PILLARS OF SOCIETY (1877) (continued 2)

[A short pause.

Johan.

[Softly seizing Bernick’s arm.] Karsten, Karsten, what have you done?

Mrs. Bernick.

[Softly, in tears.] Oh, Karsten, that I should bring all this shame upon you!

Sandstad.

[Enters hastily from the right, and says, with his hand still on the door-handle.] You must really come 326now, Consul! The whole railway is hanging by a thread.

Bernick.

[Absently.] What is it? What am I to——?

Lona.

[Earnestly and with emphasis.] You are to rise and support society, brother-in-law!

Sandstad.

Yes, come, come; we need all your moral predominance.

Johan.

[Close to him.] Bernick, we two will talk of this to-morrow.

[He goes out through the garden; Bernick goes out to the right with Sandstad, as if his will were paralysed.

327

ACT THIRD.

The garden-room in Consul Bernick’s house.

Bernick, with a cane in his hand, enters, in a violent passion, from the second room on the left, leaving the door half open.

Bernick.

There, now! At last I’ve done it in earnest; I don’t think he’ll forget that thrashing. [To some one in the other room.] What do you say?—I say you are a foolish mother! You make excuses for him, and encourage him in all his naughtiness——Not naughtiness? What do you call it then? To steal out of the house at night and go to sea in a fishing-boat; to remain out till late in the day, and put me in mortal terror, as if I hadn’t enough anxiety without that. And the young rascal dares to threaten me with running away! Just let him try it!—You? No, I daresay not; you don’t seem to care much what becomes of him. I believe if he were to break his neck——! Oh, indeed? But it happens that I need some one to carry on my work in the world; it would not suit me to be left childless. Don’t argue, Betty; I have said it, once for all; he is not to leave the house. [Listens.] Hush, don’t let people notice anything.

Krap comes in from the right.

Krap.

Can you spare me a moment, Consul.

328Bernick.

[Throws away the cane.] Of course, of course Have you come from the shipyard?

Krap.

Just this moment. H’m——

Bernick.

Well? Nothing wrong with the Palm Tree, I hope?

Krap.

The Palm Tree can sail to-morrow, but——

Bernick.

The Indian Girl, then? I might have guessed that that stiff-necked——

Krap.

The Indian Girl can sail to-morrow, too; but—I don’t think she will get very far.

Bernick.

What do you mean?

Krap.

Excuse me, Consul, that door is ajar, and I think there is some one in the room——

Bernick.

[Shuts the door.] There then. But what is the meaning of all this secrecy?

Krap.

It means this: I believe Aune intends to send the Indian Girl to the bottom, with every soul on board.

Bernick.

Good heavens! how can you think——?

329Krap.

I can explain it in no other way, Consul.

Bernick.

Well then, tell me as shortly as you can——

Krap.

I will. You know how things have been dragging in the yard since we got the new machines and the new inexperienced workmen?

Bernick.

Yes, yes.

Krap.

But this morning, when I went down there, I noticed that the repairs on the American had been going at a great rate. The big patch in her bottom—the rotten place, you know——

Bernick.

Yes, yes; what about it?

Krap.

It was completelycompletely repaired—to all appearance; plastered up; looked as good as new. I heard that Aune himself had been working at it by lantern-light the whole night through.

Bernick.

Yes, yes, and then——?

Krap.

I was a good deal puzzled. It happened that the workmen were at breakfast, so I could ferret about as I pleased, both outside and inside. It was difficult to get down into the hold, among the cargo; but I saw enough to convince me. There is rascality at work, Consul.

330Bernick.

I can’t believe it, Mr. Krap. I cannot and will not believe such a thing of Aune.

Krap.

I’m sorry for it, but it’s the simple truth. There is rascality at work, I say. Not a stick of new timber had been put in, so far as I could see. It was only plugged and puttied up, and covered with plates and tarpaulins, and so forth. All bogus! The Indian Girl will never get to New York. She’ll go to the bottom like a cracked pot.

Bernick.

Why, this is horrible! What do you think can be his motive?

Krap.

He probably wants to bring the machines into discredit; wants to revenge himself; wants to have the old workmen taken on again.

Bernick.

And for that he would send all these men to their death?

Krap.

He has been heard to say that the crew of the Indian Girl are brute beasts, not men.

Bernick.

Yes, yes, that may be; but does he not think of the great loss of capital?

Krap.

Aune is not over-fond of capital, Consul.

Bernick.

True enough; he is an agitator and mischief-maker; but such a piece of villainy as this——. 331I’ll tell you what, Mr. Krap: this affair must be looked into again. Not a word of it to any one. Our yard would lose its reputation if this came to people’s ears.

Krap.

Of course, but——

Bernick.

During the dinner-hour you must go down there again; I must have absolute certainty.

Krap.

You shall, Consul. But, excuse me, what will you do then?

Bernick.

Why, report the case of course. We cannot be accessories to a crime. I must keep my conscience clear. Besides, it will make a good impression on both the press and the public, to see me disregard all personal interests, and let justice take its course.

Krap.

Very true, Consul.

Bernick.

But, first of all, absolute certainty—and, until then, silence.

Krap.

Not a word, Consul; and you shall have absolute certainty.

[He goes out through the garden and down the street.

Bernick.

[Half aloud.] Horrible! But no, it’s impossible—inconceivable!

[As he turns to go to his own room Hilmar Tönnesen enters from the right.

332Hilmar.

Good-day, Bernick! Well, I congratulate you on your field-day in the Trade Council yesterday.

Bernick.

Oh, thank you.

Hilmar.

It was a brilliant victory, I hear; the victory of intelligent public spirit over self-interest and prejudice—like a French razzia upon the Kabyles. Strange, that after the unpleasant scene here, you——

Bernick.

Yes, yes, don’t speak of it.

Hilmar.

But the tug-of-war is yet to come.

Bernick.

In the matter of the railway, you mean?

Hilmar.

Yes. I suppose you have heard of the egg that our editor-friend is hatching?

Bernick.

[Anxiously.] No! What is it?

Hilmar.

Oh, he has got hold of the rumour that’s floating about, and is coming out with an article on the subject.

Bernick.

What rumour?

Hilmar.

Why, about the great buying-up of property along the branch line, of course.

333Bernick.

What do you mean? Is there any such rumour about?

Hilmar.

Yes, over the whole town. I heard it at the club. They say that one of our lawyers has been secretly commissioned to buy up all the forests, all the mining rights, all the water-power——

Bernick.

And is it known for whom?

Hilmar.

They thought at the club that it must be for a syndicate from some other town that had got wind of your scheme, and had rushed in before the prices rose. Isn’t it disgraceful? Ugh!

Bernick.

Disgraceful?

Hilmar.

Yes, that outsiders should trespass on our preserves in that way. And that one of our own lawyers could lend himself to such a transaction! Now all the profit will go to strangers.

Bernick

But this is only a vague rumour.

Hilmar.

People believe it, at any rate; and to-morrow or next day you may look for some editorial comments on the fact. Every one is indignant about it already. I heard several people say that if this rumour is confirmed they will strike their names off the lists.

334Bernick.

Impossible!

Hilmar.

Indeed? Why do you think these peddling creatures were so ready to join you in your undertaking? Do you think they weren’t themselves hankering after——?

Bernick.

Impossible, I say; there is at least so much public spirit in our little community——

Hilmar.

Here? Oh yes, you are an optimist, and judge others by yourself. But I am a pretty keen observer, and I tell you there is not a person here—except ourselves, of course—not one, I say, that holds high the banner of the ideal. [Up towards the back.] Ugh, there they are!

Bernick.

Who?

Hilmar.

The two Americans. [Looks out to the right.] And who is that with them? Why, it’s the captain of the Indian Girl. Ugh!

Bernick.

What can they want with him?

Hilmar.

Oh, it’s very appropriate company. They say he has been a slave-dealer or a pirate; and who knows what that couple have turned their hands to in all these years.

335Bernick.

I tell you, such innuendoes are utterly unjust.

Hilmar.

Yes, you are an optimist. But here we have them upon us again of course; so I shall get away in time.

[Goes towards the door on the left.

Lona Hessel enters from the right.

Lona.

What, Hilmar, am I driving you away?

Hilmar.

Not at all, not at all. I really oughtn’t to have been wasting time here; I have something to say to Betty.

[Goes out by the second door on the left.

Bernick.

[After a short pause.] Well, Lona?

Lona.

Well?

Bernick.

What do you think of me to-day?

Lona.

The same as yesterday; a lie more or less——

Bernick.

I must clear all this up. Where has Johan gone to?

Lona.

He will be here directly; he is talking to a man outside there.

Bernick.

After what you heard yesterday, you can understand that my whole position is ruined if the truth comes to light.

336Lona.

I understand.

Bernick.

Of course I need not tell you that I was not guilty of the supposed crime.

Lona.

Of course not. But who was the thief?

Bernick.

There was no thief. There was no money stolen; not a halfpenny was missing.missing.

Lona.

What?

Bernick.

Not a halfpenny, I say.

Lona.

But the rumour? How did that shameful rumour get abroad, that Johan——?

Bernick.

Lona, I find I can talk to you as I can to no one else; I shall conceal nothing from you. I had my share in spreading the rumour.

Lona.

