Father (to the MOTHER). But what about our arrangements? We were to have gone on our travels at once.
Axel. No, stay with us a few days now! (LAURA makes a sign to him.) Not?
Laura (softly). I would rather be alone with you, now.
Mother. What are you saying, Laura?
Laura. I?—I was saying that I should like to ask you, if you are going abroad now, to take Mathilde with you.
Mother. That is very nice of you, Laura, to remember Mathilde. People generally say that newly-married couples think of no one but themselves.
Father. No, Laura is not like that!
All. No, Laura is not like that!
Laura (gently). Mathilde, forgive me! (They embrace, and LAURA says softly:) I understand you now for the first time!
Mathilde. Not quite.