Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/368

 Johan Tönnesen enters from the right.

Bernick.

[Going towards him.] Johan!

Johan.

[Waving him off.] Let me speak first. Yesterday morning I gave you my word to be silent.

Bernick.

You did.

Johan.

But I did not know then

Bernick.

Johan, let me in two words explain the circumstances

Johan.

There is no necessity; I understand the circumstances very well. Your house was in a difficult position; and I was far away, and you had my unprotected name and fame to do what you liked with Well, I don't blame you so much for it; we were young and thoughtless in those days. But now I need the truth, and now you must speak out.

Bernick.

And just at this moment I require all my moral authority, and therefore I cannot speak out.

Johan.

I don't care so much about the falsehoods you have trumped up at my expense; it is the other thing that you must take upon your own shoulders. Dina shall be my wife, and I will live here, here in this town, along with her.