Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/421

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Maia.

Oh, you might have seen her name in a Visitors' List—in one of the newspapers.

Professor Rubek.

But I had no idea of the name she now goes by. I had never heard of any Herr von Satow.

Maia.

[Affecting weariness.] Oh well then, I suppose it must have been for some other reason that you were so set upon this journey.

Professor Rubek.

[Seriously.]. Yes, Maia—it was for another reason. A quite different reason. And that is what we must sooner or later have a clear explanation about.

Maia.

[In a fit of suppressed laughter.] Heavens, how solemn you look!

Professor Rubek.

[Suspiciously scrutinising her.] Yes, perhaps a little more solemn than necessary.

Maia.

How so——?

Professor Rubek.

And that is a very good thing for us both.