Ruster. (Shaking himself together and going toward door) I’ll be there in time for a glass of punch and the Christmas tree at Erickson’s—or Oscar’s—or——
(Liljekrona opens the door for him and he goes out slowly.)
Olga. (Calling after him) A happy Christmas to you!
Liljekrona. (Faintly) Good luck, Ruster.
Ruster. (Dully, from without) Good-bye.
(Liljekrona closes the door and they look out the window until the sleighbells jingle off. Olga turns back to the room.)
Olga. Now as soon as the boughs are up, we shall be ready for our Christmas tree. Don’t you think some holly would be nice for the table, Liljekrona? (As Liljekrona does not answer, she stoops and picks up sprigs of holly from the pile of branches, then goes to the kitchen door and calls.) Children, what are you doing? Come and bring your play in here. (She arranges the holly in a brass bowl on the long table. Liljekrona begins to put the boughs up over the door.)
(Enter Oswald, carrying with great care a board with some dough on it, and Sigurd running ahead with his fingers covered with dough.)
Sigurd. (Running to Liljekrona) Father! See my fat dough fingers.
Liljekrona. What are you making, Sigurd?