Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/392

 Hedvig.

No, of course not.

Gregers.

Why not in the morning as well?

Hedvig.

In the morning it's light, you know, and there's nothing in particular to be afraid of.

Gregers.

And your father was going to wring the neck of the wild duck that you love so dearly?

Hedvig.

No; he said he ought to wring its neck, but he would spare it for my sake; and that was kind of father.

Gregers.

[Coming a little nearer.] But suppose you were to sacrifice the wild duck of your own free will for his sake.

Hedvig.

[Rising.] The wild duck!

Gregers.

Suppose you were to make a free-will offering, for his sake, of the dearest treasure you have in the world!

Hedvig.

Do you think that would do any good?

Gregers.

Try it, Hedvig.

Hedvig.

[Softly, with flashing eyes] Yes, I will try it.