ore to
preserve--I fancy it was the State--or perhaps the Church--I am really
not sure, because I didn't read it. They all signed it!

Mrs. Riis. You, as well?

Riis. I, as well. Do you suppose I was going to be left out of such good
company? Up at those exalted heights one obtains a happier and freer
outlook upon life. We were all friends up there. People came up and
congratulated me--and after a bit I wasn't sure whether it was on my
daughter's account or on my own; and, what is more, I never knew I had
so many friends in the town, let alone at Court! But in such brilliant
company and such an atmosphere of praises and compliments and general
amiability, one was not inclined to be particular! And there were only
men present! You know--you ladies must excuse me--there is sometimes
a peculiar charm in being only with men, especially on great occasions
like that. Conversation becomes more pointed, more actual, more
robust--and laughter more full of zest. Men seem to understand one
another almost without the need of words.

Mrs. Riis. I suppose you are feeling very happy to-day, then?

Riis. I should think I am!--and I only wish every one were the same! I
daresay life might be better than it is; but, as I saw it under those
circumstances from those exalted heights, it might also be much worse.
And, as for us men--oh, well, we have our faults, no doubt, but we are
very good company for all that. It would be a dull world without us, I
am sure. Let us take life as it comes, my dear Svava! (Comes nearer
to her. She gets up.) What is the matter? Are you still in a bad
temper?--when you have had the pleasure of boxing his ears with your own
gloves, before the whole family circle? What more can you reasonably
ask of life? I should say you ought to have a good laugh over it!--Or is
there something up? What? Come, what is the matter now?

Mrs. Riis. The fact is--

Riis. Well, the fact is--?

Mrs. Riis. The fact is that Alfred will be here in a moment.

Riis. Alfred here? In a moment? Hurrah! I quite understand! But why
didn't you tell me so at once?

Mrs. Riis. You have talked the whole time since you came in.

Riis. I do believe I have!--Well, if you are going to take it seriously,
my dear Svava, perhaps you will allow your "knightly" father to take it
lightly? The whole thing amuses me so tremendously. I was put into good
spirits to-day the moment I saw, from Christensen's face, that there
was nothing in the wind. And