AXEL. What is there to hinder you from seeking warmth at the same fire?

BERTHA. And so we shall meet again, perhaps--some evening by street
light, you mean?

AXEL. I didn't mean that--but _a la bonne heure_! That at least will be
a free relation.

BERTHA. Yes, very free, especially for you.

AXEL. For you, too, but pleasanter for me.

BERTHA. That's a noble thought.

AXEL. Now, now--don't tear open the old wounds! We were talking about
the supper. And we must not forget our guests. So! [Goes toward his room
right.]

BERTHA. About the supper--yes, of course! That's what we were talking
about.

[She flies toward her room left, stirred and agitated. They both go out.
The scene is empty for a moment. Then the Misses Hall come in from the
orchard.]

MISS AMELIE. How very dull it is here!

MISS THERESE. Insufferably stupid, and our hosts are not altogether
polite.

MISS AMELIE. The hostess is especially unpleasant. And the short-hair
kind, too.

MISS THERESE. Yes, but I understand that a lieutenant is coming--

MISS AMELIE. Well, that's good, for these artists are a lot of free
traders. Hush, here is a diplomat surely.--He looks so distinguished.

[They sit on couch. Doctor Oestermark comes in from the orchard; he
discovers the Misses Hall and looks at them through his pince-nez.]

DR. OeSTERMARK. I am honored, ladies. H'm, one meets so many of one's
countrywomen here. Are you artists, too? You paint, I suppose?

MISS AMELIE. No, we don't paint.

DR. OeSTERMARK. Oh, but just a little, perhaps. Here in Paris all ladies
paint--themselves.

MISS THERESE. We don't have to.

DR. OeSTERMARK. Oh, well, you play then?

MISS AMELIE. Play?

DR. OeSTERMARK. Oh, I don't mean playing at cards. But all ladies play a
little.

MISS AMELIE. Evidently you are just from the country.

DR. OeSTERMARK. Yes, just from the country. Can I be of any slight
service to you?

MISS THERESE. Pardon, but we don't know with whom we have the honor--?

DR. OeSTERMARK. You ladies have evidently just come from Stockholm. In
this country we can talk to each other without asking for references.

MISS AMELIE. We haven't asked for references.

DR. OeSTERMARK. What do you ask, then? To have your curiosity satisfied?
Well, I'm an old family physician and my name is Anderson. Perhaps I may
know your names now?--Character not needed.

MISS THERESE. We are the Misses Hall, if that can be of any interest to
the doctor.

DR. OeSTER