Van Elst. You keep your mouth shut. I've come to ask madam to return to her parents.
Sophie. Oh, that's it, is it? You're from the family. I see. Of course ... but she won't go with you.
Louise [dreaming aloud]. William, William! He's bolting. Help! Help! Oh, the brown mare! Look! [Sighs.]
Sophie. She's delirious again. She goes on like that a lot. She was in a carriage with the master the other day, when the horse bolted. That's what she always dreams about these days.
Louise. Ah, wait. I left my earrings at the doctor's. Mother, mother, I love you so. [She sighs heavily. A ring is heard below.]
Van Elst. Ah, that's Mr. Vennema. Open the door for him. It's her father.
Sophie. Ought I let him in? He mustn't see her in that condition.
Van Elst. Please open the door.
Sophie. Oh, all right. [She goes out.]
[Van der Elst listens.]