Riis. I say that this is a very important moment! And at moments like this one sees very clearly, very—well, that is what happens!
Christensen. Your husband, Mrs. Riis, has suddenly had the same sort of revelation as our parson had lately—I should say, my wife's parson. It was one day just after dinner—after an extremely good dinner, by the way—a moment when a man often has very bright ideas. We were talking about all the things a woman has to learn now, as compared with the old days, and how some people say it is mere waste of time because she will forget it all again when she marries. "Yes," said parson, looking very pleased, "my wife has completely forgotten how to spell; I hope she will soon forget how to write, too!"
Mrs. Christensen. You imitate people so well, that one cannot help laughing—although it isn't right. (CHRISTENSEN looks at his watch.)
Riis. It doesn't look as if they were coming back?—Will you go, or shall I?
Mrs. Riis (getting up). I will go. But you could not expect them already—
Riis (coming close up to her and speaking in an undertone). This is your doing! I see it clearly!
Mrs. Riis. I do not think you know what you are saying. (Goes out.)
Riis (coming forward). I really must apologise most humbly! It is the last thing I should ever have expected of Svava—because I pride myself that the obligations of courtesy have never been disregarded in my house before.
Mrs. Christensen. Perhaps something has happened?
Riis. I beg your pardon?—Good heavens!