Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/401

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Irene.

At a little way from each other—also as in the old days.

Professor Rubek.

[Moving nearer.] It had to be so, then.

Irene.

Had it?

Professor Rubek.

[Decisively.] There had to be a distance between us——

Irene.

Was it absolutely necessary, Arnold?

Professor Rubek.

[Continuing.] Do you remember what you answered when I asked if you would go with me out into the wide world?

Irene.

I held up three fingers in the air and swore that I would go with you to the world's end and to the end of life. And that I would serve you in all things——

Professor Rubek.

As the model for my art——

Irene.

—in frank, utter nakedness——