own upon the couch again.)

Mrs. Riis. But you will never get them to understand that. I assure you,
you won't. As long as what he has done is only whispered about in
his family and amongst his intimate friends, they don't consider him
disgraced at all. There are too many that do just the same. It is only
when the knowledge of it becomes common property, that they consider
it a disgrace. And if it became known that there was a formal breach
between you--the Christensens' eldest son ignominiously refused because
of his past life--they would consider it the most shocking scandal that
could possibly overtake them! And we should feel the effect of it, in
particular. And so would those that are dependent on us--and they are
not so few in number, as you know, because you have interested yourself
in them, particularly in the children. You would have t. give up all the
interests you have made for Yourself here--because you would have to go
with us. I am certain your father is in earnest about that.

Svava. Oh! Oh!

Mrs. Riis. I almost wish I could tell you why I am so certain of that.
But I cannot--at all events not now. No, you must not tempt me to.--Here
comes your father. Only take time to reflect, Svava! No breaking of it
off, no scandal! (RIIS comes in from outside, with an opened letter in
his hand.)

Riis. Oh, there you are! (Goes into his room, lays down his hat and
stick, and comes out again.) You have taken no serious step yet, I
hope--eh?

Mrs. Riis. No, but--

Riis. Very well. Now here is a letter from the Christensens. If you
won't receive either your dance or his letters, you will have to put up
with his family's interference in the matter. Everything must come to an
end sooner or later. (Reads.) "My wife, my son and I will do ourselves
the honour of paying you a visit between eleven and twelve o'clock." The
only wonder is, that I have not had some such letter before this! I am
sure they have been patient enough.

Mrs. Riis. Well, we have got no farther to-day, either.

Riis. What are you thinking of, child? Can't you see what it must all
lead to? You are a good-hearted girl, I know--I am sure you don't want
to ruin us all absolutely? I certainly consider, Svava, that you have
acted quite severely enough now in this matter. They have suffered a
nasty shock to their self-confidence, both of them; you may be quite
sure of that. What more do you want? If you are really determined to
carry the matter farther