Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/431

 Rörlund.

What?

Mrs. Bernick.

What do you say? [Great sensation.

Rörlund.

Fled? Run away—with him! Impossible!

Bernick.

To become his wife, Doctor Rörlund. And I have more to add. [Aside.] Betty, collect yourself to bear what is coming. [Aloud.] I say: Honour to that man, for he has nobly taken upon himself another's sin. My fellow citizens, I will get clear of the lie; it has gone near to poisoning every fibre in my being. You shall know all. Fifteen years ago, it was I who sinned.

Mrs. Bernick.

[In a low and trembling voice.] Karsten.

Martha.

[Likewise.] Ah, Johan!

Lona.

At last you have found your true self!

[Speechless astonishment among the listeners.

Bernick.

Yes, my fellow citizens, I was guilty, and he fled. The false and vile rumours which were afterwards current, it is now in no human power to disprove. But of this I cannot complain. Fifteen years ago I swung myself aloft by aid of these rumours; whether I am now to fall with them is for you to decide.