Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/180



I suppose I must try if I cannot lighten and—and ennoble their lot in life.

If you can do that—then Eyolf was not born in vain.

Nor taken from us in vain, either.

[Looking steadfastly at her.] Be quite clear about one thing, Rita—it is not love that is driving you to this.

No, it is not—at any rate, not yet.

Well, then what is it?

[Half-evasively.] You have so often talked to Asta of human responsibility

Of the book that you hated.

I hate that book still. But I used to sit and listen to what you told her. And now I will try to continue it—in my own way.