Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/330

 key—oh, that was a terrible time for me, I can tell you. I kept the blinds drawn down over both my windows. When I peeped out, I saw the sun shining as if nothing had happened. I could not understand it. I saw people going along the street, laughing and talking about indifferent things. I could not understand it. It seemed to me that the whole of existence must be at a standstill—as if under an eclipse.

Gregers. I felt like that too, when my mother died.

Hialmar.

It was in such an hour that Hialmar Ekdal pointed the pistol at his own breast.

Gregers. You too thought of!

Hialmar. Yes.

Gregers.

But you did not fire?

Hialmar.

No. At the decisive moment I won the victory over myself. I remained in life. But I can assure you it takes some courage to choose life under circumstances like those.

Gregers. Well, that depends on how you look at it.

Hialmar. Yes, indeed, it takes courage. But I am glad I