?
BERTHA. They are my friends! Isn't that enough?
AXEL. Not quite enough.
BERTHA. Not quite? Well, but if—