with her now; and this ball is being given for us two, who have
nothing the matter with us, besides being mainly a dance for
young people--

Mother. And not for old folk.

Laura. Thank you; mother has taken to dancing again since I
have grown up. I have never been to a ball without mother's
leading off the dances.

Mother. Axel apparently thinks it would have been much better
if I had not done so.

Father (as he reads). Mother dances most elegantly.

Axel. Surely I should know that, seeing how often I have had the
honour of leading off with mother. But on this occasion forty or
fifty people have been invited, a lot of trouble and expense
incurred and a lot of pleasure arranged, solely for our sakes. It
would be simply wicked to disappoint them.

Father (still reading). We can give a ball for them, in return.

Mother. All the more as we owe heaps of people an invitation.

Laura. Yes, that will be better; we have more room here, too. (A
pause.)

Axel (leaning over LAURA'S chair). Think of your new ball dress--
my first present to you. Won't that tempt you? Blue muslin,