y
acknowledge that as your standpoint?

Christensen. But don't we?

Mrs. Riis. No--not here, at all events. On the contrary, you range
yourselves ostensibly under our banner, while all the time you are
secretly betraying it. Why have you not the courage to unfurl your
own? Let these bachelor customs of yours be sanctioned as entirely
suitable--then we should be able to join issue with you. And then
every innocent bride would be able to know what it is she is entering
upon--and in what capacity.

Nordan. That would be simply nothing more or less than abolishing
marriage.

Mrs. Riis. Would not that be more honest, too? Because now it is only
being corrupted, long before it begins.

Christensen. Oh, of course it is all the men's fault! It is the fashion
to say that now--it is part of the "struggle for freedom." Down with
man's authority, of course!

Mrs. Riis. The authority his bachelor life has won for him!

Nordan. Ha, ha!

Mrs. Riis. Do not let us cover up the real issue with phrases! Let us
rather speak of the "desolate hearth" that the poet writes of. Marriage
laid in ruins is what he means by that; and what is the cause of it?
What is the cause of the chilly, horrible commonplace of every-day
life--sensual, idle, brutish? I could paint it even more vividly, but I
will not. I will refrain, for instance, from bringing up the subject
of hereditary disease. Let the question be thrashed out openly! Then
perhaps a fire will be kindled--and our consciences stirred! It must
become the most momentous question in every home. That is what is
needed!

Christensen. Our conversation has soared to such heights that it really
seems quite an anti-climax for me to say that I must go to a "higher
place"!--but you must excuse me all the same.

Mrs. Riis. I hope I have not delayed you?

Christensen. No, there is plenty of time. I am only longing
fervently--you really must not be offended--to get away from here.

Mrs. Riis. To your--equals?

Christensen. What a remarkable thing that you should remind me of them!
And, by the way, that reminds me that I am scarcely likely to meet you
or your family in future.

Mrs. Riis. No. Our acquaintance with you is at an end.

Christensen. Thank God for that!--All I hope now is that I shall succeed
in apportioning the ridicule with some degree of justice.

Mrs. Riis. You need only publish your autobiography!

Christensen. No--I think it should rather be your family principles,
m