Christensen. Our conversation has soared to such heights that it really seems quite an anti-climax for me to say that I must go to a "higher place"!--but you must excuse me all the same.
Mrs. Riis. I hope I have not delayed you?
Christensen. No, there is plenty of time. I am only longing fervently--you really must not be offended--to get away from here.
Christensen. What a remarkable thing that you should remind me of them! And, by the way, that reminds me that I am scarcely likely to meet you or your family in future.
Mrs. Riis. No. Our acquaintance with you is at an end.
Christensen. Thank God for that!--All I hope now is that I shall succeed in apportioning the ridicule with some degree of justice.
Mrs. Riis. You need only publish your autobiography!
Christensen. No--I think it should rather be your family principles, madam! They are really very quaint. And when I relate the manner in which they are put into practice by yourselves, I rather think that people will be quite sufficiently amused. To speak seriously for a moment--I mean to attack your husband's reputation in private and in public, until he quits the town. I am not the sort of man to accept a humiliation like this without returning the compliment. (Turns to go.)
Alfred (appearing in the doorway of the house). Father!
Christensen. You here?--How ill you look, my boy! Where have you been?
Alfred. I came here at the same time as you did, and have heard everything. Let me tell you this at once, that if you take another step against the Riis's, I shall go round and tell every one the reason why Miss Riis threw me over. I shall tell them exactly what it was. Oh, it is no use looking at me with that mocking expression! I shall do it--and at once, too.
Christensen. I think you may spare yourself the trouble. The gossip about a broken engagement will get all over the town quicker than you could spread it.
Nordan (going up to ALFRED). One word, my boy--do you still love her?
Alfred. Do you ask that because she has been unjust to me? Well, now I know quite well what led to it--and inevitably led to it. I understand now!
Christensen. And forgive her? Without anything more?
Alfred. I love her more than ever--whatever she thinks of me!