Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/78

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[With increasing excitement.] Why, for then she would have to go far, far away with him! And she could never come out here to us, as she does now.

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[Stares at her in astonishment.] What! Can you really wish Asta to go away?

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Yes, yes, Alfred!

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Why in all the world?

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[''Throwing her arms passionately round his neck''.] For then, at last, I should have you to myself alone! And yet—not even then! Not wholly to myself! [Bursts into convulsive weeping.] Oh, Alfred, Alfred—I cannot give you up!

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[Gently releasing himself.] My dearest Rita, do be reasonable!

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I don't care a bit about being reasonable! I care only for you! Only for you in all the world! [''Again throwing her arms round his neck''.] For you, for you, for you!

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Let me go, let me go—you are strangling me!