Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/221



[Draws him into a corner, and whispers.]                             The Absolute Reason Departed this life at eleven last night. God help me! Why, yes, it's extremely deplorable. And as I'm placed, you see, it is doubly unpleasant; For this institution has passed up to now For what's called a madhouse. A madhouse, ha! Not now, understand! [Softly, pale with fear.]                       Now I see what the place is! And the man is mad;—and there's none that knows it! [Tries to steal away.

[Following him.]

However, I hope you don't misunderstand me? When I said he was dead, I was talking stuff. He's beside himself. Started clean out of his skin,— Just like my compatriot Münchausen's fox.

Excuse me a moment