push me further down. I will take away everything that might
disturb your thoughts. You shall have peace from me--and from my
rubbish! (She throws the flowers out of the window, picks up the
birdcage, and starts to leave.)

Olof. Christine, dear child, forgive me! You don't understand me!

Christine. Always the same: "You don't understand me!" Oh, I know
now what it means. In that moment in the sacristy I matured so
completely that I reached my second childhood at once!

Olof. I'll look at your birds and prattle with your flowers, dear
heart.

Christine (putting aside the bird-cage). No, the time for prattle
is gone by--from now on we shall be serious. You need not fear my
boisterous happiness. It was only put on for your sake, and as it
doesn't suit your sombre calling, I'll--(She bursts into tears.)

Olof (putting his arms around her and kissing her.)
Christine! Christine! You are right! Please pardon me!

Christine. You gave me an unlucky gift, Olof, when you gave me
freedom, for I don't know what to do with it. I must have some
one to obey!

Olof. And so you shall, but don't let us talk of it any more. Let
us eat now--in fact, I feel quite hungry.

Christine (pleased). Do you really know how to be hungry? (At