Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/252

 Mrs. Alving.

At any rate, the fact remains that with myself I took no counsel whatever.

Manders.

Well then, with your nearest relatives—as your duty bade you—with your mother and your two aunts.

Mrs. Alving.

Yes, that is true. Those three cast up the account for me. Oh, it's marvellous how clearly they made out that it would be downright madness to refuse such an offer. If mother could only see me now, and know what all that grandeur has come to!

Manders.

Nobody can be held responsible for the result. This, at least, remains clear: your marriage was in full accordance with law and order.

Mrs. Alving.

[At the window.] Oh, that perpetual law and order! I often think that is what does all the mischief in this world of ours.

Manders.

Mrs. Alving, that is a sinful way of talking.

Mrs. Alving.

Well, I can't help it; I must have done with all this constraint and insincerity. I can endure it no longer. I must work my way out to freedom.

Manders.

What do you mean by that?