HADDA PADDA. Mother, you think so much of Helga. I have talked to her, and she is willing to help you.
THE JUDGE. There you are! Can you imagine any one better?
LADY ANNA. It is not only that—If they were married, it would be quite proper for them to go abroad together.
HADDA PADDA [looks angrily at her mother, but says nothing].
THE JUDGE [discovers it. Walks up to his wife, and lays his arm on her shoulder]. We have not grown so old as you would have us. [Heartily.] Perhaps then, it is not proper for an old venerable judge to be as much in love with his silver-haired wife as when they were engaged. But he can't help it, and that's just the reason, he still understands love in young people. [To Hadda.] Ask your mother once more to let you go. Maybe she will when she knows you have my consent.
LADY ANNA. Well, I see what this is leading to. You know I don't usually oppose you.
HADDA PADDA. Father, you're always so good to me. [Kisses him.]
THE JUDGE [in a whisper to Hadda]. Now kiss your mother too!
HADDA PADDA. Nice mother! I will be twice as much pleasure to you when I come back. [Kisses her.]
LITTLE SKULI [enters]. Hadda Padda, do you want the ship to have two or three masts?