Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/309

 Bernick.

I didn't get you here to argue with you. I sent for you to tell you that the Indian Girl must be ready to sail the day after to-morrow.

Aune.

Why, Consul

Bernick.

The day after to-morrow, do you hear? At the same time as our own ship; not an hour later. I have my reasons for hurrying on the affair. Have you read this morning's paper? Ah!—then you know that the Americans have been making disturbances again. The ruffianly crew turn the whole town topsy-turvy. Not a night passes without fights in the taverns or on the street; not to speak of other abominations.

Aune.

Yes, they're a bad lot, for certain.

Bernick.

And who gets the blame of all this? It is I—yes, I—that suffer for it. These wretched newspaper-men are covertly carping at us for giving our whole attention to the Palm Tree. And I, whose mission it is to set an example to my fellow citizens, must have such things thrown in my teeth! I won't bear it. I cannot have my name bespattered in this way.

Aune.

Oh, the name of Bernick is good enough to bear that, and more.

Bernick.

Not just now; precisely at this moment I need all the respect and goodwill of my fellow citizens,