John Gabriel Borkman - LightNovelsOnl.com
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[Putting on her outdoor things.] Yes, when I can get an engagement. I can always earn a little in that way.
BORKMAN.
[With interest.] Is that the princ.i.p.al thing in your mind as you sit playing for the dancers?
FRIDA.
No; I'm generally thinking how hard it is that I mayn't join in the dance myself.
BORKMAN.
[Nodding.] That is just what I wanted to know. [Moving restlessly about the room.] Yes, yes, yes. That you must not join in the dance, that is the hardest thing of all. [Stopping.]
But there is one thing that should make up to you for that, Frida.
FRIDA.
[Looking inquiringly at him.] What is that, Mr. Borkman?
BORKMAN.
The knowledge that you have ten times more music in you than all the dancers together.
FRIDA.
[Smiling evasively.] Oh, that's not at all so certain.
BORKMAN.
[Holding up his fore-finger warningly.] You must never be so mad as to have doubts of yourself!
FRIDA.
But since no one knows it----
BORKMAN.
So long as you know it yourself, that is enough. Where is it you are going to play this evening?
FRIDA.
Over at the Hinkel's.
BORKMAN.
[With a swift, keen glance at her.] Hinkel's, you say!
FRIDA.
Yes.
BORKMAN.
[With a cutting smile.] Does that man give parties? Can he get people to visit him?
FRIDA.
Yes, they have a great many people about them, Mrs. Wilton says.
BORKMAN.
[Vehemently.] But what sort of people? Can you tell me that?
FRIDA.
[A little nervously.] No, I really don't know. Yes, by-the-bye, I know that young Mr. Borkman is to be there this evening.
BORKMAN.
[Taken aback.] Erhart? My son?
FRIDA.
Yes, he is going there.
BORKMAN.
How do you know that?
FRIDA.
He said so himself--an hour ago.
BORKMAN.
Is he out here to-day?
FRIDA.
Yes, he has been at Mrs. Wilton's all the afternoon.
BORKMAN.
[Inquiringly.] Do you know if he called here too? I mean, did he see any one downstairs?
FRIDA.
Yes, he looked in to see Mrs. Borkman.
BORKMAN.
[Bitterly.] Aha--I might have known it.
FRIDA.
There was a strange lady calling upon her, I think.
BORKMAN.
Indeed? Was there? Oh yes, I suppose people do come now and then to see Mrs. Borkman.
FRIDA.
If I meet young Mr. Borkman this evening, shall I ask him to come up and see you too?
BORKMAN.
[Harshly.] You shall do nothing of the sort! I won't have it on any account. The people who want to see me can come of their own accord.
FRIDA.
Oh, very well; I shan't say anything then. Good-night, Mr.
Borkman.
BORKMAN.
[Pacing up and down and growling.] Good-night.
FRIDA.
Do you mind if I run down by the winding stair? It's the shortest way.
