Signe (in a horrified whisper). Do you mean that even—?
Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush! (SIGNE hides her face in her mother's lap. A loud burst of laughter is heard outside.)
Hamar (going to the nearest window). What is that? (SANNAES comes in through the right-hand door and goes to the other window. TJAELDE, SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE get up.) The bay horse! They have got hold of it.
Sannaes. They have led it up the steps, and are pretending to sell it by auction.
Hamar. They are ill-treating it! (SANNAES runs out. HAMAR snatches up the revolver from the desk and looks to see if it is loaded.) I will—!
Signe. What are you going to do? (As he starts to go out, she clings to him and prevents him.)
Hamar. Let me go!
Signe. Tell me first what you are going to do! Do you mean to go out among all those men—alone?
Hamar. Yes.
Signe (throwing her arms round him). You shan't go!