Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/340

 is that we two should agree, of our own free will, to release each other.

Wangel.

[Bitterly, nods slowly.] To cancel the bargain,—yes.

Ellida.

[Eagerly.] Precisely! To cancel the bargain.

Wangel.

And after that, Ellida? Afterwards? Have you thought of the outlook for both of us? What shape will our lives take—both yours and mine?

Ellida.

We must not let that influence us. The future must shape itself as best it can. This that I am begging of you, Wangel,—this is the chief thing! Set me free! Give me back my full freedom.

Wangel.

Ellida—this is a terrible demand you make upon me. Let me at least have time to collect myself and come to a resolve. Let us discuss the matter more thoroughly. And do you, too, give yourself time to reflect what you are doing!

Ellida.

But there is no time to waste on all that. You must give me back my freedom this very day

Wangel.

Why to-day?

Ellida.

Because it is to-night that he is coming.