Signe. I took them down to your office. I did not know you meant to stay in here.
Tjaelde. Oh, bother the office! Please fetch them for me. (SIGNE goes out, followed by Hamar.)
Mrs. Tjaelde (in an undertone to VALBORG). Why will you never listen to your mother, Valborg? (VALBORG goes out to the verandah; leans on the edge of it, with her head on her hands, and looks out.)
Tjaelde. I think I will change my coat. Oh no, I will wait till dinner-time.
Mrs. Tjaelde. Dinner! And here I am still sitting here!
Tjaelde. Are we expecting any one?
Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, have you forgotten?
Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
Mrs. Tjaelde (going out). What on earth am I to order?
(TJAELDE comes forward as soon as he is alone, sits down on a chair with a weary, harassed expression, and buries his face in his hands with a sigh. SIGNE and HAMAR come back, she carrying some newspapers. HAMAR is going out to the verandah again, but SIGNE pulls him back.)