Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/279

 Mrs. Holt.

and has given lectures

Mrs. Rummel.

and has published an utterly crazy book.

Mrs. Lynge.

Is it possible?

Mrs. Rummel.

Yes, Lona Hessel, too, is certainly a sun-spot in the Bernicks' happiness. But now you know the whole story, Mrs. Lynge. Heaven knows, I have only told it to put you on your guard as to what you say.

Mrs. Lynge.

You may be quite easy on that point. But poor Dina Dorf! I really feel very sorry for her.

Mrs. Rummel.

Oh, for her it was an absolute stroke of luck. Only think, if she had remained in her parents' hands! Of course we all took an interest in her, and tried to instil good principles into her mind. At last Miss Bernick arranged that she should come and live here.

Mrs. Holt.

But she has always been a difficult girl to deal with—the effect of bad example, you know. Of course she is not like one of our own children—we have to make the best of her, Mrs. Lynge.

Mrs. Rummel.

Hush, there she comes. [Loud.] Yes, as you say, Dina is really quite a clever girl What, are you there, Dina? We are just finishing our work here.