Riis (as he disappears). No, not the languages; but—(His voice is heard from within his room)—the language have done a wonderful lot! She has savoir vivre—what? (Comes out again.)
Mrs. Riis. I am sure that is not what Svava is most admired for.
Riis. No, no. On the boat, a man asked me if I were related to the Miss Riis who had founded the Kindergartens in the town. I said I had the honour to be her father. You should have seen his face! I nearly had a fit.
Mrs. Riis. Yes, the Kindergartens have been a great success from the very first.
Riis. And they are responsible for her getting engaged, too—aren't they? What?
Mrs. Riis. You must ask her.
Riis. You have never even noticed my new suit.
Mrs. Riis. Indeed I have.
Riis. I didn't hear as much as the tiniest cry of admiration from you. Look at the harmony of it all!—the scheme of colour, even down to the shoes!—what? And the handkerchief, too!
Mrs. Riis. How old are you, dear?