Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/310



Oh, how glad I am that you can still say that!

But I cannot sacrifice myself to you now. It is not possible for me to devote myself wholly to taking a son's place towards you.

[Triumphing.] Ah, I knew it! You shall not have him! You shall not have him, Ella!

[Sadly.] I see it. You have won him back.

Yes, yes! Mine he is, and mine he shall remain! Erhart, say it is so, dear; we two have still a long way to go together, have we not?

[Struggling with himself.] Mother, I may as well tell you plainly

[Eagerly.] What?

I am afraid it is only a very little way you and I can go together.

[Stands as though thunderstruck.] What do you mean by that?