Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/386

 Gregers.

Yes, Hialmar—now is the time to show who was right, he or I.

Hialmar.

[Slowly tears the paper across, lays both pieces on the table, and says:] Here is my answer.

Gregers.

Just what I expected.

Hialmar.

[Goes over to Gina, who stands by the stove, and says in a low voice:] Now please make a clean breast of it. If the connection between you and him was quite over when you—came to care for me, as you call it—why did he place us in a position to marry?

Gina.

I suppose he thought as he could come and go in our house.

Hialmar.

Only that? Was not he afraid of a possible contingency?

Gina.

I don't know what you mean.

Hialmar.

I want to know whether—your child has the right to live under my roof.

Gina.

[Draws herself up; her eyes flash.] You ask that!