Bishop. Then you don't wish to read my letter?
Hagbart. Ah, that is true--the letter! That upsets the whole thing again. I don't know how I came to forget that.
Bishop. You see for yourself how confused and distracted you are. You need to pull yourself together. Go away for a little!
Hagbart. It is impossible!--Good-bye, uncle!
Hagbart. Good morning, grandmother! Have you slept well?
Grandmother (coming forward on CORNELIA's arm). Excellently!
Cornelia. She slept well into the morning.
Bishop. I am delighted, grandmother. (Takes her other arm.)
Grandmother. You needn't shout so loud. It is a fine day to-day and I can hear very well. (To HAGBART.) You didn't come in to see me last night.
Hagbart. I came in too late, grandmother.
Grandmother. I tell you, you needn't talk so loud.
Cornelia. She always wants to make out that she can hear.
Grandmother (as they settle her in the big chair by the window). This is a nice seat--
Bishop. And I am always delighted to see you sitting there.
Grandmother. The window--and the mirror over there.
Cornelia. Yes, it enables you to see everything.
Grandmother. How you do shout, all you good people!
Bishop. I must go and change my things, if you will excuse me. (Goes out to the right.)
Grandmother. No, thank you. (CORNELIA goes out at the back.)
Hagbart. Dear, good grandmother! You are the only one here who understands me!
Grandmother (trying to look round the room). Are we alone?
Grandmother. Has your uncle called on Mrs. Falk?
Hagbart. No, worse luck; he has written her a letter.
Hagbart. Isn't it shameful, grandmother! He won't see her once, or talk to her, before judging her.
Grandmother. They are all alike, these--. Are we alone?
Grandmother. You must have patience, Hagbart! You used to be patient.
Grandmother. I have seen so many generations--so many different ways of behaving. In my day we were tolerant.
Hagbart. I enjoyed reading your books so much, grand mother!
Grandmother. Of course you did.--Are we alone?
Grandmother. I am quite in love with your fiancée, Hagbart. She is like what girls were in my day.
Grandmother. Yes, and independent. They seem quite different nowadays.--Are we alone?
Grandmother. You get married--and I will come and live with you and her. Hush!