Johan Tönnesen enters from the right.
Bernick.
[Going towards him.] Johan!
Johan.
[Waving him off.] Let me speak first. Yesterday morning I gave you my word to be silent.
Bernick.
You did.
Johan.
But I did not know then
Bernick.
Johan, let me in two words explain the circumstances
Johan.
There is no necessity; I understand the circumstances very well. Your house was in a difficult position; and I was far away, and you had my unprotected name and fame to do what you liked with Well, I don't blame you so much for it; we were young and thoughtless in those days. But now I need the truth, and now you must speak out.
Bernick.
And just at this moment I require all my moral authority, and therefore I cannot speak out.
Johan.
I don't care so much about the falsehoods you have trumped up at my expense; it is the other thing that you must take upon your own shoulders. Dina shall be my wife, and I will live here, here in this town, along with her.
