Lise. The fairy tale’s over now. I hear your mother. You get back —I’m going first, to face the fire.
Daughter. Something dreadful’s going to happen now, I feel it. Why can’t people agree with each other and be at peace? Oh, if only it were all over! If mamma would only be nice. I will pray to God outside there to make her soft-hearted —but I’m certain He can’t do it—I don’t know why.
Lise. He can do it, and He will, if you can only have faith, have a little faith in happiness and your own strength.
Daughter. Strength? What for? To be selfish? I can’t do it. And the enjoyment of a happiness that is bought at the cost of someone else’s unhappiness cannot be lasting.
Lise. Indeed? Now go out.
Daughter. How can you possibly believe that this will turn out all right?
Lise. Hush!
SCENE IV
Previous characters. The MOTHER.
Lise. Madam.