Mrs. Tjaelde. We held together in evil days; are we not to hold together now that good days have come?
Sannaes. I owe you both so much.
Mrs. Tjaelde. Good heavens, it is we that owe you—
Tjaelde.—more than we can ever repay. (Reproachfully.) Sannaes!
(SIGNE comes in, having taken off her cooking apron.)
Signe. Congratulations! Congratulations! Father mother! (Kisses them both.) Welcome, Sannaes!—But aren't you pleased?—now? (A pause. VALBORG comes in.)
Valborg. What has happened?
Mrs. Tjaelde. Sannaes wants to leave us, my children (A pause.)
Signe. But, Sannaes—!
Tjaelde. Even if you want to go away, why have you never said a single word to us about it before? (To the others.) Or has he spoken to any of you? (MRS. TJAELDE shakes her head.)