Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
In the great nations one has at least elbow-room for useful enterprise. There, men have the courage to sacrifice something for a great cause. But here, one is hampered by all sorts of petty considerations.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Is a human life a petty consideration?
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
When that human life is a menace to the welfare of thousands.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
But you are putting quite inconceivable cases, Consul! I don’t understand you to-day. And then you refer me to the great communities. Yes,there—what does a human life count for there? They think no more of staking life than of staking capital. But we, I hope, look at things from an entirely different moral standpoint. Think of our exemplary shipowners! Name me a single merchant here among us who, for the sake of paltry profit, would sacrifice one human life! And then think of those scoundrels in the great communities who enrich themselves by sending out one unseaworthy ship after another——
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
I am not speaking of unseaworthy ships!
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
But I am, Consul.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Yes, but to what purpose? It has nothing to do with the question.—Oh, these little craven qualms of conscience! If a general among us were to lead his troops under fire, and get some of them shot, he would never sleep o’ nights after it. Elsewhere it is very different. You should hear what he says——
[Pointing to the door on the left.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
He? Who? The American——?
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Of course. You should hear how people in America——
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Is he in there? Why did you not tell me? I shall go at once——
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
It’s of no use. You will make no impression on him.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
That we shall see. Ah, here he is.
Johan Tönnesencomes from the room on the left.
Johan Tönnesencomes from the room on the left.
Johan Tönnesencomes from the room on the left.
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
[Speaking through the open doorway.] Yes, yes, Dina, so be it; but don’t think that I shall give you up. I shall return, and things will come all right between us.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
May I ask what you mean by these words? What is it you want?
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
I want the girl to whom you yesterday traduced me, to be my wife.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Your——? Can you imagine that——?
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Sheshallbe my wife.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Well, then, you shall hear——[Goes to the half-open door.] Mrs. Bernick, will you be kind enough to be a witness——And you too, Miss Martha. And bring Dina with you. [SeesLona.] Ah, areyouhere, too?
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
[In the doorway.] Shall I come?
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
As many as will—the more the better.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
What are you going to do?
Lona,Mrs. Bernick,Martha,Dina,andHilmar Tönnesencome out of the room on the left.
Lona,Mrs. Bernick,Martha,Dina,andHilmar Tönnesencome out of the room on the left.
Lona,Mrs. Bernick,Martha,Dina,andHilmar Tönnesencome out of the room on the left.
Mrs. Bernick.
Mrs. Bernick.
Mrs. Bernick.
Doctor, nothing I can say will stop him from——
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
I shall stop him, Mrs. Bernick.—Dina, you are a thoughtless girl. But I do not blame you verymuch. You have stood here too long without the moral support that should have sustained you. I blame myself for not having given you that support sooner.
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
You must not speak now!
Mrs. Bernick.
Mrs. Bernick.
Mrs. Bernick.
What is all this?
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
It is now that I must speak, Dina, though your conduct yesterday and to-day has made it ten times more difficult for me. But all other considerations must give place to your rescue. You remember the promise I gave you. You remember what you promised to answer, when I found that the time had come. Now I can hesitate no longer, and therefore—[ToJohan Tönnesen]—I tell you that this girl, whom you are pursuing, is betrothed to me.
Mrs. Bernick.
Mrs. Bernick.
Mrs. Bernick.
What do you say?
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Dina!
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
She! Betrothed to——?
Martha.
Martha.
Martha.
No, no, Dina!
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
A lie!
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Dina—does that man speak the truth?
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
[After a short pause.] Yes.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
Rörlund.
This, I trust, will paralyse all your arts of seduction. The step I have determined to take for Dina’s welfare may now be made known to our whole community. I hope—nay, I am sure—that it will not be misinterpreted. And now, Mrs. Bernick, I think we had better take her away from here, and try to restore her mind to peace and equilibrium.
Mrs. Bernick.
Mrs. Bernick.
Mrs. Bernick.
Yes, come. Oh, Dina, what happiness for you!
[She leadsDinaout to the left;Doctor Rörlundgoes along with them.
[She leadsDinaout to the left;Doctor Rörlundgoes along with them.
Martha.
Martha.
Martha.
Good-bye, Johan![She goes out.
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
[At the garden door.] H’m—well, I really must say——
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
[Who has been followingDinawith her eyes.] Don’t be cast down, boy! I shall stay here and look after the Pastor.
