She herself? What do you mean? Oh, of course she has plenty to interest herself in—Betty, and Olaf, and me, you know. People ought not to think of themselves first; women least of all. We have each our community, great or small, to support and work for. I do so, at any rate. [_Pointing to_ KRAP, _who enters from the right._] See, here you have an instance. Do you think it is my own business I am occupied with? By no means. [_Quickly to_ KRAP.] Well? Krap. [_Whispers, showing him a bundle of papers._] All the arrangements for the purchase are complete. BERNICK. Capital! excellent!—Oh, Johan, you must excuse me for a moment. [_Low, and with a pressure of the hand._] Thanks, thanks, Johan; and be sure that anything I can do to serve you—you understand——Come, Mr. Krap! [_They go into the Consul’s office._ JOHAN. [_Looks after him for some time._] H’m——! [_He turns to go down the garden. At the same moment_ MARTHA _enters from the right with a little basket on her arm._ JOHAN. Ah, Martha! MARTHA. Oh—Johan—is that you? JOHAN. Have you been out so early too? MARTHA. Yes. Wait a little; the others will be here soon. [_Turns to go out to the left._ JOHAN. Tell me, Martha—why are you always in such a hurry? MARTHA. I? JOHAN. Yesterday you seemed to keep out of my way, so that I could not get a word with you; and to-day—— MARTHA. Yes, but—— JOHAN. Before, we were always together—we two old playfellows. MARTHA. Ah, Johan, that is many, many years ago. JOHAN. Why, bless me, it’s fifteen years ago, neither more nor less. Perhaps you think I have changed a great deal? MARTHA. You? Oh yes, you too, although—— JOHAN. What do you mean? MARTHA. Oh, nothing. JOHAN. You don’t seem overjoyed to see me again. MARTHA. I have waited so long, Johan—_too_ long. JOHAN. Waited? For me to come? MARTHA. Yes. JOHAN. And why did you think I would come? MARTHA. To expiate where you had sinned. JOHAN. I? MARTHA. Have you forgotten that a woman died in shame and need for your sake? Have you forgotten that by your fault a young girl’s best years have been embittered?