Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/385



[Interrupting.] We know your ways of old. [Turning.] Can I give the waiter any orders, Professor? Can I send Mrs. Rubek anything? No thank you; nothing for me. Nor for me. [The goes into the hotel.

[Stares at them a moment; then lifts his hat.] Why, blast me if here isn't a country tyke that has strayed into regular tip-top society.

[Looking up.] What do you mean by that, Mr. Ulfheim?

[More quietly and politely.] I believe I have the honour of addressing no less a person than the great Sculptor Rubek.

[Nods.] I remember meeting you once or twice—the autumn when I was last at home.

That's many years ago now, though. And then you weren't so illustrious as I hear you've