Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/486

 [seizing his arm].

Hold!

Patience; she must answer. Put your own Question;—then her decision will be free.

I—do you say?

[looking steadily at him].

The happiness of three Lives is at stake to-day,—not mine alone. Don't fancy it concerns you less than me; For tho' base matter is my chosen sphere, Yet nature made me something of a seer. Yes, Falk, you love her. Gladly, I confess, I saw your young love bursting into flower. But this young passion, with its lawless power, May be the ruin of her happiness.

[firing up].

You have the face to say so?

[quietly].

Years give right. Say now you won her—

[defiantly].

And what then?