[She goes out to the right.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Johan, you won’t sail now with theIndian Girl.
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Now more than ever.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Then you will not come back again?
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
I shall come back.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
After this? What would you do after this?
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Revenge myself on the whole band of you; crush as many of you as I can.
He goes out to the right.VigelandandKrapcome from the Consul’s office.
He goes out to the right.VigelandandKrapcome from the Consul’s office.
Vigeland.
Vigeland.
Vigeland.
Well, the papers are in order now, Consul.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Good, good——
Krap.
Krap.
Krap.
[In a low voice.] Then it is settled that theIndian Girlis to sail to-morrow.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
She is to sail.
He goes into his room.VigelandandKrapgo out to the right.Hilmar Tönnesenis following them, whenOlafpeeps cautiously out at the door on the left.
He goes into his room.VigelandandKrapgo out to the right.Hilmar Tönnesenis following them, whenOlafpeeps cautiously out at the door on the left.
Olaf.
Olaf.
Olaf.
Uncle! Uncle Hilmar!
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Ugh, is that you? Why don’t you stay upstairs? You know you are under arrest.
Olaf.
Olaf.
Olaf.
[Comes a few steps forward.] Sh! Uncle Hilmar, do you know the news?
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
I know that you got a thrashing to-day.
Olaf.
Olaf.
Olaf.
[Looks threateningly towards his father’s room.] He sha’n’t thrash me again. But do you know that Uncle Johan is to sail to-morrow with the Americans?
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
What’s that to you? You get upstairs again!
Olaf.
Olaf.
Olaf.
Perhaps I may go buffalo-hunting yet, uncle.
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Rubbish! such a young milksop as you——
Olaf.
Olaf.
Olaf.
Just wait a little; you shall hear something to-morrow!
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Hilmar.
Little blockhead!
[He goes out through the garden.Olaf,catching sight ofKrap,who comes from the right, runs in again and shuts the door.
[He goes out through the garden.Olaf,catching sight ofKrap,who comes from the right, runs in again and shuts the door.
Krap.
Krap.
Krap.
[Goes up to the Consul’s door and opens it a little.] Excuse my coming again, Consul, but it’s blowing up to a hurricane. [He waits a moment; there is no answer.] Is theIndian Girlto sail in spite of it?
[After a short pause.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
[Answers from the office.] TheIndian Girlis to sail in spite of it.
[Krapshuts the door and goes out again to the right.
[Krapshuts the door and goes out again to the right.
ACT FOURTH.
The garden-room inConsul Bernick’shouse. The table has been removed. It is a stormy afternoon, already half dark, and growing darker.
A man-servant lights the chandelier; two maid-servants bring in flower-pots, lamps, and candles, which are placed on tables and brackets along the wall.Rummel,wearing a dress-coat, white gloves, and a white necktie, stands in the room giving directions.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
[To the servant.] Only every second candle, Jacob. The place mustn’t look too brilliant; it’s supposed to be a surprise, you know. And all these flowers——? Oh, yes, let them stand; it will look as if they were always there——
Consul Bernickcomes out of his room.
Consul Bernickcomes out of his room.
Consul Bernickcomes out of his room.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
[At the door.] What is the meaning of all this?
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Tut, tut, are you there? [To the servants.] Yes, you can go now.
[The servants go out by the second door on the left.
[The servants go out by the second door on the left.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
[Coming into the room.] Why, Rummel,what iswhat isthe meaning of all this?
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
It means that the proudest moment of your life has arrived. The whole town is coming in procession to do homage to its leading citizen.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
What do you mean?
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
With banners and music, sir! We should have had torches too; but it was thought dangerous in this stormy weather. However, there’s to be an illumination; and that will have an excellent effect in the newspapers.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Listen, Rummel—I will have nothing to do with all this.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Oh, it’s too late now; they’ll be here in half an hour.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Why did you not tell me of this before?
