[Passionately, clasping hands and holding them out towards him.] Oh, you know very well there is only one person I care for now! I shall never care for any one else.

Yes, you say that. And yet you go away from me—leave me alone here with everything on my hands.

But could I not stay with you, even if Ragnar—?

[Repudiating the idea.] No, no, that is quite impossible. If Ragnar leaves me and starts work on his own account, then of course he will need you himself.

[Wringing her hands.] Oh, I feel as if I could not be separated from you! It's quite, quite impossible!

Then be sure you get those foolish notions out of Ragnar's head. Marry him as much as you please—[Alters his tone.] I mean—don't let him throw up his good situation with me. For then I can keep you too, my dear Kaia.

Oh yes, how lovely that would be, if it could only be managed!

[Clasps her head with his two hands and whispers.] For I cannot get on without you, you see. I must have you with me every single day.

[In nervous exaltation.] My God! My God!

[Kisses her hair.] Kaia—Kaia!

[Sinks down before him.] Oh, how good you are to me! How unspeakably good you are!

[Vehemently.] Get up! For goodness' sake get up! I think I hear some one.

     [He helps her to rise.  She staggers over to the desk.

  MRS. SOLNESS enters by the door on the right.  She looks thin
  and wasted with grief, but shows traces of bygone beauty.
  Blonde ringle