Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/317

 the drug-store to stare at them and make remarks. Really, this is too much for my nerves; how a man under such circumstances is to hold high the banner of the ideal

Bernick.

They are coming straight here. Listen, Betty: it is my decided wish that you should be as friendly as possible to them.

Mrs. Bernick.

May I, Karsten?

Bernick.

Of course, of course; and you too, Hilmar. I daresay they won't remain very long; and when we are alone with them—let us have no allusions to the past—we must on no account hurt their feelings.

Mrs. Bernick.

Oh, Karsten, how noble you are.

Bernick.

No, no, nothing of the sort.

Mrs. Bernick.

Oh, but you must let me thank you; and forgive me for being so hasty. You had every reason to

Bernick.

Don't talk of it, don't talk of it, I say.

Hilmar.

Ugh!

Johan Tönnesen and Dina, followed by Lona and Olaf, come through the garden.