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Just because I was afraid you would make objections. But I arranged it all with your wife; she allowed me to put things in order a little, and she is going to look to the refreshments herself.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
[Listening.] What’s that? Are they coming already? I thought I heard singing.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
[At the garden-door.] Singing? Oh, it’s only the Americans. They are hauling theIndian Girlout to the buoy.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Hauling her out! Yes——! I really cannot this evening, Rummel; I am not well.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
You’re certainly not looking well. But you must pull yourself together. Come, come, man, pull yourself together! I and Sandstad and Vigeland attach the greatest importance to this affair. Our opponents must be crushed by an overwhelming utterance of public opinion. The rumours are spreading over the town; the announcement as to the purchase of the property cannot be kept back any longer. This very evening, amid songs and speeches and the ring of brimming goblets—in short, amid all the effervescent enthusiasm of the occasion—you must announce what you have ventured to do for the good of the community. With the aid of effervescent enthusiasm, as I said just now, it is astonishing what one can effect in this town. But we must have the effervescence, or it won’t do.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Yes, yes, yes——
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
And especially when such a ticklish point is to be dealt with. Thank heaven, you have a name that will carry us through, Bernick. But listen now: we must arrange a little programme. Hilmar Tönnesen has written a song in yourhonour. It begins charmingly with the line, “Wave th’ Ideal’s banner high.†And Doctor Rörlund has been commissioned to make the speech of the evening. Of course, you must reply to it.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
I cannot, I cannot this evening, Rummel. Couldn’t you——?
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Impossible, much as I should like to. The Doctor’s speech will, of course, be mainly addressed to you. Perhaps a few words will be devoted to the rest of us. I have spoken to Vigeland and Sandstad about it. We had arranged that your reply should take the form of a toast to the general welfare of the community. Sandstad will say a few words on the harmony between the different classes of the community; Vigeland will express the fervent hope that our new undertaking may not disturb the moral basis upon which we stand; and I will call attention, in a few well-chosen words, to the claims of Woman, whose more modest exertions are not without their use in the community. But you are not listening——
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Yes—yes, I am. Tell me, do you think the sea is running very high outside?
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Oh, you are anxious on account of thePalm Tree? She’s well insured, isn’t she?
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Yes, insured; but——
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
And in good repair; that’s the main thing.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
H’m.—And even if anything happens to a vessel, it does not follow that lives will be lost. The ship and cargo may go down—people may lose chests and papers——
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Good gracious, chests and papers don’t matter much——
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Not matter! No, no, I only meant——Hark—that singing again!
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
It’s on board thePalm Tree.
Vigelandenters from the right.
Vigelandenters from the right.
Vigelandenters from the right.
Vigeland.
Vigeland.
Vigeland.
Yes, they are hauling out thePalm Tree. Good-evening, Consul.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
And you, who know the sea so well, don’t hesitate to——?
Vigeland.
Vigeland.
Vigeland.
I don’t hesitate to trust in Providence, Consul! Besides, I have been on board and distributed a few leaflets, which I hope will act with a blessing.
SandstadandKrapenter from the right.
SandstadandKrapenter from the right.
SandstadandKrapenter from the right.
Sandstad.
Sandstad.
Sandstad.
[At the door.] It’s a miracle if they manage to pull through. Ah, here we are—good-evening, good-evening.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Is anything the matter, Mr. Krap?
Krap.
Krap.
Krap.
I have nothing to say, Consul.
Sandstad.
Sandstad.
Sandstad.
Every man on board theIndian Girlis drunk. If those animals ever get over alive, I’m no prophet.
Lonaenters from the right.
Lonaenters from the right.
Lonaenters from the right.
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
[ToBernick.] Johan told me to say good-bye for him.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Is he on board already?
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
He will be soon, at any rate. We parted outside the hotel.
Bernick.
Bernick.
Bernick.
And he holds to his purpose?
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
Firm as a rock.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
[At one of the windows.] Deuce take these new-fangled arrangements. I can’t get these curtains drawn.
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
Are they to be drawn? I thought, on the contrary——
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
They are to be drawn at first, Miss Hessel. Of course you know what is going on?
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
Oh, of course. Let me help you. [Takes one of the cords.] I shall let the curtain fall upon my brother-in-law—though I would rather raise it.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
That you can do later. When the garden is filled with a surging multitude, then the curtains are drawn back, and reveal an astonished and delighted family. A citizen’s home should be transparent to all the world.
[Bernickseems about to say something, but turns quickly and goes into his office.
[Bernickseems about to say something, but turns quickly and goes into his office.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Rummel.
Well, let us hold our last council of war. Come, Mr. Krap; we want you to supply us with a few facts.
[All the men go into the Consul’s office.Lonahas drawn all the curtains over the windows, and is just going to draw the curtain over the open glass door, whenOlafdrops down from above, alighting at the top of the garden stair; he has a plaid over his shoulder and a bundle in his hand.
