Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/189

 Bastian.

I? With whom?

Stensgård.

Have you really not noticed anything? Yet it's before your very nose.

Bastian.

You surely don't mean?

Stensgård.

Your sister Ragna? Yes, it is she. Oh, you don't know how I have been moved by the sight of her quiet, self-sacrificing devotion to her home

Bastian.

Do you really mean to say so?

Stensgård.

And you, with your penetrating eye, have suspected nothing?

Bastian.

Yes, at one time I did think; but now people are talking of your hanging about the Chamberlain's

Stensgård.

Oh, the Chamberlain's! Well, Monsen, I'll tell you frankly that for a moment I did hesitate; but, thank goodness, that is over; now I see my way quite clear before me.

Bastian.

There's my hand. I'll back you up, you may be sure. And as for Ragna—why, she daren't do anything but what I and father wish.