Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/229

 Arnholm.

Then I have no time to lose, Mrs. Wangel. Remember—I blush to say it—I shall never see seven-and-thirty again.

Ellida.

Well then, all the more reason to make haste. [Is silent for a moment, then says earnestly and in a low tone.] But listen now, my dear Arnholm,—I am going to tell you something I could not have told you at that time, to save my life.

ARNHOLM.

What may that be?

Ellida.

When you took—that unsuccessful step, as you said just now,—I could not answer you otherwise than I did.

Arnholm.

I know that. You had nothing but friendship to offer me. I quite understand that.

Ellida.

But you do not know that my whole mind and all my thoughts were centred elsewhere at that time?

Arnholm.

At that time?

Ellida.

Yes, just then.

Arnholm.

But that is impossible! You are mistaking the time! I don't believe you knew Wangel then.