&M M''"'' ' " ■•"■■■■■ LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE TVBLiSHEi^s NO re The Author^ in retaining for these reprinted pieces the title under which they made their original appearance in the pages of " Tunch^^ inadvertently infringed the rule of {Messrs. Bradbury , jtgnew £ff Co., Ltd.^ the proprietors of that periodical, to reserve such a use of (Mr. Tunch's name for volumes issued by themselves. The illustrations by {Mr. 'Bernard Tartridge, with the exception of the frontis- piece, which was specially drawn for the present volume, have been reproduced by arrangement with 5\Iessrs. Bradbury, Agnew and Co., Ltd., who are- the owners of the copyright. MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN _MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN A COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE MASTER'S BEST-K'yOWN DRAMAS CONDENSED, REVISED, AND SLIGHTLY RE-ARRANGED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE EARNEST STUDENT BY F. ANSTEY AUTHOR OF "vice VEKSA," " VOCES I'OPULl," ETC. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY BERNARD PARTRIDGE LONDON WILLIAM H E I N E M A N N 1893 [Alt rights resemet/] PREFATORY NOTE The concluding piece ^ " Pill-Doctor Herdal,'^ is, as the observant reader will instantly perceive, rather a reverent attempt to tread in the footprints of the CNj)rwegian dramatist, than a version of any actually existing master- piece. The author is conscious that his imitation is pain- fully lacking in the mysterious obscurity of the original, that the vein of allegorical symbolism is thifiner through- out than it should be, and that the characters are not nearly so mad as persons invariably are in real life — but these are the faults inevitable to a prentice hand, and he trusts that due allowances may be made for them by the critical. In conclusion he wishes to express his acknowledg?nents to Messrs. Bradbury and Jgnew for their permission to reprint the present volume, the contents of which made their original appearance in the pages of " TunchT CONTENTS ROSMERSHOLM NORA; OR, THE BIRD-CAGE HEDDA GABLER THE WILD DUCK PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL PAGE I 35 79 125 155 ROSMERSHOLM ROSMERSHOLM ACT FIRST Sitting-room at Rosmersholm, with a stove, Jioioer- stand, ivindoivs, ancient and modern ancestors, doors, aiul everytlihuj Jtandsome about it. Rebecca West is sitting knitting a large antimacassar which is nearly finished. Non.i and then she looks out of a window, aiul smiles aiul nods expecta7ith/ to so7neone outside. Madam Helseth is laying the table for supj^er. Rebecca. [Folding iip her work slowly.^ But tell me precisely, what about this white horse ? [Siiiiling quietly. 4 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Madam Helseth. Lord forgive you, Miss ! — [ fetchin;/ cruet-stand, and placing it on table] — but you're making f uu of me ! Kebecca. [Gravehj.] No, indeed. Nobody makes fun at Rosmershiilm. Mr. Eosmer would not understand it. [Shutting vnndow.] Ah, here is Rector Kroll. [Opening door.] You -will stay to supper, will you not, Rector, and I will tell them to give us some little extra dish. Kroll. [Hanging up his hat in the hall.] INIany thanks. [Wipes his hoots.] May I come in ? [Comes in, puts dov)n his stick, sits dovm, and looks about Jiim.] And how do you and Rosmer get on together, eh ? Rebecca. Ever since your sister, Beata, went mad and jumped into the mill-race, we have been as happy as ROSMERSHOLM 5 two little birds together. \_After a jjciuse, sitting down in arm-chair.] So you dont really mind my living here all alone with Rosmer ? We were afraid you might, perhaps. Kroll, Why, how on earth — on the contrary, I shouldn't object at all if you — [looks at her meaningbj] — h'm ! Rebecca. [Interrujjting^ gravely.] For shame, Rector; how can you make such jokes ? Kroll, [As if surprised.] Jokes ! We do not joke in these parts — but here is Rosmer. [Enter Rosmer, gently and sojtly. Rosmer. So, my dear old friend, you have come again, after a year's absence. [Sits doimi.] We almost thought that 6 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Kkoll. [Nods.] So Miss West was saying — but you are quite mistaken. I merely thought 1 might remind you, if I came, of our poor Beata's suicide, so I kept away. We Norwegians are not without our simple tact. RUSMEE, It was considerate — but unnecessary. Eeb — I mean, Miss West — and I often allude to the incident, do we not ? Rebecca. [Strikes Tdndstickor.] Oh yes, indeed. [Lighting lam]).] Whenever we feel a little more cheerful than usual. Kroll. You dear good people ! [Wcmders u]} the room.] I came becavise the Spirit of Revolt has crept into my School. A Secret Society has existed foi- weeks in the Lower Third ! To-day it has come to my know- ledge that a booby trap was prepared for me by the ROSMERSHOLM 7 hand of my own son, Laurits, and I then discovered that a hair had been inserted in my cane by my daughter Hilda ! The only way in whicli a right- minded Schoolmaster can combat this anarchic and subversive spirit is to start a newspaper, and I thought that you, as a weak, credulous, inexperienced and impressionable kind of man, were the very person to be the Editor. [Rebecca laughs suftly, as if to lierselj. RoSMER juni2)s 2cp and sits dowio again. Rebecca. \]Vith a look at Eosmer.'\ Tell him now ! ROSMER. [Returning the look.'\ I can't — Some other evening. Well, perhaps [To Kroll.] I can't be your Editor — because [in a low voice] I — I am on the side of Laurits and Hilda ! Kroll. [Looks from one to the other, gloomily.] H'm ! 8 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN ROSMER. Yes. Since we last met, I have changed my views. I am going to create a new democracy, and awaken it to its true task of making all the people of this country noblemen, by freeing their wills, and purifying their minds ! Kroll. What do you mean ! [^Takes up his hat. ROSMER. [Bowing his head.] I don't quite know, my dear friend ; it was Reb I should say Miss West's scheme. Kroll. H'm ! [A suspicion appears in his face.] Now I begin to believe that what Beala said about schemes no matter. But under the circumstances, I will not stay to supper. \Tahes up his stick, and tvalks out. ROSMERSHOLM 9 KOSMER. I told you lie would be annoyed. I shall go to bed now. I don't want any supper, [//e liyhts a caudle, (tnd (joes out ; "presenily his footsteps are heard over- head, as he t(,ndresses. Rebecca p)ulh a hell-rojye. Kebecca. \l'o Madam Helseth, ivho enters loith dishes.] No, Mr. Rosmer Avill not have supper to-night. [In a lighter tone.] Perhaps he is afraid of the nightmare. There are so many sorts of White Horses in this world ! Madam Helseth. [Shaking.] Lord ! lord ! that Miss West — the things she does say ! [Kebecca (joes out throuyh docn', knittiny antimacassar thouyhtjtdly, as Curtain falls. ACT SECOND Kosmer's study. Doors and windoivs, bookshelves, a vjriting -table. Door, with curtain, leading to Kosmer's bedroom. Eosmer discovered in a smoking jacket cutting a jJccinphlet vnth a paper- knije. There is a knock at the door. Rosmer sai/s " Come in." Rebecca enters in a morning xorapper and curl-jKoj^ers. She sits on a chair close to Rosmer, and looks over his shoulder as he C2its the leaves. Rector Kkoll is shovni, up. Kroll. \Lays his hat on the table and looks at Rebecca from head to Joot.~\ I am really afraid that I am in the way. ROSMERShOLM ii Rebecca. \Sur2)risecl.'\ Because I am in my morning wi-apper and curl-papers ? You forget that I am emaitdjxded, Kector Kroll. [She leaves them and listens behind curtain in Rosmek's bedroom. ROSMER. Yes, Miss West and I have worked our way- forward in faithful comradeship. Kroll. [Shakes his head at him sloicli/.^ So I perceive. Miss West is naturally inclined to be forwai-d. But, I say, really you know However, I came to tell you that poor Beata was not so mad as she looked, though flowers did bewilder her so. [Taking off" his gloves meaningly.^ She jumped into the mill-race because she had an idea that you ought to marry [iss West ! 12 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN ROSMER. [Jumps half up from Jiis chair.] I ? Marry— Miss West ! My good gracious, Kroll ! I don't under- stand, it is most incomprehensible. [Looks fixedlij before him.'] How can people? [Loohs at him for a moment, then rises.] Will you get out ? [>StiIl quiet and self restrained.] But first tell me why you never mentioned this before ? Kroll. Why ? Because I thought you were both orthodox, which made all the ditterence. Now I know that you side with Laurits and Hilda, and mean to make the democracy into noblemen, and accordingly I intend to make it hot for you in my paper. Cf'ood morning ! [He slams the door loith spite as Bebecca enters from hed-room. BOSMER. \_As if sicrp'ised.] You — in my bedroom ! You have been listening, dear ? But you are so emancipated. "Taking off his gloves meaningly " ROSMERSHOLM 1 5 Ah, well ! so our ])ure and beautiful friendship has been misinterpreted, bespattered ! Just because you wear a morning wrapper, and have lived hei^e alone for a year, people with coarse souls and ignoble eyes make unpleasant remarks! But what really did drive Beata mad ? Why did she jump into the mill-race ? I'm sure we did everything we could to spare her ! I made it the business of my life to keep her in ignoi^ince of all our interests — didn't I, now ? Eebecca. You did. But why brood over it ? What does it matter ? Get on with your great beautiful task, dear — [cipproaching him cautiously from behind] — win- ning over minds and wills, and creating noblemen, you know — joyfid noblemen ! ROSMER. \]Vallcing about restlessly, as if in thought.] Yes, I know. I have never laughed in the whole course of my life — we Rosmers don't — and so I felt that i6 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN spreading gladness and light, and making the demo- cracy joyful, was properly my mission. But 7iow — I feel too upset to go on, Rebecca, vinless [S/iakes his head heavilj/.] Yes, an idea has just occuri^ed to me [Looks at her, and then runs his hands through his hair'\ — Oh, my goodness ! No — I canH. \He leans his elboivs on fable. L Kebecca. Be a free man to the full, Bosmer — tell me your idea. E.OSMER. [Gloomil)/.\ I don't know what you'll say to it. It's this : Our platonic comradeship was all very well while I was peaceful and happy. Now that I am bothered and badgered, I feel — why, I can't exactly explain, but I do feel that I must oppose a new and living reality to the gnawing memories of the past. I should perhaps, explain that this is equivalent to an Ibsenian proposal. ROSMERSHOLM 17 Rebecca. [Catches at the chairback with joi/.] How ? at last — a rise at last ! [Recollects herself.] But what am I about ? Am I not an emancipated enigma ? [Puts her hands over her ears as if in terror.] What are you saying ? You mustn't. I can't think what you mean. Go away, do ! ROSMER. [Softly.] Be the new and living reality. It is the only way to put Beata out of the Saga. Shall we try it ? Rebecca. Never ! Do not — do not ask me why — for I haven't a notion — but never ! [Nods sloidy to hivi and rises.] White Horses would not induce me ! [With her hand on door-handle.] Now you know ! [She goes out ! ROSMER. [Sits up, stares, thunder struck, at the stove, and says to hitiiself] Well — I — am Quick Cihrtain. ACT THIRD Sitting-room at Rosmeo'sJwhn. Sun shining outside in the Garden. Inside Rebecca West is uxiter- ing a geranium vnth a. small watering-pot. Her crochet antimacassar lies in the arm-chair. Madame Helseth is rubbing the chairs with fumiture-'polish from a large bottle. Enter RosMER, loith his hat and stick in his hand. Madame Helseth corks the bottle and goes out to the right. Rebecca. Good moi^ning, dear. [-4 moment after — crocheting.^ Have yovT seen Rector Kroll's paper this morning? There's something about you in it. RoSMER. Oh, indeed ? \Puts down hat and stick, and takes ROSMERSHOLM 19 ^^.p paper]. H'm ! [Heads — t/ten loalks about the room.] Kroll has made it liot for me. [^Reads some more.] Oil, this is too bad ! Rebecca, they do say such nasty spiteful things ! they actually call me a renegade — and I can't thiyik why ! They nmstn't go on like this. All that is good in human nature will go to ruin if they're allowed to attack an excellent man like me ! Only think, if I can make them see how unkind thej have been ! Rebecca. Yes, dear, in that you have a great and glorious object to attain — and I wish you may get it ! ROSMER. Thanks. I think I shall. [Happens to look throiujh vnwLovo and jicmps.] Ah, no, I shan't — never now, I have just seen Rebecca. N'ot the White Horse, dear ? We must really not overdo that White Horse ! 