Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/341

 Wangel.

[Starts.] Coming! He! What has the stranger to do with this?

Ellida.

I want to meet him in full freedom.

Wangel.

And what—what do you intend to do then?

Ellida.

I do not want to take refuge in the plea that I am another man's wife—or that I have no choice left me. For then my decision would decide nothing.

Wangel.

You talk of choice! Choice, Ellida! Choice in this matter!

Ellida.

Yes, choose I must—freely choose either course. I must be free to let him go away alone—or—to go with him.

Wangel.

Do you understand what you are saying? Go with him! Place your whole fate in his hands!

Ellida.

Did I not place my whole fate in your hands? And that—without thinking twice.

Wangel.

That may be. But he! He! A total stranger! A man you know so little about!