MISS TESMAN.
[Rises and lays her hand on his shoulders.] Have I any other happiness in this world except to smooth your way for you, my dear boy. You, who have had neither father nor mother to depend on. And now we have reached the goal, George! Things have looked black enough for us, sometimes; but, thank heaven, now you have nothing to fear.
TESMAN.
Yes, it is really marvellous how every thing has turned out for the best.
MISS TESMAN.
And the people who opposed you—who wanted to bar the way for you— now you have them at your feet. They have fallen, George. Your most dangerous rival—his fall was the worst.—And now he has to lie on the bed he has made for himself—poor misguided creature.
TESMAN.
Have you heard anything of Eilert? Since I went away, I mean.
MISS TESMAN.
Only that he is said to have published a new book.