20 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET TBSEN ROSMER. No — the mill-race, where Beata [Puts on his hat — takes it off again.] I'm beginning to be haunted by — no, I dont mean the Horse — by a terrible suspicion that Beata may have been rioht after all ! Yes, I do believe, now I come to think of it, that I must really have been in love with you from the first. Tell me your opinion. Rebecca. \Struggling loith herself., and still crocheting.] Oh — I can't exactly say — such an odd question to ask me ! ROSMBR. YShahes his head.] Perhaps ; I have no sense of humour — no respectable Norwegian has — and I do want to know — because, you see, if I vas in love with you, it was a sin, and if I once convinced myself of that ]J^^anders across the room. ROSMERSHOLM 21 Rebecca ; \^Breakin(j ont?[ Oh, these old ancestral prejudices! Here is your hat, and your stick, too ; go and take a walk. [RoSMEU takes hat and stick, jirst, then yui.s out and takes a tvalk ; preseiitlij Madam Helseth appears, and tells Rebecca something. Rebecca tells Iter soniethiny. Tlietj whisper together. Madam Helseth nods, and shoics in Rectoii Kroll, who keeps his hat in his hand, and sits on a chair. Kroll. I merely called for the purpose of informing yuu thats I consider you an artful and designing person, but that, on the whole, considering your birth and moral antecedents, you know — [nods at her] — it is not surprising. [Rebecca ivalks about wrinyiny her hands.] Why, what is the matter ? Did you really 22 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN not know that you had no light to your father's name ? I'd no idea you would mind my mentioning such a trifle ! Rebecca. [Breaklitf/ out.] I do mind. I am an emancijjated enigma, but I retain a few little prejudices still. I don't like owning to my real age, and I do prefer to be legitimate. And, after your information— of which I was quite ignorant, as my mother, the late Mrs. Gamvik, never once alluded to it — I feel I must confess everything. Strong-minded advanced women are like that. Here is Rosmer. [Rosmer enters loith his hat and slick.] Rosmer, I want to tell you and Rector Kroll a little story. Let us sit down, deai-, all three of us. {They sit doion, medianicalhj, on chairs.] A long time ago, before the play began — [in a voice scarcely audAhle] — in Ibsenite di-amas, all the interesting things somehow do happen before the play begins ROSMERSIWLM 23 ROSMER. But, Rebecca, I himo all this. Kroll. \_Looks hard at her.'\ Perhaps I had better go ( Rebecca. Xo — I will be short- This was it. 1 wanted to take my share in the life of the New Era, and march onward with Rosmer. There was one dismal, insur- mountable barriei- — \to Rosmer, ivho nods herself.] Another taradiddle ! Helmer. She is a sensible woman, and desei-ves encourage- ment. Come along, Mrs. Linden, and we'll see what we can do for you. [lie (joes out throuyh the hall with Mrs. Linden, and the front-door is heard to slam after them. KORA. [Opens door, and calls.] Now, Emmy, Ivar, and Bob, come in and have a romp with Mamma — we will play hide-and-seek. [She yets under the table. 42 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN siiiiliny in qidet satisfaction ; Krogstad ewfers— Nora pov/nces oiot upon him.'] Boo ! . . . Oh, I beg your pardon. I don't do this kind of thing generally — though I may be a little silly. Krogstad. yPolitely.] Don't mention it. 1 called because I happened to see your husband go out with Mrs. Linden — from which, being a person of considerable penetration, I infer that he is about to give her my post at the Bank. Now, as you owe me the balance of ;^30o, for which I hold your acknowledgment, you will see the propriety of putting a stop to this little game at once. Nora. But I don't at all — not a little wee bit ! I'm so childish, you know — why should H [twitting apright on carpet. Krogstad. 1 will try to make it jjlain to the meanest capacity. When you came to me for the loan, I naturally h //./ "Boo!" NORA ; OR, THE BIRD-CAGE 45 required some additional security. Your father, being a shady Government official, without a penny — for, if he had possessed one, he would presumably have left it to you — without a penny, then — I, as a cautious man of business, insisted upon having his signature as a surety. ()]i. we Norwegians are sharp fellows ! Nora. Weil, you ;/ot papa's signature, didn't you ? Krogstad. Oh, 1 ;/ot it right enough. Unfortunately, it was dated tliree days after his decease — now, how do you account for that ? Nora. How ? Why, as poor Papa was dead, and couldn't sign, I signed /w* him, that's all ! Only somehow I forgot to put the date back. That's how. Didn't I tell you I was a silly, unbusiness like little thing ? It's very simple. 46 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Kkogstad. Yery — but whal you did amounts to forS7ie gets her bonnet and ties it tighthj. Helmer. Then you are really going ? And you'll never think about me and the eggs any more ! Oh, Nora ! Nora. Indeed, I shall— occasionally— as strangers. [She puts on a shawl sadly, and fetches her dressing-bag.] 76 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN If I ever do come back, the greatest miracle of all will have to happen. Good-bye ! [She goes out through the liall ; the front door is heard to bang loudly. Helmer, [Sinking on a chair.'\ The room empty ? Then she must be gone ! Yes, my little lark has flown ! [The dull sound of au unskilled latchkey is heard trying the lock ; 2)i-esentiy the door opens, and NouA, with a somewhat foolish expression, reapj^ears.] What ? back already ! Then you are educated ? Nora. [Puts doion dressing -hag.] No, Torvald, not yet. Only, you see, I found I had only threepence-half- penny in my purse, and the Norwegian theatres are all closed at this houi' — and so I thought I wouldn't leave the cage till to-morrow— after breakfast. Helmer. [As if to himself .] The greatest miracle of all has NORA : OR, THE BIRD-CAGE 77 happened. My little bird is not in the bush jast yet! [Nora takes dovm a shoioily-hoimd diction- ary from the shelf and begins her educa- tion ; HELMER/e^cAes a bag of macaroons, sits near her, and tenders one hnmbhj. A pause. XoRA rejndses it, i/roudly. He offers it again. She snatches at it siuU denly, still vnthout looking at him, aiul nibbles it thoughtfully us Curtain falls. HEDDA GABLER HEDDA GABLER ACT FIRST Scene — .1 sitting-room cheerfully decorated in dark colours. Broad doorway, hung with black crape, in the v:all at hack, leading to a hack drawing- room, in ivhich, above a sofa in hlack horsehair, hangs a posthumous portrait of the late Gexeeal Gabler. On the p>iano is a Jiandsome jxdl. Through the glass panes of the back drawing-room window are seen a dead wall and a cemetery. Settees, sofas, chairs, cLx., handsomely upholstered in hlack bombazine, and studded with small round nails. Bouquets of immortelles and dead grasses are lying everywhere about. F 82 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Enter Aunt Julie {a good-natured-looking lady in a smart hat.) Aunt Julie. Well, I declare, if I believe George or Hedda are up yet ! [Enter George Tesman, humming, stout, careless, spectacled?^ Ah, my dear boy, I have called before breakfast to inquire how you and Hedda are after returning late last night from your long honey- moon. Oh, dear me, yes ; am I not your old aunt, and are not these attentions usual in Norway ? George. Good Lord, yes! My six months' honejTnoon has been quite a little travelling scholarship, eh ? I have been examining archives. Think of tliat ! Look here, I'm going to write a book all about the domestic interests of the Cave-dwellers during the Deluge. I'm a clever young Norwegian man of letters, eh ? HEDDA G ABLER 83 Aunt Julie. Fancy your knowing about that too ! Now, dear me, thank Heaven ! George. Let me, as a dutiful Norwegian nephew, untie that smart, showy hat of yours. [Unties it, and pats her tender the chi^i.^ Well, to be sure, you have got yourself really up — fancy that ! [He 2mts hat on chair close to table. Aunt Julie. [Giggling.^ It was for Hedda's sake — to go out walking with her in. [Hedda approaches from the hach-room ; she is pallid, vnth cold, open, steel-grey eyes ; her hair is not very thicJc, hut lohat there is of it is an agreeable medium hro^on.'] Ah, dear Hedda ! [She attempts to cuddle her. Hedda. [Shrinking hack.'] Ugh, let me go, do ! [^Looking at Aunt Julie's hat.] Tesman, you must really tell the 84 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN housemaid not to leave her old hat about on the drawing-room chairs. Oh, Ls it your hat ? Sorry I spoke, I'm sure ! Aunt Julie. [Annoijed.] Good gi-acious, little Mr.s. Hedilu ; my nice new hat that I bought to go out walking with 7/ou in ! George. [Patting her on the back.] Yes, Hedda, she did, and the parasol too ! Fancy, Aunt Julie always positively thinks of everything, eh ? Hedda. [Cokll//.] You hold 7/our tongue. Catch me going out walking with your aunt ! One doesn't do such things. George. [Beammg.] Isn't she a charming woman ? Such fascinating manners ! ]My goodness, eh ? Fancy that! HEDDA G ABLER Aunt Julie. 85 Ah, dear George, you ought indeed to be happy — but \hrings out a flat package wrapped in newspajjer'] look here, my dear boy ! George. [Opens it.] What ? my dear old morning shoes ! my slippers ! [Breaks down.'] This is positively too touching, Hedda, eh ? Do you remember how badly I wanted them all the honeymoon ? Come and just have a look at them — you mai/ ! Hedda. Bother your old slijipers and your old aunt too ! [AuxT Julie goes out annoyed, followed by George, still thanking her warmly fur the slippers; Hedda yawns ; George comes back and places his old slijypers reverently on the table.] Why, here comes Mrs Elvsted — another early caller! She had irritating 86 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN hair, and went about making a sensation with it — an old flame of yours, I've heard. Enter Mrs. Elvsted ; she is preliy and gentle, v:ith copious wavy white-gold hair and round jjromi- nent eyes, and the manner of a frightened rabbit. Mrs. Elvsted, [Nervous^^ Oh, please, I'm so perfectly in despair, Ejlert Lovborg, you know, who was our tutor ; he's written such a large new book, I inspired him. Oh, I know I don't look like it — but I did — he told me so. And, good gi^acious ! now he's in this dangerous wicked town all alone, and he's a reformed character, and I'm so frightened about him ; so, as the wife of a sheriff twenty years older than me, I came up to look after Mr. Lovborg, Do ask him here — then I can meet him. You will ? How perfectly lovely of you ! My husband's so fond of him ! Hedda, George, go and write an invitation at once ; do yc u hear ? [George looks around for his slipjiers, takes HEDDA G ABLER 87 them up and goes oiit.'] Now we can talk, my little Thea. Do 3'ou remember how I used to pull your hair when we met on the stairs, and say I would scorch it oft'? Seeing people with copious hair always does irritate me. Mrs. Elvsted. Goodness, yes, you were always so playful and friendly, and I was so afraid of you. I am still. And please, I've run away from my husband. Every- thing around him was distasteful to me. And Mr. Lovborg and I were comrades — he was dissipated, and I got a sort of power over him, and he made a real person out of me — which I wasn't before, you know; but, oh, I do hope I'm real now. He talked to me and taught me to tliink — chiefly of him. So, when Mr. Lovborg came here, naturally I came too. There was nothing else to do! And fancy, there is another woman whose shadow still stands between him and me ! She wanted to shoot him once, and so, of course, he can never forget her. I wish I knew 88 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN her name — perhaps it was that led-haired opera- singer Hedda. [ With cold self-command.'] Very likely— but nobody does that sort of thing here. Hush ! Run away now. Here comes Tesman with Judge Brack. [Mrs. Elvsted goes out ; George comes in with Judge Brack, ivho is a short and elastic gentleman, with a round face, care- fully brushed hair, and distinguished profle.] How awfully funny you do look by daylight, Judge ! Brack. [Holding his hat and droj^jnng his eye-glass.] Sincerest thanks. Still the same graceful manners, dear little Mrs. Hed — Tesman ! I came to invite dear Tesman to a little bachelor-party to celebrate his return from his long honeymoon. It is customary in Scandinavian society. It will be a lively afTair, for I am a gay Norwegian dog. "I am a gay Norwegian dog." HEDDA G ABLER Georgk. 91 Asked out — without my wife! Think of that! Eh ? Oh, dear me, yes, i'll come ! Brack. By the way, Lovborg is here; he has written a wonderful book, which has made a quite extraordinary sensation. Bless me, yes ! George. Lovborg — fancy ! Well, I am — glad. Such mar- vellous gifts I And I was so painfully certain he had gone to the bad. Fancy that, eh ? But what will become of him noic, poor fellow, eh ? I am so anxious to know ! Brack, Well, he may possibly put up for the Professorship against you, and, though you are an uncommonly clever man of letters — for a Korwegian — it's not wholly improbable that he may cut you out ! 