Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/379

 the unattainable—will drive your mind quite out into the darkness at last.

Ellida.

Oh yes, yes,—I feel it—like black soundless wings hovering over me!

Wangel.

It shall not come to that. There is no other way of deliverance for you; at least I see none. And therefore—therefore I—cancel our bargain on the spot.—Now you can choose your own path—in full—full freedom.

Ellida.

[Gazes at him awhile as if speechless.] Is this true—true—what you say? Do you mean it—from your inmost heart?

Wangel.

Yes,—from the inmost depths of my tortured heart, I mean it.

Ellida.

And can you do it? Can you carry out your purpose?

Wangel.

Yes, I can. I can—because of my great love for you.

Ellida.

[Softly and tremblingly.] And I have come to be so near—so dear to you!

Wangel.

The years of our marriage have made you so.