Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/178



[Shocked.] In our little Eyolf's place!

Yes, in our little Eyolf's place. They shall live in Eyolf's rooms. They shall read his books. They shall play with his toys. They shall take it in turns to sit in his chair at table.

But this is sheer madness in you! I do not know a creature in the world that is less fitted than you for anything of that sort.

Then I shall have to educate myself for it; to train myself; to discipline myself.

If you are really in earnest about this—about all you say—then there must indeed be a change in you.

Yes, there is, Alfred—and for that I have you to thank. You have made an empty place within me; and I must try to fill it up with something—with something that is a little like love.

[''Stands for a moment lost in thought; then looks at her.''] The truth is, we have not done much for the poor people down there.