Mrs. Riis. I must go away for a few minutes and--
Mrs. Riis. I really must, dear! I must collect my thoughts. This has been too much for me. I shall not go farther away than into my room there (pointing to the room on the left). And I will come back directly. (SVAVA throws herself into a chair by the table, overcome by her emotion.)
Alfred. It looks as if we two were to have to settle this matter, after all.
Alfred. I daresay that you will understand that since yesterday I have done nothing else but invent speeches to make to you--but now I do not feel as if it had been of much use.
Alfred. But you must let me make one request of you, and that from my heart: Wait for me! Because I know now what will show me the way to your heart. We had planned out our life together, you and I; and, although I shall do it alone, I shall carry out our plans unfalteringly. And then perhaps, some day, when you see how faithful I have been--. I know I ought not to worry you, least of all to-day. But give me an answer! You need scarcely say anything--but just give me an answer!
Alfred. I must have it to live on--and the more difficult the prize is to attain, the better worth living will life be to me. Give me an answer!
Svava (tries to speak, but bursts into tears). Ah, you see how everything upsets me to-day. I cannot. Besides, what do you want me to do? To wait? What would that mean? It would mean being ready and yet not ready; trying to forget and yet always having it before my mind. (Is overcome again by her emotion.) No!
Alfred. I see you need to be alone. But I cannot bring myself to go away. (SVAVA gets up, and tries to regain control over herself. ALFRED goes to her and throws himself on his knees beside her.) Give me just one word.
Svava. But do you not understand that if you could give me back once more the happiness that complete trust gives--do you think I should wait for you to ask anything of me then? No, I should go to you and thank you on my knees. Can you doubt that for a moment?
Alfred. Good-bye--good-bye! But I shall see you again some day? I shall see you again? (Turns to go, but stops at the door.) I must have a sign--something definite to take with me! Stretch out a hand to me! (At these words SVAVA turns to him and stretches out both her hands to him. He goes out. MRS. RIIS comes in from her room.)