Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/80

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[Gloomily.] I am often afraid of myself. And for that very reason you must not awake the evil in me.

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Why, good Heavens, do I do that?

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Yes, you do—when you tear to shreds the holiest bonds between us.

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[Urgently.] Think what you're saying, Rita. It is your own child—our only child, that you are speaking of.

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The child is only half mine. [''With another outburst''.] But you shall be mine alone! You shall be wholly mine! That I have a right to demand of you!

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[Shrugging his shoulders.] Oh, my dear Rita, it is of no use demanding anything. Everything must be freely given.

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[Looks anxiously at him.] And that you cannot do henceforth?

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No, I cannot. I must divide myself between Eyolf and you.