Mother. So here I am in your home, my darling child! (Kisses her.) It is really worth being separated, for the pleasure of meeting again! (Kisses her.) And such nice letters from you, every single day--thank you, darling! (Kisses her again.) And you look just the same--just the same! Perhaps a trifle paler, but that is natural. (Kisses her.) Axel (to the FATHER, who is taking off a coat and several comforters). May I? Father (bowing). Thank you, I can manage quite well myself. Axel. But let me hang them up for you? Father. Much obliged--I will do it myself! (Takes them out into the hall.) Mother (to LAURA, in a low voice). It was hard work to get your father to come, I can tell you. He still cannot forget--. But we had to see our little girl before we set off on our travels; and we had to travel, because it was getting so lonely at home. Laura. Dear mother! (She and MATHILDE help her to take her things off.) Axel (to the FATHER, who has come in again). I hope you had a pleasant journey, sir? Father. Remarkably pleasant. Axel. Caught no cold, I hope? Father. Nothing to speak of--just a trifle--a slightly relaxed throat; out late--and heavy dews. You are well? Axel. Very well, thank you. Father. I am extremely pleased to hear it. Mother (to the FATHER). But, do you see--? Father. What, my love? Mother. Do you mean to say you don't see? Father. No, what is it? Mother. We are at home again! This is our own room over again! Father (in astonishment). Upon my word--! Mother. The carpet, the curtains, the furniture, everything--even down to their arrangement in the room! (Goes across to AXEL and takes his hand.) A more touching proof of your love for her we could never have had! (To the FATHER.) Isn't that so? Father (struggling with his astonishment). Yes, I must say-- Mother. And you never wrote us a single word about this, Laura? Mathilde. It is not only this room, but the whole house is arranged like yours as far as possible. Mother. The whole house! Is it possible! Father. It is the most charming way of giving pleasure to a young wife that I ever heard of! Mother. I am so astonished, Laura, at your never having mentioned a word of all this in your letters. Father. Never a word of it! Mother. Hadn't you noticed it? Father. Ah, well--what one sees every day, one is apt to think every one knows all about--isn't that it, little girl? That is the explanation, isn't it? Mother. And Axel has given you all this by his own exertions! Aren't you proud of that? Father (clapping her on the back). Of course she is, but it was never Laura's way to say much about her feelings; although this is really something so-- Mother (laughing). Her letters lately have been nothing but dissertations upon love. Laura. Mother--! Mother. Oh, I am going to tell! But you have a good husband, Laura. Laura. Mother--! Mother (in a lower voice). You have paid him some little attentions in return, of course?--given him something, or--