ned. The hammer-strokes that loosen
it are the midnight bell clanging to set it free; and that is why
the metal sings--in its own way--for gladness.

FRIDA.
Why does it do that, Mr. Borkman?

BORKMAN.
It wants to come up into the light of day and serve mankind.
[He paces up and down the gallery, always with his hands
behind his back.

FRIDA.
[Sits waiting a little, then looks at her watch and rises.]
I beg your pardon, Mr. Borkman; but I am afraid I must go.

BORKMAN.
[Stopping before her.] Are you going already?

FRIDA.
[Putting her music in its case.] I really must. [Visibly
embarrassed.] I have an engagement this evening.

BORKMAN.
For a party?

FRIDA.
Yes.

BORKMAN.
And you are to play before the company?

FRIDA.
[Biting her lip.] No; at least I am only to play for dancing.

BORKMAN.
Only for dancing?

FRIDA.
Yes; there is to be a dance after supper.

BORKMAN.
[Stands and looks at her.] Do you like playing dance music?
At parties, I mean?

FRIDA.
[Putting on her outdoor things.] Yes, when I can get an
engagement. I can always earn a little in that way.

BORKMAN.
[With interest.] Is that the principal thing in your mind as
you sit playing for the dancers?

FRIDA.
No; I'm generally thinking how hard it is that I mayn't join
in the dance myself.

BORKMAN.
[Nodding.] That is just what I wanted to know. [Moving
restlessly about the room.] Yes, yes, yes. That you must not
join in the dance, that is the hardest thing of all. [Stopping.]
But there is one thing that should make up to you for that, Frida.

FRIDA.
[Looking inquiringly at him.] What is that, Mr. Borkman?

BORKMAN.
The knowledge that you have ten times more music in you than
all the dancers together.

FRIDA.
[Smiling evasively.] Oh, that's not at all so certain.

BORKMAN.
[Holding up his fore-finger warningly.] You must never be so
mad as to have doubts of yourself!

FRIDA.
But since no one knows it----

BORKMAN.
So long as you know it yourself, that is enough. Where is it
you are going to play this evening?

FRIDA.
Over at the Hinkel's.

BORKMAN.
[With a swift, keen glance at her.] Hinkel's, you say!

FRIDA.
Yes.

BORKMAN.
[With a cutting smile.] Does that man give parties? Can he
get people to visit him?

FRIDA.
Yes, they have a great many people about them, Mrs. Wilton says.

BORKMAN.
[Vehemently.] But wha