Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/89



Did not love you, Rita? How can you say such a thing!

[Half laughing, lets him go.] Why should I not spread my nets for that—that road-maker man that hangs about here?

[Relieved.] Oh, thank goodness—you are only joking.

Not at all. He would do as well as any one else.

Ah, but I suspect he is more or less taken up already.

So much the better! For then I should take him away from some one else; and that is just what Eyolf has done to me.

Can you say that our little Eyolf has done that?

[Pointing with her forefinger.] There, you see! You see! The moment you mention Eyolf's name, you grow tender and your voice quivers! [Threateningly, clenching her hands.] Oh, you almost tempt me to wish