id not refuse that without
hesitation, I should be an accomplice to it. Perhaps some people could
put up with that. I cannot--no, I cannot. Do you think it is arrogance
on my part? Or because I am angry? If you knew what we two had planned
and schemed, you would understand me. And if you knew what I have
thought of him, how I have admired him--you did the same yourselves--and
how wretched I feel now, how utterly robbed of everything!--Who is it
that is crying? Is it you, mother? (She runs to her mother, kneels down
and buries her head in her lap. A pause. RIIS goes into his room.) Why
cannot we three hold together? If we do, what have we to be afraid of?
What is it that stands in the way? Father, what is it that stands in
the way?--But where is father? (Sees NORDAN outside the window.) Uncle
Nordan! This is a surprise! (Hurries across the room, throws herself
into NORDAN's arms as he enters, and bursts into tears.)

Nordan. Oh, you goose! You great goose!

Svava. You must come and talk to me!

Nordan. Isn't that what I am here for?

Svava. And I thought you were up in the mountains and could not hear
from us.

Nordan. So I was. But when I got telegram after telegram, as long as
they could reach me, and then one express letter after another--and now
the end of it all is--well, I don't suppose I dare even mention his name
here now? (RIIS comes in from his room.)

Riis. At last! We have been so anxious for you to come!

Mrs. Riis (who has at last risen and come forward). Thank you for
coming, dear doctor!

Nordan (looking at her). There is something serious up, then?

Mrs. Riis. I have something I want to say to you.

Nordan. Yes, but just now away you go, you two! Let me talk to this
booby. (MRS. RIIS goes out to the left. SVAVA follows her for a minute.)

Riis. I just want to tell you that in a little while--

Nordan.--the whole pack of Christensens will be here? I know that. Go
away now.

Riis. Nordan! (Whispers to him.)

Nordan. Yes, yes!--Quite so!--No, of course not! (Tries to stop his
whispering.) Do you suppose I don't know what I am about? Be off with
you! (SVAVA comes in, as her father goes out.)

Svava. Dear Uncle Nordan! At last, somebody that will agree with me!

Nordan. Am I?

Svava. Oh, Uncle Nordan, you don't know what these days have been like!

Nordan. And the nights too, I expect?--although, with all that, you
don't look so bad.

Svava. The last night or two I have slept.

Norda