Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/230

 Yes, you do; your outer man is in first-rate condition.

[In a tone of gloom.] Ah, but the inner man! That is a very different matter, I can tell you! Of course you know of the terrible catastrophe that has befallen me and mine since last we met. [More softly.] How are things going with your father now? Don't let us talk of it, old fellow. Of course my poor unhappy father lives with me. He hasn't another soul in the world to care for him. But you can understand that this is a miserable subject for me. —Tell me, rather, how you have been getting on up at the works. I have had a delightfully lonely time of it— plenty of leisure to think and think about things. Come over here; we may as well make ourselves comfortable. [He seats himself in an arm-chair by the fire and draws Hialmar down into another alongside of it.

[Sentimentally.] After all, Gregers, I thank you for inviting me to your father's table; for I take it as a sign that you have got over your feeling against me.