Ellida.

I think it’s the arrangement that suits us all best. We can speak across to each other now and again—whenever we happen to have anything to say.

Arnholm.

[After a reflective pause.] When last I crossed your path—out at Skioldvik, I mean——. H’m—that’s a long time ago——

Ellida.

It is a good ten years since you were out there with us.

Arnholm.

Yes, about that. But when I remember you out at the lighthouse——! “The heathen,” as the old pastor used to call you, because he said your father had had you christened with the name of a ship and not of a Christian——

Ellida.

Well, what then?