When We Dead Awaken | Page 6

with a start.] Norwegian? You are sure you are not mistaken?
THE INSPECTOR.
No, how could I be mistaken in that?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Looks at him with eager interest.] You have heard her yourself?
THE INSPECTOR.
Yes. I myself have spoken to her--several times.--Only a few words, however; she is far from communicative. But---
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
But Norwegian it was?
THE INSPECTOR.
Thoroughly good Norwegian--perhaps with a little north-country accent.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Gazing straight before him in amazement, whispers.] That too?
MAIA.
[A little hurt and jarred.] Perhaps this lady has been one of your models, Rubek? Search your memory.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Looks cuttingly at her.] My models?
MAIA.
[With a provoking smile.] In your younger days, I mean. You are said to have had innumerable models--long ago, of course.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[In the same tone.] Oh no, little Frau Maia. I have in reality had only one single model. One and only one--for everything I have done.
THE INSPECTOR.
[Who has turned away and stands looking out to the left.] If you'll excuse me, I think I will take my leave. I see some one coming whom it is not particularly agreeable to meet. Especially in the presence of ladies.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Looking in the same direction.] That sportsman there? Who is it?
THE INSPECTOR.
It is a certain Mr. Ulfheim, from---
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
Oh, Mr. Ulfheim---
THE INSPECTOR.
--the bear-killer, as they call him---
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
I know him.
THE INSPECTOR.
Who does not know him?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
Very slightly, however. Is he on your list of patients--at last?
THE INSPECTOR.
No, strangely enough--not as yet. He comes here only once a year--on his way up to his hunting-grounds.--Excuse me for the moment---
[Makes a movement to go into the hotel.
ULFHEIM's VOICE.
[Heard outside.] Stop a moment, man! Devil take it all, can't you stop? Why do you always scuttle away from me?
THE INSPECTOR.
[Stops.] I am not scuttling at all, Mr. Ulfheim.
[ULFHEIM enters from the left followed by a servant with a couple of sporting dogs in leash. ULFHEIM is in shooting costume, with high boots and a felt hat with a feather in it. He is a long, lank, sinewy personage, with matted hair and beard, and a loud voice. His appearance gives no precise clue to his age, but he is no longer young.]
ULFHEIM.
[Pounces upon the INSPECTOR.] Is this a way to receive strangers, hey? You scamper away with your tail between your legs--as if you had the devil at your heels.
THE INSPECTOR.
[Calmly, without answering him.] Has Mr. Ulfheim arrived by the steamer?
ULFHEIM.
[Growls.] Haven't had the honour of seeing any steamer. [With his arms akimbo.] Don't you know that I sail my own cutter? [To the SERVANT.] Look well after your fellow-creatures, Lars. But take care you keep them ravenous, all the same. Fresh meat-bones--but not too much meat on them, do you hear? And be sure it's reeking raw, and bloody. And get something in your own belly while you're about it. [Aiming a kick at him.] Now then, go to hell with you!
[The SERVANT goes out with the dogs, behind the corner of the hotel.]
THE INSPECTOR.
Would not Mr. Ulfheim like to go into the dining-room in the meantime?
ULFHEIM.
In among all the half-dead flies and people? No, thank you a thousand times, Mr. Inspector.
THE INSPECTOR.
Well, well, as you please.
ULFHEIM.
But get the housekeeper to prepare a hamper for me as usual. There must be plenty of provender in it--and lots of brandy--! You can tell her that I or Lars will come and play Old Harry with her if she doesn't---
THE INSPECTOR.
[Interrupting.] We know your ways of old. [Turning.] Can I give the waiter any orders, Professor? Can I send Mrs. Rubek anything?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
No thank you; nothing for me.
MAIA.
Nor for me.
[The INSPECTOR goes into the hotel.
ULFHEIM.
[Stares at them for a moment; then lifts his hat.] Why, blast me if here isn't a country tyke that has strayed into regular tip-top society.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Looking up.] What do you mean by that, Mr. Ulfheim?
ULFHEIM.
[More quietly and politely.] I believe I have the honour of addressing no less a person than the great Sculptor Rubek.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Nods.] I remember meeting you once or twice--the autumn when I was last at home.
ULFHEIM.
That's many years ago, now. And then you weren't so illustrious as I hear you've since become. At that time even a dirty bear-hunter might venture to come near you.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Smiling.] I don't bite even now.
MAIA.
[Looks with interest at ULFHEIM.] Are you really and truly a bear- hunter?
ULFHEIM.
[Seating himself at the next table, nearer the hotel.] A bear-hunter when I have the chance, madam. But I make the best of any sort of game that comes in my way--eagles, and wolves, and women, and elks, and reindeer--if only it's fresh and juicy and has plenty of blood in it.
[Drinks from his pocket-flask.
MAIA.
[Regarding him fixedly.] But you like bear-hunting best?
ULFHEIM.
I like it best, yes. For then one can have the knife handy at a pinch. [With a slight smile.] We both work in a hard material, madam--both your husband and I. He