Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/249

 Hilda.

[Stands before him.] Do you know that there's to be dancing presently, down by the band-stand?

Lyngstrand.

Yes, I heard something of it.

Hilda.

I suppose you are very fond of dancing!

Boletta.

[Who is wandering about picking small flowers among the heather.] Oh, Hilda—let Mr. Lyngstrand get his breath.

Lyngstrand.

[To Hilda.] Yes, Miss Hilda, I should like very much to dance—if only I could.

Hilda.

Oh I see; you have never learned.

Lyngstrand.

No, I haven't. But that was not what I meant. I meant that I can't dance on account of my chest.

Hilda.

On account of that "lesion" you spoke of?

Lyngstrand.

Yes, that's it.

Hilda.

Does this "lesion" make you very unhappy?

Lyngstrand.

Oh no, I can't say it does. [Smiling.] For I