Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/251

 Mrs. Alving.

Then what have you to say of me? I went and married a fallen man.

Manders.

Why—good heavens!—what are you talking about! A fallen man!

Mrs. Alving.

Do you think Alving was any purer when I went with him to the altar than Johanna was when Engstrand married her?

Manders.

Well, but there is a world of difference between the two cases

Mrs. Alving.

Not so much difference after all—except in the price:—a miserable three hundred dollars and a whole fortune.

Manders.

How can you compare such absolutely dissimilar cases? You had taken counsel with your own heart and with your natural advisers.

Mrs. Alving.

[Without looking at him.] I thought you understood where what you call my heart had strayed to at the time.

Manders.

[Distantly.] Had I understood anything of the kind, I should not have been a daily guest in your husband's house.