The Editor. But he will stay _outside_ your house, as you see! These gentlemen of the Opposition, when they give any assurance, always do it with a mental reservation! You can't trust the beggars! Come round the corner. (They do so.) Evje. An assignation in the street in the fog! To think my daughter would let herself be induced to do such a thing! The Editor. Evil communications corrupt good manners! You are a mere bungler in delicate matters, Evje. You made a bad choice in that quarter! Evje. But he seemed to be-- The Editor. Yes, yes, I know! A real gentleman would have guessed what he would develop into. He has a brother, you know! (HARALD and GERTRUD come in slowly, arm-in-arm.) Gertrud. While your brother has been ill you have received many gratifying proofs of the good feeling and goodwill that there is in this town-haven't you? Harald. Yes, I have. I have found no ill-will against him, nothing but kindness on all sides--with the exception of one person, of course. Gertrud. But even he has a heart! It has often seemed to me as if I heard a cry of yearning and disappointment from it--and that just when he spoke most bitterly. Harald. Yes, it needs no very sharp sight to see that he, who makes so many unhappy, is himself the unhappiest of all. The Editor. What the deuce are they talking about? Evje. We cannot hear from here. And the fog deadens their voices. The Editor. Go a bit nearer, then! Evje. Not before they separate. You only understand _him_! Harald (to GERTRUD). What are you holding there? Gertrud (who has taken off her glove and then a ring from her finger). The ring they gave me when I was confirmed. Give me your hand! No, take your glove off! Harald. Do you want me to try your ring on? I shall not be able to get it on. Gertrud. On the little finger of your left hand? Yes! Harald (putting it on). So I can. Well? Gertrud. You mustn't laugh at me. I have been beating up my courage to do this all this time. It was really why I wanted to walk a little farther with you first! I wanted to bring the conversation round to it, you see! I am so convinced that your happiness, and consequently mine, depends on your being able to be kind. You have got this meeting before you to-night. It will be a decisive moment for you. If you, when you are facing all this horrible persecution, can be a kind boy, you will win all along the line! (Pulls at his buttons in an embarrassed way.) So I wanted you to wear this ring to remind you. The diamonds in it sparkle; they are like my tears when you are hard and forget us two. I know it is stupid of me (wipes her eyes hastily), but now, when it comes to the point, I can't say what I--. But do wear it! Harald (kissing her). I will wear it! (Gently.) Its pure rays shall shed a light on my life. Gertrud. Thank you! (Throws her arms round him and kisses him.) The Editor. What they are doing now is all right! Ha, ha, ha!