Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/432

 Rörlund.

What a thunderbolt! The first man in the town! [Softly to Mrs. Bernick.] Oh, how I pity you, Mrs. Bernick!

Hilmar.

Such a confession! Well, I must say

Bernick.

But do not decide this evening. I ask every one of you to go home—to collect himself—to look into himself. When your minds are calm again, it will be seen whether I have lost or gained by speaking out. Good-night! I have still much, very much, to repent of, but that concerns only my own conscience. Good-night! Away with all this show! We all feel that it is out of place here.

Rörlund.

Assuredly it is. [Softly to Mrs. Bernick.] Run away! So, after all, she was quite unworthy of me. [Half aloud, to the Committee.] Yes, gentlemen, after this, I think we had better withdraw as quickly as possible.

Hilmar.

How, after this, one is to hold high the banner of the ideal, I for oneUgh!

[The announcement has meanwhile been whispered from mouth to mouth. All the members of the procession retire through the garden. Rummel, Sandstad, and Vigeland go off disputing earnestly but softly. Hilmar Tönnesen slips out to the right. Consul Bernick, Mrs.