(In an agony of physical pain, she flings herself into Erna’s arms, and hides her face in Erna’s breast.)
Erna (With a pout, forcing herself to pat her hair).—Little one! (After a pause.) Still we have not heard who is to have supper with us.
Lena (Recalling from Erna, calmly and positively).—Only to be invited to have supper, Erna. You know very well who. You read me his letter yourself. He is coming here directly from the station after a hard journey. And he is just out of the military hospital.
Erna.—If he is tired, perhaps he’s more likely. (Calls into the kitchen.) Bara!
Bara (Behind scene).—In a moment, Miss!
Lena.—We must invite him, there’s no other course.
(Erna rings the hand bell. Bara comes in quickly.)
Bara.—Your pleasure, my lady? Annie ran out and I have had my hands full.
Lena.—When Mr. Burris arrives from the station, please tell him that I wish to see him at once.
Erna.—Listen, Bara. Are the administrator’s apartments quite ready?
Bara.—Yes, yes, my lady. His rooms are clean and warm, and all fixed up like a little heaven. You can depend on me. Anything else, my lady?
Erna.—That is all. Please bring the light.
Bara—At once. That is, if Annie . . (Goes out.)
Erna.—I can’t understand why his supper cannot be sent to his rooms.
Lena.—Don’t be cruel, Erna. Can’t you realize what he’s been through? He is coming home after a hard campaign in Bosnia. He’s been severely wounded.
Erna.—But as he is only our administrator, it is not for us to make advances.
Lena.—And this from the daughter of a colonel, the hero of bloody battles—this about an army officer!
Erna.—A reservist.
Lena.—Yes, Mr. Burris went to Bosnia as an officer of the reserves, but one who took part in some important encounters, and who was seriously wounded in battle.
Erna.—That you should talk like that, a daughter of a captain of the cavalry!
(Bara brings a lamp and places it on the side board.)
