Lyngstrand appears on the road, from the left, and enters the garden. He has a flower in his buttonhole, and carries a large handsome bouquet, wrapped round with paper and tied with ribbons. He stops, hesitating a little, in front of the verandah.
Ellida.
[Coming forward in the arbour.] Is it the girls you are looking for, Mr. Lyngstrand?
Lyngstrand.
[Turning.] Ah, are you there, Mrs. Wangel? [Bows and approaches.] No, not exactly—it wasn't the young ladies. It was you yourself, Mrs. Wangel. You gave me permission to come and see you
Ellida.
Yes, of course I did. You are always welcome here.
Lyngstrand.
Many thanks. I fortunately happened to hear that this was a day of rejoicing in the family
Ellida. Ah, so you know that?
Lyngstrand.
Yes; and so I make so bold as to offer you this, Mrs. Wangel
[He bows and holds out the bouquet.
Ellida.
[Smiles.] But, my dear Mr. Lyngstrand, ought you not to give your beautiful flowers to Mr. Arnholm himself? For it's in his honour that
