Evje. Then I suppose you have read what they say about you too?

Harald. Naturally.

Mrs. Evje. It is worse than anything they have said about you
before.

Harald. Well--of course, you know, my election meeting comes on
this evening.

Evje. I can tell you it has upset _us_.

Mrs. Evje. Day after day we wake up to find our house invaded by
these abominations. That is a nice thought to begin your day's
work with!

Harald. Is it so indispensable, then, to educated people to begin
their day by reading such things?

Mrs. Evje. Well--one must have a paper.

Evje. And most people read it. Besides, one can't deny that a lot
of what is in it is true, although its general tendency is to run
everyone down.

Harald (getting up). Quite so, yes. (Leans over GERTRUD'S
shoulder.) Gertrud, have you read it?

Gertrud (does not look at him, and hesitates for a moment; then
says gently): Yes.