Wangel. Yes; I suppose so. Why, I've been born and bred here, so
to say. I lived here so very happily with--her who left us so
early--she whom you knew when you were here before, Arnholm.

Arnholm. Yes, yes!

Wangel. And now I live here so happily with her who has taken her
place. Ah! On the whole, fate has been very good to me.

Arnholm. You have no children by your second marriage? Wangel. We
had a little boy, two--two and a half years ago. But he didn't
stay long. He died when he was four--five months old.

Arnholm. Isn't your wife at home today?

Wangel. Oh, yes. She's sure to be here soon. She's down there
bathing. She does so every blessed day no matter what the
weather.

Arnholm. Is she ill, then?

Wangel. Not exactly ill, although she has been extremely nervous
for the last few years--that is to say, she is now and then. I
can't make out what really ails her. But to plunge into the sea
is her joy and delight.

Arnholm. Yes; I remember that of old.

Wangel (with an almost imperceptible smile). To be sure! You knew