Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/399

 [with a scornful laugh]. This is your vaunted soul of freedom therefore! All daring, if it had an end to dare for! [Vehemently.

I've shown you one; now, once for all, your yea Or nay.

You know the answer I must make you: I never can accept you in your way.

[coldly, breaking off]. Then there's an end of it; the world may take you! [ ''has silently turned away. She supports her hands upon the verandah railing, and rests her head upon them.''

[Walks several times up and down, takes a cigar, stops near her and says, after a pause:

You think the topic of my talk to-night Extremely ludicrous, I should not wonder?

[Pauses for an answer. is silent.

I'm very conscious that it was a blunder; Sister's and daughter's love alone possess you; Henceforth I'll wear kid gloves when I address you, Sure, so, of being understood aright.

[Pauses, but as remains motionless, he turns and goes towards the right.