Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/243

 your part. I fancied you were pained by the discovery that a family anniversary was being celebrated without your knowledge—that your husband and his children are living a life of memories in which you have no share.

Ellida.

Oh no, no; that must be as it may. I have no right to claim my husband for myself alone.

Arnholm.

Yet it seems to me you ought to have that right.

Ellida.

Yes; but as a matter of fact I haven't. That is the thing. I too live a life—in which the others have no part.

Arnholm.

You! [More softly.] Am I to understand that—you—you do not really love your husband?

Ellida.

Oh yes, yes—I have come to love him with my whole heart! And that is just why it is so terrible—so inexplicable—so absolutely inconceivable!

Arnholm.

Now you must tell me all your troubles without reserve! Will you not, Mrs. Wangel?

Ellida.

I cannot, dear friend—not now, at any rate. Sometime, perhaps.

[Boletta comes out by the verandah, and down into the garden.