HADDA PADDA [throws her arms around his neck]. Father, I was sure
that you ...

LADY ANNA. That would be quite another thing.

THE JUDGE. Then you would realise that you COULD do without her.

LADY ANNA. But you don't mean, that any one else can fill her
place--

HADDA PADDA. Mother, you think so much of Helga. I have talked to
her, and she is willing to help you.

THE JUDGE. There you are! Can you imagine any one better?

LADY ANNA. It is not only that--If they were married, it would be
quite proper for them to go abroad together.

HADDA PADDA [looks angrily at her mother, but says nothing].

THE JUDGE [discovers it. Walks up to his wife, and lays his arm on
her shoulder]. We have not grown so old as you would have us.
[_Heartily._] Perhaps then, it is not proper for an old venerable
judge to be as much in love with his silver-haired wife as when
they were engaged. But he can't help it, and that's just the
reason, he still understands love in young people. [_To Hadda._]
Ask your mother once more to let you go. Maybe she will when she
knows you have my consent.