Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/433

 Bernick, Martha, Lona, and Krap alone remain in the room. There is a short silence.

Bernick.

Betty, can you forgive me?

Mrs. Bernick.

[Looks smilingly at him.] Do you know, Karsten, you have made me feel happier and more hopeful than I have felt for many years?

Bernick.

How so?

Mrs. Bernick.

For many years I have thought that you had once been mine, and I had lost you. Now I know that you never were mine; but I shall win you.

Bernick.

[Embracing her.] Oh, Betty, you have won me! Through Lona I have at last learnt really to know you. But now let Olaf come.

Mrs. Bernick.

Yes, now you shall have him. Mr. Krap!

[She whispers to him him the background. He goes out by the garden door. During the following all the transparencies and lights in the houses are gradually extinguished.

Bernick.

[Softly.] Thanks, Lona; you have saved what is best in me—and for me.

Lona.

What else did I intend?