Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/106

 back and join your people. Keep guard on the road. Should I mark aught that mislikes me, you shall know it forthwith.

Good, good. But how am I to get out?

The fellow that brought us in will show the way. But go quietly

Of course, of course. Well—good fortune to you!

Fortune has never failed me in a war with women. Haste you now!

[Stands still for a while; then walks about the room, looking round him; then he says softly:] At last, then, I am at Östråt—the ancient hall whereof a child, two years ago, told me so much. Lucia. Ay, two years ago she was still a child. And now—now she is dead. [Hums with a half-smile.] "Blossoms plucked are blossoms withered"

Östråt. 'Tis as though I had seen it all before; as though I were at home here.—In there