Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/277



Oh, don't imagine I'm thinking of anything you may have done against the law of the land! The use you made of all those vouchers and securities, or whatever you call them—do you think I care a straw about that! If I could have stood at your side when the crash came

[Eagerly.] What then, Ella?

Trust me, I should have borne it all so gladly along with you. The shame, the ruin—I would have helped you to bear it all—all!

Would you have had the will—the strength?

Both the will and the strength. For then I did not know of your great, your terrible crime.

What crime? What are you speaking of?

I am speaking of that crime for which there is no forgiveness.

[Staring at her.] You must be out of your mind.