Berta.

Did you want anything, ma’am?

Hedda.

Yes; you must put some more wood in the stove. I am shivering.

Berta.

Bless me—I’ll make up the fire at once. [She rakes the embers together and lays a piece of wood upon them; then stops and listens.] That was a ring at the front door, ma’am.

Hedda.

Then go to the door. I will look after the fire.

Berta.

It’ll soon burn up.