Aunt Clara (enters again from the right. She has taken off her head-cloth and wears a black dress). Now then, Paul, here I am again. Have you made yourself at home? Is it warm enough in the hall for both of you? You probably got good and cold on the way. You had the wind to face, didn't you?
Paul (reflecting). Yes, pretty much! I think it was from the east.
Aunt Clara. It did take me rather a long while, didn't it, Paul?
Paul. You probably had some other matters that required attention? (Now that she stands directly before him he looks at her more closely.) And how Aunt Clara has dressed up! (He shakes his finger at her.) Well, well, Auntie. Still so vain, in your years?
Aunt Clara. Why, Paul, this old dress! (She strokes her skirt with her hands.) I have worn it so many years. Don't you remember at all?
Paul. Yes, yes, now ... (Meditates a moment.)
Aunt Clara. I was wearing it when your mother died. That is the time I had it made.
Paul (abruptly). Oh yes. That has been a long time, to be sure!
Aunt Clara. In waiting for you, I had quite forgotten that I still had on my morning dress. So I quickly put on something else.
Hella. That is exactly what I intend to do, dear Miss Clara. (She approaches the two.)