92 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN George. But, look here, good Lord, Judge Brack \—[yesticu- lating] — that would show an incredible want of con- sideration for me ! I mariied on my chance of yetting that professorship. A man like Liivborg, too, who hasn't even been respectable, eh ? One doesn't do such things as that ! Brack. Really ? You forget we are all realistic and un- conventional persons here, and do all kinds of odd things. But don't worry yourself ! [Z/e goes out. George. \To Hedda.] Oh, I say, Hedda, what's to become of our fairyland now, eh ? We can't have a liveried servant, or give dinner parties, or have a horse for riding. Fancy that ! Hedda. [^Slowly, and wearily.^ No, we shall really have to set up as fairies in reduced circumstances, now. HEDDA G ABLER 53 George. [Cheering up.] Still, we shall see Aunt Julie every day, and that will be something, and I've got back my old slippers. We shan't be altogether without some amusements, eh ? Hedda. [Crosses the floor.] Not while I have one thing to amuse myself with, at all events. George. [Beaming with joij.] Oh, Heaven be praised and thanked for that ! My goodness, so you have ! And what may that be, Hedda, eh ? Hedda. [At the doorway, ivith sicppressed scorn.] Yes, George you have the old slippers of the attentive aunt, and I have the horse-pistols of the deceased general ! George. [In an agony.] The pistols ! Oh, my goodness ! tchat pistols ? 94 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Hedda, [With cold eijes.] General Gabler's pistols — same which I shot — [recollecting herself] — no, that's Thack- eray, not Ibsen — a ver?/ different person. [She goes through the hack drawing-room. George. [At doorivay, shouting after her.] Dearest Hedda, not those dangerous things, eh ? Why, they have never once been known to shoot straight yet ! Don't ! Have a catapult. For my sake, have a catapult ! [Curtain. ACT SECOND ScEXE — The cheerful dark drawing-room. It is after- noon. Hedda stands loading a revolver in the hack draioing-room. Hedda. [Looking out and shouting.] How do you do, Judge? [Aims at him.] Mind yourself ! [She fires. BHACK. [Entering.] What the devil ! Do you usually take pot-shots at casual visitors ? [Annoyed. Hedda. Invariably, when they ccme by the back-garden. It is my unconventional way of intimating that I am 96 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN at home. One does do these things in realistic dramas, you know. And I was only aiming at the blue sky. Brack. Which accounts for the condition of my hat. [Exhibiting it.] Look here — riddled ! Hedda. Couldn't help myself. I am so horribly bored with Tesman. Everlastingly to be with a professional person ! Brack. [S>/nipatheticalhj.] Our excellent Tesman is certainly a bit of a bore. [Looks searchingbj at her.] What on earth made you marry him ? Hedda. Tired of dancing, my dear, that's all. And then I used Tesman to take me home from parties ; and we saw this villa ; and I said I liked it, and so did he ; and so we found some common ground, and here we HEDDA G ABLER p7 are, do you see ! And I loathe Tesman, and I don't even like the viUa now; and I do feel the want of an entertaining companion so ! Brack. Try me. Just the kind of three-cornered arrange- ment that I hke. Let me be the third person in the compartment— [co?i^e?ifm%]— the tried friend, and, generally speaking, cock of the walk ! Hedda. {^Audibly drawing in her breath.'] I cannot resist your polished way of putting things. We will conclude a triple alliance. But hush ! — here comes Tesman. Enter George loith a number of books under his arm. George. Puff! I am hot, Hedda. I've been looking into Lovborg's new book. Wonderfully thoughtful — con- found him ! But I must go and dress for your party, Judge. [ijTe goes out. G 98 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Hedda. I wish I could get Tesman to take to politics, Judge. Couldn't he be a Cabinet Minister, or something ? Brack. H'm! \A short pause ; both look at one another, without Speaking. Enter George, in evening dress with gloves, George. It is afternoon, and your party is at half- past seven — but I like to dress early. Fancy that ! And I am expecting Lovborg. Ejlert Lovborg comes in from the hall ; he is worn and 2)Cble, with red patches on his cheek-bones, and wears an elegant perfectly new visiting-suit and black gloves. George. Welcome ! [Introduces him to Brack.] Listen — I have got your new book, but I haven't read it through yet. HEDDA G ABLER 99 LOVBORG. You needn't — it's rubbish. [Takes a packet oj MSS. out.'] This isn't. It's in three parts ; the first about the civilising forces of the future, the second about the future of the civilising forces, and the third about the forces of the future civilisation. I thought I'd read you a little of it this evening ? Brack atid George. [Hastily.] Awfully nice of you — but there's a little party this evening — so sorry we can't stop ! Won't you come too ? Hedda. No, he must stop and read it to me and Mrs. Elvsted instead. George. It would never have occurred to me to think of such clever things ! Are you going to oppose me for the professorship, eh ? lOo MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN LOVBORG. [3Iodestl)/.] No ; I shall only triumph over you in the popular judgment — that's all ! George. Oh, is that all ? Fancy ! Let us go into the back drawing-i-oom and drink cold punch. LoVBORG. Thanks — but I am a reformed character, and have renounced cold punch — it is poison. [George and Brack go into the back-room and drink punch, whilst Hedda shows L6^■B0RG a 2>hotoyraph album in the front. LbVBORG. [Slowlt/, in a low tone.] Hedda Gabbler ! how could you throw yourself away like this ! — Oh, is that the Ortler Group ? Beautiful ! Have you forgotten how we used to sit on the settee together behind an illustrated paper, and — yes, very picturesque peaks — I told you all about how I had been on the loose ? HEDDA G ABLER lOI Hedda. Now, none of that here ! These are the Dolomites. — Yes, I remember; it was a beautiful fascinating Norwegian intimacy — but it's over now. See, we spent a night in that little mountain village, Tesman and I. LOVBORG. Did you, indeed ? Do you remember that delicious moment when you threatened to shoot me down ? [Tenderly] I do ! Hedda. [Carelessli/.] Did I ! I have done that to so many people. But now all that is past, and you have found the loveliest consolation in dear, good, little Mrs. Elvsted — ah, here she is ! [Enter Mrs. Elvsted.] Now, Thea, sit down and drink up a good glass of cold punch. Mr. Lovborg is going to have some. If you don't, Mr. Lovborg, George and the Judge will think you are afraid of taking too much if you once begin. I02 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Miis, Elvsted. Oh, please, Hedda ! When I've inspired Mr. Lovborg so — good gracious ! don't make him drink cold punch ! Hedda, Yovi see, Mr. Lovborg, our dear little friend can't tricst you ! Lovborg. So that is my comrade's faith in me ! [Gloomily.] ril show her if I am to be trusted or not. [lie drinks a glass oj ^;^iwc/i.] Now I'll go to the Judge's party I'll have another glass first. Your health, Thea ! So you came up to spy on me, eh ? I'll drink the Sheriff's health — everyhodi/s health ! [He tries to get more punch. Hedda. [Stopping hiin.] Ko more now. You are going to a party, remember. George and Tesmax come in from back-room. HEDDA G ABLER 103 LOVBORG. Don't be angry, Thea. I was fallen for a moment. Now I'm up again ! [Mrs. Elsted beams with delight.] Judge, I'll come to your party, as you are so pressing, and I'll read George my manuscript all the evening. I'll do all in my power to make that party go ! George. No ? fancy ! that will be amusing ! Hedda. There, go away, you wild rollicking creatures ! But Mr. Lovborg must be back at ten, to take dear Thea home ! Mrs. Elvsted. Oh, goodness, yes ! [loi concealed agony.] Mr. Lovborg, I shan't go away till you do ! \The three men go out laughing merrily ; the Act-drop is lowered /or a minute ; when it is raised, it is 7 a.m., and Mrs. Elvsted and Hedda are discovered sitting up, with rugs around them. I04 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Mrs. Elvsted [Wearili/.] Seven in the morning, and Mr. LOvborg not here to take me home y^t ! what can he be doing ? Hedda. [Yawning.^ Reading to Tesman, with vine-leaves in his hair, I suppose. Perhaps lie has got to the third part. Mrs. Elvsted. Oh, do you really think so, Hedda. Oh, if I could but hope he was doing that 1 Hedda. You silly little ninny ! I should like to scorch your hair off. Go to bed ! [Mrs. Elvsted goes. Enter George. George. I'm a little late, eh ? But we made such a night of it. Fancy ! It was most amusing. Ejlert read his book to me— think of that ! Astonishing book ! HEDDA G ABLER 105 Oh, we really had great fun ! I wish Fd wi-itten it. Pity he's so ii-reclaimable. Hedda, I suppose you mean he has more of the courage of life than most people ? George. Good Lord ! He had the courage to get more drunk than most people. But, altogether, it was what you might almost call a Bacchanalian orgy. "We finished up by going to have early coSee with some of these jolly chaps, and poor old Lovborg dropped his precious manuscript in the mud, and I picked it up — and here it is! Fancy if anything were to happen to it ! He never could write it again. Wouldn't it be sad, eh ? Don't tell any one about it. [He leaves the packet of MSS. on a chair, and rushes out ; Hedda hides the packet as Brack enters. , io6 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Brack. Another early call, you see ! My party was such a singularly animated soiree that I haven't undressed all night. Oh, it was the liveliest affair conceivable ! And, like a true Norsvegian host, I tracked LOvborg home ; and it is only my duty, as a friend of the house, and cock of the walk, to take the first oppor- tunity of telling you that he finished up the evening by coming to mere loggerheads with a red-haired opera-singer, and being taken off to the police-station ! Your mustn't have him here any more. Remember our little triple alliance ! Hedda. [Her smile fading aicai/.^ You are certainly a dangerous person — but you must not get a hold over me ! Brack. \Amhigibously^ What an idea ! But I might — I am an insinuating dog. Good morning I [Goes out. HEDDA G ABLER 107 LOVBORG. [Bursting in, confused and excited.'] 1 suppose you've heard where Vve been ? Hedda. [Evasively?^ I heard you had a very jolly party at Judge Brack's. Mrs. Elvsted comes in. LOVBORG. It's all over. I don't mean to do any more work. I've no use for a companion now, Thea. Go home to your sheriff! Mrs. Elvsted. [Agitated.] Never ! I want to be with you when your book comes out ! LoVBORG. It won't come out — I've torn it up ! [Mrs. Elsted rushes out, loringing her hands^ Mrs. Tesman, I told her a lie — but no matter. I haven't torn my book up — I've done worse ! I've taken it about to several io8 MR. PUNCirS POCKET IBSEN parties, and it's been through a police-row with me — now I've lost it. Even if I found it again, it wouldn't be the same — not to me ! I am a Norwegian literary man, and peculiar. (So I must make an end of it altogether ! Hedda. Quite so — but look here, you must do it beauti- fully. I don't insist on your putting vine leaves in your hail- — but do it beautifully. [Fetches pintol.] See, here is one of General Gabler's pistols — do it with that ! LOVBORG. Thanks ! [He takes the pistol, and goes out through the hall-door ; as soon as he has gone, Hedda brhigs out the manuscript, and pjuts it on the fire, whispei-ing to hei'self, as Curtain falls. " I am a Norwegian literary man, and peculiar.' ACT THREE Scene. — The same room, hut — it being evening — darker than ever. The crape curtains are drawn. A servant, with black ribbons in her cap, and red eyes, comes in and lights the gas quietly and care- fully. Chords are heard on the piano in the back draioing-room. Presently Hedda comes in and looks out into the darkness. A short pause. Enter George Tesman. George. I am so uneasy about poor Lovborg. Fancy ! he is not at home. Mrs. Elvsted told me he has been here early this morning, so I suppose you gave him back his manuscript, eh ? 112 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Hedda. [Cold and immovable, supported hy ann-cfuiir.] No, I put it on the fire instead. George. On the fire ! Lovborg's wonderful new book that he i-ead to me at Brack's party, when we liad that wild revelry last night ! Fancy that ! But, I .say, Hedda — isn't that rather— q\\ ? Too bad, you know — really. A great work like that. How on earth did you come to think of it ? Hedda. [Suppressing an almost imperceptible smile.^ Well, dear George, you gave me a tolerably .strong hint. George. Me ? Well, to be sure — that is a joke ! Why, I only said that I envied him for writing such a book, and it would put me entirely in the shade if it came out, and if anything was to happen to it, I should HEDDA G ABLER 113 never forgive myself, as poor Lovborg couldn't write it all over again, and so we must take the greatest care of it ! And then I left it on a chair and went away — that was all ! And you went and burnt the book all up ! Bless me, who would have expected it ? Hedda. Nobody, you dear simple old sovil ! But I did it for your sake — it was love, George ! George. [/?i an outburst between doubt andjoy.