Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/155

 The Chamberlain.

He has just gone. I showed him the door.

Erik.

If you don't help me, father, I am ruined.

The Chamberlain.

You?

Erik.

Yes. Monsen has advanced me money. I had to pay terribly dear for it; and now the bills have fallen due

The Chamberlain.

There we have it! What did I tell you?

Erik.

Yes, yes; it's too late now

The Chamberlain.

Ruined! In two years! But how could you expect anything else? What had you to do among these charlatans that go about dazzling people's eyes with wealth that never existed! They were no company for you. Among people of that sort you must meet cunning with cunning, or you'll go to the wall; you have learnt that now.

Erik.

Father, will you save me or will you not?

The Chamberlain.

No; for the last time, no. I will not.

Erik.

My honour is at stake