Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/143

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

Monsen.

It's a case of you scratch me, I scratch you. Well, Chamberlain, is it to be a bargain? You shall have the woods at your own figure———

The Chamberlain.

I will not have them at any figure, Mr. Monsen.

Monsen.

Well, one good offer deserves another. Will you help me, sir?

The Chamberlain.

What do you mean?

Monsen.

Of course I'll give good security. I have plenty of property. Look here—these papers—just let me explain my position to you.

The Chamberlain.

[Waving the papers aside.] Is it pecuniary aid you want?

Monsen.

Not ready money; oh, no! But your support, Chamberlain. Of course I'll pay for it—and give security, and———

The Chamberlain.

And you come to me with such a proposal as this?

Monsen.

Yes, precisely to you. I know you've often let bygones be bygones when a man was in real straits.