Falk [with a scornful laugh].
This is your vaunted soul of freedom therefore! All daring, if it had an end to dare for!
[Vehemently.
I've shown you one; now, once for all, your yea
Or nay.
Svanhild.
You know the answer I must make you:
I never can accept you in your way.
Falk [coldly, breaking off].
Then there's an end of it; the world may take you!
[Svanhild has silently turned away. She supports her hands upon the verandah railing, and rests her head upon them.
Falk.
[Walks several times up and down, takes a cigar, stops near her and says, after a pause:
You think the topic of my talk to-night
Extremely ludicrous, I should not wonder?
[Pauses for an answer. Svanhild is silent.
I'm very conscious that it was a blunder;
Sister's and daughter's love alone possess you;
Henceforth I'll wear kid gloves when I address you,
Sure, so, of being understood aright.
[Pauses, but as Svanhild remains motionless, he turns and goes towards the right.
