Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/297

 ;-
 * I'm not the person you seem to think me.-
 * You look at my fingers? What see you in them?

PEER
 * A nail-system somewhat extremely developed.

THE LEAN ONE
 * And now? You are casting a glance at my feet?

PEER [pointing].
 * That's a natural hoof?

THE LEAN ONE
 * So I flatter myself.

PEER [raises his hat].
 * I'd have taken my oath you were simply a parson;
 * and I find I've the honour-. Well, best is best;-
 * when the hall door stands wide,-shun the kitchen way;
 * when the king's to be met with,-avoid the lackey.

THE LEAN ONE
 * Your hand! You appear to be free from prejudice.
 * Say on then, my - friend; in what way can I serve you?
 * Now you mustn't ask me for wealth or power;
 * I couldn't supply them although I should hang for it.
 * You can't think how slack the whole business is;-
 * transactions have dwindled most pitiably.
 * Nothing doing in souls; only now and again
 * a stray one-