A Doll's House and Other Plays (Penguin) Read online

KARSTEN BERNICK: Oh, I’m not the least worried about the outcome. We must make sure that each of us works on our own circle of contacts; as soon as we can point to a really lively participation in every level of the community, it’ll follow that the council20 will have to make its contribution too.

  MRS BERNICK: But, Karsten, you really must come out and explain to us –

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Oh, Betty my dear, this isn’t something ladies can understand.

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: So you really want to take this railway business on after all?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Naturally.

  MR RØRLUND: But last year, consul –?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Last year was quite a different matter. Then the talk was of a coastal line –

  VIGELAND: – which would have been quite superfluous, schoolmaster, since of course we have steamships –

  SANDSTAD: – and which would have been ridiculously expensive –

  RUMMEL: – yes, and would have been downright damaging to important interests here in town.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: The main issue was that it wouldn’t have benefited the greater community. That was why I opposed it, and then the inland route21 was granted approval.

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: Yes, but that’s not going to affect the towns around here.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: It’ll affect our town, my dear Hilmar, because we’re going to lay a branch line down here now.

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: Aha; so some new scheme.

  RUMMEL: Yes, a marvellous scheme isn’t it? Eh?

  MR RØRLUND: Hm –

  VIGELAND: It can’t be denied that Providence has almost laid the terrain out perfectly for a branch line.

  MR RØRLUND: Are you really saying that, Mr Vigeland?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Yes, well, I must admit that I too view it as a form of guidance that I should go up that way on business this spring and chance upon a valley I’d never previously been in. It struck me like a bolt of lightning that we should be able to lay a branch line down to us. I’ve had an engineer survey the area; I have here the preliminary calculations and estimates. There’s nothing to stand in the way.

  MRS BERNICK [still standing with the other ladies gathered by the garden door]: But, Karsten dear, how could you keep all this hidden from us?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Oh, Betty my sweet, you ladies would never have been able to grasp the intricacies of it. Besides, I’ve not talked about it to a living soul before today. But now the critical moment is arrived; now we will execute it in the open and with absolute vigour. Yes, even if it means investing my entire being in it, I shall drive this matter through.

  RUMMEL: And we with you, Bernick; you can rely on it.

  MR RØRLUND: You really expect so much of this enterprise then, gentlemen?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Yes, I think so, absolutely. Imagine what a powerful lever it’ll represent for our entire community. Think of the enormous tracts of forest22 that’ll be made accessible; think of all the rich seams of ore that can be worked; think of the river with one waterfall after the other. Just imagine all the industry that can be established there.

  MR RØRLUND: And you don’t fear that more frequent intercourse with a corrupt outside world might –?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: No, you can rest easy, schoolmaster. Our industrious little town stands, thank the Lord, upon good, sound moral soil these days, which all of us, if I may say, have helped to drain; and we shall continue to do so, each in our own way. You, schoolmaster, will continue your spiritually uplifting work in our school and our homes. We, the men of practical affairs, will support our community by spreading well-being in as wide a circle as possible – and our women – yes, ladies, come closer now, you’re welcome to listen – our women, I say, our wives and our daughters – you will continue uninterrupted in your service to charity, dear ladies, and, I might also add, be a help and comfort to those closest to you, just as my darling Betty and Marta are to myself and Olaf – [Looking around] But where is Olaf today?

  MRS BERNICK: Oh, it’s impossible to keep him at home in the holidays.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: So I take it he’s down by the water again! You’ll see; he won’t stop before there’s an accident.

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: Bah – a little toying with the forces of nature –

  MRS RUMMEL: How beautiful that you should be so family-minded,23 Mr Bernick.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Well, the family is after all the kernel of society. A good home, honourable and loyal friends, a tight-knit little circle into which no disturbing elements cast their shadow –

  KRAP comes in from the right with letters and newspapers.

  KRAP: The overseas post, Mr Consul, sir – and a telegram24 from New York.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Ah, the owners of the Indian Girl.

  RUMMEL: So the post has come? Then I must ask you to excuse me.

  VIGELAND: As must I.

  SANDSTAD: Goodbye, Mr Consul.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Goodbye, goodbye, gentlemen. And do remember, we have a meeting at five o’clock this afternoon.

