Hans. Yes, ma’am. (Goes out. Aagot
re-enters.)
Aagot. Here it is, aunt!
Leonarda. Thank you. It is over now.
Aagot. But what was it, aunt?
Leonarda. It was something, dear—something
that comes over one sometimes at the change of the
year.
[Curtain.]
(The interval between this act and the next should
be very short.)
(Scene.—A room in the bishop’s
house, the same evening. The lights are lit.
The bishop comes in with Leonarda, who is
in travelling dress, with a shawl over her arm and
a bag in her hand. The bishop makes a movement
as though to relieve her of them, but she puts them
down herself.)
Leonarda. Your lordship must excuse me for troubling
you so late as this; but the reason of it is something
over which I have no control.—–Is
your nephew here?
Bishop. No, but I expect him. He has been
here twice this afternoon already to see me, but I
was out.
Leonarda. I will make haste then, and do what
I have to do before he comes.
Bishop. Shall I give instructions that we are
to be told when he comes in?
Leonarda. If you please.
Bishop (ringing the bell). Grandmother says that
as soon as he came back to-day, he went at once to
see you.
Leonarda. Yes.
[Enter a Maid.]
Bishop (to the Maid). Be so good as to let me
know when Mr.
Hagbart comes in. (Exit Maid.)
Leonarda. Has he had a talk with his grandmother?
Bishop. Yes.
Leonarda. After he—? (Checks herself.)
Bishop. After he had been to see you.
Leonarda. Did he tell her anything?
Bishop. He was very much agitated, apparently.
I did not ask grandmother any further questions; I
can imagine what passed between them.—Has
he spoken to you?
Leonarda. Yes.
Bishop. And you, Mrs. Falk?
Leonarda. I—? Well, I am here.
Bishop. Going on a journey, if I am not mistaken?
Leonarda. Going on a journey. Things are
turning out as you wished after all, my lord.
Bishop. And he is to know nothing about it?
Leonarda. No one—except the person
who will accompany me. I am sailing for England
by to-night’s boat.
Bishop (looking at his watch). You haven’t
much time, then.
Leonarda. I only want to entrust to your lordship
a deed of gift of my property here.
Bishop. In favour of your niece?
Leonarda. Yes, for Aagot. She shall have
everything.
Bishop. But last time, Mrs. Falk, you said—
Leonarda. Oh, I have enough for my journey.
Later on I shall want nothing; I can provide for myself.
Bishop. But what about Aagot? Will you not
wait until she comes home?
