Hadda Padda.  No, something I have to ask both of you.

The judge.  Let us hear it, then.

Hadda Padda.  It is a very great favor, but you must not say no.

The judge.  Ask it.

Lady Anna.  Well, what is it? [She has taken some work from the basket, and sits down to sew.]

Hadda Padda.  I want you to let me go to Copenhagen again.  I want to go with Ingolf.

The judge.  Now?

Hadda Padda.  Yes, now, Tuesday.

Lady Anna.  You are not in earnest, Hrafnhild.  You know, Kristrun is going to leave for England next month, your brother has written for her.  And she hasn’t been abroad yet, while you have been twice.

Hadda Padda.  Nor do I want her to abandon her plan.

Lady Anna.  But do you want me to do without both of you at the same time?

Hadda Padda.  Would that be hard for you, mother?

Lady Anna.  Hard—­it would be impossible.  With all the parties we have, I must have one of you at home.

The judge.  Of course, it would be difficult for mother to manage without your assistance—­since Kristrun is going away.

Lady Anna.  I never thought of that, Hrafnhild.  Besides, I think it in good taste, since your engagement will be announced to-morrow before Ingolf leaves, for you to remain at home this year till he has passed his examination and comes back.

Hadda Padda.  Yes, that would be in very good taste, if I could only bear it.

Lady Anna.  You must also remember that you would disturb him in his studies, if you were with him this winter. ...  Just when he wants to concentrate on his work.

Hadda Padda.  I want to make his work easier—­that’s just what I want to do,

Lady Anna.  I can’t do without you, Hadda.

The judge [pats his wife on the cheek].  If our dear little Hadda Padda were sick, we would have to get one girl more in the house.  And then, if she had to go away for a year to recover, and we were waiting for her to come back strong and healthy—­don’t you think we would readily allow her to go?

Hadda Padda [throws her arms around his neck].  Father, I was sure that you ...

Lady Anna.  That would be quite another thing.

The judge.  Then you would realise that you could do without her.

Lady Anna.  But you don’t mean, that any one else can fill her place—­

Hadda Padda.  Mother, you think so much of Helga.  I have talked to her, and she is willing to help you.

The judge.  There you are!  Can you imagine any one better?