They embrace
again. He takes up the bag.) Go to the window, so that I can see you
when I mount. (Shuts the bag and hurries to the door, but stops.) My
dear!

Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes?

Tjaelde. Forgive me!

Mrs. Tjaelde. Everything! (TJAELDE, as he is hurrying out, meets in the
doorway an office-boy who is bringing him a letter. TJAELDE takes it,
and the boy goes out.)

Tjaelde. From Berent! (Opens the letter, stands in the doorway and reads
it; then comes back into the room, with his bag in his hand, and reads
it again.) "When I left your house, I saw a horse standing saddled at
your door. To prevent misunderstanding, let me inform you that your
house is watched by the police."

Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). You can't go?

Tjaelde. No. (A pause. He puts down the bag and wipes his forehead.)

Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, shall we pray together?

Tjaelde. What do you mean?

Mrs. Tjaelde. Pray--pray to God to help us? (Bursts into tears. TJAELDE
is silent. She falls on her knees.) Come, Henning! You see that all
human ingenuity is of no avail!

Tjaelde. I know that, only too well.

Mrs. Tjaelde. Well, try once, in this hour of our greatest need!
(TJAELDE appears to be struggling with his emotion.) You never would!
You have never confided in us, or in your God!--never opened your heart
to any one!

Tjaelde. Be quiet!

Mrs. Tjaelde. But what you concealed by day, you used to talk of in
the night. We mortals must talk, you know! But I have lain awake and
listened to your distress. Now you know why I am no longer good for
anything. No sleep at night, and none of your confidence in the daytime.
I have suffered even more than you. (TJAELDE throws himself into a
chair. She goes to him.) You wanted to run away. When we are afraid of
our fellow-men, we have only Him to turn to. Do you think I should be
alive now, if it were not for Him?

Tjaelde. I have thrown myself imploringly at His feet, but always in
vain!

Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, Henning!

Tjaelde. Why did He not bless my work and the fight I was making? It is
all one now.

Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, there is more to come.

Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, the worst is before us now--

Mrs. Tjaelde.--because it is in our own hearts! (A pause. VALBORG
appears coming down the stair, but stops at the sight of the others.)
What do you want, dear?

Valborg (with suppressed emotion). From my room I can see the police
watching the house. Are the Receiver's men comi