eeper shall go with
you. Sannaes, here is the key of the cupboard. (SANNAES takes it from
her.)

The Receiver (looking at TJAELDE'S massive watch-chain). Whatever
article of dress can be called a necessary, we have nothing to do with;
but if it happens that it comrises jewellery of any great value--.
(TJAELDE begins to take off the watch-chain.) No, no; keep it on. But it
will have to be included in the inventory.

Tjaelde. I don't wish to keep it.

The Receiver. As you please. (Signs to one of his clerks to take it.)
Good-day! (Meanwhile SIGNE and HAMAR have appeared at the door of the
outer office, and have seen what passed. The RECEIVER, SANNAES, and the
clerks try to open the door on the right, but find it locked.) This door
is locked.

Tjaelde (as if waking from a dream). Ah, of course! (Goes to the door
and unlocks it.)

Signe (rushing to MRS. TJAELDE and falling on her knees beside her).
Mother!

Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, dear, the day of our trial has come! And I am
afraid--afraid that it may find us all too weak.

Signe. Mother, what is to become of us?

Mrs. Tjaelde. We are in God's hands.

Signe. I will go with Hamar to his aunt's. We will go at once.

Mrs. Tjaelde. It is possible that his aunt may not be willing to have
you now.

Signe. Aunt Ulla! What do you mean?

Mrs. Tjaelde. I mean that you have been the rich man's daughter; and you
do not know what the world is.

Signe. Hamar, do you think Aunt Ulla would refuse to have me?

Hamar (after a moment's thought). I don't know.

Mrs. Tjaelde. You hear that, my child. In the next few hours you will
learn more than you have learnt in all your life.

Signe (in a horrified whisper). Do you mean that even--?

Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush! (SIGNE hides her face in her mother's lap. A loud
burst of laughter is heard outside.)

Hamar (going to the nearest window). What is that? (SANNAES comes in
through the right-hand door and goes to the other window. TJAELDE, SIGNE
and MRS. TJAELDE get up.) The bay horse! They have got hold of it.

Sannaes. They have led it up the steps, and are pretending to sell it by
auction.

Hamar. They are ill-treating it! (SANNAES runs out. HAMAR snatches up
the revolver from the desk and looks to see if it is loaded.) I will--!

Signe. What are you going to do? (As he starts to go out, she clings to
him and prevents him.)

Hamar. Let me go!

Signe. Tell me first what you are going to do! Do you mean to go out
among all those