BERTHA [Astonished]. Ashamed?
ABEL. Yes, ashamed. Good-bye. [Abel goes out.]
BERTHA. I don't understand. Good-bye, Axel! Thanks for the money. Are we friends? [Taking his hand.]
AXEL. I am not, at least.—Let go of my hand, or I will believe that you wish to seduce me again. [Bertha goes toward door.]
AXEL [With a sigh of relief]. Pleasant comrades! Oh!
[The maid enters from the orchard.]
MAID [To Axel]. There is it lady waiting for you.
AXEL. I'll soon be free.
BERTHA. Is that the new comrade?
AXEL. No, not comrade, but sweetheart.