The Project Gutenberg EBook of Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 100,
May 23, 1891, by Various

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Title: Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 100, May 23, 1891

Author: Various

Release Date: September 2, 2004 [EBook #13352]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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PUNCH,

OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

VOL. 100.

May 23, 1891.

MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN.

(_CONDENSED AND REVISED VERSION, BY MR. P.'S OWN HARMLESS IBSENITE._)

NO. IV.--THE WILD DUCK.

ACT I.

_At WERLE's house. In front a richly-upholstered study.
(R.) a green-baize door leading to WERLE's office. At back,
open folding doors, revealing an elegant dining-room, in
which a brilliant Norwegian dinner-party is going on. Hired
Waiters in profusion. A glass is tapped with a knife. Shouts
of "Bravo!" Old Mr. WERLE is heard making a long speech,
proposing--according to the custom of Norwegian society on
such occasions--the health of his Housekeeper, Mrs. SOeRBY.
Presently several short-sighted, flabby, and thin-haired
Chamberlains, enter from the dining-room, with HIALMAR
EKDAL, who writhes shyly under their remarks._

_A Chamberlain_. As we are the sole surviving specimens of Norwegian
nobility, suppose we sustain our reputation as aristocratic sparklers
by enlarging upon the enormous amount we have eaten, and chaffing
HIALMAR EKDAL, the friend of our host's son, for being a professional
Photographer?

[Illustration: "Father, a word with you in private. I loathe you!"]

_The other Chamberlains_. Bravo! We will.

[_They do; delight of HIALMAR. Old WERLE comes in, leaning
on his Housekeeper's arm, followed by his son, GREGERS
WERLE._

_Old Werle_ (_dejectedly_). Thirteen at table! (_To_ GREGERS, _with
a meaning glance at_ HIALMAR.) This is the result of inviting an old
College friend who has turned Photographer! Wasting vintage wines on
_him_, indeed!

[_He passes on gloomily._

_Hialmar_ (_to Gregers_). I am almost sorry I came. Your old min is
_not_ fri