Do you know what Lind Has secretly determined in his mind? To go as missionary— ANNA. Yes, I know. MRS. HALM. And you’ve agreed—! ANNA [_embarrassed_]. That I will also go. MISS JAY [_indignant_]. He’s talked this stuff to you! LADIES [_clasping their hands together_]. What tyranny! FALK. But think, his Call that would not be denied—! MISS JAY. Tut, that’s what people follow when they’re free: A bridegroom follows nothing but his bride.— No, my sweet Anna, ponder, I entreat: You, reared in comfort from your earliest breath—? FALK. Yet, sure, to suffer for the faith is sweet! MISS JAY. Is one to suffer for one’s bridegroom’s faith? That is a rather novel point of view. [_To the ladies_. Ladies, attend! [_Takes_ ANNA’S _arm._ Now listen; then repeat For his instruction what he has to do. [_They go into the background and out to the right in eager talk with several of the ladies; the other guests disperse in groups about the garden._ FALK _stops_ STRAWMAN, _whose wife and children keep close to him._ GULDSTAD _goes to and fro during the following conversation._ FALK. Come, pastor, help young fervour in its fight, Before they lure Miss Anna from her vows. STRAWMAN [_in clerical cadence_]. The wife must be submissive to the spouse;— [_Reflecting._ But if I apprehended him aright, His Call’s a problematical affair, The Offering altogether in the air— FALK. Pray do not judge so rashly. I can give You absolute assurance, as I live, His Call is definite and incontestable— STRAWMAN [_seeing it in a new light_]. Ah—if there’s something fixed—investable— _Per annum_—then I’ve nothing more to say. FALK [_impatiently_]. You think the most of what I count the least; I mean the _inspiration_,—not the _pay_! STRAWMAN [with an unctuous smile].