Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/137

 Madam Helseth.

Ah, Miss, little children don't cry at Rosmersholm.

Rebecca.

[Looks at her.] Don't cry?

Madam Helseth.

No. As long as people can remember, children have never been known to cry in this house.

Rebecca.

That's very strange.

Madam Helseth.

Yes; isn't it? But it runs in the family. And then there's another strange thing. When they grow up, they never laugh. Never, as long as they live.

Rebecca.

Why, how extraordinary

Madam Helseth.

Have you ever once heard or seen the Pastor laugh, Miss?

Rebecca.

No—now that I think of it, I almost believe you are right. But I don't think any one laughs much in this part of the country.

Madam Helseth.

No, they don't. They say it began at Rosmersholm. And then I suppose it spread round about, as if it was catching-like.

Rebecca. You are a very wise woman, Madam Helseth.