Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/338

 Wilton has taken such a fancy to her, and she is to go abroad with her and study music. And Mrs. Wilton has engaged a first-rate teacher who is to accompany them on the journey—and to read with Frida too. For unfortunately she has been a good deal neglected in some branches, you see.

[Shaken with inward laughter.] Of course, of course—I see it all quite clearly, Vilhelm.

[Eagerly continuing.] And only think, she knew nothing about the arrangement until this evening; at that party, you know, h'm! And yet she found time to write to me. And the letter is such a beautiful one—so warm and affectionate, I assure you. There is not a trace of contempt for her father in it. And then what a delicate thought it was to say good-bye to us by letter—before she started. [Laughing.] But of course I can't let her go like that.

[Looks inquiringly at him.] How so?

She tells me that they start early to-morrow morning; quite early.

Oh indeed—to-morrow? Does she tell you that?