^ Hedda, you don't mean that ! Your love takes such queer forms sometimes. Yes, but yes — [laughing in excess cfjoy\ why, you must be fond of me ! Just think of that now ! Well, you are fun, Hedda ! Look here, I must just run and tell the housemaid that — she will enjoy the joke so, eh ? Hedda. [Coldly, in self -command. ^^ It is surely not necessary even for a clever Norwegian man of letters in a H 114 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IDSEN realistic social drama, to make quite such a fool of himself as all that ? Geokoe. No, that's true too. Perhaps we'd better keep i( quiet — though I imcst tell Aunt Julie — it will make her so happy to hear that you burnt a manuscript on my account ! And, besides, I sliould like to ask her whether that's a usual thing with young wives. [Looks uneasi/ and ^yensive agctin.^ But poor old Ejlert's manuscript ! Oh Lor', you know ! Well, well ! " Mrs. Elvsted comes in Mrs. Elvsted. Oh, please, I'm so un&isy about dear Mr. Lovborg. Something has happened to him, I'm sure ! [Judge Brack comes in from the hall, with a new hat in Ins hand. Brack. You have guessed it, first time. Something has/ HEDDA G ABLER ,i^ Mrs. Elvsted. Oh, dear, good gracious ! What is it ? Something distressing, I'm certain of it ! [Shrieks aloud. Brack. [Pleascmthj.'] That depends on how one takes it. He has shot himself, and is in a hospital now, that's aU ! George. [SijmjxUhetically.'] That's sad, eh ? poor old Lovborg ! Well, I am cut up to hear that. Fancy, though, eh ? Hedda. "Was it through the temple, or through the breast ? The bi-east ? Well, one can do it beautifully through the breast, too. Do you know, as an advanced woman, I like an act of that sort — it's so positive to have the courage to settle the account with himself — it's beautiful, i-eally ! Mrs. Elvsted. Oh, Hedda, what an odd way to look at it ! But never mind poor dear Mr. Lovborg now. What we've Ii6 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN onders ; Old Ekdal comes out through the green baize- dow, hoiving, and begging pardon, carrying copying ivork. Old I ijo MR. PUN CI IS POCKET IBSEN Weklk sdi/s " L'tjh " ami ** Pah " in- voluntarili/. IFialmaii shrinks fxick, and looks another vxii/. A Ciiambkhlaix asks him pleasaiiili/ ij he knon's that old man. IIlALMAK. I — oh no. Not in the least. No relation ! Gregers. [^Shocked.'] What, Hialinar, you, with your great soul, deny your own father ! IllALMAU. {Vehemently.'] Of course — what else can a photo- grapher do with a disreputable old parent, who has been in a penitentiary for making a fraudulent map ? I shall leave this splendid banquet. The Chamber- lains are not kind to me, and I feel the crushing hand of fate on my head ! [Goes out hastily, feeling it. ,.# . " Father, a word with you in private ; I loathe you." THE WILD DUCK ,35 Mrs. Sorby. \Archhj.'\ Any nobleman here say " Cold Punch " ? [Every nobleman says " Cold Punch " and folloios her oust in search of it loith en- thusiasm, Gregers approaches his father, xoho loishes he icouM go, Gregers. Father, a word \\ith you in private. I loathe you, I am nothing if not candid. Old Ekdal was your partner once, and it's my firm belief you deserved a prison quite as much as he did. However, you surely need not have married our Gina to my old friend Hialmar. You know veiy well she was no better than she should have been ! Old Werle. True — but then no more is Mrs. Sorby. And / am going to marry her — if you have no objection, that is. 1 54 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN GUEGERS. Kone in the world! J low can I object to a step- mother who is playing J^lind Man's liufl" at the present moment with the Norwegian nobility? I am not so overstrained as all that. But really I cunnot allow my old friend Hialmar,- with his great, con- fiding, childlike mind, to remain in contented ignor- ance of Gina's past. No, I see my mission in life at last ! I shall take my hat. and inform him that his home is built upon a lie. lie will lie so much obliged to me ! ■ [Takes his hat, and goes out. Old Werle. Ha ! — I am a wealthy merchant, of dubious morals, and I am about to marry my hovisekeeper, who is on intimate terms with the Norwegian aiistocrac}'. I have a son who loathes me, and who is either an Ibsenian satire on the Master's own ideals, or else an utterly impossible prig — I don't know or care which. Altogether, I flatter myself my household affords an accurate and realistic picture of Scandinavian Society ! Curtai7i. ACT SECOND HiALMAR Ekdal's Photographic Studio. Cameras, neck-rests, and otJier instruments of torture lying about. GiNA Ekdal and Hedwig, her daughter, aged 14, and wearing spectacles, discovered sitting up for Hialmar. Hedvig. Grandpapa is in his room with a bottle of brandy and a jug of hot water, doing some fresh copying work. Father is in society, dining out. He pro- mised he would bring me home something nice ! Hialmar. \Coming in, in evening dress.'] And he has not forgotten his promise, my child. Behold ! [He 136 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN 2)resents her loith the menu card ; IIedvig [inlps dov;n Jier tears ; Hialmar notices Jier disappumtment, vnlh annoyance.] And this all the gi-atituJe I get ! After dining out and coming home in a dress-coat and boots, which are dLsgracefully tight ! Well well, just to show you how hurt I am, I won't have any heer now ! What a selfish brute I am ! [Helentiny.] You may bring me just a little drop. [He bursts into tears.] I will play you a plaintive Bohemian dance on my flute. [He does.] No beer at such a sacred moment as this ! [He drinks.] Ha, this is real domestic bliss ! [Gregers Werle comes in, in a countrified suit. Gregers. I have left my father's home — dinner-party and all — for ever. I am coming to lodge with you. Hialmar. [Still melancholy.] Have some bread and butter. You won't? — then I icill. I want it, after your THE WILD DUCK 137 father's lavish hospitality. [Hedvig goes to fetch bread and hatter.^ My daughter — a poor short- sighted little thing — but mine own. Gregers. jNly father has had to take to strong glasses, too — he can hardly see after dinner, [j'o Old Ekdal, who stumbles in very drunk^^ How can you, Lieutenant Ekdal, who were such a keen spoitsman once, live in this poky little hole ? Old Ekdal. I am a sportsman still. The only difference is that once I shot bears in a forest, and now I pot tame rabbits in a garret. Quite as amusing — and safer. \_ne goes to sleep on a sofa. HiALMAR. \]Vith2iride.'\ It is quite true. You shall see. [lie pushes hack sliding doors, and reveals a garret fidl of rabbits and poidiry — moonlight effect. Hedvig returns vrith bread and butter. 138 MR. PUNCH'S I'OCKET IBSEN Ueuvic. [7'o Gregers.] If you stand just there, you get the best view of our Wild Duck. We are veiy proud of her, because she gives the play its title, you know, and has to be brought into the dialogue a good deal. Your father peppered her out shooting, and we saved her life. HiALMAR. Yes, Gregers, our estate is not large — but still Ave preserve, you see. And my poor old father and I sometimes get a day's gunning in the garret. He shoots with a pistol, which my illiterate wife here toill call a " pigstol." He once, when he got into trouble, pointed it at himself. But the descendant of two lieutenant-colonels who had never quailed before living rabbit yet, faltei-ed then. He didnt shoot. Then I put it to my own head. But at the decisive moment, I w'on the victory over myself. I remained in life. Now we only shoot rabbits and THE WILD DUCK 139 fowls with it. After all I am very happy and contented as I am. [He eats some bread and butter. Gregers. But you ought not to be. You have a good deal of the Wild Duck about you. So have your wife and daughter. You are living in marsh vapours. To- morrow I will take you out for a walk and explain what I mean. It is my mission in life. Good night ! [He goes out. GiNA AND HeDWIG. What was the gentleman talking about, father ? HiALMAR. [Eating bread aiid butter.] He has been dining, you know. No matter — what we have to do now, is to put my disreputable old whitehaired pariah of a parent to bed. [He and Gina lift Old Eccles — v:e mean Old Ekdal — up bij the legs and arms, and take Mm off to bed as the Curtain falls. ACT THREE Hialmar's Studio. A photograph 1ms just been taken. GiNA ayul Hedvig are tkhjing up. GiNA. YAj)olofjetlcalhj .^ Thei'e should have been a luncheon- party in this act, with Dr. Relhng and Molvik, who would have been in a state of comic " chippiness," after his excesses overnight. But, as it hadn't much to do with such plot as there is, we cut it out. It came cheaper. Here comes your father back from his walk with that lunatic, young "\Verle — you had better go and play with the "Wild Duck. [Hedvig goes. THE WILD DUCK 141 HiALMAR. {Cmiiny in.'] I have been for a walk with Gregers ; he meant well — but it was tiring. Gina, he has told me that, fifteen years ago, before I married you, you were rather a Wild Duck, so to speak. [Severely.] Why haven't you been writhing in penitence and remorse all these years, eh ? Gina. [Sensihhj.] Why ? Because I have had other things to do. You wouldn't take any photographs, so I hod to. HiALMAK. All the same — it was a swamp of deceit. And where am I to find elasticity of spirit to bring out my grand invention now ? I used to shut myself up in the parlour, and ponder and cry, when I thought that the effort of inventing anything would sap my vitaUty. [Pathetically.] I did want to leave you an inventor's widow ; but 1 never shall now, particularly 142 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN as I haven't made up my mind what to invent yet. Yes, it's all over. E^ibbits are ti-ash, and even poultry palls. And I'll wvinfr that cui-sed Wild Duck's neck ! GllEGERS. [Coming in beaming.] Well, so you've got it over. Wasn't it soothing and ennobling, eh ? and aint you both obliged to me ? GiNA. No ; it's my opinion you'd better have minded your own business. [ Weeps. Gregers. [In great surprise.] Bless me ! Pardon my Nor- wegian naivete, hut this ought really to be quite a new starting-point. Why, I confidently expected to have found you both beaming !— Mrs. Ekdal, being so illiterate, may take some little time to see it — but you, Hialmar, with your deep mind, surely you feel a new consecration, eh ? THE WILD DUCK 143 HiALMAK. [Dubioush/.'] Oh — er — yes. I suppose so— in a sort of way. [Hedvig runs in, overjo^jed. Hedvig. Father, only see what Mrs. Sorby has given me for a birthday present — a beautiful deed of gift ! [/Shows it. HiALMAR. [Eluding Ae?'.] Ha ! Mrs. S5rby, the family house- keeper. My father's sight failing ! Hedvig in goggles ! What vistas of heredity these astonishing coincidences open up ! / am not short-sighted, at all events, and I see it all — all ! This is my answer. [He takes the deed, and tears it across.^ Now I have nothing more to do in this house. [Puts on over- coat.] My home has fallen in ruins about me. [Bu7'sts into tears.] My hat ! Gregers. Oh, but you mustn't go. You must be all three 144 MR. PUNCH'S I'OCKJ-r IBSEN tof^etlier, to attain the true fi-ame of mind for self- sacrificing forgiveness, you know ! HiALMAU. Self-sacrificing forgiveness Ije hlowed ! [He tears himself a tr ay, and yoes out. Hedvig. [With despair I Hfj eyes.'] Oh, he said it might be blowed ! Now he'll never come home any more ! Gkegeiis. Shall I tell you how to regain your father's con- fidence, and bring him home surely? Sacrifice the Wild Duck. Hedvig. Do you think that will do any good ? Gregers. You just try it ! Curtain. ACT FOURTH Same Scene. Gregers enters, and finds Gina retouchiwj photographs. Gregers. \Pleasantlij?\ Hialmar not come in yet, after last night, I suppose? Gina. Not he ! He's been out on the loose all night with Eelling and Molvik. Now he's snoring on their sofa. Gregers. \pisapi:>ointed?^ Dear !— dear ! — when he ought to be yearning to wrestle in solitude and self-examina- tion ! K 146 l^^ I'UNCIl'S I'OCKET IBSI-N GiNA. [IhM/.] Self-examine your gi-an.linotlier ! [She (/oes oiU ; IIedvig comes in. Gkegehs. [To Hedvig.] Ah, I see you haven't found courage to settle the Wild Duck yet ! Hedvig. No — it seemed such a tleliglitful idea at first. Now it strikes me as a trifle — well, Ihsenish. GUEGERS. [Reprovinghj.] I thowjht you hadn't grown up quite unharmed in this house ! But if you really had the true, joyous spirit of self-sacrifice, you'd have a shot at that Wild Duck, if you died for it ! Hedvig. [Sloioly.'] I see ; you mean that my constitution's changing, and I ought to behave as such ? THE WILD DUCK 147 CtREGERS. Exactly, I'm what Americans would term a " crank " — but I believe in yon, Hedvig, [Hedvig takes down ths pistol jrom the mantelpiece, and goes into the (jarret loith flashing eyes ; GixA comes in. HiALMAR. [Looking in at door with hesitation ; lie is imwashed a7ul dishevelled.