Mrs. Riis. About that matter of Mrs. North, of course.
Nordan. That matter of Mrs. North? Well, I was talking to Christensen about it just now. He has advanced the money and is going to try and get the bank to suspend proceedings. I have told you that already. What else do you want to know?
Mrs. Riis. I want to know how much gossip there is about it, my dear friend.
Nordan. Oh, men don't gossip about each other's affairs.--By the way, isn't our friend in there (nodding towards the door on the right) going to be told about it? This seem, a good opportunity.
Nordan. Because Christensen will have to be repaid, you know. I told him he would be.
Mrs. Riis. Naturally. What else would you suppose?
Nordan (getting up). Well, I am going away for my holidays, so Christensen must look after it now.--Was it a very grand party yesterday?
Nordan. No, the Christensens' parties are never very luxurious. But I suppose there were a lot of people?
Mrs. Riis. I have never seen so many at a private entertainment.
Nordan. Already? Did you come home early, then?
Mrs. Riis. At about twelve, I think. Svava wanted to come home. My husband was late, I think.
Nordan. The card tables. She looked radiant, I suppose, eh?
Nordan. I never go to betrothal parties, and I never go to Weddings--never! I can't bear the sight of the poor victims in their veils and wreaths.
Mrs. Riis. But, my dear doctor, you surely think--as we all do--that this will be a happy marriage?
Nordan. He is a fine lad. But, all the same--I have been taken in so often.--Oh, well!
Mrs. Riis. She was so happy, and is just as happy to-day.
Nordan. It is a pity I shall not see her. Good-bye, Mrs. Riis.
Mrs. Riis. Good-bye, doctor. Then you are off to-day?
Mrs. Riis. Quite so. Well, I hope you will enjoy yourself--and, many thanks for what you have done!
Nordan. It is I ought to thank you, my dear lady! I aim vexed not to be able to say good-bye to Svava. (Goes out. MRS. RIIS takes up a magazine from the table on the left and settles herself comfortably on a couch from which she can see into the park. During what follows she reads whenever opportunity allows. RIIS comes in through the door to the right, in his shirt sleeves and struggling with his collar.)