Oswald. Oh, I know what I want to make.
Sigurd. What, Oswald?—What?
Oswald. I want a raisin in mine. (Pushing open the door.) Can I, Halla?
(Exeunt to kitchen. Olga crosses to Ruster.)
Olga. If you are cold, Ruster, why not stay here by the fire and copy your music? Is there much more to do?
Ruster. (Seating himself and arranging pages) Liljekrona says there is no hurry. When will he be home?
Olga. As soon as he has filled the sledge with boughs, for he knows we need him here on Christmas Eve. (She goes to the window. Sleighbells are heard.) There they are, coming up the drive. We must have some place to put the branches. (She spreads a cloth on the floor. Ruster steals a drink from his flask. The door opens. Enter Liljekrona. He is a tall, finely erect man, clad in a heavy fur coat that is covered with snow. As he takes off his cap, he discloses a mass of light hair brushed back from an unusually high forehead. His face is at once sensitive and strong. He carries a load of boughs.) Well, what an armful you have!
Liljekrona. (Gaily) Tell the children I have brought home the whole forest for our Christmas.
Olga. Put down your forest over here. Was it very cold?
Liljekrona. There has been a fine flurry all morning. (Olga helps him off with his coat.) But the fire feels good!