Martha: Ah, Johan, you know Karsten's high principles.

Johan: Hm--! Oh, of course; I know my old friend Karsten's high
principles! But really this is--. Well, well. I was having a talk
with him just now. He seems to me to have altered considerably.

Martha: How can you say that? I am sure Karsten has always been
an excellent man.

Johan: Yes, that was not exactly what I meant--but never mind.
Hm! Now I understand the light you have seen me in; it was the
return of the prodigal that you were waiting for.

Martha: Johan, I will tell you what light I have seen you in.
(Points down to the garden.) Do you see that girl playing on the
grass down there with Olaf? That is Dina. Do you remember that
incoherent letter you wrote me when you went away? You asked me
to believe in you. I have believed in you, Johan. All the
horrible things that were rumoured about you after you had gone
must have been done through being led astray--from
thoughtlessness, without premeditation.

Johan: What do you mean?

Martha: Oh! you understand me well enough--not a word more of
that. But of course you had to go away and begin afresh--a new
life. Your duties here which you never remembered to undertake--
or never were able to undertake--I have undertaken for you. I
tell you this, so that you shall not have that also to reproach
yourself with. I have been a mother to that much-wronged child; I