Lyngstrand. Yes; I'd been thinking of paying a visit. Just a sort
of call. If only I could find some excuse--

Ballested. Excuse! Nonsense! (Looking out to the left.) Damn it!
(Gathering his things.) The steamer's by the pier already. I must
get off to the hotel. Perhaps some of the new arrivals may want
me. For I'm a hairdresser, too, don't you know.

Lyngstrand. You are certainly very many-sided, sir.

Ballested. In small towns one has to try to acclam--acclimatise
Oneself in various branches. If you should require anything in
the hair line--a little pomatum or such like--you've only to ask
for Dancing-master Ballested.

Lyngstrand. Dancing master!

Ballested. President of the "Wind Band Society," by your leave.
We've a concert on this evening up at the "View." Goodbye, goodbye!

(He goes out with his painting gear through the garden gate.

HILDE comes out with the footstool. BOLETTE brings more flowers.
LYNGSTRAND bows to HILDE from the garden below.)

Hilde (by the balustrade, not returning his bow). Bolette said
you had ventured in today.

Lyngstrand. Yes; I took the liberty of coming in for a moment.