Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/244

 Hialmar.

Yes.

Gregers.

And you could stand there and deny that you knew him!

Hialmar.

[Whispers vehemently.] But how could I!

Gregers.

acknowledge your own father?

Hialmar.

[With pain.] Oh, if you were in my place [The conversation amongst the Guests, which has been carried on in a low tone, now swells into constrained joviality.]

The Thin-haired Gentleman.

[Approaching Hialmar and Gregers in a friendly manner.] Aha! Reviving old college memories, eh? Don't you smoke, Mr. Ekdal? May I give you a light? Oh, by-the-bye, we mustn't

Hialmar.

No, thank you, I won't

The Flabby Gentleman.

Haven't you a nice little poem you could recite to us, Mr. Ekdal? You used to recite so charmingly.

Hialmar.

I am sorry I can't remember anything.