Boletta.

[Eagerly.] Do you think so?

Arnholm.

Yes, believe me; it lies wholly and solely in your own hands.

Boletta.

Oh, if it only did——! Do you mean that you will put in a good word for me with father?

Arnholm.

I will do that too. But first of all I want to speak frankly and without reserve to you yourself, my dear Boletta. [Looks out to the left.] Hush! Let no one notice anything; we’ll finish our talk by-and-by.

Ellida enters from the left. She wears no hat, but has a light shawl thrown over her head and shoulders.

Ellida.