Boletta.
Oh, that won't help much; I daresay I was created to pass my life here in the carp-pond.
Arnholm. Not at all. It depends entirely upon yourself.
Boletta. [Eagerly.] Do you think so?
Arnholm.
Yes, believe me; it lies wholly and solely in your own hands.
Boletta.
Oh, if it only did! Do you mean that you will put in a good word for me with father?
Arnholm.
I will do that too. But first of all I want to speak frankly and without reserve to you yourself, my dear Boletta. [Looks out to the left.] Hush! Let no one notice anything; we'll finish our talk by-and-by.
Ellida enters from the left. She wears no hat, but has a light shawl thrown over her head and shoulders.
Ellida.
[With nervous animation.] How nice it is here! How delightful!
Arnholm. [Rising.] Have you been out walking?
Ellida.
Yes, a long, long splendid walk with Wangel. And now we are going out for a sail.
