Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/239

 The Thin-haired Gentleman.

And it contributes to the entertainment, you know.

The Short-sighted Gentleman.

And all contributions are thankfully received.

Mrs. Sörby.

The Chamberlains think that when one is invited out to dinner, one ought to exert oneself a little in return, Mr. Ekdal.

The Flabby Gentleman.

Where one dines so well, that duty becomes a pleasure.

The Thin-haired Gentleman.

And when it's a case of the struggle for existence, you know

Mrs. Sörby.

I quite agree with you!

[They continue the conversation, with laughter and joking.

Gregers.

[Softly.] You must join in, Hialmar.

Hialmar.

[Writhing.] What am I to talk about?

The Flabby Gentleman.

Don't you think, Mr. Werle, that Tokay may be considered one of the more wholesome sorts of wine?

Werle.

[By the fire.] I can answer for the Tokay you