Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/250

 Gregers.

[Smiles coldly.] No, there are certain payments it is best to keep no account of.

Werle. [Taken aback.] What do you mean by that?

Gregers.

[Mustering up courage.] Have you entered what it cost you to have Hialmar Ekdal taught protography?

Werle. I? How "entered" it?

Gregers.

I have learnt that it was you who paid for his training. And I have learnt, too, that it was you who enabled him to set up house so comfortably.

Werle.

Well, and yet you talk as though I had done nothing for the Ekdals! I can assure you these people have cost me enough in all conscience.

Gregers.

Have you entered any of these expenses in your books?

Werle.

Why do you ask?

Gregers.

Oh, I have my reasons. Now tell me: when you interested yourself so warmly in your old friend's son—it was just before his marriage, was it not?