adam! They are really very quaint. And when I relate the manner in
which they are put into practice by yourselves, I rather think that
people will be quite sufficiently amused. To speak seriously for a
moment--I mean to attack your husband's reputation in private and in
public, until he quits the town. I am not the sort of man to accept a
humiliation like this without returning the compliment. (Turns to go.)

Nordan. This is shocking!

Alfred (appearing in the doorway of the house). Father!

Christensen. You here?--How ill you look, my boy! Where have you been?

Alfred. I came here at the same time as you did, and have heard
everything. Let me tell you this at once, that if you take another step
against the Riis's, I shall go round and tell every one the reason why
Miss Riis threw me over. I shall tell them exactly what it was. Oh, it
is no use looking at me with that mocking expression! I shall do it--and
at once, too.

Christensen. I think you may spare yourself the trouble. The gossip
about a broken engagement will get all over the town quicker than you
could spread it.

Nordan (going up to ALFRED). One word, my boy--do you still love her?

Alfred. Do you ask that because she has been unjust to me? Well, now I
know quite well what led to it--and inevitably led to it. I understand
now!

Christensen. And forgive her? Without anything more?

Alfred. I love her more than ever--whatever she thinks of me!

Christensen. Well, upon my word! What next, I should like to know? You
claim your right to resume the role of lover, and leave us and other
honest folk to put the best face we can on the muddle you have made!
I suppose you are going across the road now to tell her how much you
enjoyed yourself yesterday?--or to ask for a respite till to-morrow, to
give you time to pass decently through a process of purification? May I
ask where you are going to find it and what it is going to consist of?
Oh, don't look so melodramatic! If you can put up with what you got from
Riis's girl yesterday and her mother to-day, surely you can put up with
a little angry talk or a little chaff from your father. I have had to
put up with the whole affair--the betrothal and the breaking it off
as well! And then to be sprinkled with essence of morality into the
bargain! Good Lord! I hope at least I shall not smell of it still when I
get to the palace. (Goes towards the house, but turns back at the door.)
You will find same money in the off