Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/44

 Rebecca.

Their colours, too. They quite bewildered her

Kroll.

I remember, I remember. [In a lighter tone.] Well, how are things going out here?

Rebecca.

Oh, everything is going its quiet, jog-trot way. One day is just like another.—And with you? Your wife?

Kroll.

Ah, my dear Miss West, don't let us talk about my affairs. There is always something or other amiss in a family; especially in times like these.

Rebecca.

[After a pause, sitting down in an easy-chair beside the sofa.] How is it you haven't once been near us during the whole of the holidays?

Kroll.

Oh, it doesn't do to make oneself a nuisance

Rebecca.

If you knew how we have missed you

Kroll.

And then I have been away

Rebecca.

Yes, for the last week or two. We have heard of you at political meetings.

Kroll.

[Nods.] Yes, what do you say to that? Did you