Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/300

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Manders.

And you stood and looked on?

Engstrand.

Yes; I saw it as plain as a pike-staff, I did.

Manders.

It's quite beyond my comprehension. Besides, it has never been my habit to snuff candles with my fingers.

Engstrand.

And terrible risky it looked, too, that it did! But is there such a deal of harm done after all, your Reverence?

Manders.

[Walks restlessly to and fro.] Oh, don't ask me!

Engstrand.

[Walks with him.] And your Reverence hadn't insured it, neither?

Manders.

[Continuing to walk up and down.] No, no, no; I have told you so.

Engstrand.

[Following him.] Not insured! And then to go straight away down and set light to the whole thing! Lord, Lord, what a misfortune!

Manders.

[Wipes the sweat from his forehead.] Ay, you may well say that, Engstrand.

Engstrand.

And to think that such a thing should happen