And how nobly he has forgiven you—he, who had done no wrong? For he couldn’t help your foolish fancies. But since that time you have hated me too. [_Bursts into tears._] You have always envied me my happiness. And now you come here to heap this trouble upon me—to show the town what sort of a family I have brought Karsten into. Yes; it is I that have to suffer for it all; and that’s just what you want. Oh, it’s hateful of you! [_She goes out crying, by the second door on the left._ LONA. [_Looking after her._] Poor Betty! [CONSUL BERNICK _comes out of his office._ BERNICK. [_Still at the door._] Yes, yes; that’s all right, Krap—that’s excellent. Send four hundred crowns for a dinner to the poor. [_Turns._] Lona? [_Advancing._] You are alone? Is not Betty here? LONA. No. Shall I call her? BERNICK. No, no; please don’t! Oh, Lona, you don’t know how I have been burning to talk openly with you—to beg for your forgiveness. LONA. Now listen, Karsten: don’t let us get sentimental. It doesn’t suit us. BERNICK. You _must_ hear me, Lona. I know very well how much appearances are against me, since you have heard all about Dina’s mother. But I swear to you it was only a momentary aberration; at one time I really, truly, and honestly loved you. LONA. What do you think has brought me home just now? BERNICK. Whatever you have in mind, I implore you to do nothing before I have justified myself. I can do it, Lona; at least I can show that I was not altogether to blame. LONA. Now you are frightened.—You once loved me, you say? Yes, you assured me so, often enough, in your letters; and perhaps it was true, too—after a fashion—so long as you were living out there in a great, free world, that gave you courage to think freely and greatly yourself. Perhaps you found in me a little more character, and will, and independence than in most people at home here. And then it was a secret between us two; no one could make fun of your bad taste. BERNICK. Lona, how can you think——? LONA. But when you came home; when you saw the ridicule that poured down upon me; when you heard the laughter at what were called my eccentricities—— BERNICK. You _were_ inconsiderate in those days. LONA. Mainly for the sake of annoying the prudes, both in trousers and petticoats, that infested the town. And then you fell in with that fascinating young actress—— BERNICK.