You! And you could do this wrong to the man who, for your sake——?

Bernick.

You must not condemn me without remembering how matters stood at the time. As I told you yesterday, I came home to find my mother involved in a whole series of foolish undertakings. Disasters of various kinds followed; all possible ill-luck seemed to crowd in upon us; our house was on the verge of ruin. I was half reckless 337and half in despair. Lona, I believe it was principally to deaden thought that I got into that entanglement which ended in Johan’s going away.

Lona.

H’m——

Bernick.

You can easily imagine that there were all sorts of rumours in the air after you two had left. It was said that this was not his first misdemeanour. Some said Dorf had received a large sum of money from him to hold his tongue and keep out of the way; others declared she had got the money. At the same time it got abroad that our house had difficulty in meeting its engagements. What more natural than that the scandal-mongers should put these two rumours together? Then, as Madam Dorf remained here in unmistakable poverty, people began to say that he had taken the money with him to America; and rumour made the sum larger and larger every day.

Lona.

And you, Karsten——?

Bernick.

I clutched at the rumour as a drowning man clutches at a straw.

Lona.

You helped to spread it?

Bernick.

I did not contradict it. Our creditors were beginning to press upon us; I had to quiet them—to prevent them from doubting the solidity of the firm. I let it be thought that a momentary 338misfortune had befallen us, but that if people only refrained from pressing us—if they would only give us time—every one should be paid in full.

Lona.

And every one was paid in full?

Bernick.

Yes, Lona; that rumour saved our house and made me the man I am.

Lona.

A lie, then, has made you the man you are.

Bernick.

Whom did it hurt, then? Johan intended never to return.

Lona.

You ask whom it hurt? Look into yourself and see if it has not hurt you.

Bernick.

Look into any man you please, and you will find at least one dark spot that must be kept out of sight.

Lona.

And you call yourselves pillars of society!

Bernick.

Society has none better.

Lona.

Then what does it matter whether such a society is supported or not? What is it that passes current here? Lies and shams—nothing else. Here are you, the first man in the town, 339prosperous, powerful, looked up to by every one—you, who have set the brand of crime upon an innocent man.

Bernick.

Do you think I do not feel deeply the wrong I have done him? Do you think I am not prepared to atone for it?

Lona.

How? By speaking out?

Bernick.

Can you ask me to do that?

Lona.

How else can you atone for such a wrong?

Bernick.

I am rich, Lona; Johan may ask for what he pleases——

Lona.

Yes, offer him money, and you’ll see what he will answer.

Bernick.

Do you know what he intends to do?

Lona.

No. Since yesterday he has said nothing to me. It seems as if all this had suddenly made a full-grown man of him.

Bernick.

I must speak to him.

Lona.

Then here he is.

340Johan 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.

341Lona.

You will?

Bernick.

With Dina! As your wife? Here, in this town?

Johan.

Yes, just here; I will stay here to outface all these liars and backbiters. And that I may win her, you must set me free.

Bernick.

Have you considered that, if I plead guilty to the one thing, I plead guilty to the other as well? I can prove by our books, you say, that there was no embezzlement at all? But I cannot; our books were not so accurately kept in those days. And even if I could, what would be gained by it? Should I not figure, at best, as the man who, having once saved himself by falsehood, had let that falsehood, and all its consequences, run on for fifteen years, without taking a single step to retract it? You have forgotten what our society is, or you would know that that would crush me to the very dust.

Johan.

I can only repeat that I shall make Madam Dorf’s daughter my wife, and live with her here, in this town.

Bernick.

[Wipes the perspiration from his forehead.] Hear me, Johan—and you, too, Lona. My position at this moment is not an ordinary one. I am so situated, that if you strike this blow you destroy me utterly, and not only me, but also a great and golden future for the community which was, after all, the home of your childhood.

342Johan.

And if I do not strike the blow, I destroy all that makes my own future of value to me.

Lona.

Go on, Karsten.

Bernick.

Then listen. Everything turns upon this question of the railway, and that is not so simple as you think. Of course you have heard that last year there was some talk of a coast-line? It had many powerful advocates in the district, and especially in the press; but I succeeded in blocking it, because it would have injured our steamboat trade along the coast.

Lona.

Have you an interest in this steamboat trade?

Bernick.

Yes; but no one dared to impugn my motives on that account. My spotless name was an ample safeguard. For that matter, I could have borne the loss; but the town could not. Then the inland line was determined on. As soon as the route was fixed, I assured myself secretly that a branch connection between it and the town was practicable.

Lona.

Why secretly, Karsten?

Bernick.

Have you heard any talk of the great buying-up of forests, mines, and water-power?

Johan.

Yes, for a company in some other town——

343Bernick.

As these properties now lie, they are as good as worthless to their scattered owners; so they have sold comparatively cheap. If the purchaser had waited until the branch line was known to be in contemplation, the vendors would have demanded fancy prices.

Lona.

Very likely; but what then?

Bernick.

Now comes the point which may or may not be interpreted favourably—a risk which no man in our community could afford to incur, unless he had a spotless and honoured name to rely upon.

Lona.

Well?

Bernick.

It is I who have bought up the whole.

Lona.

You?

Johan.

On your own account?

Bernick.

On my own account. If the branch line is made, I am a millionaire; if not, I am ruined.

Lona.

This is a great risk, Karsten.

Bernick.

I have staked all I possess upon the throw.

344Lona.

I was not thinking of the money; but when it comes out that——

Bernick.

Yes, that is the great point. With the unblemished reputation I have hitherto borne, I can take the whole affair upon my shoulders and carry it through, saying to my fellow citizens, “See, this I have ventured for the good of the community!”

Lona.

Of the community?

Bernick.

Yes; and not a soul will question my motives.

Lona.

Then there are some people, it seems, who have acted more openly than you, with no private interests, no ulterior designs.

Bernick.

Who?

Lona.

Why, Rummel and Sandstad and Vigeland, of course.

Bernick.

To make sure of their support, I had to let them into the secret.

Lona.

And they?

Bernick.

They have stipulated for a fifth of the profits.

Lona.

Oh, these pillars of society!

345Bernick.

Can you not see that it is society itself that compels us to adopt these indirect courses? What would have happened if I had not acted secretly? Why, every one would have thrown himself into the undertaking, and the whole thing would have been broken up, frittered away, bungled, and ruined. There is not a single man here, except myself, that knows how to organise an enormous concern such as this will become; in this country the men of real business ability are almost all of foreign descent. That is why my conscience acquits me in this matter. Only in my hands can all this property be of permanent benefit to the many whose subsistence will depend upon it.

Lona.

I believe you are right there, Karsten.

Johan.

But I know nothing of “the many,” and my life’s happiness is at stake.

Bernick.

The welfare of your native place is no less at stake. If things come to the surface which cast a slur upon my past life, all my opponents will join forces and overwhelm me. In our society a boyish error is never effaced. People will scrutinise my whole career, will rake up a thousand trifling incidents and interpret and comment upon them in the light of these disclosures. They will crush me beneath the weight of rumours and slanders. I shall have to retire from the railway board; and if I take my hand away, the whole thing will fall to pieces, and I 346shall have to face not only ruin but social extinction.

Lona.

Johan, after what you have heard, you must go away, and say nothing.

Bernick.

Yes, yes, Johan, you must!

Johan.

Yes, I will go away, and say nothing; but I will come back again, and then I will speak.

Bernick.

Remain over there, Johan; be silent, and I am ready to share with you——

Johan.

Keep your money, and give me back my good name.

Bernick.

And sacrifice my own!

Johan.

You and your “community” must settle that between you. I must and will make Dina my wife. So I shall sail to-morrow in the Indian Girl——

Bernick.

In the Indian Girl?

Johan.

Yes; the captain has promised to take me. I shall go across, I tell you, sell my farm, and settle up my affairs. In two months I shall be back again.

347Bernick.

And then you will tell all?

Johan.

Then the wrong-doer must take up his own burden.

Bernick.

Do you forget that I must also take upon me wrong-doing of which I was not guilty?

Johan.

Who was it that, fifteen years ago, reaped the benefit of that shameful rumour?

Bernick.

You drive me to desperation! But if you speak, I will deny everything! I will say it is all a conspiracy against me; a piece of revenge; that you have come here to blackmail me!

Lona.

Shame on you, Karsten!

Bernick.

I am desperate, I tell you; I am fighting for my life. I will deny everything, everything!

Johan.

I have your two letters. I found them in my box among my other papers. I read them through this morning; they are plain enough.

Bernick.

And you will produce them?

Johan.

If you force me to.

348Bernick.

And in two months you will be here again?

Johan.

I hope so. The wind is fair. In three weeks I shall be in New York—if the Indian Girl doesn’t go to the bottom.

Bernick.

[Starting.] Go to the bottom? Why should the Indian Girl go to the bottom?

Johan.

That’s just what I say.

Bernick.

[Almost inaudibly.] Go to the bottom?

Johan.

Well, Bernick, now you know what you have to expect; you must do what you can in the mean-time. Good-bye! Give my love to Betty, though she certainly has not received me in a very sisterly fashion. But Martha I must see. She must tell Dina—she must promise me——

[He goes out by the second door on the left.

Bernick.

[To himself.] The Indian Girl——? [Quickly.] Lona, you must prevent this!

