Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/65



''A hillock, covered with bushes and heather. The high-*road runs behind it; a fence between.''

 comes along a footpath, goes quickly up to the fence, stops, and looks out over the distant prospect.

Yonder lies Hegstad. Soon I'll have reached it.

[Puts one leg over the fence; then hesitates. Wonder if Ingrid's alone in the house now? [Shades his eyes with his hand, and looks out. No; to the farm guests are swarming like midges.— H'm, to turn back now perhaps would be wisest. [Draws back his leg. Still they must titter behind your back, And whisper so that it burns right through you. [Moves a few steps away from the fence, and begins absently plucking leaves.

Ah, if I'd only a good strong dram now. Or if I could pass to and fro unseen.— Or were I unknown.—Something proper and strong Were the best thing of all, for the laughter don't bite then.

[''Looks around suddenly as though afraid; then hides among the bushes. Some pass by, going downwards towards the farm.''

[In conversation as they pass.]

His father was drunken, his mother is weak.