Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/264



Then you really want me to leave you?

[Without looking at him.] I have no longer any use for you.

[Softly, taking his portfolio.] No, no, no; I daresay not.

Here you have been lying to me all the time.

[Shaking his head.] Never lying, John Gabriel.

Have you not sat here feeding me with hope, and trust, and confidence—that was all a lie?

It wasn't a lie so long as you believed in my vocation. So long as you believed in me, I believed in you.

Then we have been all the time deceiving each other. And perhaps deceiving ourselves—both of us.

But isn't that just the essence of friendship, John Gabriel?

[Smiling bitterly.] Yes, you are right there. Friendship means—deception. I have learnt that once before.