Signe. Father!
Tjaelde. Well, this is no time for tomfoolery of that sort! You must all do the honours of the house to-day. Tell Valborg—
Signe. Tell her yourself, please! You know Valborg only does just what she likes.
Tjaelde. Don't talk such rubbish! This is an important moment—and you will all do as I say! Tell Valborg that she is to make herself look nice and come to me here. And you do the same. (She goes.) Signe!
Signe (stopping). Yes?
Tjaelde. We must ask five or six more people to dinner. You must send word to Mr. Finne that we shall dine punctually at three o'clock, instead of four. Mr. Lind has to go away again by the next boat, at five o'clock. Do you understand?
Signe. But has mother enough in the house for so many?
Tjaelde. It is not a mere question of there being enough—it must be a very good dinner. I expect my larder to be kept thoroughly well stocked all through the summer. How often am I to repeat that?
Signe (trying to repress her fears). But mother is feeling so ill to-day—
Tjaelde. Oh! don't begin about that everlasting "feeling ill." There is no time to-day to feel ill. Now, be quick! (SIGNE goes out by the farther door. TJAELDE turns to HAMAR.) Get a pen and ink and some paper! We must draw up a list of guests, at once!