y). It is a letter from him! I can't stand
any more! I won't have it! (The messenger hands the letter to TJAELDE.)

Tjaelde. I accept no more letters.

Valborg (looking at the letter). It is from Sannaes?

Tjaelde. He, too!

Mrs. Tjaelde. Take it and read it, Valborg. Let us get it all over at
once. (VALBORG takes the letter from the messenger, who goes out. She
opens the letter, looks at it, and then reads it with emotion.) "Sir,--I
have owed you everything since I entered your employment as a boy.
Therefore do not take what I am going to say amiss. You know that about
eight years ago I came into a little legacy. I have used the money to
some advantage, having especially looked out for such investments as
would not be affected by the uncertainties of high finance. The total
sum, which now amounts to about L1400, I beg to offer to you as a token
of respectful gratitude; because, in the end, I owe it to you that I
have been able to make it that sum. Besides, you will be able to make
many times better use of it than I could. If you need me, my dearest
wish is to remain with you in the future. Forgive me for having seized
just this moment for doing this; I could not do otherwise.--Your
obedient servant, J. SANNAES." (While VALBORG has been reading, TJAELDE
has come gradually forward, and is now standing beside his wife.)

Mrs. Tjaelde. Though out of all those you have helped, Henning, only one
comes to your aid at a time like this, you must feel that you have your
reward. (TJAELDE nods, and goes to the back of the room again.) And you,
children--do you see how loyally this man, a stranger, is standing by
your father? (A pause. SIGNE stands by the desk, crying. TJAELDE walks
up and down uneasily at the back of the room once or twice, then goes up
the staircase.)

Valborg. I should like to speak to Sannaes.

Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, dear! I couldn't, just now; and I am sure your
father couldn't either. You speak to him! (Gets up.) Come, Signe, you
and I must have a talk; you must open your heart to me now.--Ah, when
have we ever had a real talk together? (SIGNE goes to her.) Where is
your father?

Valborg. He went upstairs.

Mrs. Tjaelde (leaning on SIGNE's arm). So he did. I am sure he must be
longing to rest--although he won't find it easy to do that. It has been
a terrible day; but surely God will turn it to our good! (Goes out
with SIGNE. VALBORG goes to the back of the room and rings the bell. A
messenger comes