Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/157

 the loveliness that is mine, mine only, wholly and entirely mine?

Nora.

[Goes to the other side of the table.] You mustn't say these things to me this evening.

Helmer.

[Following.] I see you have the tarantella still in your blood—-and that makes you all the more enticing. Listen! the other people are going now. [More softly.] Nora—soon the whole house will be still.

Nora.

Yes, I hope so.

Helmer.

Yes, don't you, Nora darling? When we are among strangers, do you know why I speak so little to you, and keep so far away, and only steal a glance at you now and then—do you know why I do it? Because I am fancying that we love each other in secret, that I am secretly betrothed to you, and that no one dreams that there is anything between us.

Nora.

Yes, yes, yes. I know all your thoughts are with me.

Helmer.

And then, when the time comes to go, and I put the shawl about your smooth, soft shoulders, and this glorious neck of yours, I imagine you are my bride, that our marriage is just over, that I am bringing you for the first time to my home—that I am alone with you for the first time—quite alone with you, in your trembling loveliness! All this