Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/371

 of me. And pay for in all good faith—and in good round figures too—almost their weight in gold, as the saying goes.

[Fills his glass.] Come, Rubek! Drink and be happy.

[''Passes his hand several times across his forehead and leans back in his chair.''] I am happy, Maia. Really happy—in a way. [Short silence.] For after all there is a certain happiness in feeling oneself free and independent on every hand—in having at one's command everything one can possibly wish for—all outward things, that is to say. Do you not agree with me, Maia?

Oh yes, I agree. All that is well enough in its way. [Looking at him.] But do you remember what you promised me the day we came to an understanding on—on that troublesome point

[Nods] —on the subject of our marriage, yes. It was no easy matter for you, Maia.

[Continuing unruffled] —and agreed that I was to go abroad with you, and live there for good and all—and enjoy myself.—Do you remember what you promised me that day?