[“Yankee Doodle” is heard, accompanied by a clarinet and drum.

Hilmar.

[Stopping his ears.] Ugh, ugh, ugh!

Rörlund.

I think we should withdraw for a moment, ladies. This is no scene for us. Let us resume our work.

Mrs. Bernick.

Perhaps we ought to draw the curtains?

Rörlund.

Yes, that is just what I was thinking.

[The ladies take their places at the table; Rörlund shuts the garden door and drams the curtains over it and over the windows; it becomes half dark in the room.