Can such a man be tolerated? FALK. You Mistook his aim, however,— LIND. And how so? FALK. It was not Anna that he had in view. LIND. How, was it Svanhild? FALK. Well, I hardly know. [_Whimsically._ Forgive me, martyr to another’s cause! LIND. What do you mean? FALK. You’ve read the news to-night? LIND. No. FALK. Do so. There ’tis told in black and white Of one who, ill-luck’s bitter counsel taking, Had his sound teeth extracted from his jaws Because his cousin-german’s teeth were aching. MISS JAY [_looking out to the left_]. Here comes the priest! MRS. HALM. Now see a man of might! STIVER. Five children, six, seven, eight— FALK. And, heavens, all recent! MISS JAY. Ugh! it is almost to be called indecent. [_A carriage has meantime been heard stopping outside to the left._ STRAWMAN, _his wife, and eight little girls, all in travelling dress, enter one by one._ MRS. HALM [_advancing to meet them_]. Welcome, a hearty welcome! STRAWMAN. Thank you. MRS. STRAWMAN. Is it A party? MRS. HALM. No, dear madam, not at all. MRS. STRAWMAN. If we disturb you— MRS. HALM. _Au contraire_, your visit Could in no wise more opportunely fall. My Anna’s just engaged. STRAWMAN [_shaking_ ANNA’S _hand with unction_]. Ah then, I must Bear witness;—Lo! in wedded Love’s presented A treasure such as neither moth nor rust Corrupt—if it be duly supplemented. MRS. HALM. But how delightful that your little maids Should follow you to town. STRAWMAN. Four tender blades We have besides.