Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/331

 Bernick.

Oh, she is always busy either at the school, or among her sick people.

Johan.

Then it was Martha that took charge of Dina?

Bernick.

Yes; education has always been Martha's hobby. That is why she accepted a place in the national school. It was a piece of folly on her part.

Johan.

She certainly looked very much done up yesterday. I should scarcely think her health would stand it.

Bernick.

Oh, I don't think there's much amiss with her health. But it's unpleasant for me. It looks as if I, her brother, were not willing to maintain her.

Johan.

Maintain her? I thought she had enough of her own to

Bernick.

Not a halfpenny. I daresay you remember what difficulties my mother was in when you left. She got on for some time with my help; but of course that arrangement could not permanently satisfy me. So I determined to go into partnership with her; but even then things were far from going well. At last I had to take over the whole affair; and when we came to make up accounts, there was scarcely anything left to my mother's share. Then, shortly afterwards, she died; and Martha, of course, was left with nothing.