Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/312

 Boletta.

That is a strange idea.

Lyngstrand.

[After a pause.] Have you thought much—I mean—have you thought at all deeply and seriously about marriage, Miss Wangel?

Boletta.

[Glances at him.] About? No.

Lyngstrand.

I have.

Boletta.

Indeed; have you?

Lyngstrand.

Yes. I very often think about things of that sort; and particularly about marriage. And then I have read a good deal on the subject too. I think marriage may be counted a sort of miracle: the woman is transformed, as it were, by degrees, and comes to resemble her husband.

Boletta.

Acquires his interests, you mean?

Lyngstrand.

Yes, that's just it!

Boletta.

Well, but what about his abilities?—his talent and skill?

Lyngstrand.

H'm—well—I wonder whether they, too, wouldn't