Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/184

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What do you say? Solitude!

With you, my beloved; and with my dear books, that I have so seldom been able to open here, save only on my sleepless nights.

[Looking him down from head to foot.] Ah, that is what you mean!

What else?

Ay, truly; what else?

Yes, yes—I ask, what else?

[Coming nearer.] Julian—how did the barbarian king hail you?

[Shrinking.] Helena!

[Still nearer.] What was the name that echoed through the ranks of the legions?

Rash woman; there may be an eavesdropper at every door!