cultural resources in henrik ibsen's early environment - Ibsen.net

About his character? Have I said . . . ?
BRANDT.
LOUISE.
Yes, his irresponsibility. A man should not be like that. Those were your very words.
BRANDT.
Yes, you are right; I have said that. But don't forget that that conversation was about
youthful indiscretions, which nobody puts any stock in. I admitted myself that he had
done me substantial services.
LOUISE.
Yes, I cannot contradict you, since I do not know him. But what will Adolf say about the
fact that we have made a fool of him in this way?
BRANDT.
That kind of thing is just to his taste. He will be delighted at the joke.
LOUISE.
And one more thing: what if Hanne, deceived by his attentions to her, grows fond of him,
and what if afterwards he withdraws?
BRANDT.
Yes, that would be bad. But one runs that risk every time a gentleman at a ball or in
company pays court to a young girl. In all such cases one must reckon that, if the girl is
sensible and well-bred, she can distinguish true love from common flirtation
(Courmagerie). And Hanne is very sensible and well-bred. Besides, you must not
overlook that in this case she will know what to make of his attentions, if they really
should be based only on wantonness . . . . Dear Louise! Believe me, you can participate
without hesitation in this altogether innocent plan, which at the most will give occasion
for laughter and pleasure.
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