Alfred Früyseck (Man of Letters).
Mrs. Spreta Früyseck (his wife).
Little Mopsëman (their Püdeldachs, six years and nine months old).
Mopsa Brovik (a little less than kin to Alfred).
Sanitary Engineer Blochdrähn.
The Varmint-Blōk.
Translator's Note.—The word "blōk," like the analogous Norwegian "gëyser," implies merely an individual—not necessarily a shady one. Cf. Elen and Chevalier, passim.
THE FIRST ACT.
A richly-upholstered garden-room, full of art-pots and other furniture. Mrs. Spreta Früyseck stands beside the table, unpacking the traditional bag. Shortly after, Miss Mopsa Brovik enters by the door; she carries a pink parasol and a rather portly portfolio with a patent lock.
Mopsa (as she enters). Good morning, my dear Spreta! (Sees the bag.) Why, you are unpacking a travelling-bag on the drawing-room table! Then Alfred has actually come home?
[Takes off her things.]
Spreta (turns and nods with a teasing smile). As if you didn't know! When you have never been down in these parts all the time he has been away! (Unpacking a flannel vest and a respirator.) Yes. He turned up last night, quite unexpectedly.
Mopsa. Then it was that that drew me out here! I felt I must. My poor dear mother, Kaia,—she that was a Miss Fosli, you know,—was like that. She always felt she must. It's heredity. Surely you can understand that?
Spreta (takes out a bottle of cough mixture, and closes the bag with a snap). I am not quite a fool, my dear. But really, when you have such a firm admirer in Mr. Blochdrähn——!
Mopsa. He is such a mere bachelor. I never could feel really attracted to any unmarried man. All that seems to me so utterly unmaidenly. (Changing the subject.) How is dear Alfred?