Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/388



Ugh! it is almost to be called indecent.

[A carriage has meantime been heard stopping outside to the left., his wife, and eight little girls, all in travelling dress, enter one by one.

[advancing to meet them].

Welcome, a hearty welcome!

Thank you.

Is it A party?

No, dear madam, not at all.

If we disturb you—

Au contraire, your visit Could in no wise more opportunely fall. My Anna's just engaged.

[shaking ''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.