Lona.

You see yourself, Karsten—I have lost all power over him.

[She follows Johan into the room on the left.

Bernick.

[In unquiet thought.] Go to the bottom——?

349Aune enters from the right.

Aune.

Asking your pardon, Consul, might I speak to you——?

Bernick.

[Turns angrily.] What do you want?

Aune.

I wanted, if I might, to ask you a question, Consul Bernick.

Bernick.

Well, well; be quick. What is it about?

Aune.

I wanted to know if you’re still determined—firmly determined—to turn me adrift if the Indian Girl should not be ready for sea to-morrow?

Bernick.

What now? The ship will be ready for sea.

Aune.

Yes—she will. But supposing as she wasn’t—should I have to go?

Bernick.

Why ask such useless questions?

Aune.

I want to make quite sure, Consul. Just answer me: should I have to go?

Bernick.

Am I in the habit of changing my mind?

350Aune.

Then to-morrow I should have lost the place that rightly belongs to me in my home and family—lost my influence among the workmen—lost all my chances of helping them as are lowly and down-trodden?

Bernick.

We have discussed that point long ago, Aune.

Aune.

Then the Indian Girl must sail.

[A short pause.

Bernick.

Listen: I cannot look after everything myself, and be responsible for everything. I suppose you are prepared to assure me that the repairs are thoroughly carried out?

Aune.

It was very short time you gave me, Consul.

Bernick.

But the repairs are all right, you say?

Aune.

The weather is fine, and it is midsummer.

[Another silence.

Bernick.

Have you anything more to say to me?

Aune.

I don’t know as there’s aught else, Consul.

Bernick.

Then—the Indian Girl sails——

351Aune.

To-morrow?

Bernick.

Yes.

Aune.

Very well. [He bows and goes out.

[Bernick stands for a moment irresolute; then he goes quickly towards the door as if to call Aune back, but stops and stands hesitating with his hand on the knob. At that moment the door is opened from outside, and Krap enters.

Krap.

[Speaking low.] Aha, he has been here.here. Has he confessed?

Bernick.

H’m——; have you discovered anything?

Krap.

What need was there? Did you not see the evil conscience looking out of his very eyes?

Bernick.

Oh, nonsense;—no one can see such things. I asked if you had discovered anything?

Krap.

I couldn’t get at it; I was too late; they were busy hauling the ship out of dock. But this very haste proves plainly that——

Bernick.

It proves nothing. The inspection has taken place, then?

Krap.

Of course; but——

352Bernick.

There you see! And they have, of course, found nothing to complain of?

Krap.

Consul, you know very well how such inspections are conducted, especially in a yard that has such a name as ours.

Bernick.

No matter; it relieves us of all reproach.

Krap.

Could you really not read in Aune’s face, Consul——?

Bernick.

Aune has entirely satisfied me, I tell you.

Krap.

And I tell you I am morally convinced——

Bernick.

What does this mean, Mr. Krap? I know very well that you have a grudge against the man; but if you want to attack him, you should choose some other opportunity. You know how essential it is for me—or rather for the owners—that the Indian Girl should sail to-morrow.

Krap.

Very well; so be it; but if ever we hear of that ship again—h’m!

Vigeland enters from the right.

Vigeland.

How do you do, Consul? Have you a moment to spare?

353Bernick.

At your service, Mr. Vigeland.

Vigeland.

I only want to know if you agree with me that the Palm Tree ought to sail to-morrow?

Bernick.

Yes—I thought that was settled.

Vigeland.

But the captain has just come to tell me that the storm-signals have been hoisted.

Krap.

The barometer has fallen rapidly since this morning.

Bernick.

Indeed? Is a storm threatening?

Vigeland.

A stiff breeze at any rate; but not a contrary wind; quite the reverse——

Bernick.

H’m; what do you say, then?

Vigeland.

I say, as I said to the captain, that the Palm Tree is in the hands of Providence. And besides, she is only going over the North Sea to begin with; and freights are pretty high in England just now, so that——

Bernick.

Yes, it would probably mean a loss if we delayed.

354Vigeland.

The vessel is soundly built, you know, and fully insured too. I can tell you it’s another matter with the Indian Girl——

Bernick.

What do you mean?

Vigeland.

Why, she is to sail to-morrow too.

Bernick.

Yes, the owners hurried us on, and besides——

Vigeland.

Well, if that old hulk can venture out—and with such a crew into the bargain—it would be a shame if we couldn’t——

Bernick.

Well well; I suppose you have the ship’s papers with you.

Vigeland.

Yes, here they are.

Bernick.

Good; then perhaps you will go with Mr. Krap——

Krap.

This way, please; we shall soon put them in order.

Vigeland.

Thanks.—And the result we will leave in the hands of Omnipotence, Consul.

[He goes with Krap into the foremost room on the left. Doctor Rörlund comes through the garden.

355Rörlund.

What! You at home at this time of the day, Consul!

Bernick.

[Absently.] As you see!

Rörlund.

I looked in to see your wife. I thought she might need a word of consolation.

Bernick.

I daresay she does. But I, too, should be glad of a word with you.

Rörlund.

With pleasure, Consul. But what is the matter with you? You look quite pale and upset.

Bernick.

Indeed? Do I? Well, can you wonder at it, with such a host of things crowding upon me all at once. Besides all my usual business, I have this affair of the railway——Give me your attention for a moment, Doctor; let me ask you a question.

Rörlund.

By all means, Consul.

Bernick.

A thought has occurred to me lately: When one stands on the threshold of a great undertaking, that is to promote the welfare of thousands,—if a single sacrifice should be demanded——?

Rörlund.

How do you mean?

356Bernick.

Take, for example, a man who is starting a large manufactory. He knows very well—for all experience has taught him—that sooner or later, in the working of that manufactory, human life will be lost.

Rörlund.

Yes, it is only too probable.

Bernick.

Or suppose he is about to open a mine. He takes into his service both fathers of families and young men in the heyday of life. May it not be predicted with certainty that some will perish in the undertaking?

Rörlund.

Unhappily there can be little doubt of that.

Bernick.

Well; such a man, then, knows beforehand that his enterprise will undoubtedly, some time or other, lead to the loss of life. But the undertaking is for the greater good of the greater number; for every life it costs, it will, with equal certainty, promote the welfare of many hundreds.

Rörlund.

Ah, you are thinking of the railway—of all the dangerous tunnellings, and blastings, and that sort of thing——

Bernick.

Yes—yes, of course—I am thinking of the railway. And, besides, the railway will bring with it both manufactories and mines. But don’t you think that——

357Rörlund.

My dear Consul, you are almost too scrupulous. If you place the affair in the hands of Providence——

Bernick.

Yes; yes, of course; Providence——

Rörlund.

——you can have nothing to reproach yourself with. Go on and prosper with the railway.railway.

Bernick.

Yes, but let us take a peculiar case. Let us suppose a blasting has to be made at a dangerous place; and unless it is carried out, the railway will come to a standstill. Suppose the engineer knows that it will cost the life of the workman who fires the fuse; but fired it must be, and it is the engineer’s duty to send a workman to do it.

Rörlund.

H’m——

Bernick.

I know what you will say: It would be heroic if the engineer himself took the match and went and fired the fuse. But no one does such things. So he must sacrifice a workman.

Rörlund.

No engineer among us would ever do that.

Bernick.

No engineer in the great nations would think twice about doing it.

358Rörlund.

In the great nations? No, I daresay not. In those corrupt and unscrupulous communities——

Bernick.

Oh, those communities have their good points too.

Rörlund.

Can you say that—you, who yourself——?

Bernick.

In the great nations one has at least elbow-room for useful enterprise. There, men have the courage to sacrifice something for a great cause. But here, one is hampered by all sorts of petty considerations.

Rörlund.

Is a human life a petty consideration?

Bernick.

When that human life is a menace to the welfare of thousands.

Rörlund.

But you are putting quite inconceivable cases, Consul! I don’t understand you to-day. And then you refer me to the great communities. Yes, there—what does a human life count for there? They think no more of staking life than of staking capital. But we, I hope, look at things from an entirely different moral standpoint. Think of our exemplary shipowners! Name me a single merchant here among us who, for the sake of paltry profit, would sacrifice one human life! And then think of those scoundrels in the great communities who enrich themselves by sending out one unseaworthy ship after another——

359Bernick.

I am not speaking of unseaworthy ships!

Rörlund.

But I am, Consul.

Bernick.

Yes, but to what purpose? It has nothing to do with the question.—Oh, these little craven qualms of conscience! If a general among us were to lead his troops under fire, and get some of them shot, he would never sleep o’ nights after it. Elsewhere it is very different. You should hear what he says——

[Pointing to the door on the left.

Rörlund.

He? Who? The American——?

Bernick.

Of course. You should hear how people in America——

Rörlund.

Is he in there? Why did you not tell me? I shall go at once——

Bernick.

It’s of no use. You will make no impression on him.

Rörlund.

That we shall see. Ah, here he is.

Johan Tönnesen comes from the room on the left.

Johan.

[Speaking through the open doorway.] Yes, yes, Dina, so be it; but don’t think that I shall give you up. I shall return, and things will come all right between us.

360Rörlund.

May I ask what you mean by these words? What is it you want?

