I can't do without you, Hadda.
THE JUDGE [pats his wife on the cheek]. If our dear little Hadda
Padda were sick, we would have to get one girl more in the house.
And then, if she had to go away for a year to recover, and we were
waiting for her to come back strong and healthy--don't you think
we would readily allow her to go?
HADDA PADDA [throws her arms around his neck]. Father, I was sure
that you ...
LADY ANNA. That would be quite another thing.
THE JUDGE. Then you would realise that you COULD do without her.
LADY ANNA. But you don't mean, that any one else can fill her
place--
HADDA PADDA. Mother, you think so much of Helga. I have talked to
her, and she is willing to help you.
THE JUDGE. There you are! Can you imagine any one better?
LADY ANNA. It is not only that--If they were married, it would be
quite proper for them to go abroad together.
HADDA PADDA [looks angrily at her mother, but says nothing].
THE JUDGE [discovers it. Walks up to his wife, and lays his arm on
her shoulder]. We have not grown so old as you would have us.
[_Heartily._] Perhaps then, it is not proper for an old venerable
judge to be as much in love with his silver-haired wife as when
they were engaged.
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