Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/53

 for me. But now it is over, Nora. My poor mother no longer needs me; she is at rest. And the boys are in business, and can look after themselves.

Nora.

How free your life must feel!

Mrs. Linden.

No, Nora; only inexpressibly empty. No one to live for! [Stands up restlessly.] That's why I could not bear to stay any longer in that out-of-the way corner. Here it must be easier to find something to take one up—to occupy one's thoughts. If I could only get some settled employment—some office work.

Nora.

But, Christina, that's such drudgery, and you look worn out already. It would be ever so much better for you to go to some watering-place and rest.

Mrs. Linden.

[Going to the window.] I have no father to give me the money, Nora.

Nora.

[Rising.] Oh, don't be vexed with me.

Mrs. Linden.

[Going to her.] My dear Nora, don't you be vexed with me. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. You have no one to work for, yet you have to be always on the strain. You must live; and so you become selfish. When I heard of the happy change in your fortunes—can you believe it?—I was glad for my own sake more than for yours.