John Gabriel Borkman - novelonlinefull.com
You’re read light novel John Gabriel Borkman Part 14 online at NovelOnlineFull.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit NovelOnlineFull.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
[Putting on her outdoor things.] Yes, when I can get an engagement. I can always earn a little in that way.
BORKMAN.
[With interest.] Is that the princ.i.p.al thing in your mind as you sit playing for the dancers?
FRIDA.
No; I'm generally thinking how hard it is that I mayn't join in the dance myself.
BORKMAN.
[Nodding.] That is just what I wanted to know. [Moving restlessly about the room.] Yes, yes, yes. That you must not join in the dance, that is the hardest thing of all. [Stopping.]
But there is one thing that should make up to you for that, Frida.
FRIDA.
[Looking inquiringly at him.] What is that, Mr. Borkman?
BORKMAN.
The knowledge that you have ten times more music in you than all the dancers together.
FRIDA.
[Smiling evasively.] Oh, that's not at all so certain.
BORKMAN.
[Holding up his fore-finger warningly.] You must never be so mad as to have doubts of yourself!
FRIDA.
But since no one knows it----
BORKMAN.
So long as you know it yourself, that is enough. Where is it you are going to play this evening?
FRIDA.
Over at the Hinkel's.
BORKMAN.
[With a swift, keen glance at her.] Hinkel's, you say!
FRIDA.
Yes.
BORKMAN.
[With a cutting smile.] Does that man give parties? Can he get people to visit him?
FRIDA.
Yes, they have a great many people about them, Mrs. Wilton says.
BORKMAN.
[Vehemently.] But what sort of people? Can you tell me that?
FRIDA.
[A little nervously.] No, I really don't know. Yes, by-the-bye, I know that young Mr. Borkman is to be there this evening.
BORKMAN.
[Taken aback.] Erhart? My son?
FRIDA.
Yes, he is going there.
BORKMAN.
How do you know that?
FRIDA.
He said so himself--an hour ago.
BORKMAN.
Is he out here to-day?
FRIDA.
Yes, he has been at Mrs. Wilton's all the afternoon.
BORKMAN.
[Inquiringly.] Do you know if he called here too? I mean, did he see any one downstairs?
FRIDA.
Yes, he looked in to see Mrs. Borkman.
BORKMAN.
[Bitterly.] Aha--I might have known it.
FRIDA.
There was a strange lady calling upon her, I think.
BORKMAN.
Indeed? Was there? Oh yes, I suppose people do come now and then to see Mrs. Borkman.
FRIDA.
If I meet young Mr. Borkman this evening, shall I ask him to come up and see you too?
BORKMAN.
[Harshly.] You shall do nothing of the sort! I won't have it on any account. The people who want to see me can come of their own accord.
FRIDA.
Oh, very well; I shan't say anything then. Good-night, Mr.
Borkman.
BORKMAN.
[Pacing up and down and growling.] Good-night.
FRIDA.
Do you mind if I run down by the winding stair? It's the shortest way.
