Laura. You?
Mathilde. Yes—till you should ask about it. (Gets up, opens her work-table that stands by the right-hand couch.) Here it is. (Gives it to her.)
Laura. So you have got it! (Lays it in her table drawer without looking at it, shuts the drawer, goes a few paces away, then comes back, turns the key in the drawer and takes it out.) Has Axel read the new book?
Mathilde. I don't know. Shall I give it to him?
Laura. Just as you like. Perhaps you would like to read it aloud to him. (A Maid comes in with a letter; LAURA takes it, and the Maid goes out again.) From my parents! (Kisses the letter with emotion.) The only ones who love me! (Goes out hurriedly. At the same moment AXEL comes in from the outer door.)
Axel. She always goes when I come in!
Mathilde (getting up). This time it was an accident, though. (Looks at him.) How pale you are!
Axel (seriously). I am rather worried.—Have you read the new novel?
Mathilde (putting the book in her pocket). What novel?
Axel. "The Newly-Married Couple"—quite a small book.