But if the case stands thus, the whole proceeding May easily be ended with a laugh; All turns upon a single paragraph, Which bids the wife attend the spouse. No pleading Can wrest an ordinance so clearly stated— MISS JAY. Doubtless, but does that help us to agree? STRAWMAN. She must obey a law that heaven dictated. STIVER. But Lind can circumvent that law, you see. [_To_ LIND. Put off your journey, and then—budge no jot. AUNTS [_delighted_]. Yes, that’s the way! MRS. HALM.. Agreed! MISS JAY. That cuts the knot. [SVANHILD _and the maids have meantime laid the tea-table beside the verandah steps. At_ MRS. HALM’S _invitation the ladies sit down. The rest of the company take their places, partly on the verandah and in the summer-house, partly in the garden._ FALK _sits on the verandah. During the following scene they drink tea._ MRS. HALM [_smiling_]. And so our little storm is overblown. Such summer showers do good when they are gone; The sunshine greets us with a double boon, And promises a cloudless afternoon. MISS JAY. Ah yes, Love’s blossom without rainy skies Would never thrive according to our wishes. FALK. In dry land set it, and it forthwith dies; For in so far the flowers are like the fishes— SVANHILD. Nay, for Love lives, you know, upon the air— MISS JAY. Which is the death of fishes— FALK. So I say. MISS JAY. Aha, we’ve put a bridle on you there! MRS. STRAWMAN. The tea is good, one knows by the bouquet. FALK. Well, let us keep the simile you chose. Love is a flower; for if heaven’s blessed rain Fall short, it all but pines to death— [_Pauses._ MISS JAY. What then? FALK [_with a gallant bow_].