Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/226

 Arnholm.

[After a reflective pause.] When last I crossed your path—out at Skioldvik, I mean. H'm—that's a long time ago-

Ellida.

It is a good ten years since you were out there with us.

Arnholm.

Yes, about that. But when I remember you out at the lighthouse! "The heathen," as the old pastor used to call you, because he said your father had had you christened with the name of a ship and not of a Christian

Ellida. Well, what then?

Arnholm.

The last thing I should have expected was to meet you again, here, as Mrs. Wangel.

Ellida.

No, at that time Wangel was not yet a The girls' first mother was living then—their own mother, I mean

Arnholm.

Of course, of course. But even if it had not been so—even if he had had no ties—I should never have expected this to come to pass.

Ellida. Nor I. Never in this world—at that time.

Arnholm. Wangel is such a fine fellow; so upright so