  THE THREE GENTLEMEN: Yes; right, of course.

  They exit to the right.

  KARSTEN BERNICK [who has read the telegram]: Well, this is typically American! Downright shocking –

  MRS BERNICK: Heavens, Karsten, what is it?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Just look, Mr Krap; read that!

  KRAP [reading]: ‘Make minimum repairs; despatch Indian Girl as soon as able to sail; good time of year; at worst the cargo will keep her afloat.’ Well, I must say –

  KARSTEN BERNICK: The cargo keep her afloat! These gentlemen know full well that with that cargo the ship will sink to the bottom like a stone, should anything happen.

  MR RØRLUND: Yes well, there we see how things are in these much-lauded larger communities.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: You’re right there; no regard even for human life, the moment profits come into play. [To KRAP] Can the Indian Girl sail in four or five days?

  KRAP: Yes, if Mr Vigeland agrees to our stopping work on the Palm Tree in the meantime.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Hm, he won’t. Now, perhaps you could look through the post. Listen, you didn’t see Olaf down on the quay, did you?

  KRAP: No, Mr Consul, sir.

  He goes into the room to the left nearest the front.

  KARSTEN BERNICK [looks again at the telegram]: These gentlemen think nothing of risking eighteen human lives –

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: Well, it’s a sailor’s calling to challenge the elements; there must be a certain nervous thrill in having just a thin plank between oneself and the abyss –

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Well, I’d like to see the shipowner over here who’d bring himself to do such a thing! Not one, not a single one – [Spots OLAF] Oh, thank heavens, he’s in one piece.

  OLAF, with a fishing rod in his hand, has come running up the street and through the garden gate.

  OLAF [still in the garden]: Uncle Hilmar, I’ve been down looking at the steamship.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Have you been on the quay again?

  OLAF: No, I was only out in a boat. But imagine, Uncle Hilmar, a whole circus troupe25 came ashore with their horses and animals; and there were such a lot of passengers too.

  MRS RUMMEL: No, are we really going to see circus riders?

  MR RØRLUND: We? I trust not.

  MRS RUMMEL: Well, of course not we, but –

  DINA: I’d love to see circus riders.

  OLAF: Me too.

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: You are a clothead. Is that something to see? Mere dressage. It would be something quite different, of course, to see the gaucho chase across the Pampas on his snorting mustang. But, heavens, here in the provinces –

  OLAF [tugging at MISS BERNICK] Aunty Marta, look, look – here they come!

  MRS HOLT: Yes, Lord above, there they are.

  MRS LYNGE: Oof, such dreadful people!

  A large number of PASSENGERS and a great crowd of the TOWNSFOLK come up the street.

  MRS RUMMEL: Yes, a real bunch of rogues and vagabonds. Just look
at that woman in the grey dress, Mrs Holt; she’s carrying her travel bag on her back.

  MRS HOLT: And to think, she’s carrying it on the handle of her parasol! That’s the manager’s madam of course.

  MRS RUMMEL: And that must be the manager himself; the one with the beard. Yes, he looks like an absolute rogue. Don’t look at him, Hilda!

  MRS HOLT: Nor you, Netta!

  OLAF: Mummy, the manager’s waving up at us.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: What?

  MRS BERNICK: What are you saying, child?

  MRS RUMMEL: Yes, Lord above, now the woman’s26 waving too!

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Well, that really is too outrageous!

  MISS BERNICK [with an involuntary gasp]: Ah –!

  MRS BERNICK: What is it, Marta?

  MISS BERNICK: Oh, no, nothing; I just thought –

  OLAF [shrieks with joy]: Look, look, there are the others with the horses and animals! And the Americans are there too! All the sailors from the Indian Girl –

  ‘Yankee Doodle’ can be heard, accompanied by clarinet and drum.

  HILMAR TØNNESEN [holding his ears]: Oof! Oof! Oof!

  MR RØRLUND: I think we should shut ourselves off a little from this, ladies; it’s nothing for us. Let’s return to our work.

  MRS BERNICK: Should we perhaps draw the curtains?

  MR RØRLUND: My thoughts precisely.

  The ladies take their places by the table; the SCHOOLMASTER closes the garden door and draws the curtains on the door and windows; the room is in semi-darkness.

