Falk.
Great God! It is not you—?
Svanhild.
Who win this overplus of bliss? Ah no!
Falk [with almost childish joy].
It is not you! O God be glorified! What love, what mercy does He not bestow! I shall not see you as another's bride;— 'Twas but the fire of pain He bade me bear—
[Tries to seize her hand.
O hear me, Svanhild, hear me then—
Svanhild [pointing quickly to the background].
See there!
[She goes towards the house. At the same moment Mrs. Halm, Anna, Miss Jay, Guldstad, Stiver, and Lind emerge from the background. During the previous scene the sun has set; it is now dark.
Mrs. Halm [to Svanhild].
The Strawmans may be momently expected.
Where have you been?
Miss Jay [after glancing at Falk].
Your colour's very high.
Svanhild.
A little face-ache; it will soon pass by.
