I have often
found it so myself--often, I assure you! Just think it over, won't you?
I could see about making plans for you at once, if you think so--eh?
Well, then, good-bye for the present! And--think it over! I think myself
it is such an excellent plan! (Goes out. SVAVA looks at her mother with
a smile, and hides her face in her hands.)

Mrs. Riis. I must go away for a few minutes and--

Svava. Mother!

Mrs. Riis. I really must, dear! I must collect my thoughts. This has
been too much for me. I shall not go farther away than into my room
there (pointing to the room on the left). And I will come back directly.
(SVAVA throws herself into a chair by the table, overcome by her
emotion.)

Alfred. It looks as if we two were to have to settle this matter, after
all.

Svava. Yes.

Alfred. I daresay that you will understand that since yesterday I have
done nothing else but invent speeches to make to you--but now I do not
feel as if it had been of much use.

Svava. It was good of you to come.

Alfred. But you must let me make one request of you, and that from my
heart: Wait for me! Because I know now what will show me the way to your
heart. We had planned out our life together, you and I; and, although I
shall do it alone, I shall carry out our plans unfalteringly. And then
perhaps, some day, when you see how faithful I have been--. I know I
ought not to worry you, least of all to-day. But give me an answer! You
need scarcely say anything--but just give me an answer!

Svava. But what for?

Alfred. I must have it to live on--and the more difficult the prize
is to attain, the better worth living will life be to me. Give me an
answer!

Svava (tries to speak, but bursts into tears). Ah, you see how
everything upsets me to-day. I cannot. Besides, what do you want me to
do? To wait? What would that mean? It would mean being ready and yet
not ready; trying to forget and yet always having it before my mind. (Is
overcome again by her emotion.) No!

Alfred. I see you need to be alone. But I cannot bring myself to go
away. (SVAVA gets up, and tries to regain control over herself. ALFRED
goes to her and throws himself on his knees beside her.) Give me just
one word.

Svava. But do you not understand that if you could give me back once
more the happiness that complete trust gives--do you think I should wait
for you to ask anything of me then? No, I should go to you and thank you
on my knees. Can you doubt that for a mom