Boletta.
Oh, one is a botanical book, and the other a descriptive geography.
Arnholm. Are you fond of that kind of reading?
Boletta.
Yes, when I can find time for it But of course the housekeeping must come first.
Arnholm.
But does not your mother—your stepmother—help you with that?
Boletta.
No, it is my work. I had to look after it during the two years father was alone; and so it has continued ever since.
Arnholm. But you are as fond as ever of reading?
Boletta.
Yes, I read all the useful books I can get hold of. One wants to know a little about the world. Here we live so entirely outside of everything,—or almost entirely.
Arnholm. No, my dear Boletta, don't say that.
Boletta.
But I do say so. I don't see much difference between our life and the life of the carp in the pond there. They have the fiord close beside
