Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/313

 Boletta.

Then do you think that what a man has mastered by reading—or by his own thought—can be passed on in this way to his wife?

Lyngstrand.

Yes, that too; by degrees; as if by a miracle. But of course I know that this could only happen in a marriage that is faithful, and loving, and really happy.

Boletta.

Has it never occurred to you that perhaps a husband might be absorbed in the same way into his wife? Might come to resemble her, I mean.

Lyngstrand.

A husband? No, I have never thought of that.

Boletta.

But why not the one as well as the other?

Lyngstrand.

No; a man has his vocation to live for, you know. And that is what makes a man so strong and resolute, Miss Wangel. He has his life-work.

Boletta.

Every man?

Lyngstrand.

Oh no. I was thinking mainly of artists.

Boletta.

Do you think it right for an artist to marry?