Bishop. Because sometimes love is given to us to teach us self-sacrifice.
[The GRANDMOTHER comes in.]
Grandmother. I heard Hagbart's voice.
Hagbart. Grandmother! (He and the BISHOP go to help her.) Grandmother! You don't know how happy I am! (Takes her by the arm.)
Grandmother. Is that true?
Bishop (taking her other arm). You should not walk about without help.
Grandmother. I heard Hagbart's voice. He was talking so loud, that I thought something had happened.
Hagbart. So it has—something good! Uncle consents! He is splendid! He has made everything all right again, and better than ever! Oh, grandmother, I wish you were not so old! I feel as if I should like to take you up in my arms and dance you round the room.
Grandmother. You mustn't do that, my dear. (They put her into her chair.) Now! What is your last bit of news?
Hagbart. My last bit of news? I have no fresh news! There is nothing more to tell!