Riis. Don't you understand that we had to play cards yesterday, too? I could not get out of it; I had to make a fourth with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—that is to say, with our host, a cabinet minister, and old Holk. It was a tremendous honour to lose one's money to grand folk like that. Because I always lose, you know.—I came home about three o'clock, I should think.—What is that you are reading?
Mrs. Riis. The Fortnightly.
Riis. Has there been anything good in it while I have been away? (Begins to hum a tune.)
Mrs. Riis. Yes—there is an article here on heredity that you must read. It has some reference to what we began to talk about.
Riis. Do you know this tune? (Goes over to the piano.) It is all the rage now. I heard it all over Germany. (Begins to play and sing, but breaks off suddenly.) I will go and fetch the music, while I think of it! (Goes into his room and comes out again with the music. Sits down and begins to play and sing again. SVAVA comes in by it, door on the left. RIIS stops when he sees her, and jumps up.) Good morning, my child! Good morning! I have hardly had a chance to say a word to you yet. At the party everyone took you away from me! (Kisses her, and comes forward with her.)
Svava. Why were you so long of coming back from abroad?
Riis. Why don't people give one some warning when they are going to get engaged?
Svava. Because people don't know anything about it themselves, till it happens! Good morning again, mother. (Kneels down beside her.)
Mrs. Riis. There is a delicious freshness about you, dear! Did you have a walk in the wood after your swim?
Svava (getting up). Yes, and just as I got home a few minutes ago Alfred passed the house and called up to me. He is coming in directly.