Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/364

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

Hialmar. Well, at any rate, we have got through it for the present.

Gina. God forgive you, Mr. Werle.

Gregers. [In great surprise.] But I don't understand this.

Hialmar. What don't you understand?

Gregers. After so great a crisis—a crisis that is to be the starting-point of an entirely new life—of a communion founded on truth, and free from all taint of deception——

Hialmar. Yes yes, I know; I know that quite well.

Gregers. I confidently expected, when I entered the room, to find the light of transfiguration shining upon me from both husband and wife. And now I see nothing but dulness, oppression, gloom——

Gina. Oh, is that it? [Takes off the lamp-shade.

Gregers. You will not understand me, Mrs. Ekdal. Ah well, you, I suppose, need time to——. But you, Hialmar? Surely you feel a new consecration after the great crisis.