straightforwardly towards father. You have talked to him as if you cared only for the truth and the good of the community. You have trifled with both father and me. You are not the man you pretended to be. And that I will never forgive you—never.
Hovstad.
You shouldn't say that so bitterly, Miss Petra—least of all now.
Petra.
Why not now?
Hovstad.
Because your father cannot do without my help.
Petra.
[Measuring him from head to foot.] So you are capable of that, too? Oh, shame!
Hovstad.
No, no. I spoke without thinking. You mustn't believe that of me.
Petra.
I know what to believe. Good-bye.
Aslaksen enters from printing-room, hurriedly and mysteriously.
Aslaksen.
What do you think, Mr. Hovstad—[Seeing Petra.] Ow, that's awkward
Petra.
Well, there is the book. You must give it to some one else. [Going towards the main door
