only a moment ago.

Mother. Axel means that a cough or two isn't illness, and he
is quite right.

Father (still reading). A cough may be a sign of something very
serious. (Clears his throat.) The chest--or the lungs. (Clears
his throat again.) I don't think I feel quite the thing myself,
either.

Laura. Daddy dear, you are too lightly clothed.

Mother. You dress as if it were summer--and it certainly isn't
that.

Father. The fire will burn up directly. (Clears his throat
again.) No, not quite the thing at all.

Laura. Axel! (He goes up to her.) You might read the paper to us
till breakfast is ready.

Axel. Certainly. But first of all I want to know if we really are
not to go to the ball?

Laura. You can go, if you like, and take our excuses.

Mother. That wouldn't do. Remember you are married now.

Axel. That is exactly why it seems to me that Laura cannot stay
at home. The fact that she is my wife ought to have most weight