Valborg. But I know what I am leaving.
Signe. And I shall only be a burden to you, mother, because I can't do anything—
Valborg. You can! Go out and earn a living; even if it is only as a servant, what does that matter? Don't live on our creditors—not for a day, not for an hour!
Signe. And what is to become of mother, then?
Mrs. Tjaelde. Your mother will stay with your father.
Signe. But all alone? You, who are so ill?
Mrs. Tjaelde. No, not alone! Your father and I will be together. (TJAELDE comes forward, kisses the hand she has stretched out to him, and falls on his knees by her chair, burying his face in her lap. She strokes his hair gently.) Forgive your father, children. That is the finest thing you can do. (TJAELDE gets up again and goes back to the other end of the room. A messenger comes in with a letter.)
Signe (turning round anxiously). It is a letter from him! I can't stand any more! I won't have it! (The messenger hands the letter to TJAELDE.)
Tjaelde. I accept no more letters.
Valborg (looking at the letter). It is from Sannaes?