Mrs. Rost. We sat in the corner farthest from the door. That was why we were not able to bid your lordship good evening afterwards. Bishop. There was such a crowd. Rost, Mrs. Rost, and Cornelia. Such a crowd! Mrs. Rost. These services must be a great help in your lordship's labours. Rost. Yes, every one says that. Bishop. Yes, if only the result were something a little more practical. We live in sad times. All three (as before). Sad times! Mrs. Rost. We only just heard yesterday and we met so many friends that I was prevented from asking your sister about it--we have only just heard-- Rost. And that is why we have come here to-day. We believe in being straightforward! Mrs. Rost. Straightforward! That is my husband's motto. Bishop. Probably you mean about Hagbart's engagement? Rost and Mrs. Rost. To Miss Falk? Cornelia. Yes, it is quite true. Mrs. Rost. Really? Cornelia. My brother came to the conclusion that he had no right to oppose it. Rost. Quite so. It must have been a difficult matter for your lordship to decide. Bishop. I cannot deny that it was. Mrs. Rost. How Mr. Tallhaug has changed! Rost. Yes, it seems only the other day he-- Bishop. We must not be too severe on young people in that respect nowadays, Mrs. Rost. Rost. It is the spirit of the time! Bishop. Besides, I must say that the young lady is by no means displeasing to me. Cornelia. My brother has a very good opinion of her--although he finds her manner perhaps a little free, a little too impetuous. Mrs. Rost. But her adoptive mother? Rost. Yes, her adoptive mother! Cornelia. My brother has decided not to call on her. Rost and Mrs. Rost. Really! Mrs. Rost. We are extremely glad to hear that! Rost. It was what we wanted to know! Everybody we met yesterday was anxious to know. Mrs. Rost. Everybody! We were so concerned about it. Cornelia. My brother has written to her, to make it quite clear to her. Rost. Naturally! Mrs. Rost. We are very glad to hear it! Grandmother (looking out of the window). There is a carriage stopping at the door. Cornelia. I thought I heard a carriage, too. (Gets up.) Grandmother. There is a lady getting out of it. Mrs. Rost. A lady?--Good heavens, surely it is not--? (Gets up.) Rost. What do you say? (Gets up.) Cornelia. She has a veil on. Mrs. Rost. I really believe--! (To her husband.) You look, my dear--you know her. Rost. It is she; I recognise her coachman Hans. Bishop (who has got up). But perhaps it is Miss Aagot? Cornelia. No, it is not Miss Aagot.--She is in the house by this time. What are we to do? Mrs. Rost. Has she not had your lordship's letter? Bishop. Yes, this morning. Rost. And in spite of that--? Bishop. Perhaps for that very reason. Ahem!--Cornelia, you must go down and-- Cornelia. Not on any account! I refuse! Mrs. Rost (to her husband). Come, dear! Be quick, let us get away. (Looks for her parasol.) Where is my parasol? Bishop (in a low voice). Won't you wait a little while Mr. Rost?