lde, you have filled me with an
extraordinary regard for you--as if everything that I have been denied
in another quarter was to be found in you, and as if now for the first
time I--

Mathilde. There is the carriage!

Axel. What shall I do?

Mathilde. Go down and welcome the old folk! Be quick! Look, Laura is
down there already--oh, don't let her miss you just at this moment!
There, that is right. (He goes.) Yes, that was right; this is my first
real victory! (Goes out. Voices are heard without, and soon afterwards
the MOTHER comes in with LAURA, and after her the FATHER with AXEL and
MATHILDE.)

Mother. So here I am in your home, my darling child! (Kisses her.) It is
really worth being separated, for the pleasure of meeting again! (Kisses
her.) And such nice letters from you, every single day--thank you,
darling! (Kisses her again.) And you look just the same--just the same!
Perhaps a trifle paler, but that is natural. (Kisses her.)

Axel (to the FATHER, who is taking off a coat and several comforters).
May I?

Father (bowing). Thank you, I can manage quite well myself.

Axel. But let me hang them up for you?

Father. Much obliged--I will do it myself! (Takes them out into the
hall.)

Mother (to LAURA, in a low voice). It was hard work to get your father
to come, I can tell you. He still cannot forget--. But we had to see
our little girl before we set off on our travels; and we had to travel,
because it was getting so lonely at home.

Laura. Dear mother! (She and MATHILDE help her to take her things off.)

Axel (to the FATHER, who has come in again). I hope you had a pleasant
journey, sir?

Father. Remarkably pleasant.

Axel. Caught no cold, I hope?

Father. Nothing to speak of--just a trifle--a slightly relaxed throat;
out late--and heavy dews. You are well?

Axel. Very well, thank you.

Father. I am extremely pleased to hear it.

Mother (to the FATHER). But, do you see--?

Father. What, my love?

Mother. Do you mean to say you don't see?

Father. No, what is it?

Mother. We are at home again! This is our own room over again!

Father (in astonishment). Upon my word--!

Mother. The carpet, the curtains, the furniture, everything--even down
to their arrangement in the room! (Goes across to AXEL and takes his
hand.) A more touching proof of your love for her we could never have
had! (To the FATHER.) Isn't that so?

Father (struggling with his astonishment). Yes, I must say--

Mother. An