Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/346

 Lona.

But she is quite reconciled to that now?

Bernick.

Entirely. You may guess that daily intercourse with me has not been without a ripening influence upon her. People must learn to moderate their mutual claims if they are to fulfil their duties in the community in which they are placed. Betty has by degrees come to understand this, so that our house is now a model for our fellow citizens.

Lona.

But these fellow citizens know nothing of the lie?

Bernick.

Of the lie?

Lona.

Yes, of the lie upon which you have stood for these fifteen years.

Bernick.

You call that?

Lona.

I call it the lie—the threefold lie. First the lie towards me; then the lie towards Betty; then the lie towards Johan.

Bernick.

Betty has never asked me to speak.

Lona.

Because she has known nothing.

Bernick.

And you will not ask me to;—out of consideration for her, you will not.