"Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time of course. How delightful! We will have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold I hope. [Helps her.] Now we will sit down by the stove and be cosy. No take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. [Takes her hands.] Now you look like your old self again; it was only the first moment--You are a little paler Christine and perhaps a little thinner.

Mrs Linde. And much much older Nora. Nora.

Perhaps a little older; very very little; certainly not much. [Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.] What a thoughtless creature I am chattering away like this. My poor dear Christine do forgive me."