Bernick: By all means--but thoroughly and conscientiously. There are many among us who need thorough and conscientious repairs, Aune. Well, good night.
Aune: Good-night, sir--and thank you, thank you. (Goes out.)
Mrs. Bernick: Now they are all gone.
Bernick: And we are alone. My name is not shining in letters of fire any longer; all the lights in the windows are out.
Lona: Would you wish them lit again?
Bernick: Not for anything in the world. Where have I been! You would be
horrified if you knew. I feel now as if I had come back to my right senses, after being poisoned. But I feel this that I can be young and healthy again. Oh, come nearer--come closer round me. Come, Betty! Come, Olaf, my boy! And you, Martha--it seems to me as if I had never seen you all these years.
Lona: No, I can believe that. Your community is a community of bachelor souls; you do not see women.
Bernick: That is quite true; and for that very reason--this is a bargain, Lona--you must not leave Betty and me.
Mrs. Bernick: No, Lona, you must not.