Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/149

 Krogstad.

And yet you have the courage to?

Mrs. Linden.

I know to what lengths despair can drive a man.

Krogstad.

Oh, if I could only undo it!

Mrs. Linden.

You could. Your letter is still in the box.

Krogstad.

Are you sure?

Mrs. Linden.

Yes; but

Krogstad.

[Looking to her searchingly.] Is that what it all means? You want to save your friend at any price. Say it out—is that your idea?

Mrs. Linden.

Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for the sake of others, does not do so again.

Krogstad.

I shall demand my letter back again.

Mrs. Linden.

No, no.

Krogstad.

Yes, of course. I shall wait till Helmer comes; I shall tell him to give it back to me—that it's only about my dismissal—that I don't want it read