Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/437

 Bernick.

True, true. And for that very reason—it is settled, Lona, is it not?—you won't leave Betty and me?

Mrs. Bernick.

No, Lona; you must not!

Lona.

No; how could I think of going away and leaving you young people, just beginning life? Am I not your foster-mother? You and I, Martha, we are the two old auntsWhat are you looking at?

Martha.

How the sky is clearing; how it grows light over the sea. The Palm Tree has fortune with it

Lona.

And happiness on board.

Bernick.

And we—we have a long, earnest day of work before us; I most of all. But let it come! Gather close around me, you true and faithful women. I have learnt this, in these days: it is you women who are the pillars of society.

Lona.

Then you have learnt a poor wisdom, brother-in-law. [Lays her hand firmly upon his shoulder.] No, no; the spirits of Truth and Freedom—these are the Pillars of Society.

THE END.