[All the men go into the Consul’s office.Lonahas drawn all the curtains over the windows, and is just going to draw the curtain over the open glass door, whenOlafdrops down from above, alighting at the top of the garden stair; he has a plaid over his shoulder and a bundle in his hand.
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
Good heavens, child, how you startled me!
Olaf.
Olaf.
Olaf.
[Hiding the bundle.] Sh, auntie!
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
Why did you jump out at the window?—Where are you going?
Olaf.
Olaf.
Olaf.
Sh, don’t tell, auntie. I’m going to Uncle Johan; only down to the pier, you know;—just to say good-bye to him. Good-night, auntie!
[He runs out through the garden.
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
No! stop! Olaf!—Olaf!
Johan Tönnesen,in travelling dress, with a bag over his shoulder, steals in by the door on the right.
Johan Tönnesen,in travelling dress, with a bag over his shoulder, steals in by the door on the right.
Johan Tönnesen,in travelling dress, with a bag over his shoulder, steals in by the door on the right.
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Lona!
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
[Turning.] What! You here again?
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
There are still a few minutes to spare. I must see her once more. We cannot part so.
MarthaandDina,both wearing cloaks, and the latter with a small travelling-bag in her hand, enter by the second door on the left.
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
I must see him! I must see him!
Martha.
Martha.
Martha.
Yes, you shall go to him, Dina!
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
There he is!
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Dina!
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
Take me with you!
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
What——!
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
You will go?
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
Yes, take me with you. The other has written to me, saying that this evening it is to be announced to every one——
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Dina—you do not love him?
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
I have never loved that man. I would rather be at the bottom of the fjord than be engaged to him! Oh, how he seemed to make me grovel before him yesterday with his patronising phrases! How he made me feel that he was stooping to an abject creature! I will not be looked down upon any more. I will go away. May I come with you?
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Yes, yes—a thousand times yes!
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
I shall not be a burden on you long. Only help me to get over there; help me to make a start——
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Hurrah! We shall manage all that, Dina!
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
[Pointing to the Consul’s door.] Hush! not so loud!
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Dina, I will take such care ofyou.you.
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
No, no, I won’t have that. I will make my own way; I shall manage well enough over there. Only let me get away from here. Oh, those women—you don’t know—they have actually written to me to-day, exhorting me to appreciate my good fortune, impressing upon me what magnanimity he has shown. To-morrow, and every day of my life, they would be watching me to see whether I showed myself worthy of it all. I have a horror of all this propriety!
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Tell me, Dina, is that your only reason for coming? Am I nothing to you?
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
Yes, Johan, you are more to me than any one else in the world.
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Oh, Dina——!
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
They all tell me that I must hate and detest you; that it is my duty. But I don’t understand all this about duty; I never could understand it.
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
And you never shall, my child!
Martha.
Martha.
Martha.
No, you shall not; and that is why you must go with him, as his wife.
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Yes, yes!
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
What? I must kiss you for that, Martha! I didn’t expect this ofyou.
Martha.
Martha.
Martha.
No, I daresay not; I didn’t expect it myself. But sooner or later the crisis was bound to come. Oh, how we suffer here, under this tyranny of custom and convention! Rebel against it, Dina! Marry him. Show that it is possible to set this use-and-wont at defiance!
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
What is your answer, Dina?
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
Yes, I will be your wife.
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Dina!
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
But first I will work, and become something for myself, just as you are. I will give myself; I will not be simply taken.
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
Right, right! So it should be.
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Good; I shall wait and hope——
Lona.
Lona.
Lona.
——and win too, boy. But now, on board.
Johan.
Johan.
Johan.
Yes, on board! Ah, Lona, my dear, a word with you; come here——
[He leads her up towards the back and talks rapidly to her.
[He leads her up towards the back and talks rapidly to her.
Martha.
Martha.
Martha.
Dina—happy girl! Let me look at you and kiss you once more—for the last time.
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
Not the last time; no, my dear, dear aunt—we shall meet again.
Martha.
Martha.
Martha.
Never! Promise me, Dina, never to come back again. [Seizes both her hands and looks into her face.] Now go to your happiness, my dear child—over the sea. Oh, how often have I sat in the schoolroom and longed to be over there! It must be beautiful there; the heaven is wider; the clouds sail higher than here; a larger, freer air sweeps over the heads of the people——
Dina.
Dina.
Dina.
Oh, Aunt Martha, you will follow us some day.