Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/61



I felt almost sick while she was in the room.

However, I can very well understand the sort of spellbound fascination that she talked about. The loneliness of the mountain-peaks and of the great waste places has something of the same magic about it.

[Looks attentively at him.] What is it that has happened to you, Alfred?

[Smiling.] To me?

Yes, something has happened—something seems almost to have transformed you. Rita noticed it too.

Yes, I saw it the moment you came. A change for the better, I hope, Alfred?

It ought to be for the better. And it must and shall come to good.

[With an outburst.] You have had some adventure on your journey! Don't deny it! I can see it in your face!