Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/269

 I says it again—a man's conscience isn't always as clean as it might be.

Manders.

Give me your hand, Jacob Engstrand.

Engstrand.

Oh, Lord! your Reverence?

Manders.

Come, no nonsense [wrings his hand]. There we are!

Engstrand.

And if I might humbly beg your Reverence's pardon

Manders.

You? On the contrary, it is I who ought to beg your pardon

Engstrand.

Lord, no, sir!

Manders.

Yes, assuredly. And I do it with all my heart. Forgive me for misunderstanding you. I only wish I could give you some proof of my hearty regret, and of my good-will towards you

Engstrand.

Would your Reverence do it?

Manders.

With the greatest pleasure.

Engstrand.

Well then, here's the very chance. With the