Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/304

 Manders.

And the result can by no means be foretold.

Engstrand.

[Comes close to him.] Ay, but it can though. For here stands old Jacob Engstrand.

Manders.

Well well, but?

Engstrand.

[More softy.] And Jacob Engstrand isn't the man to desert a noble benefactor in the hour of need, as the saying goes.

Manders.

Yes, but my good fellow—how?

Engstrand.

Jacob Engstrand may be likened to a sort of a guardian angel, he may, your Reverence.

Manders.

No, no; I really cannot accept that.

Engstrand.

Oh, that'll be the way of it, all the same. I know a man as has taken others' sins upon himself before now, I do.

Manders.

Jacob! [Wrings his hand.] Yours is a rare nature. Well, you shall be helped with your Sailors' Home. That you may rely upon.

[Engstrand tries to thank him, but cannot for emotion.