Johan.

I want the girl to whom you yesterday traduced me, to be my wife.

Rörlund.

Your——? Can you imagine that——?

Johan.

She shall be my wife.

Rörlund.

Well, then, you shall hear——[Goes to the half-open door.] Mrs. Bernick, will you be kind enough to be a witness——And you too, Miss Martha. And bring Dina with you. [Sees Lona.] Ah, are you here, too?

Lona.

[In the doorway.] Shall I come?

Rörlund.

As many as will—the more the better.

Bernick.

What are you going to do?

Lona, Mrs. Bernick, Martha, Dina, and Hilmar Tönnesen come out of the room on the left.

Mrs. Bernick.

Doctor, nothing I can say will stop him from——

Rörlund.

I shall stop him, Mrs. Bernick.—Dina, you are a thoughtless girl. But I do not blame you very 361much. You have stood here too long without the moral support that should have sustained you. I blame myself for not having given you that support sooner.

Dina.

You must not speak now!

Mrs. Bernick.

What is all this?

Rörlund.

It is now that I must speak, Dina, though your conduct yesterday and to-day has made it ten times more difficult for me. But all other considerations must give place to your rescue. You remember the promise I gave you. You remember what you promised to answer, when I found that the time had come. Now I can hesitate no longer, and therefore—[To Johan Tönnesen]—I tell you that this girl, whom you are pursuing, is betrothed to me.

Mrs. Bernick.

What do you say?

Bernick.

Dina!

Johan.

She! Betrothed to——?

Martha.

No, no, Dina!

Lona.

A lie!

Johan.

Dina—does that man speak the truth?

Dina.

[After a short pause.] Yes.

362Rörlund.

This, I trust, will paralyse all your arts of seduction. The step I have determined to take for Dina’s welfare may now be made known to our whole community. I hope—nay, I am sure—that it will not be misinterpreted. And now, Mrs. Bernick, I think we had better take her away from here, and try to restore her mind to peace and equilibrium.

Mrs. Bernick.

Yes, come. Oh, Dina, what happiness for you!

[She leads Dina out to the left; Doctor Rörlund goes along with them.

Martha.

Good-bye, Johan! [She goes out.

Hilmar.

[At the garden door.] H’m—well, I really must say——

Lona.

[Who has been following Dina with her eyes.] Don’t be cast down, boy! I shall stay here and look after the Pastor.

[She goes out to the right.

Bernick.

Johan, you won’t sail now with the Indian Girl.

Johan.

Now more than ever.

Bernick.

Then you will not come back again?

Johan.

I shall come back.

363Bernick.

After this? What would you do after this?

Johan.

Revenge myself on the whole band of you; crush as many of you as I can.

He goes out to the right. Vigeland and Krap come from the Consul’s office.

Vigeland.

Well, the papers are in order now, Consul.

Bernick.

Good, good——

Krap.

[In a low voice.] Then it is settled that the Indian Girl is to sail to-morrow.

Bernick.

She is to sail.

He goes into his room. Vigeland and Krap go out to the right. Hilmar Tönnesen is following them, when Olaf peeps cautiously out at the door on the left.

Olaf.

Uncle! Uncle Hilmar!

Hilmar.

Ugh, is that you? Why don’t you stay upstairs? You know you are under arrest.

Olaf.

[Comes a few steps forward.] Sh! Uncle Hilmar, do you know the news?

Hilmar.

I know that you got a thrashing to-day.

364Olaf.

[Looks threateningly towards his father’s room.] He sha’n’t thrash me again. But do you know that Uncle Johan is to sail to-morrow with the Americans?

Hilmar.

What’s that to you? You get upstairs again!

Olaf.

Perhaps I may go buffalo-hunting yet, uncle.

Hilmar.

Rubbish! such a young milksop as you——

Olaf.

Just wait a little; you shall hear something to-morrow!

Hilmar.

Little blockhead!

[He goes out through the garden. Olaf, catching sight of Krap, who comes from the right, runs in again and shuts the door.

Krap.

[Goes up to the Consul’s door and opens it a little.] Excuse my coming again, Consul, but it’s blowing up to a hurricane. [He waits a moment; there is no answer.] Is the Indian Girl to sail in spite of it?

[After a short pause.

Bernick.

[Answers from the office.] The Indian Girl is to sail in spite of it.

[Krap shuts the door and goes out again to the right.

365

ACT FOURTH.

The garden-room in Consul Bernick’s house. The table has been removed. It is a stormy afternoon, already half dark, and growing darker.

A man-servant lights the chandelier; two maid-servants bring in flower-pots, lamps, and candles, which are placed on tables and brackets along the wall. Rummel, wearing a dress-coat, white gloves, and a white necktie, stands in the room giving directions.

Rummel.

[To the servant.] Only every second candle, Jacob. The place mustn’t look too brilliant; it’s supposed to be a surprise, you know. And all these flowers——? Oh, yes, let them stand; it will look as if they were always there——

Consul Bernick comes out of his room.

Bernick.

[At the door.] What is the meaning of all this?

Rummel.

Tut, tut, are you there? [To the servants.] Yes, you can go now.

[The servants go out by the second door on the left.

Bernick.

[Coming into the room.] Why, Rummel, what iswhat is the meaning of all this?

366Rummel.

It means that the proudest moment of your life has arrived. The whole town is coming in procession to do homage to its leading citizen.

Bernick.

What do you mean?

Rummel.

With banners and music, sir! We should have had torches too; but it was thought dangerous in this stormy weather. However, there’s to be an illumination; and that will have an excellent effect in the newspapers.

Bernick.

Listen, Rummel—I will have nothing to do with all this.

Rummel.

Oh, it’s too late now; they’ll be here in half an hour.

Bernick.

Why did you not tell me of this before?

Rummel.

Just because I was afraid you would make objections. But I arranged it all with your wife; she allowed me to put things in order a little, and she is going to look to the refreshments herself.

Bernick.

[Listening.] What’s that? Are they coming already? I thought I heard singing.

367Rummel.

[At the garden-door.] Singing? Oh, it’s only the Americans. They are hauling the Indian Girl out to the buoy.

Bernick.

Hauling her out! Yes——! I really cannot this evening, Rummel; I am not well.

Rummel.

You’re certainly not looking well. But you must pull yourself together. Come, come, man, pull yourself together! I and Sandstad and Vigeland attach the greatest importance to this affair. Our opponents must be crushed by an overwhelming utterance of public opinion. The rumours are spreading over the town; the announcement as to the purchase of the property cannot be kept back any longer. This very evening, amid songs and speeches and the ring of brimming goblets—in short, amid all the effervescent enthusiasm of the occasion—you must announce what you have ventured to do for the good of the community. With the aid of effervescent enthusiasm, as I said just now, it is astonishing what one can effect in this town. But we must have the effervescence, or it won’t do.

Bernick.

Yes, yes, yes——

Rummel.

And especially when such a ticklish point is to be dealt with. Thank heaven, you have a name that will carry us through, Bernick. But listen now: we must arrange a little programme. Hilmar Tönnesen has written a song in your 368honour. It begins charmingly with the line, “Wave th’ Ideal’s banner high.” And Doctor Rörlund has been commissioned to make the speech of the evening. Of course, you must reply to it.

Bernick.

I cannot, I cannot this evening, Rummel. Couldn’t you——?

Rummel.

Impossible, much as I should like to. The Doctor’s speech will, of course, be mainly addressed to you. Perhaps a few words will be devoted to the rest of us. I have spoken to Vigeland and Sandstad about it. We had arranged that your reply should take the form of a toast to the general welfare of the community. Sandstad will say a few words on the harmony between the different classes of the community; Vigeland will express the fervent hope that our new undertaking may not disturb the moral basis upon which we stand; and I will call attention, in a few well-chosen words, to the claims of Woman, whose more modest exertions are not without their use in the community. But you are not listening——

Bernick.

Yes—yes, I am. Tell me, do you think the sea is running very high outside?

Rummel.

Oh, you are anxious on account of the Palm Tree? She’s well insured, isn’t she?

Bernick.

Yes, insured; but——

369Rummel.

And in good repair; that’s the main thing.

Bernick.

H’m.—And even if anything happens to a vessel, it does not follow that lives will be lost. The ship and cargo may go down—people may lose chests and papers——

Rummel.

Good gracious, chests and papers don’t matter much——

Bernick.

Not matter! No, no, I only meant——Hark—that singing again!

Rummel.

It’s on board the Palm Tree.

Vigeland enters from the right.

Vigeland.

Yes, they are hauling out the Palm Tree. Good-evening, Consul.

Bernick.

And you, who know the sea so well, don’t hesitate to——?

Vigeland.

I don’t hesitate to trust in Providence, Consul! Besides, I have been on board and distributed a few leaflets, which I hope will act with a blessing.

Sandstad and Krap enter from the right.

Sandstad.

[At the door.] It’s a miracle if they manage to pull through. Ah, here we are—good-evening, good-evening.

370Bernick.

Is anything the matter, Mr. Krap?

Krap.

I have nothing to say, Consul.

Sandstad.

Every man on board the Indian Girl is drunk. If those animals ever get over alive, I’m no prophet.

Lona enters from the right.

Lona.

[To Bernick.] Johan told me to say good-bye for him.

