Mrs. Evje. And do it very tactfully!
The Doctor (meaningly). And I hope you three will enjoy yourselves! (Goes out.)
Evje. What a morning!
Mrs. Evje. We, who have always endeavoured to take everything quietly and indulgently—
Evje. Yes, and to conduct our family affairs peaceably and affectionately! (Jumps up and turns to HARALD.) The whole thing is your fault!
Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is Harald's fault! From the day this unfortunate engagement came about, we have scarcely had a moment's peace here.
Evje. No, no, that is not the case! We must be reasonable. At first, when Mr. Rejn had a fine future before him, when people vied with one another to catch him, then the engagement was an honour to us as well as to our daughter. But from the moment he took up these wretched politics—that is to say, from the time his brother fell ill—well, he can see for himself what the result has been to us!
Mrs. Evje. And he certainly must admit that it is not what we have deserved; indeed it is more than a respected and well-bred family can put up with.
Harald. I quite agree that it is more than a respected and well-bred family ought to put up with.
Mrs. Evje. Oh, so you feel that too?