Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/125

 *nised truths and new and daring ways of thought!—even, if that were all, to stand forth fearlessly in support of an injured man

Hovstad.

Especially when the injured man is—I hardly know how to put it

Petra.

You mean when he is so upright and true?

Hovstad.

[In a low voice.] I mean—especially when he is your father.

Petra.

[Suddenly taken aback.] That?

Hovstad.

Yes, Petra—Miss Petra.

Petra.

So that is your chief thought, is it? Not the cause itself? Not the truth? Not father's great, warm heart?

Hovstad.

Oh, that too, of course.

Petra.

No, thank you; you said too much that time, Mr. Hovstad. Now I shall never trust you again, in anything.

Hovstad.

Can you be so hard on me because it's mainly for your sake?

Petra.

What I blame you for is that you have not acted