Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/282

 Boletta.

Oh, one is a botanical book, and the other a descriptive geography.

Arnholm. Are you fond of that kind of reading?

Boletta.

Yes, when I can find time for it But of course the housekeeping must come first.

Arnholm.

But does not your mother—your stepmother—help you with that?

Boletta.

No, it is my work. I had to look after it during the two years father was alone; and so it has continued ever since.

Arnholm. But you are as fond as ever of reading?

Boletta.

Yes, I read all the useful books I can get hold of. One wants to know a little about the world. Here we live so entirely outside of everything,—or almost entirely.

Arnholm. No, my dear Boletta, don't say that.

Boletta.

But I do say so. I don't see much difference between our life and the life of the carp in the pond there. They have the fiord close beside