. Not more than I am, I think.--So she knows it now, does she!
(They go out.)

SCENE II

(SCENE.--The same as in Acts I. and II. SVAVA comes into the room slowly
and looks round; then goes to the door and looks round outside the
house, then comes in again. As she turns back, she sees NORDAN standing
in the doorway.)

Svava. You!--Oh, Uncle Nordan! (Sobs.)

Nordan. My child! My dear child! Calm yourself!

Svava. But haven't you seen mother? She said she had gone across to see
you.

Nordan. Yes, she is coming directly. But look here--suppose you and I
go for a good long walk together, instead of talking to your mother or
anyone? Along quiet walk? Eh?

Svava. I can't.

Nordan. Why?

Svava. Because I must make an end of all this.

Nordan. What do you mean?

Svava (without answering his question). Uncle--?

Nordan. Yes?

Svava. Does Alfred know this?--Did he know it before?

Nordan. Yes.

Svava. Of course every one knew it except me. Oh, how I wish I could
hide myself away from every one! I will, too. I see the real state of
things now for the first time. I have been like a child trying to push a
mountain away with its two hands--and they have all been standing round,
laughing at me, of course. But let me speak to Alfred!

Nordan. To Alfred?

Svava. I behaved so wrongly yesterday. I ought never to have gone into
the room--but you gave me no choice when you came to me. I went with you
almost unconsciously.

Nordan. I suppose it was thinking of your father--of what I told you
about him--that made you--

Svava. I did not understand all at once. But, when I was by myself, it
all flashed across me--mother's strange uneasiness--father's threats
about leaving the country--all sorts of expressions, and signs--lots
and lots of things I had never understood and never even thought twice
about! I chased them out of my mind, but back they came!--back and back
again! It seemed to paralyse me. And when you took me by the arm and
said: "Now you must go in!"--I hardly had strength to think. Everything
seemed to be going round and round.

Nordan. Yes, I made a regular mess of it--both on that occasion and the
time before.

Svava. No, it was all quite right--quite right! We certainly went a
little off the lines, it is true. I must speak to Alfred; the matter
must not rest as it is. But, except for that, it was all quite right.
And now I have got to make an end of it all.

Nordan. What do you mean?

Svava. Wh