VENNEMA. Yes. But why did he allow her to go this far?
VENNEMA. What do you think? Will she come home with us? Have you found out?
VAN ELST. She didn't pay any attention to me. She didn't quite understand my mission. I don't know. Perhaps you had better speak to her.
LOUISE [_calling_]. I.... Oh.... Help! [_She sits up in the middle of the couch, with her hands to her face. She droops and seems to fall asleep in a sitting posture._]
LOUISE [_wakes with a start_]. Bah! [_She looks around, does not recognize Van der Elst and Vennema. Then, peering closer, she registers surprise, sudden fright and finally anger. Van der Elst is about to speak, but she interrupts him._]
LOUISE. Who are you? [_Coughs._] Who are you and what is your business here? Go away.... Go away.
VENNEMA. Let me speak. [_He goes toward Louise._] Louise ... it is I. Don't you recognize me? [_After a pause._] Louise!
VENNEMA. Aren't you glad to see your father?
LOUISE [_in a low tone of voice_]. Oh, father.
VENNEMA [_seating himself beside Louise on the couch_]. Listen to me, my dear.
VENNEMA. I came to find out whether you are happy or not.
LOUISE. I don't know. Happy ... that's a strange word.
VENNEMA. Why strange? Are you happier here than--with us.
LOUISE [_leaning forward on her hands_]. Than with you? [_Looking up._] I prefer to be here.
VENNEMA. Don't you miss us all, just the least little bit?
LOUISE. Sometimes, when I'm alone. All the same, I'd rather be here.
VENNEMA. Aren't you deluding yourself? Wasn't your life with us at home better?
LOUISE. Better? What do you mean, better?
VENNEMA. You know what I mean. Don't you regret running off with ... him ... and spreading sorrow in our hearts?
LOUISE. I loved him. And then I yearned for freedom, for the pleasures of life and travel. At home everything was so dull and monotonous. I couldn't stand the smug people at home. Their life is one round of lying and gossiping, of scolding and backbiting.
VENNEMA. But what of this sort of existence? You don't quite appreciate the damage you have done. How you have stained the fair reputation of your parents. I wonder whether that has ever occurred to you? You say that you do not like the people who are our neighbors back home, but it is these very people who make and unmake reputations. We must live with them. Can't you realize that?