Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/391

 Hedvig.

No; but he said he would like to. And I think it was horrid of father to say it; for I pray for the wild duck every night, and ask that it may be preserved from death and all that is evil.

Gregers.

[Looking at her.] Do you say your prayers every night?

Hedvig.

Yes.

Gregers.

Who taught you to do that?

Hedvig.

I myself; one time when father was very ill, and had leeches on his neck, and said that death was staring him in the face.

Gregers.

Well?

Hedvig.

Then I prayed for him as I lay in bed; and since then I have always kept it up.

Gregers.

And now you pray for the wild duck too?

Hedvig.

I thought it was best to bring in the wild duck; for she was so weakly at first.

Gregers.

Do you pray in the morning, too?