Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/303

 Mrs. Alving.

Of course it must.

Manders.

I think, first of all, I shall arrange that the Solvik property shall pass to the parish. The land is by no means without value. It can always be turned to account for some purpose or other. And the interest of the money in the Bank I could, perhaps, best apply for the benefit of some undertaking of acknowledged value to the town.

Mrs. Alving.

Do just as you please. The whole matter is now completely indifferent to me.

Engstrand.

Give a thought to my Sailors' Home, your Reverence.

Manders.

Upon my word, that is not a bad suggestion. That must be considered.

Engstrand.

Oh, devil take considering—Lord forgive me!

Manders.

[With a sigh.] And unfortunately I cannot tell how long I shall be able to retain control of these things—whether public opinion may not compel me to retire. It entirely depends upon the result of the official inquiry into the fire

Mrs. Alving.

What are you talking about?