Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/407

 Martha.

What else should I do, since I love him? Yes, I have loved him. I have lived my whole life for him, ever since he went away. What reason had I to hope, you ask? Oh, I think I had some reason. But then, when he came again—it seemed as if everything were wiped out of his memory. He did not see me.

Lona.

It was Dina that overshadowed you, Martha.

Martha.

It is well that she did. When he went away we were of the same age; when I saw him again—oh, that horrible moment—I realised that I was ten years older than he. He had lived out there in the bright, quivering sunshine, and drunk in youth and health at every breath; and here sat I the while, spinning and spinning

Lona.

the thread of his happiness, Martha.

Martha.

Yes, it was gold I spun. No bitterness! We have been two good sisters to him, Lona, have we not?

Lona.

[Embraces her.] Martha!

Consul Bernick comes out of his room.

Bernick.

[To the men inside.] Yes, yes, settle it as you please. When the time comes, I shall be ready[Shuts the door.] Ah, are you there? By-the-bye, Martha, you had better look to your dress a little.