Laura (to AXEL, who is arranging the shawl over the MOTHER'S
shoulders). Axel, ring the bell and let us have a fire. (He does
so, and gives the necessary instructions to the Servant.)

Mother. If none of us are going to the ball, we ought to send
them a note. Perhaps you would see to that, Axel?

Axel. Certainly--but will it do for us to stay away from this
ball?

Laura. Surely you heard father say that mother has been coughing
in the night.

Axel. Yes, I heard; but the ball is being given by the only
friend I have in these parts, in your honour and mine. We are the
reason of the whole entertainment--surely we cannot stay away
from it?

Laura. But it wouldn't be any pleasure to us to go without
mother.

Axel. One often has to do what is not any pleasure.

Laura. When it is a matter of duty, certainly. But our first duty
is to mother, and we cannot possibly leave her alone at home
when she is ill.

Axel. I had no idea she was ill.

Father (as he reads). She coughed twice in the night. She coughed