Sandstad: And surely, Mr. Bernick, you have not forgotten that we--.(MARTHA comes in through the farther door to the left. Music is heard in the distance, down the street.)
Martha: The procession is just coming, but Betty is not in the house. I don't understand where she--
Bernick: Not in the house! There, you see, Lona--no support to me, either in gladness or in sorrow.
Rummel: Draw back the curtains! Come and help me, Mr. Krap--and you, Mr. Sandstad. It is a thousand pities that the family should not be united just now; it is quite contrary to the program. (They draw back all the curtains. The whole street is seen to be illuminated. Opposite the house is a large transparency, bearing the words: "Long live Karsten Bernick, Pillar of our Society ")
Bernick (shrinking back): Take all that away! I don't want to see it! Put it out, put it out!
Rummel: Excuse me, Mr. Bernick, but are you not well?
Martha: What is the matter with him, Lona?
Lona: Hush! (Whispers to her.)
Bernick: Take away those mocking words, I tell you! Can't you see that all these lights are grinning at us?
Rummel: Well, really, I must confess--