Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/81

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But if Eyolf had never been born? What then?

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[Evasively.] Oh, that would be another matter. Then I should have only you to care for.

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[Softly, her voice quivering.] Then I wish he had never been born.

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[Flashing out.] Rita! You don't know what you are saying!

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[Trembling with emotion.] It was in pain unspeakable that I brought him into the world. But I bore it all with joy and rapture for your sake.

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[Warmly.] Oh yes, I know, I know.

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[With decision.] But there it must end. I will live my life—together with you—wholly with you. I cannot go on being only Eyolf's mother—only his mother and nothing more. I will not, I tell you! I cannot! I will be all in all to you! To you, Alfred!

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But that is just what you are, Rita. Through our child