Antoinette (nods). To the alders, I remember.
Paul. Out into the snow, to seek our childhood.
[He slowly leads her out at the right.]
ACT III
The same hall as on the preceding days. The two corners in the foreground, on the right the fireplace with its chairs, on the left the sofa and other furniture are both separated from the centre and background of the hall by means of a rectangular arrangement of oleanders in pots, thus affording two separate cozy corners, between whose high borders of oleander a somewhat narrow passage leads to the background. A banquet board in the form of a horseshoe, the sides of which run to the rear and are hidden by the oleanders. The centre, forming the head of the board, is plainly visible from the passage. It is almost noon. Dim light, reflected from the snow outside, comes in through the middle window of the back wall, a view of which is afforded through the opening in the centre. The snowflakes flutter down drearily as on the previous day. The fire now and then casts a red light upon the oleanders, which separate the space surrounding the fireplace from the background. Aunt Clara, in mourning as before, and Lene, also dressed in black, are busy at the table, which has been set. They move to and fro arranging plates, glasses and bottles. After a moment.
Aunt Clara (comes forward in the direction of the passage, inspects the whole arrangement and speaks to Lene who is occupied in the background, where she cannot be seen). Are all of the knives and forks properly arranged back there?
Lene (not visible). Everything's in order, Miss Clara.
Aunt Clara. Why, then we are through.
Lene. They can come right along now.
Aunt Clara. I can't help but think that it's time for the bell. (The old clock in the corridor outside begins to strike.)