Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/425

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[Smiles scornfully.] Only draw away from each other a little, you mean?

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[Shakes his head.] Even that is not necessary.

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Well then? Come out with what you want to do with me.

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[With some hesitation.] What I now feel so keenly—and so painfully—that I require, is to have some one about me who really and truly stands close to me

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[Interrupts him anxiously.] Don't I do that, Rubek?

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[Waving her aside.] Not in that sense. What I need is the companionship of another person who can, as it were, complete me—supply what is wanting in me—be one with me in all my striving.

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[Slowly.] It's true that things like that are a great deal too hard for me.

. Oh no, they are not at all in your line, Maia.