town in the night.

Ballested. Arnholm? Wait a minute--wasn't Arnholm the man who was
tutor here several years ago?

Bolette. Yes, it is he.

Ballested. Oh, really! Is he coming into these parts again?

Bolette. That's why we want to have the flag up.

Ballested. Well, that's reasonable enough.

(BOLETTE goes into the room again. A little after LYNGSTRAND
enters from the road and stands still, interested by the easel
and painting gear. He is a slender youth, poorly but carefully
dressed, and looks delicate.)

Lyngstrand (on the other side of the hedge). Good-morning.

Ballested (turning round). Hallo! Good-morning. (Hoists up flag).
That's it! Up goes the balloon. (Fastens the ropes, and then
busies himself about the easel.) Good-morning, my dear sir. I
really don't think I've the pleasure of--Lyngstrand. I'm sure
you're a painter.

Ballested. Of course I am. Why shouldn't I be?

Lyngstrand. Yes, I can see you are. May I take the liberty of
coming in a moment?