Bernick.
Can you think that I would wound her to no purpose by telling her these things?
Lona.
To no purpose, you say? Well well, you are a business man; you should understand what is to the purpose.—But listen, Karsten: I, too, will speak calmly and deliberately. Tell me—after all, are you really happy?
Bernick.
In my family, do you mean?
Lona.
Of course.
Bernick.
I am indeed, Lona. Oh, you have not sacrificed yourself in vain. I can say truly that I have grown happier year by year. Betty is so good and docile. In the course of years she has learnt to mould her character to what is peculiar in mine——