Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/339

 Lona.

Yes, indeed I am. Isn't she fresh, and sound, and true? She's just the wife for John. She's the sort of companion he needs over there; a different thing from an old step-sister.

Mrs. Bernick.

Dina! Dina Dorf! Just think!

Lona.

I think first and foremost of the boy's happiness. Help him I must and will—he needs a little help in such matters; he has never had much of an eye for women.

Mrs. Bernick.

He? Johan! Surely we have sad cause to know that

Lona.

Oh, deuce take that foolish old story? Where is Bernick? I want to speak to him.

Mrs. Bernick.

Lona, you shall not do it, I tell you!

Lona.

I shall do it. If the boy likes her, and she him, why then they shall make a match of it. Bernick is such a clever man; he must manage the thing

Mrs. Bernick.

And you think that these American infamies will be tolerated here

Lona.

Nonsense, Betty