Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/319

 Mrs. Alving.

What is it that I am to know?

Oswald.

[Not listening to her.] Mother, did you not say a little while ago, that there was nothing in the world you would not do for me, if I asked you?

Mrs. Alving.

Yes, indeed I said so!

Oswald.

And you'll stick to it, mother?

Mrs. Alving.

You may rely on that, my dear and only boy! I have nothing in the world to live for but you alone.

Oswald.

Very well, then; now you shall hearMother, you have a strong, steadfast mind, I know. Now you're to sit quite still when you hear it.

Mrs. Alving.

What dreadful thing can it be?

Oswald.

You're not to scream out. Do you hear? Do you promise me that? We will sit and talk about it quietly. Do you promise me, mother?

Mrs. Alving.

Yes, yes; I promise. Only speak!

Oswald.

Well, you must know that all this fatigue—and