Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/376

 Wangel.

You can see for yourself that she is not.

The Stranger.

I was not thinking of travelling-clothes and trunks and that sort of thing. I have on board with me everything she requires for the voyage; and I have taken a cabin for her. [To Ellida.] I ask you, then, if you are ready to come with me—to come with me of your own free will?

Ellida.

[Imploringly.] Oh, do not ask me! Do not tempt me so!

[A steamer-bell is heard in the distance.

The Stranger.

There goes the warning bell. Now you must say yes or no.

Ellida.

[Wrings her hands.] To have to decide! To decide for all time! To do what can never be undone!

The Stranger.

Never. In half an hour it will be too late.

Ellida.

[Looks timidly and intently at him.] What makes you hold to me so persistently?

The Stranger.

Do you not feel, as I do, that we two belong to each other?

Ellida.

Do you mean because of that promise?