Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/321



Indeed? Nothing? Then why did you not dismiss him without more ado? Close your door to him? You should have done that, and done it in time!

[Looks at her, and says in a low voice.] I could not do that, Mrs. Borkman.

Why could you not?

Because for me too this meant happiness.

[Scornfully.] H'm, happiness, happiness

I have never before known happiness in life. And I cannot possibly drive happiness away from me, merely because it comes so late.

And how long do you think this happiness will last?

[Interrupting.] Whether it lasts or does not last, mother, it doesn't matter now!

[In anger.] Blind boy that you are! Do you not see where all this is leading you?