Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/452

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[Looking at him with a soft expression.] Can you remember a little word that you said—when you had finished—finished with me and with our child? [Nods to him.] Can you remember that little word, Arnold?

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[Looks inquiringly at her.] Did I say a little word then, which you still remember?

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Yes, you did. Can you not recall it?

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[Shaking his head.] No, I can't say that I do. Not at the present moment, at any rate.

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You took both my hands and pressed them warmly. And I stood there in breathless expectation. And then you said: "So now, Irene, I thank you from my heart. This," you said, "has been a priceless episode for me."

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[Looks doubtfully at her.] Did I say "episode"? It is not a word I am in the habit of using.

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You said "episode."

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[With assumed cheerfulness.] Well, well—after all, it was in reality an episode.