A Wooden Ring

Counts, accounts, and what really counts

As A Little Night Music nears its conclusion, Madame Armfeldt speaks with her granddaughter, Fredrika. It is an exquisite exchange:

MADAME ARMFELDT: Child, will you do me a favor?

FREDRIKA: Of course, Grandmother.

MADAME ARMFELDT: Will you tell me what it’s all for? Having outlived my own illusions by centuries, it would be soothing at least to pretend to …