Henrik Ibsen

The Lady from the Sea Henrik Ibsen

(SCENE.-DOCTOR WANGEL'S house, with a large verandah garden in front of and around the house. Under the verandah a flagstaff. In the garden an arbour, with table and chairs. Hedge, with small gate at the back. Beyond, a road along the seashore. An avenue of trees along the road. Between the trees are seen the fjord, high mountain ranges and peaks. A warm and brilliantly clear summer morning. BALLESTED, middle-aged, wearing an old velvet jacket, and a broad-brimmed artist's hat, stands under the flagstaff, arranging the ropes. The flag is lying on the ground. A little way from him is an easel, with an outspread canvas. By the easel on a camp-stool, brushes, a palette, and box of colours. BOLETTE WANGEL comes from the room opening on the verandah. She carries a large vase with flowers, which she puts down on the table.) Bolette. Well, Ballested, does it work smoothly?Ballested. Certainly, Miss Bolette, that's easy enough. May I ask-do you expect any visitors today?Bolette. Yes, we're expecting Mr. Arnholm this morning. He got to town in the night. Ballested. Arnholm? Wait a minute-wasn't Arnholm the man who was tutor here several years ago?Bolette. Yes, it is he. Ballested. Oh, really! Is he coming into these parts again?