^ Has anybody happened to see my hat? GiNA. Gracious, what a sight you are ! Sit done and have some breakfast, do. [She brings it. HiALMAR. [liulignantlj/ .^ What ! touch food under this roof ? Never ! [Helps himself to bread-and-butter and coffee.] Go and pack up my scientific uncut books, my manu- sci-ipts, and all the best rabbits, in my portmanteau. I am going away for ever. On second thoughts, I 148 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN shall stay in the spare room for another day or two — it won't be the same as living with you ! [i/e takes some salt meat. GllEGERS. 3Iust you go? Just when you've got nice firm ground to build upon — ^thanks to me ! Then there's your great invention, too. HiALMAR. Everything's invented already. And I only cared about my invention because, although it doesn't exist yet, I thought Hedvig believed in it, with all the strength of her sweet little shortsighted eyes ! But now I don't believe in Hedvig ! [He 2)0U7's himself out another cu]) of coffee. Gregers. [Earjwstli/.] But, Hialmar, if I can prove to you that she is ready to sacrifice her cherished Wild Duck ? See ! [//e jntshes hack sliding-door, and discovers Hedvig aiming at the Wild Duck iiAth the hutt-end of the jnstoL Tableau. THE WILD DUCK ,49 GiNA. [^Excltedlij.'] But don't you see? It's tlie pi.'stol — that fatal Norwegian weapon which, in Ibseniau dramas, never shoots straight ! And she has got it by the wrong end too. She will shoot herself ! GRE(iEKS. \(iuietlij.'\ yiie will ! Let the child make ainentls. It will be a most realistic and impressive tiuale ! GiNA. No, no — put down the pigstol, lledvig. Do you hear, child ? Hedvig. \^Still aiming.^ I hear — but I shan't unless father tells me to. Gregeus. llialmar, show the great soul I always said you liad. This sorrow will set free what is noble in you. Don't spoil a fine situation. Be a man ! Let tlie diild shoot herself ! I50 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN HiALMAll. [Irresolutehj.] Well, really, I don't know. There's a good deal in what Gregers says. Il'm ! GiNA. A good deal of tomfool rubljish ! I'm illiterate, 1 know. I've been a Wild Duck in my time, and I waddle. But for all that, I'm the only person in the play with a grain of common-sense. And I'm sure — whatever Mr. Ibsen or Gregers choose to say — that a screaming burlesque like this ought not to end like a tragedy — even in this queer Norway of ours ! And it shan't, either ! Tell the child to put that nasty pigstol down, and come away — do ! HiALMAR. [lielding.] Ah, well, I am a farcical character myself, after all. Don't touch a hair of that duck's head, Hedvig. Come to my arms and all shall be forgiven ! [Hedvig throics down the 2nstol — which goes off and kills a rabbit — and rushes into her Put that nasty pigstol down ! " THE WILD DUCK 153 Jather's arms. Old Ekdal comes out of a corner icith a foul on each shoulder, and hursts into tears. Affecting f.imilypicture. Gregers. [Annoi/ed.^ It's all very pretty, I dare say — but it's not Ibsen ! My real mission is to be the thirteenth at table. I don't ki«ow what I mean — but I fly to fulfil it ! [He goes. HiALMAR. And now we've got rid of him, Hedvig, fetch me the deed of gift I tore up, and a slip of paper, and a penny bottle of gum, and we'll soon make a valid instrument of it again. [He pastes the toi'n deed together as the Curtain slowly descends. PILL-DOCTOR HHKUAL PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL [Prefatory Note. — The original title — Mester-Pjil-drij(/xter Herilal — would sound a trifle too uncouth to the Philistiiu; ear, aud is therefore modified as above, although the term " drligster," strictly speaking, denotes a practitionei- who has not received a regular diploma]. ACT FIRST An elegantly furnished drawing-room at Dr. Herd.vl's. In Jront, on the left, a console-tahle, on ivhich is a large round bottle fxdl of coloured water. On the right a stove, irith a hanner-screen made out of a richly -embroidered chest-protector. On the stove, a stethoscope and a small galvanic battery. In one corner, a hat and umbrella stand : in anof/ier, a 158 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN desk, at which stands Senna Blakdraf, making out the qimrterhj (tccoioits. Through a glass-door at the hack is s'i'i/i the Dispensari/, inhere Rubub Kalomet. is seated, occupied in rolling a pill. Both go on loorking in perject sileiice Jor Jour minutes and a half. Dr. Haustus ITerdal. [Enters through hall-door ; lie is elderly, with a plain sensible countenance, hut slightly loeak hair and expression.] Oome here Miss Blakdraf. \Hangs up hat, and throws his mackintosh on a divan.] Have yoii made out all those bills yet ? [^Looks sternly at her. Senna. yin a low hesitating voice.] Almost. I have charged each patient with three attendances daily. Even when you only dropped in for a cup of tea and achat. [^Passionately.] I felt I must — I must! PILL-DOCTOR HERBAL 159 Dr. Herdal. \_AUers his tone, clasps her head in his hands, and ■whispers.'] I wish you could make out the bills for me, (dirM'i/s. Senna. \_In nervous exaltation.'] How lovely that would be ! Oh, you are so unspeakably good to me ! It i.s too enthralling to be here ! \^SinJcs down and embraces his knees. Dr. Herdal. So I've understood. [With S2ip2)ressed irritation.] For goodness' sake, let go my legs ! I do ivish you wouldn't be so confoundedly neurotic ! RtBUB. [Has risen, and comes in throuyh ylass-door, breathing vjith difficulty; he is a prematurely bald young man of fifty -five, loith a harelip), and squints slightly.] I beg pardon, Dr. Herdal, I see I interrupt i6o MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IDSEN you. [As Senxa rises.] I have just completed this pill. Have you looked at it ? [He offers it for inspection, di [fidenthj . Dr. Herdal. [Evasively.] It appears to be a pill of the usual dimensions. RuBUB, [Cast down.] All the.se years you have never given me one encouraging word ! CanH you praise my pill ? Dr. Herdal. [Struggles loith himself.] I — I cannot. You should not attempt to compound pills on your own account. RuBUB. [Breathing labor iotcslj/.] And yet there was a time when you, too Dr. Hekdal. [Com2dacently.] Yes, it was certainly a pill that came as a lucky stepping stone — but not a pill like that ! ^^J. For goodness' sake, let go my legs!" PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 163 RtBUB. [Vehemently^ Listen! Is that your last word? Is my aged mother to pass out of this world without ever knowing whether I am competent to construct an effective pill or not ? Dr. Herdal. [As if in desperation.^ You had better try it upon your mother — it will enable her to form an opinion. Only mind — I will not be responsible for the result. RtJBUB. I understand. Exactly as you tried your pill, all those years ago, upon Dr. Ryval. [He hoios and goes out. Dr. Herdal. [Uneasily.'] He said that so strangely, Senna. But tell me now — when are you going to marry him ? i64 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Senna. [tStarts — half cjlcmcing vp at }ihn?\ I — I don't know. This year — next year — now — nevei' ! I can- not marry him ... I cannot — I cannot — it is sO' utterly impossible to leave you ! Dr. Herdal. Yes, I can understand that. But, my poor Senna,, hadn't you better take a little walk ? Senna. \Clasps her hands gratefully.] How .sweet and) thoughtful you are to me ! I toill take a walk. Dr. Herdal. [With a suppressed sviile.] Do! And — h'm ! — you needn't trouble to come back. I have advertised for a male book-keeper — they are less emotional. Good- right, my little Senna ! PILL-DOCTOR HERD A L 165 Sexxa. \_Softhj and qidveringbj.'] Good-night, Dr. Herdal ! [^Staggers out of hall-doo/; blowing kisses. Mrs. Herbal. [Ujiters through the loindow, plaintiveli/.^ Quite an acquisition for you, Haustus, this Miss Bhikdraf ! Dr. Herdal. She's — h'm — extremely civil and obliging. But I am parting with her, Aline— mainly on your account. Mrs. Herdal. \_Evades him.'\ Was it on my account, indeed, Haustus ? You have parted Avith so many young persons on my account — so you tell me ! Dr. Herdal. \Depressed.^ Oh, but this is hopeless ! When T have tried so hard to bi'ing a ray of sunlight into your desolate life ! I must give Riibub Kalomel notice too — his pill is really too pi-eposterous ! i66 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Mrs. Herbal. [Feels grojnngly for a chair, and sits dovni on the floor.'\ Him, too ! Ah, Haustus, you will never make my home a real home for me. My poor first husband, Halvard Solness, tried — and he couldn't ! When one has had such misfortunes as I have — all the family portraits bui-nt, and the silk dresses, too, and a pair of twins, and nine lovely dolls. \(Jhokes with tears ^ Dr. Herdal. [As ij to lead her away from the subject.^ Yes, yes^ yes, that must have been a heavy blow for you, my pool- Aline. I can understand that your spirits can never be really high again. And then for poor Master Builder Solness to be so taken up with that Miss Wangel as he was — that, too, was so wretched for you. To see him topple ofl' the tower, as he did that da\- ten yeai's ago PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 167 Mrs. Herdal. Yes, that too, Haustus. But I did not mind it so much — it all seemed so perfectly natural in both of them. Dr. Herdal. Natural ! For a girl of twenty three to taunt a middle-aged architect, whom she knew to be con- stitutionally liable to giddiness, never to let him have any peace till he had climbed a spire as dizzy as himself — and all for the fun of seeing him fall off — how in the world ! Mrs. Herdal. ^Laying the table for supper viith drie'l fish and 2mnch.'\ The younger generation have a keener sense of humour than we elder ones, Haustus, and perhaps after all, sbe was only a perplexing sort of allegory. Dr. Herdal. Yes, that would explain her to some extent, no doubt. But how he could be such an old fool ! l68 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Mrs. Herdal. That Miss Wangel was a strangely fascinating type of girl. Why, even I myself Dr. IIerual. [^Sits down and takes some fish.^ Fascinating ? Well, goodness knows, I couldn't see that at all. [^Seriously .'\ Has it never struck you, Aline, that elderly Norwegians are so deucedly impressionable — mere bundles of overstrained nerves, hypersensitive ganglia. Except, of course, the Medical Profession. Mrs. Herdal. Yes, of course ; those in that profession are not so inclined to gangle. And when one has succeeded by such a stroke of luck as you have Dr. Herdal. [^Drinhs a glass of punch.'] You're right enough there. If I had not been called in to prescribe for Dr. Ryval, who used to have the leading practice PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 169' here, I should never have stepped so wonderfully into his shoes as I did. ^ [(Jhanges to a tone of quiet chuck- ling merriment^ Let me tell you a funny story, Aline ; it sounds a ludicrous thing — but all my good fortune here v^'as based upon a simple little pill. For if Dr. Ryval had never taken it Mrs. Herbal. \_Anxioiisly .~\ Then you do think it was the pill that caused him to ? Dr. Herbal. On the contrary ; I am perfectly sure the pill had nothing whatever to do with it — the inquest made it quite clear that it was i-eally the liniment. But don't you see, Aline, what tortures me night and day is the thought that it migli.t unconsciously have been the pill which Never to be free from that ! To have such a thought gnawing and burning always — always, like a moral mustard plaster ! [//e takes viore punch. 170 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Mrs. Herdal. Yes ', I suppose there is a poultice of that sort burning on every breast — and we must never take it oft' either — it is our simple duty to keep it on. I too, Haustus, am haunted by a fancy that if this Miss Wangel were to ring at our bell now Dr. Herdal. After she has been lost sight of for ten years ? She is safe enough in some sanatorium, depend upon it. And what if she did come ? Do you think, my dear good woman, that I — a sensible clear-headed general practitioner, who have found out all I know for myself — would let her play the deuce with me as she did with poor Halvard ? No, general practitioners don't do such things — even in Norway ! Mrs. Herdal. Don't they indeed, Haustus ? [The surgery-hell rings loudlyl] Did you hear that ? There she is ! I will go and put on my best cap. It is my duty to show her that small attention. PILL-DOCTOR HERBAL 171 Dr. Herdal. [^Laughlnrj nervously/.] Why, what ou earth !- It's the night-bell. It is most prol),ibly the new book-keeper! [Mrs. Herdal f/oes out; Dr. Herdal rises toith difficulty, and ojyens the door.'