Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/228

 what is true—that I liked you very much, and that you were the truest and best friend I had out there.

Arnholm.

Thank you for that. But now tell me—why have you never written to me since I left?

Ellida.

I thought it might perhaps be painful to you to hear from one who—who could not meet your wishes. It would have been like opening an old wound, I thought.

Arnholm.

H'm Well, well, I daresay you were right.

Ellida. But why did you never write?

Arnholm.

[Looks at her and smiles half reproachfully.] I? I begin? And perhaps be suspected of wishing to reopen the attack? After meeting with such a rebuff?

Ellida.

Oh no, I can understand that too.—Have you never thought of forming some other tie?

Arnholm.

Never. I have remained faithful to my memories.

Ellida.

[Half-joking.] Oh, nonsense! Let those sad old memories go. I am sure you had much better think about getting happily married.