Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/186

 Stensgård.

Indeed? I'm sorry for that. He has a big stroke of business on hand, I hear.

Bastian.

I have a big stroke of business on hand too. Look here, Stensgård, you must do me a service.

Stensgård.

Willingly. What is it?

Bastian.

I feel so full of energy. I have to thank you for that; you have stimulated me. I feel I must do something, Stensgård:—I want to get married.

Stensgård.

To get married? To whom?

Bastian.

Sh! Some one in this house.

Stensgård.

Madam Rundholmen?

Bastian.

Sh! Yes, it's her. Put in a good word for me, do! This sort of thing is just the thing for me. She's in the swim, you know; she's on the best of terms with the Chamberlain's people, ever since her sister was housekeeper there. If I get her, perhaps I shall get the town-contracts too. So that on the whole—damn it, I love her!

Stensgård.

Oh, love, love! Have done with that sickening hypocrisy.