Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/208

 Manders.

How do you do, Mrs. Alving? Here I am as I promised.

Mrs. Alving. Always punctual to the minute.

Manders.

You may believe it was not so easy for me to get away. With all the Boards and Committees I belong to

Mrs. Alving.

That makes it all the kinder of you to come so early. Now we can get through our business before dinner. But where is your portmanteau?

Manders.

[Quickly.] I left it down at the inn. I shall sleep there to-night.

Mrs. Alving.

[Suppressing a smile.] Are you really not to be persuaded, even now, to pass the night under my roof?

Manders.

No, no, Mrs. Alving; many thanks. I shall stay at the inn, as usual. It is so conveniently near the landing-stage.

Mrs. Alving.

Well, you must have your own way. But I really should have thought we two old people