Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/167

 Hist, Olaf Skaktavl! Here he comes. Now be cautious.

[Approaches courteously.] My noble hostess has summoned me.

I have learned through my daughter that you are minded to leave us to-night.

Even so, to my sorrow;—since my business at Östråt is over.

Not before I have the papers.

True, true. I had well-nigh forgot the weightiest part of my errand. 'Twas the fault of our noble hostess. With such gracious skill did she keep her guests in talk at table

That you no longer remembered what had brought you hither? I rejoice to hear it; for that was my design. Methought that if my guest, Nils Lykke, were to feel at his ease in Östråt, he must forget