Nordan. You are certainly embarking on your little war in the true statesmanlike spirit!
Christensen. It is nothing but sound common-sense, my dear sir; that is all that is necessary, I am sure. I shill have the whole town on my side, you may be certain of that!
Thomas (appearing at the house door). Doctor!
Nordan (turning round). Is it possible! (Hurries to the doorway, in which MRS. RIIS appears.)
Nordan. Of course! Will you come out here?
Mrs. Riis (to CHRISTENSEN, who bows to her). My visit is really to you, Mr. Christensen.
Mrs. Riis. I happened to look out into the street just as your carriage stopped and you got out. So I thought I would seize the opportunity--because you threatened us yesterday, you know. Is that not so? You declared war against us?
Christensen. My recollection of it is that war was declared, Mrs. Riis, but that I merely accepted the challenge.
Mrs. Riis. And what line is your campaign going to take, if I may ask the question?
Christensen. I have just had the honour of explaining my position to the doctor. I do not know whether it would be gallant to do as much to you.
Nordan. I will do it, then. The campaign will be directed against your husband. Mr. Christensen takes the offensive.
Mrs. Riis. Naturally!--because you know you can strike at him. But I have come to ask you to think better of it.
Mrs. Riis. Once--many years ago now--I took my child in my arms and threatened to leave my husband. Thereupon he mentioned the name of another man, and shielded himself behind that--for it was a distinguished name. "See how lenient that man's wife is," he said. "And, because she is so, all her friends are lenient, and that will be all the better for their child." Those were his words.
Christensen. Well, as far as the advice they implied was concerned, it was good advice--and no doubt you followed it.
Mrs. Riis. The position of a divorced woman is a very humiliating one in the eyes of the world, and the daughter of such a woman fares very little better. The rich and distinguished folk who lead the fashion take care of that.
Mrs. Riis. That is my excuse for not having the courage to leave him. I was thinking of my child's future. But it is my husband's excuse, too; because he is one of those who follows the example of others.