Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/267

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Engstrand.

So I says to her, "The American, he's sailing about on the boundless sea. And as for you, Johanna," says I, "you've committed a grievous sin, and you're a fallen creature. But Jacob Engstrand," says I, "he's got two good legs to stand upon, he has——" You see, your Reverence, I was speaking figurative-like.

Manders.

I understand quite well. Go on.

Engstrand.

Well, that was how I raised her up and made an honest woman of her, so as folks shouldn't get to know how as she'd gone astray with foreigners.

Manders.

In all that you acted very well. Only I cannot approve of your stooping to take money——

Engstrand.

Money? I? Not a farthing!

Manders.

[Inquiringly to Mrs. Alving.] But——

Engstrand.

Oh, wait a minute!—now I recollect. Johanna did have a trifle of money. But I would have nothing to do with that. "No," says I, "that's mammon; that's the wages of sin. This dirty gold—or notes, or whatever it was—we'll just fling that back in the American's face," says I. But he was off and away, over the stormy sea, your Reverence.