Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/270

 bit of money I've saved here, I was thinking I might set up a Sailors' Home down in the town.

Mrs. Alving.

You?

Engstrand.

Yes; it might be a sort of Orphanage, too, in a manner of speaking. There's such a many temptations for seafaring folk ashore. But in this Home of mine, a man might feel like as he was under a father's eye, I was thinking.

Manders.

What do you say to this, Mrs. Alving?

Engstrand.

It isn't much as I've got to start with, Lord help me! But if I could only find a helping hand, why

Manders.

Yes, yes; we will look into the matter more closely. I entirely approve of your plan. But now, go before me and make everything ready, and get the candles lighted, so as to give the place an air of festivity. And then we will pass an edifying hour together, my good fellow; for now I quite believe you are in the right frame of mind.

Engstrand.

Yes, I trust I am. And so I'll say good-bye, ma'am, and thank you kindly; and take good care of Regina for me—[Wipes a tear from his eye]—poor Johanna's child. Well, it's a queer thing,