Tjaelde. Why did He not bless my work and the fight I was making? It is all one now.
Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, there is more to come.
Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, the worst is before us now—
Mrs. Tjaelde.—because it is in our own hearts! (A pause. VALBORG appears coming down the stair, but stops at the sight of the others.) What do you want, dear?
Valborg (with suppressed emotion). From my room I can see the police watching the house. Are the Receiver's men coming now?
Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down). Yes, my child. After a terrible struggle—how terrible, his God and I alone know—your father has just sent in his declaration of bankruptcy. (VALBORG takes a step or two forward, then stands still. A pause.)
Tjaelde (unable to control himself). Now I suppose you will say to me just what Möller's daughter said to him!
Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). You won't do that, Valborg!—God alone can judge him.
Tjaelde. Tell me how cruelly I have wronged you! Tell me that you will never be able to forgive me—(breaking down)—that I have lost your respect and your love for ever!
Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, my child!