  OLAF [peeping out]: Mummy, the manager’s madam is standing by the pump now, washing her face.

  MRS BERNICK: What? In the middle of the square!

  MRS RUMMEL: And in broad daylight!

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: Well, if I was out on a desert expedition and stumbled on a water butt, then neither would I hesitate to –. Oof, that dreadful clarinet!

  MR RØRLUND: Surely this is provocation enough for the police to step in.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Oh come now; one shouldn’t be unduly strict when judging foreigners; these people don’t have the deep-rooted sense of propriety that keeps us within the proper bounds. Let them kick over the traces. How does it affect us? This uncouth behaviour that flaunts proper convention fortunately bears no kinship with our community, if I may say. – What’s this!

  An unknown LADY strides quickly in through the door to the right.

  LADIES [startled but quietly]: The circus-rider! The manager’s madam!

  MRS BERNICK: Lord above, what’s the meaning of this?

  MISS BERNICK [leaps up]: Ah –!

  THE LADY: Afternoon, Betty dear! Afternoon, Marta! Afternoon, brother-in-law!

  MRS BERNICK [with a shriek]: Lona –!

  KARSTEN BERNICK [takes an unsteady step back]: Well, I never –!

  MRS HOLT: Lord have mercy –!

  MRS RUMMEL: It’s impossible –!

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: What! Oof!

  MRS BERNICK: Lona –! Is it really –?

  MISS HESSEL: Is it really me? Yes, it most certainly is; well, feel free to fall about my neck.

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: Oof; oof!

  MRS BERNICK: And you’ve come back as a –?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: – you’re really going to perform –?

  MISS HESSEL: Perform? What do you mean, perform?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Well, I mean – with the circus riders –

  MISS HESSEL: Ha-ha-ha! Are you mad, brother-in-law? You think I’m with the circus riders? Well, I’ve certainly learned a few tricks and made a fool of myself in various ways –

  MRS RUMMEL: Hm –

  MISS HESSEL: – but tricks on horseback – no, never.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: So, you’re not –

  MRS BERNICK: Ah, thank God!

  MISS HESSEL: No, we came, of course, like other respectable folk – in second class right enough, but we’re used to that.

  MRS BERNICK: We, you say?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Who’s we?

  MISS HESSEL: Me and the kid, of course.

  LADIES [in exclamation]: Kid!

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: What?

  MR RØRLUND: Well, I must say –!

  MRS BERNICK: But what do you mean, Lona?

  MISS HESSEL: I mean John, of course; I don’t have any other kid but John, that’s for sure – or Johan, as you called him.

  MRS BERNICK: Johan –!

  MRS RUMMEL [quietly to MRS LYNGE]: The prodigal brother.

  KARSTEN BERNICK [hesitantly]: Is Johan with you?

  MISS HESSEL: Of course; of course; I’d not travel without him. But you all look so grim. And you’re sitting here in the twilight, stitching away at some white cloth or other. Not been a death in the family, has there?

  MR RØRLUND: Madam, you find yourself here among the Association for the Morally Corrupt –

  MISS HESSEL [half to herself]: What are you saying? That these sweet, retiring ladies are –?

  MRS RUMMEL: Now, I must say –!

  MISS HESSEL: Oh, I get it, I get it! But damned if it isn’t Mrs Rummel! And sitting right there, Mrs Holt too! Well, we three haven’t got any younger since the last time. But listen, my good people, let the morally corrupt wait a day; they won’t get any worse for that. A joyous occasion like this –

  MR RØRLUND: A homecoming is not always a joyous occasion.

  MISS HESSEL: Oh? How do you read your Bible, pastor?

  MR RØRLUND: I’m not a pastor.

  MISS HESSEL: Oh, but you will be, I’m sure. – But dear, dear, dear me – this moral linen has a certain corrupt odour about it – like a shroud. I’m used to the air out on the prairies, I’ll tell you.

  KARSTEN BERNICK [wipes his forehead]: Yes, it really is rather stuffy in here.

  MISS HESSEL: Wait, wait; I’m sure we can find a way up from this burial chamber. [Pulls the curtains open] Full daylight is what’s needed here when my boy arrives. Then you’ll see a young man who’s scrubbed up well –

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: Oof!

