must be quick and--

Arnholm. Is it really for me?

Ellida. Yes. You may be sure we don't decorate like this every
day. Ugh! How suffocatingly hot it is under this roof. (Goes down
into the garden.) Come over here. Here at least there is a little
air. (Sits down in arbour.)

Arnholm (going thither). I think the air quite fresh here.

Ellida. Yes, you--who are used to the stifling air of the town!
It's terrible there in the summer, I hear.

Wangel (who has also gone into the garden). Hm, dear Ellida, you
must just entertain our friend alone for a little while.

Ellida. Are you busy?

Wangel. Yes, I must go down to the office. And then I must
change. But I won't be long.

Arnholm (sitting down in arbour). Now, don't hurry, dear doctor.
Your wife and I will manage to kill the time.

Wangel (nodding). Oh, yes! I'm sure you will. Well, goodbye for
the present. (He goes out through the garden.)

Ellida (after a short pause). Don't you think it's pleasant
sitting out here?