BERNICK, MARTHA, LONA and KRAP.)
Bernick: Betty, can you forgive me?
Mrs. Bernick (looking at him with a smile): Do you know, Karsten, that
you have opened out for me the happiest prospect I have had for many a
year?
Bernick: How?
Mrs. Bernick: For many years, I have felt that once you were mine and
that I had lost you. Now I know that you never have been mine yet; but
I shall win you.
Bernick (folding her in his arms): Oh, Betty, you have won me. It was
through Lona that I first learned really to know you. But now let Olaf
come to me.
Mrs. Bernick: Yes, you shall have him now. Mr. Krap--! (Talks softly to
KRAP in the background. He goes out by the garden door. During what
follows, the illuminations and lights in the houses are gradually
extinguished.)
Bernick (in a low voice): Thank you, Lona--you have saved what was best
in me--and for me.
Lona: Do you suppose I wanted to do anything else?
Bernick: Yes, was that so--or not? I cannot quite make you out.
Lona: Hm--
Bernick: Then it was not hatred? Not revenge? Why did you come back,
then?
Lona: Old friendship does not rust.
Bernick: Lona!
Lona: When Johan told me about the lie, I swore to myself that the hero
of my youth should stand free and true.
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