(_Kirsten, Mrs. Hammelev, and Hammelev enter from the right_.)
KIRSTEN
Yes, Lavst will be there in plenty of time to-night, I promise.
MRS. HAMMELEV
Thank you, Kirsten. You understand, we are a little nervous. But what
is--
ANTON (_coming forward with open arms_)
Mother!
MRS. HAMMELEV (_overwhelmed; sobbing_)
Anton! (_She throws herself on his bosom and kisses him passionately._)
Oh, Anton, Anton--
HAMMELEV (_who, in his excitement, has taken the pipe from his mouth_)
But, Anton, dear--we didn’t expect you until to-night!
ANTON
Yes, but “poor little Anton” had a notion to surprise you. So we
took--so I took an earlier train. (_He feels with one hand in the air,
while holding his mother tightly pressed to his bosom with the other._)
How do you do, father!
HAMMELEV (_pressing his hand_)
How are you, dear boy?
KIRSTEN
Well, I guess I ought to say how do you do, too. I am Kirsten, Lavst’s
wife.
ANTON (_lets go his mother’s hand and presses Kirsten’s hand in a
faltering manner_)
How do you do, Kirsten. I suppose everything is the same with you as
ever?
KIRSTEN
Yes, thank the Lord!
HAMMELEV
But how did you ever get out here, Anton? Didn’t anybody come with you?
ANTON (_somewhat embarrassed_)
No--well--yes, you see I know the way. And--yes, I’ll tell you--
KIRSTEN
Well, I don’t want to disturb you no longer, and there’s no need of no
carriage goin’ to the station to-night, I guess.
HAMMELEV
No, I don’t think so, Kirsten. But thank you just the same for your
willingness. Good-bye! And give my regards to your husband!
KIRSTEN
Good-bye! (_Shakes hands and goes out to the right_.)
ANTON
Why don’t you say something, mother? Was it too much of a surprise?
MRS. HAMMELEV (_moves her hand to her heart; smiles_)
Yes, it was a bit sudden--but now.... Oh, Anton--when you are here, you
know--don’t you know.... And how well and happy you look!
KIRSTEN (_puts her head inside the door_)
Excuse me. I just wanted to tell you there is a strange lady standin’
outside here.
HAMMELEV (_slightly annoyed_)
A strange lady! What does she want, I wonder? Tell her to come in!
KIRSTEN (_calls_)
Yes, you can come in, if you want to. (_She goes out_.)