Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/251

 Thora.

Oh! so you were behind the curtains?

Fieldbo.

Now I understand!

The Chamberlain.

Yes, you are the one to keep your own counsel

Fieldbo.

Would it have been of any use for me to speak earlier?

The Chamberlain.

You are right, Fieldbo. These days have taught me a lesson.

Thora.

[Aside to Fieldbo.] Yes, you can keep your own counsel. All this about Mr. Stensgård—why did you tell me nothing?

Fieldbo.

When a hawk is hovering over the dove-cote, one watches and shields his little dove—one does not alarm her.

[They are interrupted by Madam Rundholmen.

Heire.

[To the Chamberlain.] I'm sorry to tell you, Chamberlain, that the settlement of our little legal differences will have to be adjourned indefinitely.

The Chamberlain.

Indeed! Why so?

Heire.

You must know I've accepted a post as society reporter on Aslaksen's paper.