Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is it?
Valborg. Every rich family has its tame lieutenant—and ours has just left us. That's all.
Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). Signe, my child!
Signe (throwing herself into her arms). Mother!
Mrs. Tjaelde. There will be no more pretence now. Do not let us regret it!
Signe (in tears). Mother, mother!
Mrs. Tjaelde. Things are better as they are. Do you hear, dear? Don't cry!
Signe. I am not crying! but I feel so ashamed—oh, so ashamed!
Mrs. Tjaelde. It is I that ought to feel ashamed for never having had the courage to put a stop to what I saw was folly.
Signe (as before). Mother!