Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/406

 Martha.

That was it? Now I understand why you came. But he will want you back again, Lona.

Lona.

An old step-sister—what can he want with her now? Men break many a tie when happiness beckons to them.

Martha.

That is true, sometimes.

Lona.

Now we two must hold together, Martha.

Martha.

Can I be anything to you?

Lona.

Who more? We two foster-mothers—have we not both lost our children? Now we are alone.

Martha.

Yes, alone. So now I will tell you this—I have loved him more than all the world.

Lona.

Martha? [Seizes her arm.] Is this the truth?

Martha.

My whole life lies in the words. I have loved him, and waited for him. From summer to summer I have looked for his coming. And then he came—but he did not see me.

Lona.

Loved him! And it was you that gave his happiness into his hands.