FALK [to the ladies].
There--that's the song you asked me for; but pray
Be lenient to it--I can't think to-day.

GULDSTAD.
Oh, never mind the sense--the sound's the thing.

MISS JAY [looking round].
But Svanhild, who was eagerest to hear--?
When Falk began, she suddenly took wing
And vanished--

ANNA [pointing towards the back].
No, for there she sits--I see her.

MRS. HALM [sighing].
That child! Heaven knows, she's past my comprehending!

MISS JAY.
But, Mr. Falk, I thought the lyric's ending
Was not so rich in--well, in poetry,
As others of the stanzas seemed to be.

STIVER.
Why yes, and I am sure it could not tax
Your powers to get a little more inserted--

FALK [clinking glasses with him].
You cram it in, like putty into cracks,