MRS. HALL [Offended]. What do you mean?
DR. ÖSTERMARK. Don't misunderstand me. Are you contented with—your—lot? I mean—oh, that it should be so difficult to make one's self understood by women!
MRS. HALL. Contented? H'm!
DR. ÖSTERMARK. Well, you were never contented. But when one is young, one always demands the first class, and then one gets the third class when one is old. Now, I understand that you told Mrs. Alberg here that your girls are my children!
MRS. HALL. I did? That is a lie.
DR. ÖSTERMARK. Still untruthful, eh? In the old days, when I was foolish, I looked upon lying as a vice; but now I know it to be a natural defect. You actually believe in your lies, and that is dangerous. But never mind about that now. Are you leaving, or do you wish me to leave?
MRS. HALL [Rising]. I will go.
[She falls back into the chair and gropes about.]
DR. ÖSTERMARK. What, drunk too?—I really pity you. Oh, this is most unpleasant! Dear me, I believe I'm ready to cry!—Carolina! No, I can't bear this!
MRS. HALL. I am ill.