Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/259

 Manders.

When you went astray, and came to me crying, "Here I am; take me!" I commanded you, saying, "Woman, go home to your lawful husband." Was that a crime?

Mrs. Alving.

Yes, I think so.

Manders.

We two do not understand each other.

Mrs. Alving.

Not now, at any rate.

Manders.

Never—never in my most secret thoughts have I regarded you otherwise than as another's wife.

Mrs. Alving.

Oh—indeed?

Manders.

Helen!

Mrs. Alving.

People so easily forget their past selves.

Manders.

I do not. I am what I always was.

Mrs. Alving.

[Changing the subject.] Well well well; don't let us talk of old times any longer. You are now over head and ears in Boards and Committees, and I am fighting my battle with ghosts, both within me and without.