Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/100



But, Alfred, why should she?

Yes, that is just the question! Why should she? There is no retribution behind it all—no atonement, I mean. Eyolf never did her any harm. He never called names after her; he never threw stones at her dog. Why, he had never set eyes either on her or her dog till yesterday. So there is no retribution; the whole thing is utterly groundless and meaningless, Asta.—And yet the order of the world requires it.

Have you spoken to Rita of these things?

[Shakes his head.] I feel as if I can talk better to you about them. [Drawing a deep breath.] And about everything else as well. [ takes sewing-materials and a little paper parcel out of her pocket. sits looking on absently.

What have you got there, Asta?

[Taking his hat.] Some black crape.

Oh, what is the use of that?