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 moment?
Alfred. No, no!
Svava. But I have not got it.
Alfred. Svava!
Svava. Oh, please--!
Alfred. Good-bye--good-bye! But I shall see you again some day? I shall see you again? (Turns to go, but stops at the door.) I must have a sign--something definite to take with me! Stretch out a hand to me! (At these words SVAVA turns to him and stretches out both her hands to him.
He goes out. MRS. RIIS comes in from her room.)
Mrs. Riis. Did you promise him anything?
Svava. I think so. (Throws herself into her mother"s arms.)