Father (without looking up from his paper). Your mother is not well. She was coughing in the night.
Laura. Coughing again?
Father. Twice. (The MOTHER coughs, and he looks up.) There, do you hear that? Your mother must not go out, on any account.
Laura. Then I won't go, either.
Father. That will be just as well; it is such raw weather. (To the MOTHER.) But you have no shawl on, my love; where is your shawl?
Laura. Axel, fetch mother's shawl; it is hanging in the lobby. (AXEL goes out into the lobby.)
Mother. We are not really into spring yet. I am surprised the stove is not lit in here.
Laura (to AXEL, who is arranging the shawl over the MOTHER'S shoulders). Axel, ring the bell and let us have a fire. (He does so, and gives the necessary instructions to the Servant.)
Mother. If none of us are going to the ball, we ought to send them a note. Perhaps you would see to that, Axel?
Axel. Certainly—but will it do for us to stay away from this ball?