^ Goodness gracious ! — it is that girl, after all ! [Hilda Wangel enters through the dispensary door. She loears a divided shirt, thick boots, and a I'am 0' Shanter toith an eagles loing in it. Somewhat freckled. Carries a green tin cylindjcr slung round her, and a rug in a strap. Goes straight iq) to Herdal, her eyes sparkling loith happiness.] How are you ? I've run you down, you see ! The ten years are uj). Isn't it scrumptiously thrilling, to see me like this ^. Dr. Herdal. [Politely retreating.] It is — very much so — but still I don't in the least understand 172 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Hilda. [Measures him vnth a fjlance.] Oh, you loill. I have come to be of use to you. I've no luggage, and no money. Not that thai makes any difference. I never have. And I've been allured and attracted here. You surely know how these things come about ? [Throws her arms round him. Dr. Herdal. What the deuce ! Miss Wangel, you mustnt. I'm a married man ! There's my wife ! Mrs. Herdal enters. Hilda. As if that mattered — it's only dear, sweet Mrs. Solness. She doesn't mind — do you, dear Mrs. Sol- ness? Mrs. Herdal. It does not seem to be of much ttse minding, Miss Wangel. I presume you have come to stay ? PILL-DOCTOR HERBAL Hilda. 173 [In amused surprise.] Why, of course — what else should I come for ? I ahrays come to stay, until— h'm ! [Nods sloioly, and sits doion at, table. Dr. Herdal, [Involuntarihj .] She's drinking my punch ! If she thinks I'm going to stand this sort of thing, she's mistaken. I'll soon show her a pill-doctor is a very diffei'ent kind of person from a mere Master Builder ! [Hilda finishes the 'punch vnth an indefin- able exjyression in her eyes, and Da. Herdal loohs on gloomily as the Curtain falls. ACT SECOND Dr. Heedal's drawwg-room mid disj^evsary, as hefore. It is early in the day. Dr. Heedal sits hy the little table, taking his own temperattire uiith a clinical thermometer. By the door stands the New Book-keeper; he ivears blue specfcKles and a dis- coloured ichite tie, and seems slightly nervoits. Dr. Heedal. Well, now you understand what is necessary. My late book-keeper, Miss Blakdraf, vised to keep my accounts very cleverly — she charged every visit twice over. PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 175 The New Book-keeper. I am familiar with book-keeping by double entry. I was once employed at a bank. Dr. Herdal. I am discharging my assistant, too ; he was always trying to push me out with his pills. Perhaps you will be able to dispense ? The New Book-keeper. [^lodestli/.l With an additional salary, I should be able to do that too. Dr. Herdal. Capital ! You shcdl dispense with an additional salary. Go into the dispensary, and see what you can make of it. You may mistake a few drugs at first — but everything must have a beginning. [Js the New Book-keeper retires, Mrs. Herdal enters in a hat and cloak with a watering -2)ot, noiselessli/. 176 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Mas. Herdal. Miss Wangel got up early, before bieakfast, and went for a walk. She is so wonderfully vivacious ! Dr. Herdal. So I should say. But tell me, Aline, is she realli/ going to stay with us hei'e ? [A'^e^'vousli/. Mrs. Herdal. [Looks at him.] So she tells me. And, as she has brought nothing with her except a tooth-brush and a powder-puff, I am going into the town to get her a few articles. We onust make her feel at home. Dr. Herdal. [Breahiny out.] I trill make her not only/eeZ but he at home, wherever that is, this very day ! I will not have a perambulating Allegory without a portmanteau here on an indefinite visit. I say, she shall go — do you hear, Aline ? Miss Wangel will go ! [Raps with his fist on table. PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 177 Mrs. Herdal, \Qiuethj?\ If you say so, Haustus, no doubt she will have to go. But you must tell her so yourself. [Puts the vxitering-pot on the console table, and goes oid, as Hilda enters, sparkling vnth pleasure. Hilda. [Goes up straight t6him.'\ Good morning, Dr. Herdal. I have just seen a pig killed. It was ripping — I mean, gloriously thrilling ! And your wife has taken a tremendous fancy to me. Fancy that ! Dr. Herdal. [Gloomihj.'\ It is eccentric certainly. But my poor dear wife was always a little Hilda. [Nods lier head slowly several times.] So yoic have noticed that too ? I have had a long talk with her. She can't get over your discharging Mr. Kalomel — he is the only man who ever reallg understood her. M 178 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Dr. Herdal. If I could only pay her oft' a little bit of the huge, immeasurable debt I owe her — but I can't ! Hilda. [Looks hao'd at him.] Can't / help you ? I helped Kawnar Brovik. Didn't you know I stayed with him and poor little Kaia — after that accident to my Master Builder ? I did. I made Ragnar build me the loveliest castle in the air — lovelier, even, than poor Mr. Solness's would have been — and we stood together on the very top. The steps were rather too much for Kaia. Besides, there was no room for her on top. And he put towering spires on all his semi- detached villas. Only, somehow, they didn't let. Then the castle in the air tumbled down, and Ragnar went into liquidation, and I continued my walking- tour. Dr. Herdal. [Interested against his icilL] And where did you go after that, may I ask, Miss Wangel ? PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 179 Hilda. Oh, ever so far north. There I met Mr. and Mrs. Tesman — the second Mrs. Tesman — she who was Mrs. Elvsted, with the ii'ritating hair, yon know. They were on their honeymoon, and had just decided that it was impossible to reconstruct poor Mr. Lovborg's great book out of Mrs. Elvsted's rough notes. But I insisted on George's attempting the impossible — with Me. And what do you think Mrs. Tesman wears in her hair 7iow ? De. Herdal. Why, really I could not say. Vine-leaves, perhaps. Hilda. Wrong — straws ! Poor Tesman dichiH fancy that — so he shot himself, 2(?i-beautiful]y, through his ticket- pocket. And I went on and took Rosmersholm for the summer. There had been misfortune in the house, so it was to let. Dear good old Rector Kroll acted as my reference ; liis wife and children had no i8o MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN sympathy with his views, so I used to see him every (lay. And I persuaded him, too, to attempt the impossible — he had never i-idden anything but a rocking-horse in his life, l)ut I made him promise to mount the White Horse of Rosmersholm. He didn't get over that. They found his body, a fortnight afterwards, in the mill-dam. Thrilling ! Dr. Herdal. [Shakes his finger at her.] What a girl you are, Miss Wangel ! But you mustn't play these games here, you know. Hilda. [Laughs to herself.] Of course not. But I suppose I am a strange sort of bird. Dr. Herdal. You are like a strong tonic. When I look at you I seem to be regarding an effervescing saline draught. Still, I really must decline to take you. PILL-DOCTOR HERBAL i8i Hilda. \_A little sulhj.'\ That is not how you spoke ten year.s ago, up at the mountain station, when you were such a flirt ! Dr. Herdal. Was I a flirt ? Deuce take me if I remember. But I am not hke that noio. Hilda. Then you have really forgotten how you sat next to me at the tcMe d'hote, and made pills and swallowed them, and were so splendid and buoyant and free that all the old women who knitted left next day? Dr. Herdal. What a memory you have for trifles. Miss Wangel ; it's quite wonderful ! i82 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Hilda. Trifles ! There was no trifling on your part. When you promised to come back in ten years, like a troll, and fetch me ! Dr. Herdal. Did I say all that ? It micst have been ajter table d'hote ! Hilda. It was. I was a mere chit then — only twenty- three 3 but / remember. And now / have come for you. Dr. Herdal. Dear, dear ! But there is nothing of the troll about me now I have married Mrs. Solness, Hilda. [^Looking shmyly at him.^ Yes, I remember you were always dropping in to tea in those days. PILL-DOCTOR HERBAL 183 Dr. Herdal. ySeems hurt.'] Every visit was duly put clown in the ledger and charged for — as poor little Senna will tell you. Hilda. Little Senna ? Oh, Dr. Herdal, I believe there is a bit of the troll left in you still ! Dr. Herdal. [Laughs a little.] No, no ; my conscience is peifectly robust — always was. Hilda. Are you quite quite sure that, when you went indoors with dear Mrs. Solness that afternoon, and left me alone with my Master Builder, you did not foresee — perhaps wish — intend, even a little, that H'm? Dr. Herdal. That you would talk the poor man into clambering up that tower ? You want to drag Me into that business now ! i84 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Hilda. \TeasinfjJy.'] Yes, I certainly think that then you went on exactly like a troll. Dr. Heudal. [With uncontrollable emotion.^ Hilda, there is not a corner of me safe from you ! Yes, I see now that must have been the way of it. Then I v:a8 a troll in that, too ! But isn't it terrible the price I have had to pay for it ? To have a wife who No, I shall never roll a pill again — never, never ! Hilda. [Z«ys her head on the stove, and ansv:e7's as if half asleej}.] No more pills ? Poor Doctor Herdal ! Dr. Herdal. [Bitterly.] No — nothing but cosy commonj)Iace grey powders for a whole troop of children. Hilda. [Lively again.] Not g^'ey powders! [Quite serriously .] I will tell you what you shall make next. Beautiful "Beautiful rainbow-coloured powders that will give one a real grip on the world!" PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 187 rainbow-coloured powders that will give one a real giip on the world. Powders to make every one free and buoyant, and ready to grasp at one's own happi- ness, to dare what one looulcl. I will have you make them. I will — I loill ! Dr. Herdal. H'm ! I am not quite sure that I clearly under- stand. And then the ingredients ? Hilda. What stupid people all of you pill-doctors are, to be sure ! Why, they Avill be x>oisons, of coui'se ! Dr. Herdal. Poisons ? Why in the world should they be that ? Hilda. [Without answering him.'] All the thrillingest, deadliest poisons — it is only such things that are wholesome, nowadays. i88 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Dr. Herdal. [As if caught hy her enthusiasm.^ And I could colour them, too, by exposing them to rays cast through a prism. Oh, Hilda, how I have needed you all these years! For, you see, with her it was impossible to discuss such things. [Evibraces her. Mrs. Herdal. [Enters noiselessly through hall-door.] I suppose, Haustus, you are persuading Miss Wangel to start by the afternoon steamer ? I have bought her a pair of curling-tongs, and a packet of hair-pins. The larger parcels are coming on presently. Dr. Herdal. [Uneasily.] H'm ! Hilda — Miss Wangel I should say — is kindly going to stay on a little longer, to assist me in some scientific experiments. You wouldn't understand them if I told you. PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 1S9 Mrs. Herdal. Shouldn't I, Haustus ? I daresay not. [The New Book-keeper looks throiigh the glass door of dispensary. Hilda. [Starts violently and jjoints — then in a lohis2Jer.^ Who is that ? Dr. Herdal. Only the new Book-keeper and Assistant — a very intelligent person. Hilda. [Looks straight in front of her with a far-away ex- pression, and tohispers to herself^ I thought at first it was .... But no — that would be too frightfully thrilling ! Dr. Herdal. [To himself] I'm turning into a regular old troll I90 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN now — bvit I can't help myself. After all, I am only an elderly Norwegian. We are made like that .... Rainbow powders — real rainbow powders ! With Hilda ! .... Oh, to have the joy of life once more ! \Takes his tem2)erature again as Curtain falls. ACT THIRD [0/A the right, a smart verandah, attached to Dr. Herdal's dioelliny-house, and coiiimunicating with the draioing-room and disj^ensary hy glass doors. On the left a tumble-doicn rockery, loith a headless 2)laster Mercury. In front, a lawn, with a large silvered glass globe on a standi. Chairs and tables. All the furniture is of gal- vanised iron. A sunset is seen going on among the trees. Dr. Herdal. [Comes out of dispensary -door cautiously, andj whispers^ Hilda, are you in there ? [Taps with fingers on drawing-room door. 192 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Hilda. [Oomes out lolth a half-teasiiKj smile.^ Well— and how is the raiabow-powcler getting on, Dr. llerdal ? Dr. Herdal. [With enthusiasm?^ It is getting on simply splen- didly. I sent the new assistant out to take a little walk, so that he should not be in the way. There is arsenic in the powder, Hilda, and digitalis too, and strychnine, and the best beetle-killer ! Hilda. [TFi^A hajypy, loondering eijes.'\ Lots of beetle- killer And you will give some of it to her, to make her free and buoyant. I think one really has the right — when people happen to stand in the way ! Dr. Herdal. Yes, you may well say so, Hilda. Still — [dubiously] — it does occur to me that such doings may perhaps be misunderstood — by the narrow-minded and conven- tional. [They go on the lawn, and sit down. PILL-DOCTOR HERD A L 193 Hilda. [With an outhurst.