Gertrud. You mustn't laugh at me. I have been beating up my courage to do this all this time. It was really why I wanted to walk a little farther with you first! I wanted to bring the conversation round to it, you see! I am so convinced that your happiness, and consequently mine, depends on your being able to be kind. You have got this meeting before you to-night. It will be a decisive moment for you. If you, when you are facing all this horrible persecution, can be a kind boy, you will win all along the line! (Pulls at his buttons in an embarrassed way.) So I wanted you to wear this ring to remind you. The diamonds in it sparkle; they are like my tears when you are hard and forget us two. I know it is stupid of me (wipes her eyes hastily), but now, when it comes to the point, I can't say what I—. But do wear it!
Harald (kissing her). I will wear it! (Gently.) Its pure rays shall shed a light on my life.
Gertrud. Thank you! (Throws her arms round him and kisses him.)
The Editor. What they are doing now is all right! Ha, ha, ha!
Evje. I won't stand it! (The EDITOR coughs loudly.) What are you doing? (The EDITOR goes to the neighbouring house and rings the bell. The door is opened and he goes in, laughing as he goes.)
Gertrud (who has started from HARALD'S arms at the sound of the cough). That is—!
Harald. It sounds like him! (Turns, and sees Evje.)
Gertrud. Father! (Turns to run away, but stops.) No, it is cowardly to run away. (Comes back, and stands at HARALD'S side. EVJE comes forward.)
Evje. I should not have expected my daughter, a well-brought-up girl, to make an assignation in the street with—with—
Gertrud. With her fiancé.