The Lady From The Sea




ACT I

(SCENE.--DOCTOR WANGEL'S house, with a large verandah garden in
front of and around the house. Under the verandah a flagstaff. In
the garden an arbour, with table and chairs. Hedge, with small
gate at the back. Beyond, a road along the seashore. An avenue of
trees along the road. Between the trees are seen the fjord, high
mountain ranges and peaks. A warm and brilliantly clear summer morning.

BALLESTED, middle-aged, wearing an old velvet jacket, and a
broad-brimmed artist's hat, stands under the flagstaff, arranging
the ropes. The flag is lying on the ground. A little way from him is
an easel, with an outspread canvas. By the easel on a camp-stool,
brushes, a palette, and box of colours.

BOLETTE WANGEL comes from the room opening on the verandah. She
carries a large vase with flowers, which she puts down on the table.)

Bolette. Well, Ballested, does it work smoothly?

Ballested. Certainly, Miss Bolette, that's easy enough. May I
ask--do you expect any visitors today?

Bolette. Yes, we're expecting Mr. Arnholm this morning. He got to