Stiver.
But if the case stands thus, the whole proceeding
May easily be ended with a laugh;
All turns upon a single paragraph,
Which bids the wife attend the spouse. No pleading
Can wrest an ordinance so clearly stated—
Miss Jay.
Doubtless, but does that help us to agree?
Strawman.
She must obey a law that heaven dictated.
Stiver.
But Lind can circumvent that law, you see.
[To Lind.
Put off your journey, and then—budge no jot.
Aunts [delighted].
Yes, that's the way!
Mrs. Halm..
Agreed!
Miss Jay.
That cuts the knot.
[Svanhild and the maids have meantime
laid the tea-table beside the verandah
steps. At Mrs. Halm's invitation the
ladies sit down. The rest of the company
take their places, partly on the ve-*
