Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/200



[Slowly.] I wanted to smooth the way for Erhart to happiness in life.

[Contemptuously.] Pooh—people situated as we are have something else than happiness to think of.

What, then?

[Looking steadily and earnestly at her.] Erhart has in the first place to make so brilliant a position for himself, that no trace shall be left of the shadow his father has cast upon my name—and my son's.

[Searchingly.] Tell me, Gunhild, is this what Erhart himself demands of his life?

[Slightly taken aback.] Yes, I should hope so!

Is it not rather what you demand of him?

[Curtly.] Erhart and I always make the same demands upon ourselves.