Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/46

 Mrs. Linden.

I see you don't recognise me

Nora.

No, I don't think—oh yes!—I believe [Suddenly brightening.] What, Christina! Is it really you?

Mrs. Linden.

Yes; really I!

Nora.

Christina! And to think I didn't know you! But how could I [More softly.] How changed you are, Christina!

Mrs. Linden.

Yes, no doubt. In nine or ten years

Nora.

Is it really so long since we met? Yes, so it is. Oh, the last eight years have been a happy time, I can tell you. And now you have come to town? All that long journey in mid-winter! How brave of you!

Mrs. Linden.

I arrived by this morning's steamer.

Nora.

To have a merry Christmas, of course. Oh, how delightful! Yes, we will have a merry Christmas. Do take your things off. Aren't you frozen? [Helping her.] There; now we'll sit cosily by the fire. No, you take the arm-chair; I shall sit in this rocking-chair. [Seizes her hands.] Yes, now I can see the dear old face again. It was only at the first glance But you're a little paler, Christina—and perhaps a little thinner.