Aagot. Do you hear that, aunt?
[Curtain.]
ACT II
(SCENE.—A room in the BISHOP's house, some weeks later. A door at the back of the room leads to another large room. Another door in the right-hand wall; windows in the left. Well forward, by one of the windows, a large easy-chair. Farther back, a writing-desk and chair. On the right, near the door, a couch, and chairs ranged along the wall. Chairs also alongside the door at the back. The Bishop is sitting on the couch, talking to HAGBART.)
Bishop. My dear Hagbart, you keep on telling me that you have acted up to your convictions. Very well, do you want to forbid my acting up to mine?
Hagbart. You know that all I ask, uncle, is that you will see her and talk to her first.
Bishop. But if that is exactly what I don't wish to do? You have made things difficult for us, you know, by choosing a wife out of your own class—although at the same time we have grown fonder of her every day, and are ready to do anything for her. But farther than that we cannot go. Do you want to read my letter?
Hagbart. No.
Bishop. I think you should. It is quite a polite letter.
Hagbart. I know you can put things politely enough. But it is the fact, uncle—the fact of your doing it!