Hamar. They are going to fetch some one from the steamer! (TJAELDE'S voice is heard again: "You get the boat out! He is coming here!" HAMAR runs to pick up the ring and comes back hurriedly to SIGNE.) Signe!
Signe. No, I won't!
Hamar. Signe, dear! What does this mean? What is it that I have done?
Signe. I don't know, but I am wretchedly unhappy! (Bursts into tears.)
Hamar. But you know that in the end I always do what you want? What more can you wish than that?
Signe. I can't help it, I wish I were dead! It is always the same thing! (In tears again.)
Hamar. But, Signe—you who have told me hundreds of times that you loved me!
Signe. And so I do. But sometimes our engagement seems horrible!—No, don't come near me!
Hamar. Signe! (TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside: "Of course, put your best coat on!" He calls louder: "Sannaes!" An answering voice is heard in the distance. TJAELDE continues: "Don't forget your gloves!") Dry your eyes, Signe! Don't let him see you have been crying. (He tries to give her the ring, but she turns away, wiping her eyes. TJAELDE comes up the steps on to the verandah.)
Tjaelde. Oh, there you are! That's right. Mr. Lind is arriving by this steamer—I had a telegram from him just now. (Calls out over the verandah.) Come along with those flags! And get this boat out of the way and unstep her mast! She is moored up tight! (HAMAR runs to help him.) Yes, you cast her off! (HAMAR does so, and the boat is hauled away to the right. TJAELDE comes forward into the room.) Signe! (Looks at her.) What? Squabbling again?