Father (still reading). We can give a ball for them, in return.
Mother. All the more as we owe heaps of people an invitation.
Laura. Yes, that will be better; we have more room here, too. (A pause.)
Axel (leaning over LAURA'S chair). Think of your new ball dress--my first present to you. Won't that tempt you? Blue muslin, with silver stars all over it? Shall they not shine for the first time to-night?
Laura (smiling). No, there would be no shine in the stars if mother were not at the dance.
Axel. Very well--I will send our excuses. (Turns to go out.)
Father (still reading). Perhaps it will be better for me to write. (AXEL stops.)
[MATHILDE comes in, followed by a Servant, who throws the doors open.]
Father (taking his wife's arm). Keep your shawl on, my dear; it is cold in the hall. (They go out.)
Axel (as he offers LAURA his arm and leads her towards the door). Let me have a word with you, before we follow them!
Axel (to MATHILDE, who is standing behind them waiting). Do you mind going on? (MATHILDE goes out, followed by the Servant. AXEL turns to LAURA.) Will nothing move you? Go with me to this dance!
Laura. I thought that was what you were going to say.
Laura. But you saw for yourself that mother and father do not wish it?
Axel. Then I suppose you are their daughter in the first place, and my wife only in the second?
Laura (with a laugh). Well, that is only natural.
Axel. No, it is not natural; because two days ago you promised to forsake your father and your mother and follow me.
Laura (laughing). To the ball? I certainly never promised that.
Laura. But you mustn't wish that, Axel darling--because it is quite impossible.
Axel. It is quite possible, if you like to do it.
Axel. That same day you also heard that a man is his wife's lord and master. You must be willing to leave them, if I wish it; it was on those terms that you gave me your hand, you obstinate little woman.
Laura. It was just so as to be able to be always with father and mother, that I did it.
Axel. So that was it. Then you have no wish to be always with me?
Laura. Never? (Softly.) Yes, some day--when I must.
Laura. When? When mother and father--are gone. But why think about such things?
Axel. Don't cry, darling! Listen to me. Would you never be willing to follow me--until they have left us?