Mathilde. There is the carriage!
Axel. What shall I do?
Mathilde. Go down and welcome the old folk! Be quick! Look, Laura is down there already—oh, don't let her miss you just at this moment! There, that is right. (He goes.) Yes, that was right; this is my first real victory! (Goes out. Voices are heard without, and soon afterwards the MOTHER comes in with LAURA, and after her the FATHER with AXEL and MATHILDE.)
Mother. So here I am in your home, my darling child! (Kisses her.) It is really worth being separated, for the pleasure of meeting again! (Kisses her.) And such nice letters from you, every single day—thank you, darling! (Kisses her again.) And you look just the same—just the same! Perhaps a trifle paler, but that is natural. (Kisses her.)
Axel (to the FATHER, who is taking off a coat and several comforters). May I?
Father (bowing). Thank you, I can manage quite well myself.
Axel. But let me hang them up for you?
Father. Much obliged—I will do it myself! (Takes them out into the hall.)
Mother (to LAURA, in a low voice). It was hard work to get your father to come, I can tell you. He still cannot forget—. But we had to see our little girl before we set off on our travels; and we had to travel, because it was getting so lonely at home.
Laura. Dear mother! (She and MATHILDE help her to take her things off.)