Sannaes. You! You know the weak spot in my armour; but that you should on that account believe that I could lay a trap for you and try to trade on your father's misfortune, Miss Valborg--! No, I cannot shake hands with any one who has thought so badly of me as that! And, since you have so persistently insulted me that I have lost all the timidity I used to feel in your presence, let me tell you this openly; these hands (stretching out his hands to her) have grown red and ugly in loyal work for your father, and his daughter should have been above mocking at me for them! (Turns to go, but stops.) And, one word more. Ask your father for _his_ hand now, and hold fast to it, instead of deserting him on the very day that misfortune has overtaken him. That would be more to the point than worrying about _my_ future. I can look after that for myself. (Turns again to go, but comes back.) And when, in his service--which will be no easy service now--your hands bear the same honourable marks of work as mine do, and are as red as mine, then you will perhaps understand how you have hurt me! At present you cannot. (He goes quickly towards the door of the outer office.) Valborg (with a wry smile). What a temper! (More seriously.) And yet, after all--. (Looks after him. Just as SANNAES gets to the door TJAELDE'S voice is heard calling him from the top of the staircase. SANNAES answers him.) Tjaelde (coming down the stairs). Sannaes! Sannaes! I can see Jakobsen coming. (Hurries across the room as if pursued by fear. SANNAES follows him.) Of course he will be coming back to look for me again! It is cowardly of me to feel that I cannot stand it; but I cannot--not to-day, not now! I cannot stand any more! Stop him! Don't let him come in! I shall have to drink my cup of misery to the dregs; but (almost in a whisper) not all at one draught! (Hides his face in his hands.) Sannaes. He shan't come; don't be afraid! (Goes quickly out, with an air of determination.) Tjaelde. It is hard--oh, it is hard! Valborg (coming to his side). Father! (He looks at her, anxiously.) You may safely accept the money Sannaes offers you. Tjaelde (in surprise). What do you mean by that? Valborg. I mean--that, if you do, I will not forsake you either, but stay here with you too. Tjaelde (incredulously). You, Valborg? Valborg. Yes, you know I want to learn office work, and business; and I would rather learn in your office. Tjaelde (shyly). I don't understand what you--? Valborg. Don't you understand, dear? I believe I could become of some use in the office. And in that way, you know, we might begin afresh--and try, with God's help, to pay your creditors. Tjaelde (happily, but shyly). My child! Who put such a happy idea into your head? Valborg (putting an arm round his neck). Father, forgive me for all that I have neglected to do! You shall see how I will try and make up for it! How hard I shall work! Tjaelde (still half incredulous). My child! My child!