Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/288

 Boletta.

Oh, that won't help much; I daresay I was created to pass my life here in the carp-pond.

Arnholm. Not at all. It depends entirely upon yourself.

Boletta. [Eagerly.] Do you think so?

Arnholm.

Yes, believe me; it lies wholly and solely in your own hands.

Boletta.

Oh, if it only did! Do you mean that you will put in a good word for me with father?

Arnholm.

I will do that too. But first of all I want to speak frankly and without reserve to you yourself, my dear Boletta. [Looks out to the left.] Hush! Let no one notice anything; we'll finish our talk by-and-by.

Ellida enters from the left. She wears no hat, but has a light shawl thrown over her head and shoulders.

Ellida.

[With nervous animation.] How nice it is here! How delightful!

Arnholm. [Rising.] Have you been out walking?

Ellida.

Yes, a long, long splendid walk with Wangel. And now we are going out for a sail.