But we possess a picklock, you must know, Able to open where the key avails not. And if in years to come, cares throng and thwart, Only apply to us, our friendship fails not. MRS. HALM. Yes, we shall hover round you all your life,— MISS JAY. And shield you from the fiend of wedded strife. STRAWMAN. Enchanting group! Love, friendship, hour of gladness, Yet so pathetically touched with sadness. [_Turning to_ LIND. But now, young man, pray make an end of this. [_Leading_ ANNA _to him._ Take thy betrothed—receive her—with a kiss! LIND [_giving his hand to_ ANNA]. I stay at home! ANNA [_at the same moment_]. I go with you! ANNA [_amazed_]. You stay? LIND [_equally so_]. You go with me? ANNA [_with a helpless glance at the company_]. Why, then, we are divided as before! LIND. What’s this? THE LADIES. What now? MISS JAY [_excitedly_]. Our wills are all at war— STRAWMAN. She gave her solemn word to cross the sea With him! MISS JAY. And he gave his to stay ashore With her! FALK [_laughing_]. They both complied; what would you more! STRAWMAN. These complications are too much for me. [_Goes towards the background._ AUNTS [_to one another_]. How in the world came they to disagree? MRS. HALM. [_To_ GULDSTAD _and_ STIVER, _who have been walking in the garden and now approach._ The spirit of discord’s in possession here. [_Talks aside to them._ MRS. STRAWMAN. [_To_ MISS JAY, _noticing that the table is being laid._ There comes the tea. MISS JAY [_curtly_]. Thank heaven. FALK. Hurrah! a cheer For love and friendship, maiden aunts and tea! STIVER.