Laura. Never. (A pause.)
Axel (in astonishment). What have you been writing to them all this year, then—a letter every day?
Laura. I have told them everything was going well here.
Axel. Is it possible? All this time? Laura! Dare I believe it? Such consideration—(Comes nearer to her.) Ah, at last, then—?
Laura (frightened). I did it out of consideration for them.
Axel (coldly). For them? Well, I am sorry for them, then. They will soon see how things stand between us.
Laura. They are only to be here a day or two. Then they go abroad.
Axel. Abroad? But I suppose some one is going with them?—you, perhaps?
Laura. You can't, can you?
Axel. No.—So you are going away from me, Laura!—I am to remain here with Mathilde—it is just like that book.