Mrs. Bernick.

[Rising.] And you must excuse me for a moment, ladies; I think we had better take our coffee outside.

[She goes out to the verandah and begins arranging a table; Rörlund stands in the doorway talking to her. Hilmar sits outside smoking.

Mrs. Rummel.

[Softly.] Oh dear, Mrs. Lynge, how you frightened me!

Mrs. Lynge.

I?

Mrs. Holt.

Ah, but you began it yourself, Mrs. Rummel.

Mrs. Rummel.