Bernick.

Is he on board already?

Lona.

He will be soon, at any rate. We parted outside the hotel.

Bernick.

And he holds to his purpose?

Lona.

Firm as a rock.

Rummel.

[At one of the windows.] Deuce take these new-fangled arrangements. I can’t get these curtains drawn.

Lona.

Are they to be drawn? I thought, on the contrary——

Rummel.

They are to be drawn at first, Miss Hessel. Of course you know what is going on?

371Lona.

Oh, of course. Let me help you. [Takes one of the cords.] I shall let the curtain fall upon my brother-in-law—though I would rather raise it.

Rummel.

That you can do later. When the garden is filled with a surging multitude, then the curtains are drawn back, and reveal an astonished and delighted family. A citizen’s home should be transparent to all the world.

[Bernick seems about to say something, but turns quickly and goes into his office.

Rummel.

Well, let us hold our last council of war. Come, Mr. Krap; we want you to supply us with a few facts.

[All the men go into the Consul’s office. Lona has drawn all the curtains over the windows, and is just going to draw the curtain over the open glass door, when Olaf drops down from above, alighting at the top of the garden stair; he has a plaid over his shoulder and a bundle in his hand.

Lona.

Good heavens, child, how you startled me!

Olaf.

[Hiding the bundle.] Sh, auntie!

Lona.

Why did you jump out at the window?—Where are you going?

372Olaf.

Sh, don’t tell, auntie. I’m going to Uncle Johan; only down to the pier, you know;—just to say good-bye to him. Good-night, auntie!

[He runs out through the garden.

Lona.

No! stop! Olaf!—Olaf!

Johan Tönnesen, in travelling dress, with a bag over his shoulder, steals in by the door on the right.

Johan.

Lona!

Lona.

[Turning.] What! You here again?

Johan.

There are still a few minutes to spare. I must see her once more. We cannot part so.

Martha and Dina, both wearing cloaks, and the latter with a small travelling-bag in her hand, enter by the second door on the left.

Dina.

I must see him! I must see him!

Martha.

Yes, you shall go to him, Dina!

Dina.

There he is!

Johan.

Dina!

Dina.

Take me with you!

373Johan.

What——!

Lona.

You will go?

Dina.

Yes, take me with you. The other has written to me, saying that this evening it is to be announced to every one——

Johan.

Dina—you do not love him?

Dina.

I have never loved that man. I would rather be at the bottom of the fjord than be engaged to him! Oh, how he seemed to make me grovel before him yesterday with his patronising phrases! How he made me feel that he was stooping to an abject creature! I will not be looked down upon any more. I will go away. May I come with you?

Johan.

Yes, yes—a thousand times yes!

Dina.

I shall not be a burden on you long. Only help me to get over there; help me to make a start——

Johan.

Hurrah! We shall manage all that, Dina!

Lona.

[Pointing to the Consul’s door.] Hush! not so loud!

Johan.

Dina, I will take such care of you.you.

374Dina.

No, no, I won’t have that. I will make my own way; I shall manage well enough over there. Only let me get away from here. Oh, those women—you don’t know—they have actually written to me to-day, exhorting me to appreciate my good fortune, impressing upon me what magnanimity he has shown. To-morrow, and every day of my life, they would be watching me to see whether I showed myself worthy of it all. I have a horror of all this propriety!

Johan.

Tell me, Dina, is that your only reason for coming? Am I nothing to you?

Dina.

Yes, Johan, you are more to me than any one else in the world.

Johan.

Oh, Dina——!

Dina.

They all tell me that I must hate and detest you; that it is my duty. But I don’t understand all this about duty; I never could understand it.

Lona.

And you never shall, my child!

Martha.

No, you shall not; and that is why you must go with him, as his wife.

Johan.

Yes, yes!

375Lona.

What? I must kiss you for that, Martha! I didn’t expect this of you.

Martha.

No, I daresay not; I didn’t expect it myself. But sooner or later the crisis was bound to come. Oh, how we suffer here, under this tyranny of custom and convention! Rebel against it, Dina! Marry him. Show that it is possible to set this use-and-wont at defiance!

Johan.

What is your answer, Dina?

Dina.

Yes, I will be your wife.

Johan.

Dina!

Dina.

But first I will work, and become something for myself, just as you are. I will give myself; I will not be simply taken.

Lona.

Right, right! So it should be.

Johan.

Good; I shall wait and hope——

Lona.

——and win too, boy. But now, on board.

Johan.

Yes, on board! Ah, Lona, my dear, a word with you; come here——

[He leads her up towards the back and talks rapidly to her.

376Martha.

Dina—happy girl! Let me look at you and kiss you once more—for the last time.

Dina.

Not the last time; no, my dear, dear aunt—we shall meet again.

Martha.

Never! Promise me, Dina, never to come back again. [Seizes both her hands and looks into her face.] Now go to your happiness, my dear child—over the sea. Oh, how often have I sat in the schoolroom and longed to be over there! It must be beautiful there; the heaven is wider; the clouds sail higher than here; a larger, freer air sweeps over the heads of the people——

Dina.

Oh, Aunt Martha, you will follow us some day.

Martha.

I? Never, never. My little life-work lies here; and now I think I can give myself to it wholly and unreservedly.

Dina.

I cannot imagine being parted from you.

Martha.

Ah, one can part from so much, Dina. [Kisses her.] But you will not have to learn that lesson, my dear child. Promise me to make him happy.

Dina.

I will not promise anything. I hate this promising. Things must come as they can.

377Martha.

Yes, yes, you are right. You have only to remain as you are—true and faithful to yourself.

Dina.

That I will, Aunt Martha.

Lona.

[Puts in her pocket some papers which Johan has given her.] Good, good, my dear boy. But now, away.

Johan.

Yes, now there’s no time to be lost. Good-bye, Lona; thanks, thanks for all you have been to me. Good-bye, Martha, and thanks to you too for your faithful friendship.

Martha.

Good-bye, Johan! Good-bye, Dina! And happiness be over all your days!

[She and Lona hurry them towards the door in the background. Johan Tönnesen and Dina go quickly out through the garden. Lona shuts the door and draws the curtain.

Lona.

Now we are alone, Martha. You have lost her, and I him.

Martha.

You—him?

Lona.

Oh, I had half lost him already over there. The boy longed to stand on his own feet; so I made him imagine that I was suffering from home-sickness.

378Martha.

That was it? Now I understand why you came. But he will want you back again, Lona.

Lona.

An old step-sister—what can he want with her now? Men break many a tie when happiness beckons to them.

Martha.

That is true, sometimes.

Lona.

Now we two must hold together, Martha.

Martha.

Can I be anything to you?

Lona.

Who more? We two foster-mothers—have we not both lost our children? Now we are alone.

Martha.

Yes, alone. So now I will tell you this—I have loved him more than all the world.

Lona.

Martha? [Seizes her arm.] Is this the truth?

Martha.

My whole life lies in the words. I have loved him, and waited for him. From summer to summer I have looked for his coming. And then he came—but he did not see me.

Lona.

Loved him! And it was you that gave his happiness into his hands.

379Martha.

What else should I do, since I love him? Yes, I have loved him. I have lived my whole life for him, ever since he went away. What reason had I to hope, you ask? Oh, I think I had some reason. But then, when he came again—it seemed as if everything were wiped out of his memory. He did not see me.

Lona.

It was Dina that overshadowed you, Martha.

Martha.

It is well that she did. When he went away we were of the same age; when I saw him again—oh, that horrible moment—I realised that I was ten years older than he. He had lived out there in the bright, quivering sunshine, and drunk in youth and health at every breath; and here sat I the while, spinning and spinning——

Lona.

——the thread of his happiness, Martha.

Martha.

Yes, it was gold I spun. No bitterness! We have been two good sisters to him, Lona, have we not?

Lona.

[Embraces her.] Martha!

Consul Bernick comes out of his room.

Bernick.

[To the men inside.] Yes, yes, settle it as you please. When the time comes, I shall be ready——[Shuts the door.] Ah, are you there? By-the-bye, Martha, you had better look to your dress a little. 380And tell Betty to do the same. I don’t want anything out of the way, of course; just homely neatness. But you must be quick.

Lona.

And you must look bright and happy, Martha; remember this is a joyful surprise to you.

Bernick.

Olaf must come down too. I will have him at my side.

Lona.

H’m, Olaf——

Martha.

I will tell Betty.

[She goes out by the second door on the left.

Lona.

Well, so the great and solemn hour has come.

Bernick.

[Walks restlessly up and down.] Yes, it has come.

Lona.

At such a time, no doubt, a man must feel proud and happy.

Bernick.

[Looks at her.] H’m——

Lona.

The whole town is to be illuminated, I hear.

Bernick.

Yes, I believe there is some such idea.

Lona.

All the clubs will turn out with their banners. Your name will shine in letters of fire. To-night 381it will be telegraphed to every corner of the country—“Surrounded by his happy family, Consul Bernick received the homage of his fellow citizens as one of the pillars of society.”

Bernick.

So it will; and the crowd in the street will shout and hurrah, and insist on my coming forward into the doorway there, and I shall have to bow and thank them.

Lona.

Have to——?

Bernick.

Do you think I feel happy at this moment?

Lona.

