Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/377

 The Stranger.

Promises bind no one: neither man nor woman. If I hold to you persistently, it is because I cannot do otherwise.

Ellida.

[Softly and trembling.] Why did you not come sooner?

Wangel.

Ellida!

Ellida.

[With an outburst of emotion.] Oh—what is it that tempts and allures and seems to drag me into the unknown! The whole might of the sea is centred in this one thing!

[The Stranger climbs over the garden fence.

Ellida.

[Shrinks behind Wangel.] What is it? What do you want?

The Stranger.

I see it—I hear it in your voice, Ellida—it is me you will choose in the end.

Wangel.

[Advances towards him.] My wife has no choice in the matter. I am here to choose for her and—to protect her. Yes, protect her! If you do not get away from here—out of the country—and never come back—do you know what you expose yourself to?

Ellida.

No, no, Wangel! Not that!

The Stranger.

What will you do to me?