\ Oh, that all seems to me so foolish — so irrelevant ! As if the whole thing wasn't intended as an allegory ! Dr. Herdal. [Relieved^] Ah, so long as it is merely allegorical, of course But what is it an allegory of, Hilda ? Hilda. [Reflects in vain^ How can you sit there and ask such questions ? I suppose I am a symbol — of some sort. Dr. Herdal. [As a thought flashes upon Aim.] A cymbal ? That would cei-tainly account for your bra— — Then, am / a cymbal too, Hilda ? Hilda. Why yes — what else ? You lepresent the artist- worker, or the elder generation, or the pursuit of N 194 iV/?. PUNCirS POCKET IBSEN the ideal, or a bilious conscience — or something or other. You\-e all right ! Dr. Heudal. \jS/iakes his head.^ Am I ? But 1 don't quite see — Well, well, cymbals are meant to clash a little. And I see plainly now that I ought to prescribe this powder for as many as possible. Isn't it terrible, Hilda, that so many poor souls never really die their own deaths — pass out of the world without even the formality of an inquest ? As the district Coroner. I feel strongly on the subject. Hilda. And, when the Coroner has finished sitting on ail the bodies, perhaps — but I shan't tell you now. [Speaks as if to a child.^ There, run away and finish making the rainbow- powder, do ! Dr. Herdal. [Skips up into the dispensary^ I will — I ^^^ll ! Oh, I do feel such a troll — such a light-haired, light- headed old devil ! PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 195 PtUBUB. \_Enters garden-gate^ I have had my dismissal — but I'm not going without saying good-bye to Mrs. Heidal. Hilda. Dr. Herdal would disapprove — you really must not, Mr. Kalomel. And, besides, Mrs. Herdal is not at home. She is in the town buying me a reel of cotton. Dr. Herdal is in. He is making real rain- bow powders for regenerating everybody all round. Won't that be fun ? RUBUB. Making powders 'I Ha ! ha ! But you will see he won't take one himself. It is quite notorious to us younger men that lie simply daren't do it. Hilda. [With a Huh snort of contempt.] Oh, I daresay— that's so likely ! [Defiantly.'] I know he can, though. I've seen him ! 196 MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN RtJBUB, There is a tradition that he once — but not now — he knows better. I think you said Mrs. Herdal was in the town ? I will go and look for her. I understand her so well. [Goes out by gate. Hilda. [Calls.^ Dr. Herdal ! Come out this minute. I want you — awfully ! Dr. Herdal. [Puts his head out.^ Just when I am making such wonderful progress with the powder. [Comes down and leans on a table.] Have you hit upon some way of giving it to Aline ? I thought if j'ou were to put it in her arrowroot ? Hilda, No, thanks. I won't have that now. I have just recollected that it is a rule of mine never to injure anybody I have once been formally introduced to. riLL-DOCTOR HERDAL 197 Strangers don't count. No, poor Mrs. Herclal mustn't take that powder ! Dr. Herdal. [^Discqypointed.^ Then is nothing to come cif making rainbow powdei^s, after all, Hilda ? Hilda. ]^Loohs hard at himP[ People say you are afraid to take your own physic. Is that true ? Dr. Herdal. Yes, I am. [^After a pause — loith candour.^ I tind it invariably disagrees with me. Hilda. [TFtiA a half-dubious smile.~\ I think I can under- stand that. But you did once. You swallowed your own pills that day at the table d'hote, ten years ago. And I heard a harp in the air, too ! Dr. Herdal. \Open-^iouthed.^ I don't think that coidd have been me. I don't play any instrument. And that was igS MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN quite a special thing, tou. It's not every day I can do it. Those were only Oread pills, Hilda. Hilda. [With flashimj eyes.] But you rolled them, you took them. And I want to see you stand once more free and high and great, swallowing your own pre- parations. [Passionatzly.'] I vill have you do it ! [Imploriw/li/.] Just once more, Dr. Herdal ! Dk. Herdal. If I did, Hilda, my medical knowledge, slight as it is, leads me to the conclusion that I should in all probability burst. Hilda. [Looks deejily into his eyes.] So long as you burst heautifidly ! But no doubt that IMiss Blakdraf Dr. Herdal. You must believe in me utterly and entirely. I will do anything — anything, Hilda, to provide you PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 199 with agreeable entertainment. I vnll swallow my own powder ! \To himself, as he goes gravehj uj) to dispensary.] If only the drugs are sufficiently adulterated ! [Goes in; as he does so, the New Assistant enters the garden in hlne spectacles, unseen by Hilda, and follows him, leaving open the glass door. Senna. [Comes loildly out of dravnag-room.] Where is dear Dr. Herdal ? Oh, Miss Wangel, he has discharged me — but I can't — I simply canH live away from that lovely ledger. Hilda. [Jubilantly.] At this moment Dr. Herbal is in the dispensary, taking one of his own powders. Senna, [DeS2Xiiringly.'\ But — but it is utterly impossible! Miss Wangel, you have such a firm hold of him — don't let him do that ! 20O MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN Hilda. I have already done all I can. [RtJBUB appears, talking covjidentially vrith Mrs. Herdal, at gate. Senna. Oh, Mrs. Herdal, Rubub ! The Pill-Doctor is going to take one of his own preparations. Save him — quick ! RtJBUB. [irif/i cold politeness.] I am sorry to hear it — for his sake. But it would be quite contrary to pro- fessional etiquette to pie vent hini. Mrs. Herdal. And I never interfere with my husband's proceed- ings. I know mjj duty, Mi.^s Blakdraf, if others don't ! Hilda. [Uxuliimj ivith great intensity.] At last ! Now I see him in there, great and free again, mixing the PILL-DOCTOR HERDAL 20i powder in a spoon — with jam ! . . . . Now he raises the spoon. Higher — higher still ! \_A gulp is audible from tvithin.] Thei'e, didn't you hear a harp in the air? [Quietly.] I can't see the spoon any more. But there is one he is stiiving with, in blue spec- tacles ! The New Assistant's Voice. [Within.] The Pill-Doctor Herdal has taken his own powder ! Hilda. [As if petrified.] That voice ! Where have 1 heard it before ? Ko matter — he has got the powder down ! [IFafes a shaicl in the air, and shrieks irith v'ild jubilation.] It's too awfully thrilling ! My — >; M^IT>'S CLVB BY I. ZANGWILL AUTHOR OF " THE bachelor's CLUB," " CHILDREN OF THF, GHETTO," ' MERELY MARY ANN," " THE PREMIER AND THE I'AINTER," ETC. WITH FORTY-FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS By F. H. TOWNSEND " Most strongly to be recommended to all classes of readers" At/ietiieunt. "Mr. Zangwill has a very bright and a very original humour, and everj- page of this closely printed book is full of point and go, and full, too, of a healthy satire that is really humorously applied common sense." National Review. " There is excellent fooling in the big book." — World. "Extremely amusing. The illustrations add greatly to the fun of the book." — Literary World. Price Three Shillings and Sixpence London : Wm. HEINEMANN, 21 Bedford Street. W.C. Nearly Ready F'I{pM TV IS DOM COUT{X BY HENRY SETON MERRIMAN AND STEPHEN GRAHAM TALLENTYRE with thirty illustrations By E. COURBAIN CONTENTS ON A BED OF SICKNESS. — ON MATRIMONY. — ON THE POSTCARD. — ON THE SEA. — ON VISITORS.— ON LUCK. — ON UNSELFISH- NESS. — ON GOOD WORKS. — ON LOVE. — ON THE MUSIC STOOL. ON PURPOSE. — ON GIRL. — ON SUNDAY MORNING. — ON MEALS. — ON HEART. — ON SLEEP. — ON SOCIETIES. — ON LANGUAGE. — ON LEARNING. — ON OUR OWN BUSINESS. — ON PLEASURE. — ON OUR BIRTHPLACE. — ON OUR DOGS. — ON BEING ENG.\GED. ON LETTERS. — ON CHURCH. — ON COURAGE. — ON HONOUR AND GLORY. — THE LAST WORD. Price Three Shillings and Sixpence London : Wm. HEINEMANN, 21 Bedford Street, W.C. "A work of rare humour, a thing of beauty, and a joy for now and ever." — Punch. THE QS^ijrLe ^T^r of AS PLHASINGLY EA'EMPUFIBD A\' M.-IA'V INSTANCES, IVHEREIN THE ShRIOUS ONES OF THIS EARTH, CAREFULLY EXASPER- ATED, HAVE BEEN PRETTILY SPURRED ON TO INDISCRETION AND UNSEEMLINESS, WHILE OVERCOME BY AN UNDUE SENSE OF RIGHT. BY J. M'NEIL WHISTLER " The book in itself, in its binding, print, and arrangement, is a work of art." — Punch. " There is no lack of wit, bright and original, in the book ; indeed, Mr. Whistler's happy thoughts are often irresistibly comic, the very perfection of flippancy and banter." — St. James's Gazette, " The book is altogether so curious, so dainty in all externals, so absolutely unlike anything that ever before has proceeded from a printing- press. "—A cademy. Price Ten Shillings and Sixpence London : Wm. HEINEM.^NN, 21 Bedford Street, W.C. ttclcijvapbfc H^^l•CB3 : iSuulovIm, London, 21 Bedford Street, w.c. August i8gj. A LIST OF Mr. WILLIAM HEINEMANN'S Publications AND Forthcoming Works The Books mentioned in this List can be obtained to order ty any Book- seller if not in stock, or 2uill be ser.t by the Publisher post free oh receipt e/'frice. MR. WILLIAM HEINEMANN'S LIST. ^nOej of autbocs. Alexander Anstey Arbtithnot Atherton Haddeley Balestier Barrett Behrs . Bendall Bjornson Bowen Briscoe Brown Brown and Griffiths Buchanan Butler Caine . Caine . Cambridge Chester Clarke Colomb Coinpayr^ Coppce Couperus . Crackanthorpe Davidson Dawson De Quincey Dowson Eeden EUwanger Ely . Farrar . Fitch . Forbes Fothergill Franzos Frederic Garner Garnett Gaulot Gilchrist Gore . Gosse . Grand Gray . Gray (Maxwell) Griffiths Hall . Hanus H arland Hardy Heine . Henderson Howard HuLjhes Hungerford Iljscu . Irving . IiigersoU Jicger . Jeaffreson Keeling Klinhall Iviphng and Balestier PAGB 13 8 9 14 7, 16 10, 14 14 7 16 4, 12 5 14 10 16 II, 14 5 9, 13 16 13 8 II 8 5 14 12 14 5 16 7 10 4 8 9 9 5 8 II 12 8,13 9 4 4 II 16 8, II 10, II 8 10 16 16 5 14 13 6, 7 14 II 5 II. 13 15 15 10 7 7 1 1 16 Kraszewski Lanza . Le Caron Lee Leighton Leland Lie Lowe . Lowry Lynch. Maartens Macnab Maeterlinck Mantegazza Maude Maupassant Maurice Merriman Michel Mitford Moore Murray Norris Guida . Palacio-Vald^s Pearce Pennell Philips Phelps Pinero Rawnsley Renan Richter Riddell Rives . Roberts (C Roberts (A Salaman ( Salaman (J Sarcey Scidmore Scudamore Serao . Sergeant Steel . TalleiUyre Tasuia Terry . Thurston Tulstoy Tree . Valera Vazoff Waliszewski Ward . Wartlen Waugh Weitemeyer West . Whistler White Whitiuau Williams Wood ZangwiU Zola . (M, G.D.) von) c.) s.) MR. WILLIAM HEINE MANN'S LIST. 3 In preparation. REMBRANDT: HIS LIFE, HIS WORK, AND HIS TIME. BY EMILE MICHEL, MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF FRANCE. EDITED AND PKEFACED BY FREDERICK WEDMORE. Nothing need be said in justification of a comprehensive book upon the life and work of Rembrandt. A classic among classics, he is also a modern of moderns. His works are to-day more sought after and better paid for than ever before ; he is now at the zenith of a fame which can hardly decline. The author of this work is perhaps, of all living authorities on Rembrandt, the one who has had the largest experience, the best opportunity of knowing all that can be known of the master. The latest inventions in photogravure and process-engraving have enabled the publisher to reproduce almost everything that is accessible in the public galleries of Europe, as well as most of the numerous private collections containing specimens of Rembrandt's work in England and on the Continent. This work will be published in two volumes 4to, each containing over 300 pages. There will be over 30 photogravures, about 40 coloured reproductions of paintings and chalk drawings, and 250 illustrations in the text. Two Editions will be printed — one on Japanese vellum, limited to 200 numbered copies (for England and America), with duplicates of the plates on India paper, price ;^io los. net. The ordinary edition will be published at £2 2s. net. An illustrated prospectus is now ready and may be had on applica- tion. Orders will be received by all booksellers, in town and country. MR. WILLIAM HEINEMANN'S LIST. 3fortf3COininG Mor?^6, MEMOIRS. By Charles Godfrey Leland (Hans Breltmaiin) In Two Volumes, 8vo. With Portraits. THE ROMANCE OF AN EMPRESS. Catharine II. of Russia. By R. Waliszewski. In Two Volumes, Svo. With Portrait. A FRIEND OF THE QUEEN. Being CorrespiMidcnce between Marie Antoinette and Monsieur de Fersen. By Paul Gaulot. In One Volume, Svo. LIFE OF HEINRICH HEINE. By RicHAKD Gai;nett, LL.D. With Portrait. Crown 8vo(uniform with the translation of Heine's Works). LITTLE JOHANNES. By Frkderick van Eeden. Translated from the Dutch by Clara Bell. With an lutrodurti.in by Andrew Lang. Illustrated. *,* Also a Lavf^e Paper Edition. STRAY MEMORIES. By Elli-.n Tekrv. In One Volume. 