No, I do not think that you can feel altogether happy.

Bernick.

Lona, you despise me.

Lona.

Not yet.

Bernick.

And you have no right to. Not to despise me!—Lona, you cannot conceive how unspeakably alone I stand, here in this narrow, stunted society—how, year by year, I have had to put a tighter curb on my ambition for a full and satisfying life-work. What have I accomplished, for all the show it makes? Scrap-work—odds and ends. There is no room here for other and larger work. If I tried to go a step in advance of the views and ideas of the day, all my power was gone. Do you know what we are, we, who are reckoned the pillars 382of society? We are the tools of society, neither more nor less.

Lona.

Why do you only see this now?

Bernick.

Because I have been thinking much of late—since you came home—and most of all this evening.—Oh, Lona, why did I not know you through and through, then—in the old days?

Lona.

What then?

Bernick.

I should never have given you up; and, with you by my side, I should not have stood where I stand now.

Lona.

And do you never think what she might have been to you—she, whom you chose in my stead?

Bernick.

I know, at any rate, that she has not been anything that I required.

Lona.

Because you have never shared your life-work with her. Because you have never placed her in a free and true relation to you. Because you have allowed her to go on pining under the weight of shame you had cast upon those nearest her.

Bernick.

Yes, yes, yes; falsehood and hollowness are at the bottom of it all.

383Lona.

Then why not break with all this falsehood and hollowness?

Bernick.

Now? It is too late now, Lona.

Lona.

Karsten, tell me—what satisfaction does this show and imposture give you?

Bernick.

It gives me none. I must go under, along with the whole of this bungled social system. But a new generation will grow up after us; it is my son that I am working for; it is his life-work that I am laying out for him. There will come a time when truth will find its way into our social order, and upon it he shall found a happier life than his father’s.

Lona.

With a lie for its groundwork? Think what it is you are giving your son for an inheritance.

Bernick.

[With suppressed despair.] I am giving him an inheritance a thousand times worse than you know of. But, sooner or later, the curse must pass away. And yet—and yet——[Vehemently.] How could you bring all this upon my head! But it is done now. I must go on now. You shall not succeed in crushing me!

Hilmar Tönnesen, with an open note in his hand, and much discomposed, enters quickly from the right.

Hilmar.

Why, this is——Betty, Betty!

384Bernick.

What now? Are they coming already?

Hilmar.

No, no; but I must speak to some one at once——

[He goes out by the second door on the left.

Lona.

Karsten, you say we came to crush you. Then let me tell you what stuff he is made of, this prodigal whom your moral society shrinks from as if he were plague-stricken. He can do without you all, for he has gone away.

Bernick.

But he is coming back——

Lona.

Johan will never come back. He has gone for ever, and Dina has gone with him.

Bernick.

Gone for ever? And Dina with him?

Lona.

Yes, to be his wife. That is how these two strike your seraphic society in the face, as I once——No matter!

Bernick.

Gone!—she too! In the Indian Girl?

Lona.

No; he dared not entrust such a precious freight to a ship with so ruffianly a crew. Johan and Dina have sailed in the Palm Tree.

385Bernick.

Ah! Then it was—to no purpose——[Rushes to the door of his office, tears it open, and calls in.] Krap, stop the Indian Girl! She mustn’t sail to-night!

Krap.

[Inside.] The Indian Girl is already standing out to sea, Consul.

Bernick.

[Shuts the door and says feebly.] Too late—and all for nothing.

Lona.

What do you mean?

Bernick.

Nothing, nothing. Leave me alone——!

Lona.

H’m. Listen, Karsten. Johan told me to tell you that he leaves in my keeping the good name he once lent you, and also that which you stole from him while he was far away. Johan will be silent; and I can do or let alone in this matter as I will. See, I hold in my hand your two letters.

Bernick.

You have them! And now—now you will—this very night perhaps—when the procession——

Lona.

I did not come here to unmask you, but to try if I could not move you to throw off the mask of your own accord. I have failed. Remain standing in the lie. See; I tear your two letters to shreds. Take the pieces; here they are. Now, there is 386nothing to bear witness against you, Karsten. Now you are safe; be happy too—if you can.

Bernick.

[Profoundly moved.] Lona, why did you not do this before! It is too late now; my whole life is ruined now; I cannot live after to-day.

Lona.

What has happened?

Bernick.

Don’t ask me. And yet I must live! I will live—for Olaf’s sake. He shall restore all and atone for all——

Lona.

Karsten——!

Hilmar Tönnesen again enters hurriedly.

Hilmar.

No one to be found; all away; not even Betty!

Bernick.

What is the matter with you?

Hilmar.

I daren’t tell you.

Bernick.

What is it? You must and shall tell me.

Hilmar.

Well then——Olaf has run away in the Indian Girl.

Bernick.

[Staggering backwards.] Olaf—in the Indian Girl! No, no!no!

387Lona.

Yes, it is true! Now I understand——I saw him jump out of the window.

Bernick.

[At the door of his room, calls out in despair.] Krap, stop the Indian Girl at any cost!

Krap.

[Comes into the room.] Impossible, Consul. How should we be able to——

Bernick.

We must stop her! Olaf is on board!

Krap.

What!

Rummel.

[Enters from the office.] Olaf run away? Impossible!

Sandstad.

[Enters from the office.] They’ll send him back with the pilot, Consul.

Hilmar.

No, no; he has written to me. [Showing the letter.] He says he’s going to hide among the cargo until they are fairly out to sea.

Bernick.

I shall never see him again!

Rummel.

Oh, nonsense; a good stout ship, newly repaired——

388Vigeland.

[Who has also come in.]——and in your own yard, too, Consul.

Bernick.

I shall never see him again, I tell you. I have lost him, Lona; and—I see it now—he has never been really mine. [Listens.] What is that?

Rummel.

Music. The procession is coming.

Bernick.

I cannot, I will not see any one!

Rummel.

What are you thinking of? It’s impossible——

Sandstad.

Impossible, Consul; think how much you have at stake.

Bernick.

What does it all matter to me now? Whom have I now to work for?

Rummel.

Can you ask? You have us and society.

Vigeland.

Yes, very true.

Sandstad.

And surely, Consul, you don’t forget that we——

Martha enters by the second door on the left. Music is heard, from far down the street.

Martha.

Here comes the procession; but Betty is not at home; I can’t think where she——

389Bernick.

Not at home! There, you see, Lona; no support either in joy or sorrow.

Rummel.

Back with the curtains! Come and help me, Mr. Krap! You too, Sandstad! What a terrible pity that the family should be scattered just at this moment! Quite against the programme.

The curtains over the door and windows are drawn back. The whole street is seen to be illuminated. On the house opposite is a large transparency with the inscription, “Long live Karsten Bernick, the Pillar of our Society!”

Bernick.

[Shrinking back.] Away with all this! I will not look at it! Out with it, out with it!

Rummel.

Are you in your senses, may I ask?

Martha.

What is the matter with him, Lona?

Lona.

Hush!

[Whispers to her.

Bernick.

Away with the mocking words, I say! Can you not see, all these lights are gibing at us?

Rummel.

Well, I must say——

390Bernick.

Oh, you know nothing——! But I, I——! They are the lights in a dead-room!

Krap.

H’m——!

Rummel.

Come now, really—you make far too much of it.

Sandstad.

The boy will have a trip over the Atlantic, and then you’ll have him back again.

Vigeland.

Only put your trust in the Almighty, Consul.

Rummel.

And in the ship, Bernick; she’s seaworthy enough, I’m sure.

Krap.

H’m——

Rummel.

Now, if it were one of those floating coffins we hear of in the great nations——

Bernick.

I can feel my very hair growing grey.

Mrs. Bernick, with a large shawl over her head, comes through the garden door.

Mrs. Bernick.

Karsten, Karsten, do you know——?

Bernick.

Yes, I know——; but you—you who can see nothing—you who have not a mother’s care for him——!

391Mrs. Bernick.

Oh, listen to me——!

Bernick.

Why did you not watch over him? Now I have lost him. Give him back to me, if you can!

Mrs. Bernick.

I can, I can; I have him!

Bernick.

You have him!

The Men.

Ah!

Hilmar.

Ah, I thought so.

Martha.

Now you have him again, Karsten.

Lona.

Yes; now win him as well.

Bernick.

You have him! Can this be true? Where is he?

Mrs. Bernick.

I shall not tell you until you have forgiven him.

Bernick.

Oh, forgiven, forgiven——! But how did you come to know——?

Mrs. Bernick.

Do you think a mother has no eyes? I was in mortal terror lest you should hear of it. A few words he let fall yesterday——; and his room 392being empty, and his knapsack and clothes gone——

Bernick.

Yes, yes——?

Mrs. Bernick.

I ran; I got hold of Aune; we went out in his sailing-boat; the American ship was on the point of sailing. Thank Heaven, we arrived in time—we got on board—we searched in the hold—and we found him. Oh, Karsten, you mustn’t punish him!

Bernick.

Betty!

Mrs. Bernick.

Nor Aune either!

Bernick.

Aune? What of him? Is the Indian Girl under sail again?

Mrs. Bernick.

No, that is just the thing——

Bernick.

Speak, speak!

Mrs. Bernick.

