MRS. BERNICK. I shall not tell you until you have forgiven him. BERNICK. Oh, forgiven, forgiven——! But how did you come to know——? MRS. BERNICK. Do you think a mother has no eyes? I was in mortal terror lest you should hear of it. A few words he let fall yesterday——; and his room being empty, and his knapsack and clothes gone—— BERNICK. Yes, yes——? MRS. BERNICK. I ran; I got hold of Aune; we went out in his sailing-boat; the American ship was on the point of sailing. Thank Heaven, we arrived in time—we got on board—we searched in the hold—and we found him. Oh, Karsten, you mustn’t punish him! BERNICK. Betty! MRS. BERNICK. Nor Aune either! BERNICK. Aune? What of him? Is the _Indian Girl_ under sail again? MRS. BERNICK. No, that is just the thing—— BERNICK. Speak, speak! MRS. BERNICK. Aune was as terrified as I was; the search took some time; darkness came on, and the pilot made objections: so Aune ventured—in your name—— BERNICK. Well? MRS. BERNICK. To stop the ship till to-morrow. KRAP. H’m—— BERNICK. Oh, what unspeakable happiness! MRS. BERNICK. You are not angry? BERNICK. Oh, what surpassing happiness, Betty! RUMMEL. Why, you’re absurdly nervous. HILMAR. Yes; the moment it comes to a little struggle with the elements—ugh! KRAP. [_At the window._] The procession is coming through the garden gate, Consul. BERNICK. Yes, now let them come! RUMMEL. The whole garden is full of people. SANDSTAD. The very street is packed. RUMMEL. The whole town has turned out, Bernick. This is really an inspiring moment. VIGELAND. Let us take it in a humble spirit, Mr. Rummel. RUMMEL. All the banners are out. What a procession! Ah, here’s the Committee, with Doctor Rörlund at its head. BERNICK. Let them come, I say! RUMMEL. But look here: in your agitated state of mind—— BERNICK. What then? RUMMEL. Why, I should have no objection to speaking for you. BERNICK. No, thank you; to-night I shall speak myself. RUMMEL.