Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/334



[Shortly.] This is not Mrs. Borkman.

Oh, I beg pardon. You see, I have lost my spectacles in the snow. But how is it that you, who never put your foot out of doors?

[Carelessly and gaily.] It is high time I should come out into the open air again, don't you see? Nearly three years in detention—five years in prison—eight years in the gallery up there

[Distressed.] Borkman, I beg you

Ah yes, yes, yes!

But I want to know what has brought you here.

[Still standing at the foot of the steps.] I wanted to come up to you, John Gabriel. I felt I must come to you, in the gallery. Ah me, that gallery!

Did you want to come up to me after I had shown you the door?