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 beneficent cause. What follows? Can I possibly act otherwise than I am doing? Would you have me, in order to hold your home together, as you call it, sacrifice hundreds of other homes—homes that will never be founded, will never have a smoking hearthstone, if I do not succeed in my present enterprise? You must make your choice.

Aune.

Well, if you put it that way, I've got no more to say.

Bernick.

H'm—; my dear Aune, I am truly sorry we must part.

Aune.

We will not part, Consul Bernick.

Bernick.

What?

Aune.

Even a common man has his rights to stand up for here in the world.

Bernick.

Of course, of course. Then you can promise?

Aune.

The Indian Girl shall be ready for sea the day after to-morrow. [He bows and goes out to the right.

Bernick.

Aha, I've made that stiff neck bend. I take that as a good omen

Hilmar Tönnesen, with a cigar in his mouth, comes through the garden gate.