Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/73



No, unfortunately that will be out of my power for a very long time.

Indeed! How so?

The fact is, I have got a big piece of new work that I must set about at once.

Have you indeed?—[Pressing his hand.]—I am heartily glad to hear it.

I congratulate you, Mr. Borgheim!

Hush, hush—I really ought not to talk openly of it as yet! But I can't help coming out with it! It is a great piece of road-making—up in the north—with mountain ranges to cross, and the most tremendous difficulties to overcome!—[''With an outburst of gladness.'']—Oh, what a glorious world this is—and what a joy it is to be a road-maker in it!

[Smiling, and looking teasingly at him.] Is it road-making business that has brought you out here to-day in such wild spirits?