Julie.[Comes in through the glass door. She is disagreeably surprised. With forced humor.] Charming cavalier you are, to be sure, to run away from your partner.
John. On the contrary, Miss Julie, I’ve been hurrying all I know, as you see, to find the girl I left behind me.
Julie. Do you know, none of the others dance like you do. But why do you go about in livery on a holiday evening? Take it off at once.
John. In that case, miss, I must ask you to leave me for a moment, because my black coat hangs up here. [He goes with a corresponding gesture toward the right.]
Julie. Is he bashful on my account? Just about changing a coat! Is he going into his room and coming back again? So far as I am concerned he can stay here; I’ll turn round.
John. By your leave, miss. [He goes to the left, his arm is visible when he changes his coat.]
Julie.[To CHRISTINE.] I say, Christine, is John your sweetheart, that he’s so thick with you?
Christine.[Going, toward the fireplace.] My sweetheart? Yes, if you like. We call it that.
Julie. Call it?
Christine. Well, you yourself, Miss, had a sweetheart and