LADY ANNA. I never thought of that, Hrafnhild. Besides, I think it in good taste, since your engagement will be announced to-morrow before Ingolf leaves, for you to remain at home this year till he has passed his examination and comes back.
HADDA PADDA. Yes, that would be in very good taste, if I could only bear it.
LADY ANNA. You must also remember that you would disturb him in his studies, if you were with him this winter.... Just when he wants to concentrate on his work.
HADDA PADDA. I want to make his work easier—that's just what I want to do.
LADY ANNA. I can't do without you, Hadda.
THE JUDGE [pats his wife on the cheek]. If our dear little Hadda Padda were sick, we would have to get one girl more in the house. And then, if she had to go away for a year to recover, and we were waiting for her to come back strong and healthy—don't you think we would readily allow her to go?
HADDA PADDA [throws her arms around his neck]. Father, I was sure that you...
LADY ANNA. That would be quite another thing.
THE JUDGE. Then you would realise that you COULD do without her.
LADY ANNA. But you don't mean, that any one else can fill her place—