Evje. Why were you not here, dear?
Gertrud (in astonishment). I here? You said you did not want me to be present—
Evje. I remember, yes; we thought it would not be advisable.
Gertrud (still speaking quietly, but in growing alarm). But how did things go, then?
Evje. How did they go? Badly.
Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). That is to say, he did not behave at all well. You must prepare yourself for the worst, my child!
Gertrud. Is it something very bad, then?
Evje. You know he is a little hasty just now, when he has so much on his hands. He lacks a proper sense of moderation—but he will learn it, sure enough.
Gertrud (almost inaudibly). But what does it mean? Is he never coming back?
Evje. Never coming back? What an extraordinary question! Of course he will come back. He was only a little over-hasty, you know—