Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/227

 genuinely good-hearted, and kind to every one

Ellida.

[Warmly and cordially.] Yes, indeed he is!

Arnholm.

but he must be so utterly different from you, I should think.

Ellida.

You are right there too; we are different.

Arnholm,

Well then, how did it come about? How was it?

Ellida.

You mustn't ask me, my dear Arnholm. I shouldn't be able to explain it to you. And even if I did, you could never really understand a word of my explanation.

Arnholm.

H'm[A little more softly.] Have you ever told your husband anything about me? I mean, of course, about the unsuccessful step which—I was once rash enough to take.

Ellida.

No. How can you think I would? I have never said a word to him—about what you allude to.

Arnholm.

I am glad of that. I felt a little embarrassed at the thought that

Ellida.

You need not at all. I have only told him