ould be any good; and perhaps
she's right.

Arnholm. Hm. Do you say that?

Wangel. Moreover, when I think it all over carefully, I really don't
know how I could manage it. I don't think I should be justified, for the
sake of the girls, in going away to such a desolate place. After
all, they must live where there is at least a prospect of their being
provided for someday.

Arnholm. Provided for! Are you thinking about that already?

Wangel. Heaven knows, I must think of that too! But then, on the other
hand, again, my poor sick Ellida! Oh, dear Arnholm! in many respects I
seem to be standing between fire and water!

Arnholm. Perhaps you've no need to worry on Bolette's account. (Breaking
off.) I should like to know where she--where they have gone. (Goes up to
the open door and looks out.)

Wangel. Oh, I would so gladly make any sacrifice for all three of them,
if only I knew what!

(ELLIDA enters from the door on the left.)

Ellida (quickly to WANGEL). Be sure you don't go out this morning.

Wangel. No, no! of course not. I will stay at home with you. (Pointing
to ARNHOLM, who is coming towards them.) But won't you speak to our
friend?

Ellida (turning). Oh, are you here, Mr. Arnholm? (Holding out her hand
to him.) Good-morning.

Arnholm. Good-morning, Mrs. Wangel. So you've not been bathing as usual
today?

Ellida. No, no, no! That is out of the question today. But won't you sit
down a moment?

Arnholm. No, thanks, not now. (Looks at WANGEL.) I promised the girls to
go down to them in the garden.

Ellida. Goodness knows if you'll find them there. I never know where
they may be rambling.

Wangel. They're sure to be down by the pond.

Arnholm. Oh! I shall find them right enough. (Nods, and goes out across
the verandah into the garden.)

Ellida. What time is it, Wangel?

Wangel (looking at his watch). A little past eleven.

Ellida. A little past. And at eleven o'clock, or half-past eleven
tonight, the steamer is coming. If only that were over!

Wangel (going nearer to her). Dear Ellida, there is one thing I should
like to ask you.

Ellida. What is it?

Wangel. The evening before last--up at the "View"--you said that during
the last three years you had so often seen him bodily before you.

Ellida. And so I have. You may believe that.

Wangel. But, how did you see him?

Ellida. How did I see him?

Wangel. I mean, how did he look when you thought you saw him?

Ellida. But, dear Wangel, wh