e, Mathilde. It won't answer in the long run. If only I
had the reward of thanks that the humblest working-man gets-if it were
only a smile; but when I have been travelling about for a week at a
time, exposed to all sorts of weather in these open boats in winter,
do I get any welcome on my home-coming? When I sit up late, night after
night, does she ever realise whom I am doing it for? Has she as much as
noticed that I have done so--or that I have, at great expense, furnished
this house like her parents'? No, she takes everything as a matter of
course; and if any one were to say to her, "He has done all this for
your sake," she would merely answer, "He need not have done so, I had it
all in my own home."

Mathilde. Yes, you have come to a turning-point now.

Axel. What do you mean?

Mathilde. Nothing particular--here she comes!

Axel. Has anything happened? She is in such a hurry!

[LAURA comes in with an open letter in her hand.]

Laura (in a low voice, to MATHILDE). Mother and father are so lonely
at home that they are going abroad, to Italy; but they are coming here,
Mathilde, before they leave the country.

Mathilde. Coming here? When?

Laura. Directly. I hadn't noticed--the letter is written from the
nearest posting station; they want to take us by surprise--they will be
here in a few minutes. Good heavens, what are we to do?

Mathilde (quickly). Tell Axel that!

Laura. I tell him?

Mathilde. Yes, you must.

Laura (in a frightened voice). I?

Mathilde (to AXEL). Laura has something she wants to tell you.

Laura. Mathilde!

Axel. This is something new.

Laura. Oh, do tell him, Mathilde. (MATHILDE says nothing, but goes to
the back of the room.)

Axel (coming up to her). What is it?

Laura (timidly). My parents are coming.

Axel. Here?

Laura. Yes.

Axel. When? To-day?

Laura. Yes. Almost directly.

Axel. And no one has told me! (Takes up his hat to go.)

Laura (frightened). Axel!

Axel. It is certainly not for the pleasure of finding me here that they
are coming.

Laura. But you mustn't go!

Mathilde. No, you mustn't do that.

Axel. Are they not going to put up here?

Laura. Yes, I thought--if you are willing--in your room.

Axel. So that is what it is to be--I am to go away and they are to take
my place.

Mathilde. Take my room, and I will move into Laura's. I will easily
arrange that. (Goes out.)

Axel. Why all this beating about the bush? It is quite natural that you