It is I—Stensgård. May I come in?

Madam Rundholmen.

No, indeed you mustn’t! No! I’m not dress’d.

Stensgård.

What? Are you so late to-day?

Madam Rundholmen.

Oh, I can tell you I’ve been up since all hours; but one must look a little decent, you know. [Peeps out, with a kerchief over her head.] Well, what is it? No, you really mustn’t look at me, Mr. Stensgård.—Oh, there’s some one else!

[Disappears, slamming the door to.

Aslaksen.

[Enters from the back with a bundle of papers.] Good morning, Mr. Stensgård.