Riis. Yes, who else? Of course the Government has once or twice made use of me to some small degree in connection with various commercial treaties; but now, as our great man's brother-in-law, I am going to be made a Knight of St. Olaf!
Svava. I congratulate you.
Riis. Well, when it rains on the parson it drips on the clerk, you know.
Svava. You are really most unexpectedly modest in your new position.
Riis. Am I not!—And now you shall see me as a modest showman of beautiful dresses—that is to say, of drawings of dresses—still more modest than the showman, from the latest play at the Français.
Svava. Oh no, dad—not now!
Mrs. Riis. We won't start on that till the afternoon.
Riis. One would really think I were the only woman of the lot! However, as you please. You rule the world! Well, then, I have another proposition to make, in two parts. Part one, that we sit down!
Svava. We sit down! (She and her father sit.)
Riis. And next, that you tell your newly-returned parent exactly how it all happened. All about that "riddle," you know!