The Best Intentions Read Online Free PDF Page B

rise to some hilarity, which is silenced when the doorbell rings. “I’ll go,” says Anna firmly, stopping Miss Siri, who is on her way with the special look of disapproval on her face that would frighten anyone. Anna opens the door, and there is Henrik Bergman. He is petrified.
    Henrik: I was delayed. I’m late.
    Anna: You can have some dinner all the same. Though I expect you’ll have to sit in the kitchen.
    Henrik: I’m terribly . . . I’m usually . . .
    Anna: . . . a stickler for punctuality. We know that already. Come on in. Otherwise dinner will be later than ever.
    Henrik: I don’t think I dare. No.
    Henrik turns abruptly and takes a few quick strides toward the steps. Anna goes after him and grasps his arm, suppressing her desire to laugh.
    Anna: We are apt to be rather dangerous when we’re all together as a family, especially when we don’t get our food at the prescribed time. But I think you should really pluck up your courage. The food’ll be terribly good, and I have made the dessert all by myself. Come on, now. For my sake.
    She takes off his student cap and smooths down his hair with her hand. “There we are now. You look fine,” and she shoves him ahead of her into the salon.
    Anna: Mr. Bergman says he is very sorry. He has been at a friend’s sickbed and had to go to the pharmacy. There was a line there. So he was delayed.
    Karin: How do you do, Mr. Bergman. Welcome to our home. I hope your friend isn’t seriously . . .
    Henrik: No, no. He has only . . .
    Anna: . . . broken his leg. This is my father.
    Johan Åkerblom : Welcome to my home. I do believe you’re quite like your grandfather.
    Henrik: So they say, yes.
    Anna: My brothers Gustav and Oscar and Carl, and Martha who is married to Gustav, and Svea to Oscar, and the girls are Gustav and Martha’s daughters, and this is Torsten Bohlin, who is considered to be my intended. Now you know the whole family.
    Karin: Then I suggest we at last go in to dinner.
    Ernst: Hello there, Henrik.
    Henrik: Hello.
    Ernst: Who’s broken his leg?
    Henrik: No one. It was your sister who . . .
    Ernst: Ah yes, you must watch out for her.
    Henrik: I’ve no longer . . .
    Karin ( interrupting ): Perhaps, Mr. Bergman, you would please sit down over there beside Mrs. Martha. And Torsten, you sit beside Anna. Then we can say grace.
    All: For what we are about to receive may the Lord make us truly thankful.
    They all hurriedly bow and curtsy, then sit down among much cheerful chatter. Miss Siri and Miss Lisen in black and white, and starched caps, appear with fresh asparagus and mineral water.
    Henrik Bergman is now afflicted with further trials. He has never seen asparagus before. He has never before had a four-course dinner. He has never drunk anything but water, beer, or schnapps with his food, and he has never in his life seen a finger bowl with a small red flower swimming around in the water. He has never seen so many knives and forks, and he has never before conversed with a sarcastically good-humored lady with a strong Russian accent. Walls loom high and chasms open.
    Martha: I’m from St. Petersburg. Our family still live in a large house near Alexander Gardens. St. Petersburg is very beautiful, especially in the autumn. Have you ever been to St. Petersburg, Mr. Bergman? I go home every year in September. That’s the most beautiful time of year, when everyone has come back from their summer holidays and the season starts, the parties, the theaters, and the concerts. So you’re going to be a priest? Your looks are most appropriate. You have lovely sorrowful eyes, Mr. Bergman, and the women are sure to fall for such looks. But you must keep your hair off your forehead when you’ve got such a lovely poet’s forehead. Let me help you! My husband, Gustav, that nice old fat gentleman sitting over there, yes, him! I’m talking about you, my darling. He’s a professor of Roman