Signe. Pooh! Why should you bother about that? Now you are sighing again. I am sure you know how horrid it is for those you love not to have what they want. You won't be so unkind to us, father?
Tjaelde. No, my child, it can't be done.
Signe. Why?
Tjaelde. Because—because—well, because now that it is summer time so many people will be coming here whom we shall have to entertain.
Signe. But entertaining people is the most tiresome thing I know, and Hamar agrees with me.
Tjaelde. Don't you think I have to do tiresome things sometimes, my girl?
Signe. Father dear, why are you talking so solemnly and ceremoniously? It sounds quite funny from you!
Tjaelde. Seriously, my child, it is by no means an unimportant matter for a big business house like ours, with such a wide-spread connection, that people coming here from all quarters should find themselves hospitably received. You might do that much for me.
Signe. Hamar and I will never have a moment alone at that rate.
Tjaelde. I think you mostly squabble when you are alone.