Leonarda. It is because I am a woman that you have said things to me to-day that you would not have said to--to General Rosen, for instance--a man who is allowed to come to your lordship's house in spite of his past life, and his present life too. Bishop. He shall come here no more in future. Beside, you cannot deny that there is a difference between your two cases. Leonarda. There is indeed a difference: but I did not expect the distinction to be made on these lines. Nor did I imagine, my lord, that your duty was to protect, not the weaker vessel, but the stronger--to countenance open vice, and refuse help to those who are unjustly accused! Bishop. Do you think there is any use in our prolonging this conversation? [AAGOT opens the door at the back and calls from the doorway.] Aagot. Aunt! Leonarda. Aagot! Good heavens! Aagot (coming forward). Aunt! Leonarda. Then you know? (AAGOT throws herself into her arms.) My child! Aagot. I felt sure you would be here, heaven help me! Leonarda. Control yourself, my child! Aagot. No, I cannot. This is too much. Bishop. Would you ladies rather be alone? Aagot. Where is Hagbart? Bishop. He has gone out for a walk. Aagot. It makes me boil with rage! So this was to be the price of my being received into your family--that I was to sell the one who has been a mother to me! Sell her, whom I love and honour more than all the world! Bishop. Mrs. Falk, do you wish to continue?--or-- Aagot. Continue what? Your negotiations for the sale of my dear one? No. And if it were a question of being admitted to heaven without her, I should refuse! Bishop. Child! Child! Aagot. You must let me speak! I must say what is in my heart. And this, at any rate, is in it--that I hold fast to those I love, with all the strength that is in my being! Bishop. You are young, and speak with the exaggeration of youth. But I think we should do better to put an end to this interview; it can lead to nothing. Leonarda. Let us go. [HAGBART appears at the door.] Aagot (seeing him before the others). Hagbart! Hagbart. I heard your voice from outside. Mrs. Falk-- Aagot. Hagbart! (She goes towards him, but as he hastens to her side she draws back.) No--don't touch me! Hagbart. But, Aagot--? Aagot. Why did you not manage to prevent this? You never said a word to me about it! Hagbart. Because really I knew nothing about it. Aagot. One becomes conscious of such things as that without needing to be told. It hasn't weighed much on your mind!--Did you not know of it just now? Hagbart. Yes, but-- Aagot. And you didn't fly to tell us? Hagbart. It is true I-- Aagot. Your mind was taken up with something else altogether. And my only aim in life has been that everything should be made right for her! I thought you were going to do that. Hagbart. You are unjust, Aagot. What can I do--?