Tjaelde. But you don't understand my affairs--and I have never had time to talk about yours. Mrs. Tjaelde. No--that's it. (Begins to go upstairs slowly.) Tjaelde. Shall I help you? Mrs. Tjaelde. No, thank you, dear. Tjaelde (coming forward). Does she suspect? She is always like that--she takes all my courage away from me. But there is no other way! Now--about money? I surely have some gold here somewhere. (Goes to his desk, takes some gold out of a drawer and counts it; then lifts his head and sees MRS. TJAELDE who has sat down on the stair half-way up.) My dear, are you sitting down? Mrs. Tjaelde. I felt faint for a moment. I will go up now. (Gets up and climbs the stair slowly.) Tjaelde. Poor thing, she is worn out. (Pulls himself together.) No--five, six, eight, ten--that is not enough. I must have some more. (Searches in the desk.) And when I run short I have my watch and chain. Twenty, twenty-four--that is all I can find. Ah, my papers! I must on no account forget them. The ground is falling away under me! Isn't she coming back? The bag was packed, surely?--Ah, how all this will make her suffer! But it will not be so bad for her if I am away. People will be more merciful, both to her and the children. Oh, my children! (Collects himself.) Only let me get away, away! Thoughts will follow me there, all the same!--Ah, here she is! (MRS. TJAELDE is seen coming down slowly, with a bag which is evidently, heavy.) Shall I help you, dear? Mrs. Tjaelde. Thanks, will you take hold of the bag? Tjaelde (takes it; she comes slowly down). It is heavier than it was this morning. Mrs. Tjaelde. Is it? Tjaelde. I have some papers to put in it. (Opens the bag.) But, my dear, there is money in this bag. Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--some gold that you have given me at odd times. I thought it might be useful to you now. Tjaelde. There is a large sum. Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't believe you even know how much you have given me. Tjaelde. She knows everything!--My dear! (Opens his arms.) Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning! (They both burst into tears and fall into each other's arms. MRS. TJAELDE whispers to him:) Shall I call the children? Tjaelde (in a whisper). No, say nothing--till later! (They embrace again. He takes up the bag.) Go to the window, so that I can see you when I mount. (Shuts the bag and hurries to the door, but stops.) My dear! Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes? Tjaelde. Forgive me! Mrs. Tjaelde. Everything! (TJAELDE, as he is hurrying out, meets in the doorway an office-boy who is bringing him a letter. TJAELDE takes it, and the boy goes out.) Tjaelde. From Berent! (Opens the letter, stands in the doorway and reads it; then comes back into the room, with his bag in his hand, and reads it again.) "When I left your house, I saw a horse standing saddled at your door. To prevent misunderstanding, let me inform you that your house is watched by the police." Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). You can't go?