Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/384

 Ballested.

"Soon will all the straits be ice-bound," as the poet says. It is sad, Mrs. Wangel! And I hear we are to lose you too for a time: you go out to Skioldvik to-morrow, I am told.

Wangel.

No—that plan has come to nothing; this evening we two have changed our minds.

Arnholm.

[Looking from one to the other.] Ah,—really!

Boletta

[Coming forward.] Father—is this true?

Hilda.

[Going to Ellida.] Are you going to stay with us after all?

Ellida.

Yes, dear Hilda—if you will have me.

Hilda.

[Struggling between tears and joy.] Oh,—can you ask—if I will!

Arnholm.

[To Ellida.] This is really quite a surprise!

Ellida.

[With a grave smile.] Well, you see, Mr. Arnholm. Do you remember what we were speaking of yesterday? When you have once for all become a land-animal—you can never find the way back again—out to the sea. Nor to the sea-life either.