Aune.
She shall be, Consul—and with the new machines!
Bernick.
So be it—but thoroughly and honestly, mind. There are a good many things here that need thorough and honest overhauling. So good-night, Aune.
Aune.
Good-night, Consul—and thank you heartily.
[He goes out to the right.
Mrs. Bernick.
Now they are all gone.
Bernick.
And we are alone. My name no longer shines in the transparencies; all the lights are out in the windows.
Lona.
Would you have them lighted again?
Bernick.
Not for all the world. Where have I been? You will be horrified when you know. I am feeling now as if I had just come to my senses again after being poisoned. But I feel—I feel that I can be young and strong again. Oh, come nearer—closer around me. Come, Betty! Come, Olaf! Come, Martha! Oh, Martha, it seems as though I had never seen you during all these years.
Lona.
No, I daresay not; your society is a society of bachelor-souls; you have no eyes for womanhood.
