Act II

My parents didn't entertain much, but occasionally my mom would have her book club over, or my dad would host his poker group.  Once the house was picked up, we kids were banished upstairs for the night, listening to the grownups laughing and having fun downstairs.  

But the next morning!  Ahhh!  Leftover everything!  Leftover soda, leftover Fritos, and best of all, leftover M&Ms!  How is it that grownups could have leftover M&Ms?  A kid party never would.

Hedvig's almost fourteen, and unsurprisingly, has an appetite for sweets.  Her dad promised to bring back a treat from his fancy dinner at the Werle's. 

In his haste to leave Werle's house, Hjalmar forgets to ask Mrs. Sorby for a treat for Hedvig.  At first, Hedvig thinks her dad's teasing her, trying to keep her in suspense.  But then she learns he really did forget her.  How could she not be disappointed?  It's not about the sweets.  

Hjalmar shows Hedvig a copy of the menu, written in French -- "Dejeuner" -- and offers to describe each dish.  It's not much compensation.  Hjalmar gets defensive (how am I supposed to remember everything?), then later, apologetic.  He can't explain why he didn't bring a treat without admitting that he left the party awkwardly and in haste, embarrassed by his dad and his own failings.  "Remember," Hjalmar says, "I am a man assailed by a host of cares."

Poor Hedvig.  I'll have some M&Ms for her.