Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/237

 Gregers.

Oh, unquestionably. My father seems to have been almost a kind of providence for you.

Hialmar.

[With emotion.] He did not forsake his old friend's son in the hour of his need. For he has a heart, you see.

Mrs. Sörby.

[Enters, arm-in-arm with Werle.] Nonsense, my dear Mr. Werle; you mustn't stop there any longer staring at all the lights. It's very bad for you.

Werle.

[Lets go her arm and passes his hand over his eyes.] I daresay you are right.

[Pettersen and Jensen carry round refreshment trays.]

Mrs. Sörby.

[To the Guests in the other room.] This way, if you please, gentlemen. Whoever wants a glass of punch must be so good as to come in here.

The Flabby Gentleman.

[Comes up to Mrs. Sörby.] Surely, it isn't possible that you have suspended our cherished right to smoke?

Mrs. Sörby.

Yes. No smoking here, in Mr. Werle's sanctum, Chamberlain.

The Thin-haired Gentleman.

When did you enact these stringent amendments on the cigar law, Mrs. Sörby?