DR. OESTERMARK. No, sir! I do not. But I love her.

AXEL. In your way--yes!

DR. OESTERMARK. In my way--yes. How about your way?

AXEL. We have arranged a sort of comradeship, you see, and
friendship is higher and more enduring than love.

DR. OESTERMARK. H'm--so Bertha paints too. How? Well?

AXEL. Fairly well.

DR. OESTERMARK. We were good friends in the old days, she and I,--
that is, we always quarreled a little.--Some visitors. Hush! It is
Carl and his wife!

AXEL [Rising]. And Bertha isn't at home! Sacristi! [Enter
Lieutenant Carl Starck and his wife.] Welcome! Well, well, we
certainly meet here from all corners of the world! How do you do,
Mrs. Starck? You're looking well after your journey.

MRS. STARCK. Thanks, dear Axel, we have certainly had a delightful
trip. But where is Bertha?

CARL. Yes, where is the young wife?

AXEL. She's out at the studio, but she'll be home at any moment
now. But won't you sit down?