Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/396

 honour. It begins charmingly with the line, "Wave th' Ideal's banner high." And Doctor Rörlund has been commissioned to make the speech of the evening. Of course, you must reply to it.

Bernick.

I cannot, I cannot this evening, Rummel. Couldn't you?

Rummel.

Impossible, much as I should like to. The Doctor's speech will, of course, be mainly addressed to you. Perhaps a few words will be devoted to the rest of us. I have spoken to Vigeland and Sandstad about it. We had arranged that your reply should take the form of a toast to the general welfare of the community. Sandstad will say a few words on the harmony between the different classes of the community; Vigeland will express the fervent hope that our new undertaking may not disturb the moral basis upon which we stand; and I will call attention, in a few well-chosen words, to the claims of Woman, whose more modest exertions are not without their use in the community. But you are not listening

Bernick.

Yes—yes, I am. Tell me, do you think the sea is running very high outside?

Rummel.

Oh, you are anxious on account of the Palm Tree? She's well insured, isn't she?

Bernick.

Yes, insured; but