Riis (drawing off his gloves). Did you notice the tune I was playing when you came in? (Sits down at the piano.) I heard it everywhere in Germany. (Begins to play and sing, but stops short.) But, bless my soul, here is the music! You can play it and sing it for yourself. (Goes out, humming the air.)
Svava. He is delightful! There is really something so innocent about him. Did you notice him yesterday? He was simply coruscating.
Mrs. Riis. You did not see yourself, my dear!
Mrs. Riis. Your father's daughter--absolutely!
Svava. Yes, it is no use denying, mother, that however great one's happiness is, the friendliness of others increases it. I was thinking to-day over all the things that gave me so much happiness yesterday, and felt--oh, I can't tell you what I felt! (Nestles in her mother's arms.)
Mrs. Riis. You are a very lucky girl!--Now I must go and do my housekeeping.
Mrs. Riis. No, thank you, dear. (They cross the room together.)
Svava. Well, then, I will run through father's song once or twice--and Alfred should be here directly. (MRS. RIIS goes out by the door on the left. SVAVA sits down at the piano. ALFRED comes in softly from the left, and bends over her shoulder so that his face comes close to hers.)
Svava (jumping up). Alfred! I did not hear the door!
Alfred. Because you were playing. Something very pretty, too!
Svava. I enjoyed myself so much yesterday!
Alfred. I do not believe you have any idea what an impression you made!
Svava. Just a suspicion. But you must not talk about that, because it would be most improper for me to confess it!
Alfred. Every one was singing your praises to me, and a mother and father too. We are all very happy at how, to-day.
Svava. So we are here!--What is that you have got in your hand? A letter?
Alfred. Yes, a letter. Your maid who opened the door gave it to me. Someone has been clever enough to count upon my coming here some time this morning.
Svava. You don't think that was difficult to guess?
Alfred. Not particularly. It is from Edward Hansen.
Svava. But you can take a short cut to his house through our park. (Points to the right.)
Alfred. Yes, I know. And as he says it is urgent, and underlines the word--
Svava.--you can have my key. Here it is. (Gives it to him.)