Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/143

 Mrs. Linden.

I could not see you at my rooms. They have no separate entrance. Come in; we are quite alone. The servants are asleep, and the Helmers are at the ball upstairs.

Krogstad.

[Coming into the room.] Ah! So the Helmers are dancing this evening? Really?

Mrs. Linden.

Yes. Why not?

Krogstad.

Quite right. Why not?

Mrs. Linden.

And now let us talk a little.

Krogstad.

Have we two anything to say to each other?

Mrs. Linden.

A great deal.

Krogstad.

I should not have thought so.

Mrs. Linden.

Because you have never really understood me.

Krogstad.

What was there to understand? The most natural thing in the world—a heartless woman throws a man over when a better match offers.