Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/333

 have some steady-going person like her, whom one can put to anything that may turn up.

Johan.

Yes, but she herself?

Bernick.

She herself? What do you mean? Oh, of course she has plenty to interest herself in—Betty, and Olaf, and me, you know. People ought not to think of themselves first; women least of all. We have each our community, great or small, to support and work for. I do so, at any rate.

[Pointing to Krap, who enters from the right.] See, here you have an instance. Do you think it is my own business I am occupied with? By no means. [Quickly to Krap.] Well?

Krap.

[Whispers, showing him a bundle of papers.] All the arrangements for the purchase are complete.

Bernick.

Capital! excellent!—Oh, Johan, you must excuse me for a moment. [Low, and with a pressure of the hand.] Thanks, thanks, Johan; and be sure that anything I can do to serve you—you understand Come, Mr. Krap!

[They go into the Consuls office.

Johan.

[Looks after him for some time.] H'm!

[He turns to go down the garden. At the same moment Martha enters from the right with a little basket on her arm.