Bernick: Yes, yes; it all comes from lying and deceit.
Lona: Then why not break with all this lying and deceit?
Bernick: Now? It is too late now, Lona.
Lona: Karsten, tell me--what gratification does all this show and
deception bring you?
Bernick: It brings me none. I must disappear someday, and all
this community of bunglers with me. But a generation is growing
up that will follow us; it is my son that I work for--I am
providing a career for him. There will come a time when truth
will enter into the life of the community, and on that foundation
he shall build up a happier existence than his father.
Lona: With a lie at the bottom of it all? Consider what sort of
an inheritance it is that you are leaving to your son.
Bernick (in tones of suppressed despair): It is a thousand times
worse than you think. But surely some day the curse must be
lifted; and yet--nevertheless--. (Vehemently.) How could I bring
all this upon my own head! Still, it is done now; I must go on
with it now. You shall not succeed in crushing me! (HILMAR comes
in hurriedly and agitatedly from the right, with an open letter
in his hand.
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