(They go into
BERNICK'S room.)
Johan (looking after them for a moment): Hm!-- (Turns to go down
to the garden. At the same moment MARTHA comes in from the right,
with a little basket over her arm.) Martha!
Martha: Ah, Johan--is it you?
Johan: Out so early?
Martha: Yes. Wait a moment; the others are just coming. (Moves
towards the door on the left.)
Johan: Martha, are you always in such a hurry?
Martha: I?
Johan: Yesterday you seemed to avoid me, so that I never managed
to have a word with you--we two old playfellows.
Martha: Ah, Johan; that is many, many years ago.
Johan: Good Lord--why, it is only fifteen years ago, no more and
no less. Do you think I have changed so much?
Martha: You? Oh yes, you have changed too, although--
Johan: What do you mean?
Martha: Oh, nothing.
Johan: You do not seem to be very glad to see me again.
Martha: I have waited so long, Johan--too long.
Johan: Waited? For me to come?
Martha: Yes.
Johan. And why did you think I would come?
Martha: To atone for the wrong you had done.
Johan: I?
Martha: Have you forgotten that it was through you that a woman
died in need and in shame? Have you forgotten that it was through
you that the best years of a young girl's life were embittered?
Johan: And you can say such things to me? Martha, has your
brother never--?
Martha: Never what?
Johan: Has he never--oh, of course, I mean has he never so much
as said a word in my defence?
Martha: Ah, Johan, you know Karsten's high principles.
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