Aune was as terrified as I was; the search took some time; darkness came on, and the pilot made objections: so Aune ventured—in your name——

Bernick.

Well?

Mrs. Bernick.

To stop the ship till to-morrow.

Krap.

H’m——

393Bernick.

Oh, what unspeakable happiness!

Mrs. Bernick.

You are not angry?

Bernick.

Oh, what surpassing happiness, Betty!

Rummel.

Why, you’re absurdly nervous.

Hilmar.

Yes; the moment it comes to a little struggle with the elements—ugh!

Krap.

[At the window.] The procession is coming through the garden gate, Consul.

Bernick.

Yes, now let them come!

Rummel.

The whole garden is full of people.

Sandstad.

The very street is packed.

Rummel.

The whole town has turned out, Bernick. This is really an inspiring moment.

Vigeland.

Let us take it in a humble spirit, Mr. Rummel.

394Rummel.

All the banners are out. What a procession! Ah, here’s the Committee, with Doctor Rörlund at its head.

Bernick.

Let them come, I say!

Rummel.

But look here: in your agitated state of mind——

Bernick.

What then?

Rummel.

Why, I should have no objection to speaking for you.

Bernick.

No, thank you; to-night I shall speak myself.

Rummel.

But do you know what you have got to say?

Bernick.

Yes, don’t be alarmed, Rummel—now I know what I have to say.

[The music has meanwhile ceased. The garden door is thrown open. Doctor Rörlund enters at the head of the Committee, accompanied by two porters carrying a covered basket. After them come townspeople of all classes, as many as the room will hold. An immense crowd, with banners and flags, can be seen in the garden and in the street.

395Rörlund.

Consul Bernick! I see from the surprise depicted in your countenance, that it is as unexpected guests that we intrude upon you in your happy family circle, at your peaceful hearth, surrounded by upright and public-spirited friends and fellow citizens. Our excuse is that we obey a heartfelt impulse in bringing you our homage. It is not, indeed, the first time we have done so, but the first time on so comprehensive a scale. We have often expressed to you our gratitude for the broad moral basis upon which you have, so to speak, built up our society. This time we chiefly hail in you the clear-sighted, indefatigable, unselfish, nay, self-sacrificing citizen, who has taken the initiative in an undertaking which, we are credibly assured, will give a powerful impetus to the temporal prosperity and wellbeing of this community.

Voices.

[Among the crowd.] Bravo, bravo!

Rörlund.

Consul Bernick, you have for many years stood before our town as a shining example. I do not here speak of your exemplary domestic life, your spotless moral record. To such virtues we pay tribute in the secret chamber of the heart; we do not proclaim them from the house-tops. I speak rather of your activity as a citizen, as it lies open to all men’s view. Well-appointed ships sail from your wharves, and fly our flag on the furthest seas. A large and prosperous body of workmen looks up to you as to a father. By calling into existence new branches of industry, you have brought comfort 396into hundreds of homes. In other words—you are in an eminent sense the pillar and cornerstone of this community.

Voices.

Hear, hear! Bravo!

Rörlund.

And it is the halo of disinterestedness resting upon all your actions that is so unspeakably beneficent, especially in these times. You are now on the point of procuring for us—I do not hesitate to say the word plainly and prosaically—a railway.

Many Voices.

Bravo, bravo!

Rörlund.

But this undertaking seems destined to meet with difficulties, principally arising from narrow and selfish interests.

Voices.

Hear, hear! Hear, hear!

Rörlund.

It is no longer unknown that certain individuals, not belonging to our community, have stolen a march upon the energetic citizens of this place, and have secured certain advantages, which should by rights have fallen to the share of our own town.

Voices.

Yes, yes! Hear, hear!

Rörlund.

You are of course not unaware of this deplorable circumstance, Consul Bernick. But, nevertheless, 397you steadily pursue your undertaking, well knowing that a patriotic citizen must not be exclusively concerned with the interests of his own parish.

Different Voices.

H’m! No, no! Yes, yes!

Rörlund.

We have assembled, then, this evening to do homage, in your person, to the ideal citizen—the model of all the civic virtues. May your enterprise contribute to the true and lasting welfare of this community! The railway is, no doubt, an institution by means of which elements of evil may be imported from without, but it is also an institution that enables us to get quickly rid of them. From elements of evil from without we cannot even now keep ourselves quite free. But if, as I hear, we have, just on this auspicious evening, been unexpectedly relieved of certain elements of this nature——

Voices.

Sh, sh!

Rörlund.

——I accept the fact as a good omen for the undertaking. If I touch upon this point here, it is because we know ourselves to be in a house where family ties are subordinated to the ethical ideal.

Voices.

Hear, hear! Bravo!

Bernick.

[At the same time.] Permit me——

398Rörlund.

Only a few words more, Consul Bernick. Your labours on behalf of this community have certainly not been undertaken in the hope of any tangible reward. But you cannot reject a slight token of your grateful fellow citizens’ appreciation, least of all on this momentous occasion, when, as practical men assure us, we are standing on the threshold of a new era.

Many Voices.

Bravo! Hear, hear! Hear, hear!

[He gives the porters a sign; they bring forward the basket; members of the Committee take out and present, during the following speech, the articles mentioned.

Rörlund.

Therefore, I have now, Consul Bernick, to hand you a silver coffee service. Let it grace your board when we in future, as so often in the past, have the pleasure of meeting under this hospitable roof.

And you, too, gentlemen, who have so zealously co-operated with the first man of our community, we would beg to accept some trifling mementos. This silver goblet we tender to you, Mr. Rummel. You have many a time, amid the ring of wine-cups, done battle in eloquent words for the civic interests of our community; may you often find worthy opportunities to lift and drain this goblet.—To you, Mr. Sandstad, I hand this album, with photographs of your fellow citizens. Your well-known and much-appreciated philanthropy has placed you in the happy position of counting among your friends members of all sections of the 399community.—And to you, Mr. Vigeland, I have to offer, for the decoration of your domestic sanctum, this book of family devotion, on vellum, and luxuriously bound. Under the ripening influence of years, you have come to view life from a serious standpoint; your activity in the daily affairs of this world has long been purified and ennobled by thoughts of things higher and holier. [Turns towards the Crowd.] And now, my friends, long live Consul Bernick and his fellow workers! Hurrah for the Pillars of Society!

The Whole Crowd.

Long live Consul Bernick! Long live the Pillars of Society! Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!

Lona.

I congratulate you, brother-in-law!

[An expectant silence intervenes.

Bernick.

[Begins earnestly and slowly.] My fellow citizens,—your spokesman has said that we stand this evening on the threshold of a new era; and there, I hope, he was right. But in order that it may be so, we must bring home to ourselves the truth—the truth which has, until this evening, been utterly and in all things banished from our community.

[Astonishment among the audience.

Bernick.

I must begin by repudiating the panegyric with which you, Dr. Rörlund, according to use and wont on such occasions, have overwhelmed me. I do not deserve it; for until to-day I have not been disinterested in my dealings. If I have not always striven for pecuniary profit, at least I am 400now conscious that a desire, a craving, for power, influence, and respect has been the motive of most of my actions.

Rummel.

[Half aloud.] What next?

Bernick.

Before my fellow citizens I do not reproach myself for this; for I still believe that I may claim a place among the foremost of our men of practical usefulness.

Many Voices.

Yes, yes, yes!

Bernick.

What I do blame myself for is my weakness in constantly adopting indirect courses, because I knew and feared the tendency of our society to suspect impure motives behind everything a man undertakes. And now I come to a case in point.

Rummel.

[Anxiously.] H’m—h’m!

Bernick.

There are rumours abroad of great purchases of property along the projected line. This property I have bought—all of it—I alone.

Suppressed Voices.

What does he say? The Consul? Consul Bernick?

Bernick.

It is for the present in my hands. Of course, I have confided in my fellow workers, Messrs. Rummel, Vigeland, and Sandstad, and we have agreed to——

401Rummel.

It’s not true! Prove!—prove——!

Vigeland.

We have not agreed to anything!

Sandstad.

Well, I must say——

Bernick.

Quite right; we have not yet agreed on what I was about to mention. But I am confident that these three gentlemen will acquiesce when I say that I have this evening determined to form a joint-stock company for the exploitation of these properties; whoever will can have shares in it.

Many Voices.

Hurrah! Long live Consul Bernick!

Rummel.

[Aside to Bernick.] Such base treachery——!

Sandstad.

[Likewise.] Then you’ve been fooling us——!

Vigeland.

Why then, devil take——! Oh, Lord, what am I saying!

The Crowd.

[Outside.] Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!

Bernick.

Silence, gentlemen. I have no right to this homage; for what I have now determined was not my original intention. My intention was to retain the whole myself; and I am still of opinion that the property can be most profitably worked if it 402remains in the control of one man. But it is for the shareholders to choose. If they wish it, I am willing to manage it for them to the best of my ability.

Voices.

Yes, yes, yes!

Bernick.

But, first, my fellow citizens must know me to the core. Then let every one look into his own heart, and let us realise the prediction that from this evening we begin a new era. The old, with its tinsel, its hypocrisy and hollowness, its sham propriety, and its despicable cowardice, shall lie behind us like a museum, open for instruction; and to this museum we will present—will we not, gentlemen?—the coffee service, and the goblet, and the album, and the family devotions on vellum and luxuriously bound.

