k about myself.

Valborg. But I want to.--You have something else in reserve, then?

Sannaes. Well--if I must tell you--I have some well-to-do relations in
America who have for a long time wanted me to go over there. I should
soon be able to get, a good situation there.

Valborg. Indeed?--But why haven't you accepted such a good offer long
before this? (SANNAES does not answer.) You must have been sacrificing
your best interests by staying so long with us? (SANNAES is still
silent.) Any! it will be making a still greater sacrifice to stay with
us now--

Sannaes (struggling with his embarrassment). I have never thought of it
as being that.

Valborg. But my father can scarcely accept so much from you.

Sannaes (in alarm). Why not?

Valborg. Because it really would be too much.--And, in any case, I shall
try to prevent him.

Sannaes (almost imploringly). You, Miss Valborg?

Valborg. Yes. You must not be misemployed any longer.

Sannaes. Misemployed? In what I _myself_ desire so much?

Valborg. When I have talked it over with my father, I think he will see
my point.

Sannaes (anxiously). What do you mean?

Valborg (after a moment's reflection).--I mean, the reason of your
having made such great sacrifices for us--and of your being willing to
make still greater now. (A pause. SANNAES hangs his head, and is raising
his hands to hide his face, when suddenly he puts them behind his back
again. VALBORG continues, in gentle but firm tones:) I have taught
myself, all my life, to look behind deeds and words for their motives.

Sannaes (quietly, without raising his head). You have taught yourself to
be cruelly bitter, hard and unjust.

Valborg (starts, but collects herself, and says gently:) Don't say that,
Mr. Sannaes! It is not hard-heartedness or bitterness that makes me
think of your future now--and makes me wish to spare you disappointment.

Sannaes (with a cry of pain). Miss Valborg!

Valborg. Be honest with yourself, and you will be able to take a fairer
view of what I have just said.

Sannaes. Have you any more orders, Miss Valborg?

Valborg. I give you no orders, as I have told you already. I am only
bidding you good-bye; and I do it with grateful thanks to you for all
your goodness to me--and to us all. Good-bye and good luck, Mr. Sannaes.
(SANNAES bows.)Won't you shake hands? Ah, I forgot--I offended you.
I beg your pardon for that. (SANNAES bows and turns to go.) Come, Mr.
Sannaes--let us at least