Riis. Well, the fact is—?
Mrs. Riis. The fact is that Alfred will be here in a moment.
Riis. Alfred here? In a moment? Hurrah! I quite understand! But why didn't you tell me so at once?
Mrs. Riis. You have talked the whole time since you came in.
Riis. I do believe I have!—Well, if you are going to take it seriously, my dear Svava, perhaps you will allow your "knightly" father to take it lightly? The whole thing amuses me so tremendously. I was put into good spirits to-day the moment I saw, from Christensen's face, that there was nothing in the wind. And so Alfred is coming here directly! Then I understand everything. Hurrah, once more! I assure you that is the best of all the good things that have happened to-day. I really think I must play a festal overture till he comes! (Goes towards the piano, singing.)
Mrs. Riis. No, no, dear! Do you hear? No, no! (RIIS plays on, without listening to hey, till she goes up to him, and stops him, pointing to SVAVA.)
Svava. Oh, let him play, mother—let him play! It is the innocent gaiety that I have admired since I was a child! (Bursts into tears, but collects herself.) How hateful! How horrible!
Riis. My dear child, you look as if you wanted to be throwing down gauntlets to-day too! Isn't that all done with?
Svava. No, indeed it is not!
Riis. You shall have the loan of my gloves, if you haven't—