Tjaelde.—and his trick of crossing his feet—yes, it is he. It looks as if he were coming here.
Valborg. No, he has turned away.
Tjaelde. All the better! (To himself, thoughtfully.) Could it possibly mean—? (SANNAES comes in from the right.)
Sannaes. Am I disturbing you, sir?
Tjaelde. Is that you, Sannaes? (SANNAES, as he comes forward, sees VALBORG standing by the farther window. He appears frightened and hides his hands quickly behind his back.) What do you want? (VALBORG looks at SANNAES, then goes on to the verandah and out to the right.) What is it, man? What the deuce are you standing there for?
Sannaes (bringing his hands from behind his back as soon as VALBORG has passed him, and looking after her.) I didn't like to ask you, before Miss Valborg, whether you are coming down to your office to-day or not.
Tjaelde. Have you gone mad? Why on earth shouldn't you ask me that before Miss Valborg?
Sannaes. I mean that—if not—I should like to speak to you here, if it is convenient.
Tjaelde. Look here, Sannaes, you ought to try and get rid of your shyness; it doesn't suit a business man. A business man should be smart and active, and not let his wits go wool-gathering because he finds himself in the same room with a woman. I have often noticed it in you.—Now, what is it? Out with it!
Sannaes. You are not coming to the office this morning, sir?