Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/155

 Asta—Miss Asta—I cannot tell you how strongly I feel that you are wrong in this! A little onward, perhaps, from to-day and tomorrow, all life's happiness may be awaiting us. And we must needs pass it by! Do you think we will not come to repent of it, Asta?

[Quietly.] I don't know. I only know that they are not for us—all these bright possibilities.

[Looks at her with self-control.] Then I must make my roads alone?

[Warmly.] Oh, how I wish I could stand by you in it all! Help you in the labour—share the gladness with you

Would you—if you could?

Yes, that I would.

But you cannot?

[Looking down.] Would you be content to have only half of me?