Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/235

 Ellida.

[Lays the bouquet on the table.] No, just so. Not to outsiders.

Lyngstrand.

I promise faithfully I won't mention it to a living creature.

Ellida.

Oh, I didn't mean it in that way.—But how are you now? I think you are looking better than you did.

Lyngstrand.

Yes, I think I am getting on quite well. And next year, if I can get to the south

Ellida.

The girls tell me you hope to manage it.

Lyngstrand.

Yes; you see I have a patron in Bergen who provides for me; and he has promised to let me go next year.

Ellida.

How did you come across him?

Lyngstrand.

Oh, it was a great stroke of luck. I once went a voyage in one of his ships.

Ellida.

Did you? Then at that time you wanted to be a sailor?

Lyngstrand.

No, not in the least. But after my mother died, my father wouldn't have me hanging about