410. Illustrated. A NEW PLAY. By BjiJRNSTjERNE BjuKNSON. Translated from tlie Norwegian, SONGS ON STONE. By J. McNeill Whistler. A Series of lithographic drawings in colour by Mr. Whistler, will appear from time to time in p.arts, under the above title. Each containing four plates. The first issue of 200 copies will be sold at Two Guineas net per part, by Subscription for the Series only. There will also le issued 50 copies on Ja/.cnae paper, si^iud hy the a) iist, each five Guineas net. I\1R. WILT J AM HEINEMANN'S LIST. ^bc (Brcat £^l1catori?. A Series ofVohniics by Eniincni Wi-iters^pycsenting in tJuir entirety "^1 Biographical History of Education.'^ The Times. — "A Series of Monographs on 'The Great Educators' ?houlil prove of service to all who concern themselves with tlio history, theory, anJ practice of education." The Speaker. — " There is a promising sound about the title of Mr. Hcine- mann's new series, ' The Great Educators.' It should help to allay the hunger and thirst for knowledge and culture of the vast multitude of young men and maidens which our educational system turns out yearly, provided at lea:>t with an appetite for instruction." Each subject will form a complete volume, crown Svo, 5i. Kow retuiy. ARISTOTLE, and the Ancient Educational Ideals. Tho.mas Davidson, M.A., LL.D. The Times. — "A very readable sketch of a very interesting subject." LOYOLA, and the Educational System of the Jesuits. By Rev. Thomas Hughes, S.J. Saturday AVrvWc.--" Full of valuable information If a school- master would learn how the education of the young can be carried on so as to confer real dignity on those engaged in it, we recommend him to read Mr. Hughes' book." ALCUIN, and the Rise of the Christian Schools, lly Professor Andrew F. West, Ph.D. FROEBEL, and Education by Self-Activity. By H. CouR- THOl'E BiiWEN, M.A. ABELARD, and the Origin and Early History of Uni- versities. By Jules G.\briel CoMPAYUii, Professor in the Faculty uf Toulouse. In preparation. ROUSSEAU ; and. Education according to Nature. By Paul H. Hanus. HORACE MANN, and Public Education in the United States. By Nicholas Murray Butler, I'h.U. BELL and LANCASTER, and Public Elementary Edu- cation in England. By J. G. Fitch, LL.D., Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools. Volumes on Herbart, and Modern German Education ; and Pestalozzi ; or, the Friend and Student of Children, to f.>Uow, 6 MR. WILLIAM HEINEMANN'S LIST. THE WORKS OF HEINRICH HEINE. TRANSLATED BV CHARLES GODI'REY LELAND, M.A., F.R.L.S. (HANS BREITMANN.) Issued in two editions : — The Library Edition, in crown 8vo, cloth, at 5^. per volume. Each volume of this edition is sold separately. The Large Paper Edition, limited to 100 Numbered Copies, price 15J. per volume net, will only be supplied to subscribers for the complete work. The following Volumes, forming HEINE'S PROSE WORKS, Are now ready, and may be had in a strong box, price £2 zs. I. FLORENTINE NIGHTS, SCIiNABELEWOPSKI, THE RABBI OF BACHARACH, and SHAKE- SPEARE'S MAIDENS AND WOMEN. II., III. PICTURES OF TRAVEL. 1823-1828. In Two Volumes. IV. THE SALON. Letters on Art, Music, Popular Life, and Politics. 7., VI. GERMANY. In Two Volumes. VII., VIII. FRENCH AFFAIRS. Letters from Paris 1832, and Lutetia. In Two Vols. Times. — "We can recommend no better medium for malting acquaintance at first hand with 'the German Aristophanes' than the works of Heinrich Heine, translated by Charles Godfrey Leland. Mr. Leland manages pretty successfully to preserve the easy gr|iendi\ giving Fish and Game Laws, and Olfici.al Lists of Trout and Salmon Rivers and their Lessees. liy Cii aki.fs G. D. Roi-.kuts, Professor of English Literature in King's College, Windsor, N.S. With Maps and many Illustrations. Crown 8vo. limp clolh, 6^. Part II. WESTERN CANADA. Including the Peninsula and Northern Regions of Ontario, the Canadian Shores of the Great Lakes, the Lake of the Woods Regior, , Manitoba and "The Great North-West," The Canadian Rocky Mountains and Nation.al Park, I'.ritish Columbia, and Vancouver Island. By Ernest Ingersoll. With Maps and many Illustrations. Crown 8vo, limp cloth, ts. THE GUIDE-BOOK TO ALASKA AND THE NORTH- WEST COAST, including the Shores of Washington, British Columbia, South- Eastern Alaska, the Aleutian and the .Seal Islands, the Behring and the Arctic Coasts. By E. R. Scidmore. With Maps and many Illustrations. Crown 3vo, limp cloth, 6^. THE GENESIS OF THE UNITED STATES. A Narrative of the Movement in England, 1605-1616, which resulted in the Plantation of North America by Englishmen, disclosing the Contest between England and Spain for the Possession of the Soil now occupied by the United States of America; set forth through a series of Historical Manuscripts now first printed, together with a Re-issue of Rare Contem- poraneous Tracts, accompanied by Bibliogr.aphical Memoranda, Notes, and Brief Biographies. Collected, Arranged, and Edited by Alexander Brown, F.R.H.S. With 100 Portraits, Maps, and Plans. In two volumes. Royal 8vo. buckram, £3 13^. 6d. ^fiction* In Three Volumes. THE HEAVENLY TWINS. By Madame SARAH Grand, Author of "Ideala," &c. Third Thousand. THE LAST SENTENCE. By Maxwell Gray, Author of "The Silence of Dean Maitland," &c. Second Thousand. AS A MAN IS ABLE. By Dorothy Lfighton. THE COUNTESS RADNA. By W. E. Norris, Author of " Matrimony,'" &c. [/» August. A COMEDY OF MASKS. By Ernest Dowson and Arthur Moore. [/« September. THE HOYDEN. By Mrs. Hungerford. \lnOciohcr. A SUPERFLUOUS \A^OMAN. Un November. BENEFITS FORGOT. By Wolcott Balestier. [/rt«„ar)/.i894. MR. WILLIAM HEINEMANN'S LIST. ii fiction. In One Volume. FROM THE FIVE FIVERS. By Flora Annit. Steel, Autlinr of " Miss Stuart's Legacy." Crown 8vo, cloth, fs. IDEALA. By Madame Sarah GRAND, Author of "The Heavenly Twins." New Kdition. Crown 8vo, clotli, 6s. THE TOWER OF TADDEO. By Ouida, Author of "Two Little Wooden Shoes," &c. New Edition. Crown 8vo, cloth. Illus- trated. 6s. CHILDREN OF THE GHETTO. By I. Zangwill, Author of "The Old RLiids' Club," &c. New Edition, with Glossary-. Crown 8vo, cloth. 6.?. THE PREMIER AND THE PAINTER. A Fantastic Romance. By L Zangwill and Loris Cowen. New Edition. Crown Bvo, cloth, 6s. THE NAULAHKA. A Tale of West and East. By Rudyard Kipling and Woi.cott Balestier. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s. Second Edition. AVENGED ON SOCIETY. By H. F. Woon, Author of "The Englishman of the Rue Cain," "The Passenger from Scotland Yard." Crown Svo. Cloth, 6s. THE O'CONNORS OF BALLINAHINCH. By Mrs. HuNGF.KFORD, Author of "Molly B.iwn," &c. Crown Svo. Cloth, 6s. PASSION THE PLAYTHING. A Noveh By R. Murray Gilchrist. Crown Svo, cloth, 6s. THE SECRET OF NARCISSE. By Edmund Gosse. Crown Svo, buckram, ss. THE PENANCE OF PORTIA JAMES. By Tasma, Author of " Uncle Piper of Piper's Hill," &c. Crown Svo, cloth, 5s. INCONSEQUENT LIVES. A Village Chronicle, shewing how certain folk set out for El Dorado ; what they attempted ; and what they attained. By J. H. Pearce, Author of " Esther Pentreath," &c. Crown Svo, cloth, 5J. A QUESTION OF TASTE. By Maarten Maartens, Author of "An Old Maid's Love," &c. Crown Svo, cloth, 5^. COME LIVE WITH ME AND BE MY LOVE. By Robert Buchanan, Author of "The Moment After," "The Coming Terror," &c. Crown Svo, cloth, $s. VANITAS. By Vernon Lee, Author of " Hauntings," &c. Crown Svo. cloth, 5^-. THE DOMINANT SEVENTH. A Musical Story. By Kate Elizabeth Clarke. Crown Svo, cloth, 5J. Ill pre/>a,ratw7i, ORIOLE'S DAUGHTER. By Jessie Fotiiergill, Author of "The First Violin," &c. RELICS. By Frances Macnab. A BATTLE AND A BOY. By Blanche Willis Howard, Author of "Guenn," &c. APPASSIONATA: The Story of a Mu.sician. By Elsa D'Esterre Keeling. MR. BAILEY MARTIN. By Percy White. 12 I\1R. WTLLTAM HEINEMANN'S LIST. 1l3Cincmann'5 Jnternattonal Xlbrar^. Edited dy EDMUND GOSSE. New Review. — " If you have any pernicious remnants of literary chauvinism I hope it will not survive the series of foreign classics of which ftlr. William Ilciiieiuann, aided by Mr. I'.ilniuncl Gosse, is puhlishinj; translations to the great coiitentniciil of all Icjvcrs of literature." Each Volutue has an Introduction specially written by the Editor. Price, in paper covers, ■zs. 6d. each, or cloth, 31. 6d, IN GOD'S WAY. From the Norwegian of Bj5rnstjerne IJjuRNSON. Athenirtim. — " Without doubt the most important and the most interesting >vnTk published during the twelve months." PIERRE AND JEAN. From tlie French of GUY DE Mau- passant. Pall Mall Gazette. — "Admirable from beginning to end." Athenceum. — " Ranks amonKSt the best gems of modern French fiction." THE CHIEF JUSTICE, From the German of Karl Emil Franzos, Author of " For the Right," &c. New Review.—" Few novels of recent times have a more sustained and vivid human interest." WORK WHILE YE HAVE THE LIGHT. From the Russian of Count Leo Tolstoy. Manchester Guardian. — "Readable and well translated; full of high and noble feeling." FANTASY. From the Italian of Matii-DE Serao. .Scottish Leader.— "The book is full of a glowing and living realism There is nothing like ' Fantasy ' in modem literature." FROTH. From the Spanish of Don Armando Palacio- Valdes. D.iilj' Telegraph.—" Vigorous and powerful in the highest degree." FOOTSTEPS OF FATE. From the Dutch of Louis Couperus. Gentlewoman.— "T\\fi consummate art of the writer prevents this tragedy from sinking to melodrama. Not a single situation is forced or a circumstance e.vaggerated." ^ PEPITA JIMENEZ. From the Spanish of JUAN Valera. New Revieiv (Mr. George Saintsbury) :—" There is no doubt at all that it is one of the best stories that have appeared in any country in Europe for the last twenty years." THE COMMODORE'S DAUGHTERS. From the Nor- wegian of JoN'.\s Lie. Athcna:um. — " Everything that Jonas Lie writes is attractive and pleasant ; the plot of deeply human interest, and the art noble." THE HERITAGE OF THE KURTS. From the Norwegian of BjORNSTJERNE BjORN'SON. National Ol>se>-ver. — " It is a book to read and a book to think about, for, incontestably, it is the work of a man of genius." LOU. From the German of Baron Alexander von Roberts. DONA LUZ. From the Spanish of Juan V.^lera. THE JEW. From the Pohsh of Joseph Ignatius Kraszewski. In the Press. UNDER THE YOKE. From the Bulgarian of IVAN Vazoff. MR. WILLIAM HEINEMANN'S LIST. 13 popular 3s. 6&. IRovels. CAPT'N DAVY'S HONEYMOON, The Blind Mother, and The Last Confession. By Hall Caine, Author of " The Bondman," "The Scapegoat," &c. Sixth Thousand. THE SCAPEGOAT. By Hall Caine, Author of "The Bondman," &c. Eighteenth Thousand. THE BONDMAN. A New Saga. By Hall Caine. Twenty-second Thousand. DESPERATE REMEDIES. By Thomas Hardy, Author of "Tessof the D'Urbervilles," &c. A LITTLE MINX. By Ada Cambridge, Author of "A Marked Man," &c. A MARKED MAN : .Some Episodes in his Life. By Ada Cambridge, Author of "Two Years' Time," "A Mere Chance," &c. THE THREE MISS KINGS. By Ada Cambridge, Author of "A Marked Man." NOT ALL IN VAIN. By Ada Cambridge, Author of "A Marked Man," " The Three Miss Kings," &c. A KNIGHT OF THE WHITE FEATHER. By Tasma, Author of "The Penance of Portia James," "Uncle Piper of Piper's Hill,"&c. UNCLE PIPER OF PIPER'S HILL. By Tasma. New Popular Edition. THE RETURN OF THE O'MAHONY. By Harold I"i;ei.ekic, Author of " In the Valley," &c. With Illustrations. IN THE VALLEY, By Harold Frederic, Author of " The Lawton Girl," " Scth's Crolher's Wife," &c. With Illustrations. PRETTY MISS SMITH. ]5y Florence Warden, Author of "The House on the Marsh," "A Witch of the Hills," &c. THE STORY OF A PENITENT SOUL. Being the Private Papers of Mr. Stephen Dart, late Minister at Lynnbridge, in the County of Lincoln. By Adeline Sergeant, Author of " No Saint," &c. NOR WIFE, NOR MAID. By Mrs. Hungerford, Author of "Molly Bawn,"&c. MAMMON. A Novel. By Mrs. Alexander, Author of "The Wooing Ot," &c. DAUGHTERS OF MEN. By Hannah Lynch, Author of " The Prince of the Glades," &c. A ROMANCE OF THE CAPE FRONTIER. By Bertram MiTFuRD, Author of "Through the Zulu Country," &c. 'TWEEN SNOW AND FIRE. A Tale of the Kafir W.n of 1877. By BeRTRA.M MlTFORD. 14 MR. WILLIAM IIEINEMANN'S LIST. _ . — , «_^ — _ % Iptopulai* 35. 6D. Bovels. THE MASTER OF THE MAGICIANS. By Elizabeth Stuakt PiiELi'S and IltiibKUT D. Waku. THE HEAD OF THE FIRM. By Mis. 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By the Marquise Clara Lanza. populai- Sbilling :fi3ooI?5. MADAME VALERIE. By F. C. Philips, Author of "As in a Looking-Glass," &c. THE MOMENT AFTER: A Tale of the Unseen. By Robert Buchanan. CLUES; or, Leaves from a Chief Constable's Note-Book. By William Henderson, Chief Constable of Edinburgh. MR. WILLIAM HEINEM ANN'S LIST. 15 Brainatic Xtterature, THE MASTER BUILDER. A Play in Three Acts. By Henrik Ibsen. Translated from the Norwegian by Edmund Gosse and William Archer. Small 410, with Portrait, 5^. Popular Edition, paper, \s. Also a Limited Large Paper Edition, 21J. net. HEDDA GABLER: A Drama in Four Acts. By Henrik Ibsen. Translated from the Norwegian by Edmund Gosse. Small 410, cloth, with Portrait, 5^. Vaudeville Edition, paper, -is. Also a Limited Large Paper Edition, 21.9. 7iet. THE PRINCESSE MALEINE: A Drama in Five Acts {Translated by Gerard Harry), and THE INTRUDER : A Prama in One Act. By Maurice Maeterlinck. 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