Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/344

 is you that are "terrible," Ellida. And fascinating—that you are above all things.

Ellida.

Do you say so?

Wangel.

Let us try to get through this day with no false step—to act calmly and collectedly. I cannot release you and let you go to-day. I must not—for your own sake, Ellida. I assert my right and my duty to protect you.

Ellida.

Protect? What is there to protect me against? It is not any outward force or violence that threatens me. The terrible thing lies deeper, Wangel! The terrible thing is—the fascination I feel in my own mind; and what can you do against that?

Wangel.

I can strengthen and support you in resisting it.

Ellida.

Yes—if I had the will to resist it.

Wangel.

Have you not the will?

Ellida.

Oh, that is just what I don't know!

Wangel.

To-night all will be decided, dear Ellida