AUNT CLARA. Why, Paul, this old dress! (She strokes her skirt with her hands.) I have worn it so many years. Don't you remember at all? PAUL. Yes, yes, now ... (Meditates a moment.) AUNT CLARA. I was wearing it when your mother died. That is the time I had it made. PAUL (abruptly). Oh yes. That has been a long time, to be sure! AUNT CLARA. In waiting for you, I had quite forgotten that I still had on my morning dress. So I quickly put on something else. HELLA. That is exactly what I intend to do, dear Miss Clara. (She approaches the two.) PAUL. Yes, Auntie, you see, I don't even know where you have quartered us? Possibly you would show Hella ...? AUNT CLARA. Right next door, dear Mrs. ... Mrs. ---- Doctor! HELLA (nodding to her to desist). Well then, please do not go to any trouble. PAUL (to HELLA, who has picked up her things). May I relieve you of something? Or can I help you in any other way? Unlock the trunk, for instance? HELLA (refusing). Do drop these courtesies, Paul! That kind of thing is certainly not in vogue with us. PAUL (curtly). As you please! [HELLA goes out with her things through the open door on the left, closing it behind her.] PAUL (to AUNT CLARA, who has been listening in amazement). So you have lodged us next door? (Hesitating as he points to the right.) Over there, I suppose ...? AUNT CLARA (nodding). Yes, over there, Paul, there ... the body lies. PAUL (gloomily). Shall we not go in. Aunt Clara? AUNT CLARA. Why, not at once, my boy! You certainly must have something to eat first! Refresh yourself a little. I'll just call Lene, and have her bring the coffee! (Starts for the bell-pull.) PAUL (restraining her). I think we had better wait until Hella and the gentleman are ready. AUNT CLARA (looking at him tenderly). Now you're not _cold_ at all, Paul? PAUL (significantly). No, Auntie, I am not cold here. (With less constraint.) Just look at the fine fire in the fireplace, how it flickers and crackles! I believe it too is glad that I am here again. But who is gladdest of all, well, Auntie, just guess who that may be? AUNT CLARA (shaking her head). Why, I can't know that. I can't guess any more with this old head of mine. PAUL (slyly). _That_ she doesn't know! Oh Auntie, Auntie! Why, you yourself, you good old soul! AUNT CLARA (unaffectedly). I did light the chandelier for you, Paul. PAUL. Of course, the chandelier! Do you suppose I did not notice that you were at the bottom of that, Auntie? Come give me your hand; thank you very much, Auntie! AUNT CLARA (putting her arms around him). I'm going to give you a kiss, my boy. Your wife will take no offense at that. (She kisses him.) PAUL. Oh my wife! That needn't ... (He gently disengages himself from his aunt's embrace and goes to and fro meditating.) AUNT CLARA (following him with her eyes). Do you still remember, Paul, how I would hold you on my knees and rock you when you were a little fellow?