rap of it. I can't sell burnt bricks. How much
is there of it? Two kilns' full, that is 24,000 bricks--at their present
price about thirty pounds' worth. What am I to do with you?--send you
about your business?

Pedersen. Madam, it is the first time--

Leonarda. No, indeed it is not; that is to say, it is certainly the
first time the bricks have been burnt, but your accounts have been wrong
over and over again, so that I have been led into sending out faulty
invoices. What is the matter with you?

Pedersen. Madam, I beg--.

[Enter HANS.]

Hans. Your horse is saddled, madam, and the General is coming up the
avenue.

Leonarda. Very well. (HANS goes out.) Have you taken to drink, Pedersen?

Pedersen. No, madam.

Leonarda. That wouldn't be like you. But what is it? You look quite
changed.--Pedersen! I believe I know! I saw you rowing back across the
river last night, from the summer-house in the wood. Are you in love?
(PEDERSEN turns away.) So that is it. And crossed in love? (She goes up
to him, puts her hand on his shoulder and stands with her back turned to
the audience, as he does.) Are you engaged to her?

Pedersen. Yes.

Leonarda. Then she is not treating you well? She is not true to you?
(Stoops and looks into his face.) And you love her in spite of it?
(Moves away from him.) Then you are a weak man, Pedersen. We cannot
possibly love those who are false to us. (Draws on one of her gloves.)
We may suffer horribly for a while; but love them--no!

Pedersen (still turning away from her). It is easy for those to talk who
have not experienced it.

Leonarda. Experienced it?--You never can tell that. Come to me this
evening at seven o'clock.

Pedersen. Yes, madam.

Leonarda. I will talk things over with you then. We will go for a stroll
together.

Pedersen. Thank you, madam.

Leonarda. I believe I may be able to help you in your trouble, Pedersen.
That is all right--don't think any more about the bricks, or of what I
said. Forgive me! (Holds out her hand to him.)

Pedersen (grasping her hand). Oh, madam!

[Enter GENERAL ROSEN.]

Rosen. Good morning! (PEDERSEN crosses the room.) Bless my soul,
Pedersen, you look like a pat of melting butter! (PEDERSEN goes out.
ROSEN turns to LEONARDA.) Have you been playing father confessor so
early in the morning, and on such a fine day too? That is too bad.--By
the way, have you heard from Aagot?

Leonarda (putting on her hat). No, I don't know what has come ove