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.]