Rummel.

Yes, of course.

Vigeland.

[Mutters.] When you’ve taken all the rest, why——

Sandstad.

As you please.

Bernick.

And now to come to the chief point in my settlement with society. It has been said that elements of evil have left us this evening. I can add what you do not know: the man thus alluded to did not go alone; with him went, to become his wife——

Lona.

[Loudly.] Dina Dorf!

403Rörlund.

What?

Mrs. Bernick.

What do you say?

[Great sensation.

Rörlund.

Fled? Run away—with him! Impossible!

Bernick.

To become his wife, Doctor Rörlund. And I have more to add. [Aside.] Betty, collect yourself to bear what is coming. [Aloud.] I say: Honour to that man, for he has nobly taken upon himself another’s sin. My fellow citizens, I will get clear of the lie; it has gone near to poisoning every fibre in my being. You shall know all. Fifteen years ago, it was I who sinned.

Mrs. Bernick.

[In a low and trembling voice.] Karsten.

Martha.

[Likewise.] Ah, Johan——!

Lona.

At last you have found your true self!

[Speechless astonishment among the listeners.

Bernick.

Yes, my fellow citizens, I was guilty, and he fled. The false and vile rumours which were afterwards current, it is now in no human power to disprove. But of this I cannot complain. Fifteen years ago I swung myself aloft by aid of these rumours; whether I am now to fall with them is for you to decide.

404Rörlund.

What a thunderbolt! The first man in the town——! [Softly to Mrs. Bernick.] Oh, how I pity you, Mrs. Bernick!

Hilmar.

Such a confession! Well, I must say——

Bernick.

But do not decide this evening. I ask every one of you to go home—to collect himself—to look into himself. When your minds are calm again, it will be seen whether I have lost or gained by speaking out. Good-night! I have still much, very much, to repent of, but that concerns only my own conscience. Good-night! Away with all this show! We all feel that it is out of place here.

Rörlund.

Assuredly it is. [Softly to Mrs. Bernick.] Run away! So, after all, she was quite unworthy of me. [Half aloud, to the Committee.] Yes, gentlemen, after this, I think we had better withdraw as quickly as possible.

Hilmar.

How, after this, one is to hold high the banner of the ideal, I for one——Ugh!

[The announcement has meanwhile been whispered from mouth to mouth. All the members of the procession retire through the garden. Rummel, Sandstad, and Vigeland go off disputing earnestly but softly. Hilmar Tönnesen slips out to the right. Consul Bernick, Mrs. 405Bernick, Martha, Lona, and Krap alone remain in the room. There is a short silence.

Bernick.

Betty, can you forgive me?

Mrs. Bernick.

[Looks smilingly at him.] Do you know, Karsten, you have made me feel happier and more hopeful than I have felt for many years?

Bernick.

How so?

Mrs. Bernick.

For many years I have thought that you had once been mine, and I had lost you. Now I know that you never were mine; but I shall win you.

Bernick.

[Embracing her.] Oh, Betty, you have won me! Through Lona I have at last learnt really to know you. But now let Olaf come.

Mrs. Bernick.

Yes, now you shall have him. Mr. Krap——!

[She whispers to him him the background. He goes out by the garden door. During the following all the transparencies and lights in the houses are gradually extinguished.

Bernick.

[Softly.] Thanks, Lona; you have saved what is best in me—and for me.

Lona.

What else did I intend?

406Bernick.

Yes, what—what did you intend? I cannot fathom you.

Lona.

H’m——

Bernick.

It was not hatred then? Not revenge? Why did you come over?

Lona.

Old friendship does not rust.

Bernick.

Lona!

Lona.

When Johan told me all that about the lie, I swore to myself: The hero of my youth shall stand free and true.

Bernick.

Oh, how little has a pitiful creature like me deserved this of you!

Lona.

Yes, if we women always asked for deserts, Karsten——!

Aune and Olaf enter from the garden.

Bernick.

[Rushing to him.] Olaf!

Olaf.

Father, I promise never to do it again.

Bernick.

To run away?

Olaf.

Yes, yes, I promise, father.

407Bernick.

And I promise that you shall never have reason to. In future you shall be allowed to grow up, not as the heir to my life-work, but as one who has a life-work of his own to look forward to.

Olaf.

And will you let me be whatever I want to?

Bernick.

Whatever you like.

Olaf.

Thank you, father. Then I won’t be a pillar of society.

Bernick.

Ah! Why not?

Olaf.

Oh, I think it must be so tiresome.

Bernick.

You shall be yourself, Olaf; and we won’t trouble about anything else. And you, Aune——

Aune.

I know it, Consul: I am dismissed.

Bernick.

We will not part company, Aune; and forgive me——

Aune.

What? The ship can’t get away to-night.

Bernick.

Nor yet to-morrow. I gave you too little time. She must be overhauled more thoroughly.

408Aune.

She shall be, Consul—and with the new machines!

Bernick.

So be it—but thoroughly and honestly, mind. There are a good many things here that need thorough and honest overhauling. So good-night, Aune.

Aune.

Good-night, Consul—and thank you heartily.

[He goes out to the right.

Mrs. Bernick.

Now they are all gone.

Bernick.

And we are alone. My name no longer shines in the transparencies; all the lights are out in the windows.

Lona.

Would you have them lighted again?

Bernick.

Not for all the world. Where have I been? You will be horrified when you know. I am feeling now as if I had just come to my senses again after being poisoned. But I feel—I feel that I can be young and strong again. Oh, come nearer—closer around me. Come, Betty! Come, Olaf! Come, Martha! Oh, Martha, it seems as though I had never seen you during all these years.

Lona.

No, I daresay not; your society is a society of bachelor-souls; you have no eyes for womanhood.

409Bernick.

True, true. And for that very reason—it is settled, Lona, is it not?—you won’t leave Betty and me?

Mrs. Bernick.

No, Lona; you must not!

Lona.

No; how could I think of going away and leaving you young people, just beginning life? Am I not your foster-mother? You and I, Martha, we are the two old aunts——What are you looking at?

Martha.

How the sky is clearing; how it grows light over the sea. The Palm Tree has fortune with it——

Lona.

And happiness on board.

Bernick.

And we—we have a long, earnest day of work before us; I most of all. But let it come! Gather close around me, you true and faithful women. I have learnt this, in these days: it is you women who are the pillars of society.

Lona.

Then you have learnt a poor wisdom, brother-in-law. [Lays her hand firmly upon his shoulder.] No, no; the spirits of Truth and Freedom—these are the Pillars of Society.

THE END.

Printed by Ballantyne & Co. Limited

Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London

Transcriber’s Note

There are quite a few instances of missing punctuation. The conventional period following the character’s name is sometimes missing and has been added for consistency’s sake without further comment. Those missing from setting and stage direction are also added without comment, since there is no obvious purpose to be served by the omission. However, the restoration of punctuation missing from dialogue is noted below, since the punctuation is frequently expressive.

Errors deemed most likely to be the printer’s have been corrected, and are noted below. The references are to the page and line in the original.

In the Introduction to The League of Youth, mention is made of a ‘usually long’ pause before publication of the work, but based on the following discussion, the word was certainly meant to be ‘unusually’.

Volume I of this series included errata for each succeeding volume, and noted one correction for Volume VI. On p. 288, ‘railways’ should have been ‘railway’. The correction is applied here.

xii.15 in the second act[./,] Replaced.

xvi.6 a small [c]ollection Restored.

xvi.22 to the [un]usually long pause Added.

11.10 Oh yes, with pleasure[.] Added.

13.2 What[!] Unclear, but probable.

21.27 Adventurer and d[a/e]magogue Replaced.

30.30 Me[./,] Chamberlain? Replaced.

36.30 this terrible storm?[”] Added.

37.2 several years ago[.] Added.

42.2 it has been delightful[.] Added.

48.29 Yes, I am[.] Added.

98.9 Doctor, what have you done[?] Added.

109.8 nonsensical prejudices[.] Added.

109.18 You are an adventurer[,] Added.

116.24 higher interest on loans[.] Added.

122.7 We shall soon find that out[.] Added.

135.18 One would suppose so[.] Added.

150.24 Yes[,] look closely at it. Added.

171.9 I am an old hand at prophecy[.] Added. Perhaps semi-colon.

182.27 about the Chamberlain[.] Added.

183.26 Asla[sk/ks]en. Transposed.

188.24 what has happened at Stonelee[./?] Replaced.

190.28 be good enough to drop that title[.] Added.

210.20 the order of the day[.] Added.

214.4 What in[s]trusiveness Removed.

245.6 [r]emember I am quite new Added.

247.20 no one knows exactly about that[,] Added.

261.28 Mr[.] Bernick. Added.

288.22 railway[s] accidents Removed, per Errata.

307.14 why did you think I wou[ld] come? Restored.

324.27 Not a word more to-day[!] Added.

329.19 It was complet[e]ly repaired Inserted.

336.10 not a halfpenny was missing[.] Added.

351.14 Aha, he has been here[.] Added.

357.9 prosper with the railway[.] Added.

365.26 Why, Rummel, what[ is] the meaning Restored.

373.31 I will take such care of you[.] Added.

386.29 No, no[!] Added.