Servant. Why, certainly!

Gert. Do you know what he said?

Servant. No.

Gert. Wet the broom, he said, or you'll get the dust all over
yourself.

Servant. I don't understand.

Gert. Well, that's your only excuse.

[Exeunt Gert and Olof.]

Servant. Rabble!


SCENE 2

(Olof's Study. There are windows in the background, through
which the sun is shining into the room. Trees are visible
outside. Christine is standing at one of the windows, watering
her flowers. While doing so she is prattling to some birds in a
cage. Olof is seated at a table, writing. With an impatient
mien he looks up and across the room to Christine as if he wished
her to keep quiet. This happens several times, until at last
Christine knocks down one of the flower pots, when Olof taps the
floor lightly with his foot.)