ALL.
And ne'er to bed!
[STIVER comes out with STRAWMAN arm in arm. MRS.
STRAWMAN and the children follow.
STIVER.
Yes, you and I henceforward are fast friends.
STRAWMAN.
Allied in battle for our common ends.
STIVER.
When the twin forces of the State agree—
STRAWMAN.
They add to all men's—
STIVER [hastily].
Gains!
STRAWMAN.
And gaiety.
[MRS. HALM, LIND, ANNA, GULDSTAD, and MISS JAY,
with the other guests, come out. All eyes are
turned upon FALK and SVANHILD. General amazement
when they are seen standing apart.
MISS JAY [among the AUNTS, clasping her hands].
What! Am I awake or dreaming, pray?