Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/58

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Mrs. Stockmann.

[Making a sign to him.] No, no, Mr. Billing, I'm sure you don't.

Billing.

Strike me dead but I do, though. I am a heathen, and I'm proud of it. You'll see we shall all be heathens soon.

Morten.

And shall we be able to do anything we like then?

Billing.

Well, you see, Morten——

Mrs. Stockmann.

Now run away, boys; I'm sure you have lessons to prepare for to-morrow.

Eilif.

You might let me stay just a little longer——

Mrs. Stockmann.

No, you must go too. Be off, both of you.

[The boys say good-night and go into the room on the left.

Hovstad.

Do you really think it can hurt the boys to hear these things?

Mrs. Stockmann.

Well, I don't know; I don't like it.

Petra.

Really, mother, I think you are quite wrong there.