Johan: And wasn't it just for Betty's sake that you broke off
your acquaintance with Mrs. Dorf? Why, it was merely in order to
put an end to the whole thing that you were up there with her
that evening.

Bernick: Yes, that unfortunate evening when that drunken creature
came home! Yes, Johan, it was for Betty's sake; but, all the
same, it was splendid of you to let all the appearances go
against you, and to go away.

Johan: Put your scruples to rest, my dear Karsten. We agreed that
it should be so; you had to be saved, and you were my friend. I
can tell you, I was uncommonly proud of that friendship. Here was
I, drudging away like a miserable stick-in-the-mud, when you came
back from your grand tour abroad, a great swell who had been to
London and to Paris; and you chose me for your chum, although I
was four years younger than you--it is true it was because you
were courting Betty, I understand that now--but I was proud of
it! Who would not have been? Who would not willingly have
sacrificed himself for you?--especially as it only meant a
month's talk in the town, and enabled me to get away into the
wide world.

Bernick: Ah, my dear Johan, I must be candid and tell you that
the story is not so completely forgotten yet.

Johan: Isn't it? Well, what does that matter to me, once I am
back over there on my farm again?

Bernick: Then you mean to go back?