Riis. Alfred here? In a moment? Hurrah! I quite understand! But why didn't you tell me so at once?
Mrs. Riis. You have talked the whole time since you came in.
Riis. I do believe I have!--Well, if you are going to take it seriously, my dear Svava, perhaps you will allow your "knightly" father to take it lightly? The whole thing amuses me so tremendously. I was put into good spirits to-day the moment I saw, from Christensen's face, that there was nothing in the wind. And so Alfred is coming here directly! Then I understand everything. Hurrah, once more! I assure you that is the best of all the good things that have happened to-day. I really think I must play a festal overture till he comes! (Goes towards the piano, singing.)
Mrs. Riis. No, no, dear! Do you hear? No, no! (RIIS plays on, without listening to hey, till she goes up to him, and stops him, pointing to SVAVA.)
Svava. Oh, let him play, mother--let him play! It is the innocent gaiety that I have admired since I was a child! (Bursts into tears, but collects herself.) How hateful! How horrible!
Riis. My dear child, you look as if you wanted to be throwing down gauntlets to-day too! Isn't that all done with?
Riis. You shall have the loan of my gloves, if you haven't--
Mrs. Riis. Oh, don't say those things to her!
Svava. Oh, yes, let him! Let him mock at us, mother dear! A man of his moral earnestness has the right to mock at us!
Riis. What are you talking about? Does it show a lack of moral earnestness not to be in love with old maids and sour-faced virtue?
Riis. Oh, let her say what she wants! It is something quite new to see a well-brought-up girl throw her gloves in her fiancé's face and accusations in her father's! Especially when it is all done in the name of morality!
Svava. Don't talk about morality! Or go and talk to Mrs. North about it!
Riis. Mrs.--Mrs.--? What has she to do with--?
Svava. Be quiet! I know everything! You have--
Svava. Ah, yes-for mother's sake I won't go on. But, when I threw down my much discussed gauntlet yesterday, I knew about it then. That was why I did it! It was a protest against everything of the kind, against its beginning and its continuation, against him and against you! I understood--then--your pious zeal in the matter, and the show of scandalised morality you allowed mother to be a witness of!