Svava. There is no doubt about it. And don't you think that is really just as disgraceful debauchery, in its town way, as drink is in its?
Riis. Oh, well—!
Svava. Yes, you shrug your shoulders. Alfred did not do that. He told me of his own experiences—in great cities. It was horrible!
Riis. What was horrible?
Svava. The contrast between poverty and wealth—between the bitterest want and the most reckless luxury.
Riis. Oh—that! I thought, perhaps—. However, go on!
Svava. He did not sit looking quite indifferent and clean his nails.
Riis. I beg your pardon.
Svava. Oh, please go on, dear!—No, he prophesied a great social revolution, and spoke so fervently about it—and it was then that he told me what his ideas about wealth were. It was the greatest possible surprise to me—and a new idea to me, too, to some extent. You should have seen how handsome he looked!
Riis. Handsome, did you say?