Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/258

 Lynge, Miss Bernick (Martha), and Dina Dorf. All the ladies are busy sewing. On the table lie large heaps of half-finished and cut-out linen, and other articles of clothing. Farther back, at a little table on which are two flower-pots and a glass of eau sucré, sits Doctor Rörlund, reading from a book with gilt edges, a word here and there being heard by the audience. Out in the garden Olaf Bernick is running about, shooting at marks with a crossbow.

Presently Aune, the foreman shipbuilder, enters quietly by the door on the right. The reading ceases for a moment; Mrs. Bernick nods to him and points to the left-hand door. Aune goes quietly to the Consul's door, knocks softly, pauses a moment, then knocks again. Krap, the Consul's clerk, opens the door and comes out with his hat in his hand and papers under his arm.

Krap.

Oh, it's you knocking?

Aune.

The Consul sent for me.

Krap.

Yes; but he can't see you just now; he has commissioned me

Aune.

You? I'd a deal sooner

Krap.

commissioned me to tell you this: You must stop these Saturday lectures to the workmen.