(_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_.)