登陆注册
15466500000013

第13章 ACT II(6)

Bernick: Poor! Why? You surely do not suppose I let her want for anything? No, I venture to say I am a good brother. Of course she has a home here with us; her salary as a teacher is more than enough for her to dress on; what more could she want?

Johan: Hm--that is not our idea of things in America.

Bernick: No, I dare say not--in such a revolutionary state of society as you find there. But in our small circle--in which, thank God, depravity has not gained a footing, up to now at all events--women are content to occupy a seemly, as well as modest, position. Moreover, it is Martha's own fault; I mean, she might have been provided for long ago, if she had wished.

Johan: You mean she might have married?

Bernick: Yes, and married very well, too. She has had several good offers--curiously enough, when you think that she is a poor girl, no longer young, and, besides, quite an insignificant person.

Johan: Insignificant?

Bernick: Oh, I am not blaming her for that. I most certainly would not wish her otherwise. I can tell you it is always a good thing to have a steady-going person like that in a big house like this--some one you can rely on in any contingency.

Johan: Yes, but what does she--?

Bernick: She? How? Oh well, of course she has plenty to interest herself in; she has Betty and Olaf and me. People should not think first of themselves--women least of all. We have all got some community, great or small, to work for. That is my principle, at all events. (Points to KRAP, who has come in from the right.) Ah, here is an example of it, ready to hand. Do you suppose that it is my own affairs that are absorbing me just now?

By no means. (Eagerly to KRAP.) Well?

Krap (in an undertone, showing him a bundle of papers): Here are all the sale contracts, completed.

Bernick: Capital! Splendid!--Well, Johan, you must really excuse me for the present. (In a low voice, grasping his hand.) Thanks, Johan, thanks! And rest assured that anything I can do for you--Well, of course you understand. Come along, Krap. (They go into BERNICK'S room.)

Johan (looking after them for a moment): Hm!-- (Turns to go down to the garden. At the same moment MARTHA comes in from the right, with a little basket over her arm.) Martha!

Martha: Ah, Johan--is it you?

Johan: Out so early?

Martha: Yes. Wait a moment; the others are just coming. (Moves towards the door on the left.)

Johan: Martha, are you always in such a hurry?

Martha: I?

Johan: Yesterday you seemed to avoid me, so that I never managed to have a word with you--we two old playfellows.

Martha: Ah, Johan; that is many, many years ago.

Johan: Good Lord--why, it is only fifteen years ago, no more and no less. Do you think I have changed so much?

Martha: You? Oh yes, you have changed too, although--Johan: What do you mean?

Martha: Oh, nothing.

Johan: You do not seem to be very glad to see me again.

Martha: I have waited so long, Johan--too long.

Johan: Waited? For me to come?

Martha: Yes.

Johan. And why did you think I would come?

Martha: To atone for the wrong you had done.

Johan: I?

Martha: Have you forgotten that it was through you that a woman died in need and in shame? Have you forgotten that it was through you that the best years of a young girl's life were embittered?

Johan: And you can say such things to me? Martha, has your brother never--?

Martha: Never what?

Johan: Has he never--oh, of course, I mean has he never so much as said a word in my defence?

Martha: Ah, Johan, you know Karsten's high principles.

Johan: Hm--! Oh, of course; I know my old friend Karsten's high principles! But really this is--. Well, well. I was having a talk with him just now. He seems to me to have altered considerably.

Martha: How can you say that? I am sure Karsten has always been an excellent man.

Johan: Yes, that was not exactly what I meant--but never mind.

Hm! Now I understand the light you have seen me in; it was the return of the prodigal that you were waiting for.

Martha: Johan, I will tell you what light I have seen you in.

(Points down to the garden.) Do you see that girl playing on the grass down there with Olaf? That is Dina. Do you remember that incoherent letter you wrote me when you went away? You asked me to believe in you. I have believed in you, Johan. All the horrible things that were rumoured about you after you had gone must have been done through being led astray--from thoughtlessness, without premeditation.

Johan: What do you mean?

Martha: Oh! you understand me well enough--not a word more of that. But of course you had to go away and begin afresh--a new life. Your duties here which you never remembered to undertake-- or never were able to undertake--I have undertaken for you. I tell you this, so that you shall not have that also to reproach yourself with. I have been a mother to that much-wronged child; I have brought her up as well as I was able.

Johan: And have wasted your whole life for that reason.

Martha: It has not been wasted. But you have come late, Johan.

Johan: Martha--if only I could tell you--. Well, at all events let me thank you for your loyal friendship.

Martha (with a sad smile): Hm.--Well, we have had it out now, Johan. Hush, some one is coming. Goodbye, I can't stay now. (Goes out through the farther door on the left. LONA comes in from the garden, followed by MRS. BERNICK.)

Mrs. Bernick: But good gracious, Lona--what are you thinking of?

Lona: Let me be, I tell you! I must and will speak to him.

Mrs. Bernick: But it would be a scandal of the worst sort! Ah, Johan--still here?

Lona: Out with you, my boy; don't stay here in doors; go down into the garden and have a chat with Dina.

Johan: I was just thinking of doing so.

Mrs. Bernick: But--Lona: Look here, Johan--have you had a good look at Dina?

Johan: I should think so!

Lona: Well, look at her to some purpose, my boy. That would be somebody for you!

Mrs. Bernick: But, Lona!

Johan: Somebody for me?

Lona: Yes, to look at, I mean. Be off with you!

Johan: Oh, I don't need any pressing. (Goes down into the garden.)

