ACT III
(SCENE.-The same as in the preceding act. TJAELDE is sitting alone, on the chair by the door, in the position he was in when the curtain fell on the last act. After sitting motionless for a considerable time, he suddenly gets up.)
Tjaelde. How am I to begin? After her, there are the children; after them, all my work-people—and then all the others! If only I could get away! But the Receiver's men will be here.—I must have some air! (Goes to the nearest window.) What a beautiful day!—but not for me. (Opens the window and looks out.) My horse! No, I daren't look at it. Why is it saddled? Oh, of course I meant, after my talk with Berent, to—. But now everything is different! (Walks up and down once or twice, thinking; then says suddenly:) Yes, on that horse I might reach the outer harbour before the foreign boat sails! (Looks at his watch.) I can do it! And I shall be able to put behind me all—. (Stops, with a start, as he hears footsteps on the stair.) Who is there? What is it? (MRS. TJAELDE comes down the stair into the room.)
Mrs. Tjaelde. You sent for me?
Tjaelde. Yes. (Watching her.) Were you upstairs?
Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I was resting.
Tjaelde (sympathetically). Ah, you were sleeping, and I woke you up!
Mrs. Tjaelde. No, I was not asleep. (She has come slowly forward.)
Tjaelde. You weren't asleep? (Apprehensively, to her.) I suppose you didn't—? (To himself.) No, I daren't ask her.
Mrs. Tjaelde. What did you want?