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Ellida.
I see that the life we two lead with each other—is really no marriage at all.
Wangel.
[Bitterly.] There you are right. The life we now lead is no marriage at all.
Ellida.
Nor the life we led before; never; not from the outset. [Looks straight before her.] The first—that might have been a real and true marriage.
Wangel.
The first? What "first" do you mean?
Ellida.
Mine,—with him.
Wangel.
[Looks at her in astonishment.] I cannot understand you at all!
Ellida.
Oh my dear Wangel,—do not let us lie to each other; nor to ourselves.
Wangel.
No, of course not! But what then?
Ellida.
Why, don't you see—we can never get away from this—that a voluntary promise is to the full as binding as a marriage.
Wangel.
Why, what in the world!
