Yes, I have. It was wrong of me, but I couldn’t help it. You have no conception what Lona has been to me. You could never endure her; but to me she has been a mother. The first few years over there, when we were desperately poor—oh, how she worked! And when I had a long illness, and could earn nothing, and couldn’t keep her from doing it, she took to singing songs in the cafés; gave lectures that people laughed at; wrote a book she has both laughed and cried over since—and all to keep my soul and body together. Last winter, when I saw her pining for home, and thought how she had toiled and slaved for me, could I sit still and look on? No, Karsten, I couldn’t. I said, “Go, go, Lona; don’t be anxious on my account. I’m not such a ne’er-do-well as you think.” And then—then I told her everything. BERNICK. And how did she take it? JOHAN. Oh, she said what was quite true—that as I was innocent I could have no objection to taking a trip over here myself. But you needn’t be afraid; Lona will say nothing, and I shall take better care of my own tongue another time. BERNICK. Yes, yes; I am sure you will. JOHAN. Here is my hand upon it. And now don’t let us talk any more of that old story; fortunately it is the only escapade either you or I have been mixed up in, I hope. And now I mean thoroughly to enjoy the few days I shall have here. You can’t think what a splendid walk we have had this forenoon. Who could have imagined that the little baggage that used to trot about and play angels in the theatre——! But tell me—what became of her parents afterwards? BERNICK. Oh, there’s nothing to tell except what I wrote you immediately after you left. You got my two letters, of course? JOHAN. Of course, of course; I have them both. The drunken scoundrel deserted her? BERNICK. And was afterwards killed in a drinking-bout. JOHAN. And she herself died soon after? I suppose you did all you could for her without exciting attention? BERNICK. She was proud; she betrayed nothing, but she would accept nothing. JOHAN. Well, at any rate, you did right in taking Dina into your house. BERNICK. Oh, yes—— However, it was really Martha that arranged that. JOHAN. Ah, it was Martha? By-the-bye, where is Martha to-day? BERNICK. Oh, she is always busy either at the school, or among her sick people. JOHAN. Then it was Martha that took charge of Dina? BERNICK.