Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/214



[Indignantly.] How dare you say that so scornfully?

Do you think a young man of Erhart's age, full of health and spirits—-do you think he is going to sacrifice himself for—for such a thing as a "mission"?

[Firmly and emphatically.] Erhart will! I know he will.

[Shaking her head.] You neither know it nor believe it, Gunhild.

I don't believe it!

It is only a dream that you cherish. For if you hadn't that to cling to, you feel that you would utterly despair.

Yes, indeed I should despair. [Vehemently.] And I daresay that is what you would like to see, Ella!

[With head erect.] Yes, I would rather see that than see you "redeem" yourself at Erhart's expense.