Signe. No.
Sannaes. It was because—because—I wanted to be able to go as soon as I had told you. Otherwise it would be too hard to go.
Tjaelde. You must have very serious grounds for it, then! Has anything happened to you to—to make it necessary? (SANNAES does not answer.)
Mrs. Tjaelde. And to make it impossible for you to trust any of us?
Sannaes (shyly). I thought I had better keep it to myself. (A pause.)
Tjaelde. That makes it still more painful for us—to think that you could go about in our little home circle here, where you have shared everything with us, carrying the secret of this intention hidden in your heart.
Sannaes. Do not be hard on me! Believe me, if I could stay, I would; and if I could tell you the reason, I would. (A pause.)
Signe (to her mother, in an undertone). Perhaps he wants to get married?
Mrs. Tjaelde. Would his being here with us make any difference to that? Any one that Sannaes loved would be dear to us.
Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and putting an arm round his shoulders). Tell one of us, then, if you cannot tell us all. Is it nothing we can help you in?