ELIS. Oh—do you know that mother's indifference and submission torture me more than her wrath?
CHRISTINE. Her submission is only pretended or make-believe. There was something of the roar of the lioness in her last words. Did you notice how big she became?
ELIS [At window, listening]. He has stopped—perhaps he thinks the time ill-chosen.—But that can't be it—he who could write such terrible letters,—and always on that blue paper! I can't look at a blue paper now without trembling.
CHRISTINE. What will you tell him—what do you mean to propose?
ELIS. I don't know. I have lost all my reasoning powers.—Shall I fall on my knees to him and beg mercy—can you hear him? I can't hear anything but the blood beating in my ears.
CHRISTINE. Let us face the worst calmly—he will take everything and—
ELIS. Then the landlord will come and ask for some other security, which I cannot furnish.—He will demand security, when the furniture is no longer here to assure him of the rent.
CHRISTINE [Peeking through the curtain]. He isn't there now.—He is gone!
ELIS [Rushing to window]. He's gone?—Do you know, now that I think of Lindkvist, I see him as a good-natured giant who only scares children. How could I have come to think that?
CHRISTINE. Oh, thoughts come and go—