Olga. (Going to Liljekrona) Liljekrona, don’t give him more copying, or we shall be obliged to keep him over Christmas.
Liljekrona. He must be somewhere.
Olga. Our Christmas is spoiled if he stays. He is so dirty and he drinks so. And think how bad it is for the children.
Liljekrona. But he is an old friend.
Olga. Yet on Christmas Eve—we have kept thinking how happy we should be, telling stories and dancing about the tree. And you would play our favorite tunes. (She looks wistfully about the partly decorated room.) But now all the pleasure is gone if Ruster stays!
Liljekrona. Formerly you were glad to see him.
Olga. Yes—we all were. But not since he has become a drunkard. And, Liljekrona, I am afraid——
Liljekrona. Afraid of what, dear?
Olga. (Impetuously) Let him go somewhere else for Christmas.
Liljekrona. How can we send him away? It would be inhospitable. Nobody wants him any more than we do.