Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/217

 Manders.

Nor can I entirely lose sight of the difficult—I may even say painful—position in which I might perhaps be placed. In the leading circles of the town, people take a lively interest in this Orphanage. It is, of course, founded partly for the benefit of the town, as well; and it is to be hoped it will, to a considerable extent, result in lightening our Poor Rates. Now, as I have been your adviser, and have had the business arrangements in my hands, I cannot but fear that I may have to bear the brunt of fanaticism

Mrs. Alving. Oh, you mustn't run the risk of that.

Manders.

To say nothing of the attacks that would assuredly be made upon me in certain papers and periodicals, which

Mrs. Alving.

Enough, my dear Pastor Manders. That consideration is quite decisive.

Manders.

Then you do not wish the Orphanage to be insured?

Mrs. Alving. No. We will let it alone.

Manders. [Leaning back in his chair.] But if, now, a disaster were to happen? One can never tellShould you be able to make good the damage?