Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/338

 Ellida.

I see that the life we two lead with each other—is really no marriage at all.

Wangel.

[Bitterly.] There you are right. The life we now lead is no marriage at all.

Ellida.

Nor the life we led before; never; not from the outset. [Looks straight before her.] The first—that might have been a real and true marriage.

Wangel.

The first? What "first" do you mean?

Ellida.

Mine,—with him.

Wangel.

[Looks at her in astonishment.] I cannot understand you at all!

Ellida.

Oh my dear Wangel,—do not let us lie to each other; nor to ourselves.

Wangel.

No, of course not! But what then?

Ellida.

Why, don't you see—we can never get away from this—that a voluntary promise is to the full as binding as a marriage.

Wangel.

Why, what in the world!