Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/366

.

Can't say. No one got out or in; but all the same the train stopped a long, endless time. And at every station I could make out that there were two railway men walking up and down the platform—one with a lantern in his hand—and they said things to each other in the night, low, and toneless, and meaningless.

.

Yes, that is quite true. There are always two men walking up and down, and talking

.

—of nothing. [Changing to a livelier tone.] But just wait till to-morrow. Then we shall have the great luxurious steamer lying in the harbour. We'll go on board her, and sail all round the coast—northward ho!—right to the polar sea.

.

Yes, but then you will see nothing of the country—and of the people. And that was what you particularly wanted.

.

[Short and snappishly.] I have seen more than enough.

.

Do you think a sea voyage will be better for you?

.

It is always a change.