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Pillars of Society by Henrik Ibsen
page 70 of 166 (42%)
But it is unpleasant for me; it looks as though I, her brother,
were not willing to support her.

Johan: Support her? I thought she had means enough of her own.

Bernick: Not a penny. Surely you remember how badly off our
mother was when you went away? She carried things on for a time
with my assistance, but naturally I could not put up with that
state of affairs permanently. I made her take me into the firm,
but even then things did not go well. So I had to take over the
whole business myself, and when we made up our balance-sheet, it
became evident that there was practically nothing left as my
mother's share. And when mother died soon afterwards, of course
Martha was left penniless.

Johan: Poor Martha!

Bernick: Poor! Why? You surely do not suppose I let her want for
anything? No, I venture to say I am a good brother. Of course she
has a home here with us; her salary as a teacher is more than
enough for her to dress on; what more could she want?

Johan: Hm--that is not our idea of things in America.

Bernick: No, I dare say not--in such a revolutionary state of
society as you find there. But in our small circle--in which,
thank God, depravity has not gained a footing, up to now at all
events--women are content to occupy a seemly, as well as modest,
position. Moreover, it is Martha's own fault; I mean, she might
have been provided for long ago, if she had wished.
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