Mathilde. Go down and welcome the old folk! Be quick! Look, Laura is down there already--oh, don't let her miss you just at this moment! There, that is right. (He goes.) Yes, that was right; this is my first real victory! (Goes out. Voices are heard without, and soon afterwards the MOTHER comes in with LAURA, and after her the FATHER with AXEL and MATHILDE.)
Mother. So here I am in your home, my darling child! (Kisses her.) It is really worth being separated, for the pleasure of meeting again! (Kisses her.) And such nice letters from you, every single day--thank you, darling! (Kisses her again.) And you look just the same--just the same! Perhaps a trifle paler, but that is natural. (Kisses her.)
Axel (to the FATHER, who is taking off a coat and several comforters). May I?
Father (bowing). Thank you, I can manage quite well myself.
Father. Much obliged--I will do it myself! (Takes them out into the hall.)
Mother (to LAURA, in a low voice). It was hard work to get your father to come, I can tell you. He still cannot forget--. But we had to see our little girl before we set off on our travels; and we had to travel, because it was getting so lonely at home.
Laura. Dear mother! (She and MATHILDE help her to take her things off.)
Axel (to the FATHER, who has come in again). I hope you had a pleasant journey, sir?
Father. Nothing to speak of--just a trifle--a slightly relaxed throat; out late--and heavy dews. You are well?
Father. I am extremely pleased to hear it.
Mother (to the FATHER). But, do you see--?
Mother. Do you mean to say you don't see?
Mother. We are at home again! This is our own room over again!
Father (in astonishment). Upon my word--!
Mother. The carpet, the curtains, the furniture, everything--even down to their arrangement in the room! (Goes across to AXEL and takes his hand.) A more touching proof of your love for her we could never have had! (To the FATHER.) Isn't that so?
Father (struggling with his astonishment). Yes, I must say--
Mother. And you never wrote us a single word about this, Laura?
Mathilde. It is not only this room, but the whole house is arranged like yours as far as possible.
Father. It is the most charming way of giving pleasure to a young wife that I ever heard of!