them, all the time?

Hoff. No, it was not them. But they are responsible for my having for a
long time thought very highly of you, Miss Riis. If you will excuse my
saying so, I had never before seen fashionable young ladies trying to
do anything useful--never. I am only a little broken-down tradesman
travelling for a firm--a worthless sort of chap in many ways, and one
that very likely deserves what he has got--but anyway I wanted you to be
spared. Indeed thought it was my duty--absolutely my duty. But now when
I see you sitting there before me--well, now I only I feel miserably
unhappy. So I won't trouble you at all (Gets up.) Not at all.

Svava. I really cannot understand--

Hoff. Please don't bother about me! And please forgive my disturbing
you.--No, you really must not give me another thought! Just imagine that
I have not been here--that is all. (As he reaches the door, he meets
ALFRED coming in. As soon as he sees that SVAVA is watching them, he
goes hurriedly out. SVAVA sees the meeting between the two and gives a
little scream, then rushes to meet ALFRED. But as soon as she is face
to face with him, she seems terrified. As he comes nearer to take her in
his arms she cries out: "Don't touch me!" and hurries out by the door
on the left. She is heard locking and bolting it on the inside. Then a
violent outburst of weeping is heard, the sound being somewhat deadened
by the distance, but only for a few moments. Then the sound of singing
is heard outside, and a few seconds later RIIS comes into the room. The
curtain falls as he enters.)

ACT II

(SCENE.--The same as in Act I. SVAVA is lying on the couch to the right,
resting her head on one hand, looking out towards the park. Her mother
is sitting beside her.)

Mrs. Riis. Decisions as hasty as yours, Svava, are not really decisions
at all. There is always a great deal more to be taken into consideration
than one realises at first. Take time to think it over! I believe he is
a fine fellow. Give him time to show it; don't break it off immediately!

Svava. Why do you keep on saying that to me?

Mrs. Riis. Well, dear, you know I have never had the chance of saying
anything to you till to-day.

Svava. But you keep harping on that one string.

Mrs. Riis. What note do you want me to strike, then?

Svava. The note your dear good mother would have struck--quite a
different one altogether.

Mrs. Riis. It is one thing to teach your child how to make a proper