  MISS HESSEL [opening doors and windows]: – when he’s had a scrub, that is – over at the hotel; he got as filthy as a pig on the steamship.

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: Oof, oof!

  MISS HESSEL: Oof? Goodness me, if it isn’t –! [Points to HILMAR and asks the others] Is he still drifting about here saying oof all the time?

  HILMAR TØNNESEN: I do not drift about; I am here because of my illness.

  MR RØRLUND: Ahem, ladies, I don’t think –

  MISS HESSEL [has spotted OLAF]: Is that yours, Betty? – Give us a paw, boy! Or maybe you’re scared of your ugly old aunt?

  MR RØRLUND [as he takes his book under his arm]: Ladies, I don’t think the mood here is conducive to our working any further today. But we’ll meet up again tomorrow, yes?

  MISS HESSEL [as the lady visitors get up to take their leave]: Oh yes, let’s do that. I’ll be right here.

  MR RØRLUND: You? With permission, madam, what would you do in our association?

  MISS HESSEL: Let some fresh air in, pastor.

  Act Two

  The garden room in Consul Bernick’s house.

  MRS BERNICK is sitting alone by the work table with her sewing. Shortly after, CONSUL BERNICK arrives from the right with his hat on and carrying his gloves and walking stick.

  MRS BERNICK: Back home already, Karsten?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Yes. There’s somebody I’ve arranged to meet.

  MRS BERNICK [with a sigh]: Oh right, Johan’s coming down here again, I suppose.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: It’s a man, I tell you. [Puts his hat aside.] Where have all the ladies got to today?

  MRS BERNICK: Mrs Rummel and Hilda hadn’t the time.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Oh? Sent their excuses?

  MRS BERNICK: Yes; they had so much to do at home.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: I see. And the others aren’t coming either, I take it?

  MRS BERNICK: No, they sent their apologies too.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: I could have told you that bef
orehand. Where’s Olaf?

  MRS BERNICK: I let him go out with Dina for a bit.

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Hm; Dina, that flighty little hussy –. The way she was so quick yesterday to make all that fuss over Johan –.

  MRS BERNICK: But, Karsten dear, Dina has no idea –

  KARSTEN BERNICK: But then Johan should have had the tact not to pay her any attention at least. I saw the looks Mr Vigeland was giving them.

  MRS BERNICK [with her sewing in her lap]: Karsten, have you any idea what they want here at home?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Hm; he’s got a farm over there that doesn’t seem to be going particularly well; and she mentioned something yesterday about their having to travel second class –

  MRS BERNICK: Yes, unfortunately it must be something like that. But for her to come with him! Her! After the dreadful way she insulted you –!

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Oh, don’t think about those old stories.

  MRS BERNICK: How can I think about anything else right now? He is my brother after all – well, of course, it isn’t for his sake, it’s all the discomfort it might cause you. – Karsten, I’m terribly frightened that –

  KARSTEN BERNICK: What are you frightened of?

  MRS BERNICK: Mightn’t it occur to someone to have him put away for the money that went missing from your mother?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Oh, nonsense! Who can prove any money went missing?

  MRS BERNICK: Good Lord, the whole town knows it, unfortunately; and you’ve said yourself –

  KARSTEN BERNICK: I’ve not said anything. The town knows nothing about those matters; idle rumours, that’s all they were.

  MRS BERNICK: Oh, how noble you are, Karsten!

  KARSTEN BERNICK: Just leave these old memories, I say! You don’t know how you torment me by raking all this up. [He paces up and down; then he throws his stick aside.] And to think that they should come home now – now, when I need an unequivocally positive mood in the town and in the press. It’ll be written about in all the newspapers in the neighbouring towns. Whether I give them a warm reception or a cold reception, it’ll be discussed and expounded upon. They’ll stir up all this old stuff – just as you’re doing. In a community like ours –. [Throws his gloves on to the table.] And I haven’t got one single person here I can talk to or seek any support from.

  MRS BERNICK: Nobody at all, Karsten?

  KARSTEN BERNICK: No, who would that be? – And to get them around my neck right now! There’s no doubt they’ll cause a scandal in one way or another – particularly her. What a calamity it is to have people like that in one’s family!