Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/221

 *in-law. Whatever else comes of it, that will steady him.

The Chamberlain.

[Pacing the room.] My poor Selma! Our peace and happiness gone!

Fieldbo.

There are higher things than peace and happiness. Your happiness has been an illusion. Yes, I must speak frankly to you: in that, as in many other things, you have built on a hollow foundation. You have been shortsighted and overweening, Chamberlain!

The Chamberlain.

[Stops short.] I?

Fieldbo.

Yes, you! You have plumed yourself on your family honour; but when has that honour been tried? Are you sure it would have stood the test?

The Chamberlain.

You can spare your sermons, Doctor. Do you think I have not learnt a lesson from the events of these days?

Fieldbo.

I daresay you have; but prove it, by showing greater tolerance and clearer insight. You reproach your son; but what have you done for him? You have taken care to develop his faculties, but not to form his character. You have lectured him on what he owed to the honour of his family; but you have not guided and moulded him so that honour became to him an irresistible instinct.

The Chamberlain.

Do you think so?