HADDA PADDA. Would that be hard for you, mother?

LADY ANNA. Hard--it would be impossible. With all the parties we
have, I must have one of you at home.

THE JUDGE. Of course, it would be difficult for mother to manage
without your assistance--since Kristrun is going away.

LADY ANNA. I never thought of that, Hrafnhild. Besides, I think it
in good taste, since your engagement will be announced to-morrow
before Ingolf leaves, for you to remain at home this year till he
has passed his examination and comes back.

HADDA PADDA. Yes, that would be in very good taste, if I could
only bear it.

LADY ANNA. You must also remember that you would disturb him in
his studies, if you were with him this winter. ... Just when he
wants to concentrate on his work.

HADDA PADDA. I want to make his work easier--that's just what I
want to do,

LADY ANNA. I can't do without you, Hadda.

THE JUDGE [pats his wife on the cheek]. If our dear little Hadda
Padda were sick, we would have to get one girl more in the house.
And then, if she had to go away for a year to recover, and we were
waiting for her to come back strong and healthy--don't you think
we would readily allow her to go?