Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/335

 Ellida

[Seats herself on the sofa.] Wangel—come here and sit by me. I must tell you all my thoughts.

Wangel.

Yes do, dear Ellida.

[He seats himself on a chair at the other side of the table.

Ellida.

It was really a great misfortune—for both of us—that we two, of all people, should come together.

Wangel.

[Starts.] What do you say?

Ellida.

Oh yes it was—and it could not but be. It could lead to nothing but unhappiness—especially considering the way we came together.

Wangel.

Why, what was wrong with the way?

Ellida.

Listen now, Wangel,—it is useless for us to go on any longer lying to ourselves—and to each other.

Wangel.

Are we doing so? Lying do you say?

Ellida.

Yes, lying. Or at any rate—concealing the truth. The truth—the sheer unvarnished truth is this: you came out there and—bought me.