Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/273

 could not afford to spare either kith or kin—when I had to grasp at—when I did grasp at the millions that were entrusted to me—then I spared all that was yours, every farthing, although I could have taken it, and made use of it, as I did of all the rest!

[Coldly and quietly.] That is quite true, Borkman.

Yes it is. And that was why, when they came and took me, they found all your securities untouched in the strong-room of the bank.

[Looking at him.] I have often and often wondered what was your real reason for sparing all my property? That, and that alone?

My reason?

Yes, your reason. Tell me.

[Harshly and scornfully.] Perhaps you think it was that I might have something to fall back upon, if things went wrong?

Oh no, I am sure you did not think of that in those days.