John Gabriel Borkman Part 14

[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.