No More Learning

BERNICK (_involuntarily starting_): Go to the bottom?
Why should she?

JOHAN: Yes, indeed, why?

BERNICK (_very softly_): Go to the bottom?

They separate, and Aune enters, and anxiously asks if Bernick is
positively determined that the American ship shall sail the next day,
on pain of his dismissal. He replies that he supposes the repairs
are properly finished, and therefore the _Indian Girl_ must sail. A
merchant steps in to say that the storm-signals have been hoisted,
for a tempest is threatening. This gentleman says to Bernick that the
_Palm Tree_ ought to start all the same, for she is a splendidly-built
craft, and she is only to cross the North Sea; but as for the _Indian
Girl_, such an old hulk would be in great peril. But Bernick evades
the remonstrance, and no alteration is made in the plans of procedure.
The ship is to sail.


ACT IV

SCENE. --_The same garden-room. It is a stormy afternoon and growing
dark_.

Bernick is apprised that he is to be most honourably feted by his
fellow citizens who are about to form a procession, and to parade
before his house with music. The proudest moment of his life is at
hand.
But the fact that the sea is running high outside the harbour
is causing great agitation to the mind of Bernick. Lona looks in to
say that she has been saying farewell to Johan. He has not changed his
determination to sail. A strange incident happens. Little Olaf Bernick
runs away from home to slip on board the ship and accompany his uncle
to America.

LONA: So the great hour has arrived. The whole
town is to be illuminated.

BERNICK (_pacing to and fro in agitation_): Yes.
Lona, you despise me.

LONA: Not yet.

BERNICK: You have no right to despise me. For you
little realise how lonely I stand in this narrow society.
What have I accomplished, with all my efforts? We
who are considered the pillars of society are but its tools
after all. Since you came home from America I have
been keenly feeling all this. All this show and deception
gives me no satisfaction.