Mrs. Bernick: Lona, you astound me! You cannot possibly be serious about it?

同类推荐
  • 周礼

    周礼

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • 释迦如来成道记注

    释迦如来成道记注

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • 盛山十二诗·桃坞

    盛山十二诗·桃坞

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • 三国志评话

    三国志评话

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • 幼科铁镜

    幼科铁镜

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
热门推荐
  • 鬼皇至尊

    鬼皇至尊

    村落少年来到大城市念书恋上冰冷校花,突如其来的一场车祸改变了他的一生,这一切是命中注定,还是缘分使然。让他拥有非凡能力的同时,许多时候,他更多的是痛苦与抉择。三世缘,念今生,我颜笑,泣断肠。地府下,孟婆汤,三生路,岁月伤。踏星河,斩苍皇,灭星辰,战天窗。
  • 邪傲魔女,美男到我碗里来

    邪傲魔女,美男到我碗里来

    她.21世纪普通得不能再普通的人,一次意外,她重生一个刚出生便被活活摔死的女婴身上,当那双异瞳睁开之时,命运的齿轮再次转动,从此,她,踏上了强者之路,医毒双修,毒者,杀人于无形,医者,救命于死伤……他,是世间最尊贵的男子,意外被暗算而陨落,本以为他自己会就此灰飞烟灭,却因她的到来,再次改变了他的命运……这是一篇女追男的宠文,男女主身心干净,女强男更强;详情请打开本文╭(╯ε╰)╮
  • 十月故梦

    十月故梦

    你说,叶子的离开,是风的追求,还是树的不挽留?梦的缠绕下,却是更多的秘密。那梦中的呓语甜美,仿佛又回到了那里,一个没有悲伤的地方。冷漠如他,为她低首等待了十年,归来时竟不惜为她犯罪。只因为她曾经在他人生低谷之际,温暖过他寒冷孤独的心。如水般温柔,如阳光般温暖的男子,陪她走过了几个春秋,原以为一生一世都不会离开彼此。天涯路远,他终究还是离开了,而她从此也为这段爱情承受了刻骨铭心的疼痛。邪魅腹黑的他,受人之托,却没想到自己却深陷泥淖中,从此为她沉迷。邪魅的他、温柔的他,是如此的相似啊,连她都分不清到底爱着谁?三个俊若美人的男子为她倾负韶华,最终谁有可以抱得美人归?
  • 甜蜜娇妻:重生总裁霸道爱

    甜蜜娇妻:重生总裁霸道爱

    前一世,她用生命诠释了对他刻骨的爱;绝望的深林里,他疯狂地指天发誓:如若生命重来,我愿倾尽所有!那时,他们虽为夫妻,却忿忿相对,只好隐藏着对彼此的爱意……如他所愿,时间真的又回到了他的四年前!“臭孔雀,你怎么会在我床上?”“难道不是你太迷恋我,故意诱骗我失身于你的吗?”太无耻了!这只无敌自恋的花孔雀为什么总是这么阴魂不散?上帝,求你收了他吧!
  • 轩辕剑之少年剑神

    轩辕剑之少年剑神

    灵界之内,五大帝国,一国举兵,四国皆灭,一代天才轩辕尘剑斩苍穹,踏入神界,终为剑神。
  • 攻略游戏:黑化男主请冷静

    攻略游戏:黑化男主请冷静

    做为一名身负重任的系统,白白觉得自己压力山大。虽然自己宿主没有别家宿主那样萌萌哒,但是也不要这样冷淡啊!好好好,谁让咱的任务是修复黑化Bug。But,这位大兄弟你有必要纠缠不休吗?啊!我跟你讲,你要再这样会被打的勒!白白表示对于这个来路不明的家伙要提前预防,免得自家宿主识人不明。不过貌似腊鸡主神给自己的任务有进展了又是什么鬼,难道千千颜不爱宝宝了!
  • 名侦探柯南之夏夜的风

    名侦探柯南之夏夜的风

    漆黑如墨夜色之中星星点点树丛之中快乐洋溢湖水之中微风荡漾碧水之上帘雨飘忽帘洞之中碧水尘埃缘湖之中钻石闪耀碧空之中萤火虫之恋firefly'slovefirefly'slight黑夜中的爱照亮每一个角落firefly'slovefirefly'slight帘湖上微风扶起每一片绿叶
  • 暗惜

    暗惜

    暗涌浮动的神秘岛屿,东侧如同虚设的贵族学校,西侧嗜血暴力的重型监狱,蛮荒神秘的南侧岛屿,在这里依旧等级明显,是要被压迫还是去压迫,是挣扎还是反抗.....这里是强者生存的天堂亦是地狱。
  • 夏花纷飞的时代

    夏花纷飞的时代

    "小凡凡,你看那里是什么地方?‘’‘’太白山嘛"我看着远处那座雾气缭绕的山峰,嘴角划过一丝失落,想如今早已物事人非。‘’王阳,十年前我们来过这里。‘’我看着身旁一身白色运动装的男子。他玩味似的盯着我的脸,脸上浮现出一个好看的酒窝‘’不是说再也不来这里了吗?‘’。我不敢去直视他的目光,看着远处的山峰喃喃道:那一年,我17岁。故事从这里开始,也从这里结束。那是个夏花纷飞的时代。
  • 异界之懵懂圣师

    异界之懵懂圣师

    一个生活在异界的懵懂少年···天朝的武者,道师;克里斯的柔客,阴阳师;蛮人帝国的蛮士,萨满巫师;光明圣山的斗士,神侍者,一个不一样的世界将慢慢为你开启……