either. I certainly take after father in that.

Arnholm. Hm--don't you think you're unjust to yourself there?

Bolette. No, unfortunately. Besides, father has so little time
for thinking of me and my future, and not much desire to either.
He prefers to put such things away from him whenever he can. He
is so completely taken up with Ellida.

Arnholm. With whom? What?

Bolette. I mean that he and my stepmother--(breaks off). Father
and mother suffice one another, as you see.

Arnholm. Well, so much the better if you were to get away from
here.

Bolette. Yes; but I don't think I've a right to; not to forsake
father.

Arnholm. But, dear Bolette, you'll have to do that sometime,
anyhow. So it seems to me the sooner the better.

Bolette. I suppose there is nothing else for it. After all, I
must think of myself, too. I must try and get occupation of some
sort. When once father's gone, I have no one to hold to. But,
poor father! I dread leaving him.

Arnholm. Dread?