Christine. No, I will wait. I must speak to her before she dies—I think Olof should be here soon.
Lars. It is for his sake you are watching!
Christine. Yes, and you mustn't say that I have slept. Do you hear?
Lars. Poor girl!—You're not happy!
Christine. Who says one should be happy?
Lars. Does Olof know that you are here?
Christine. No, he would never permit it. He wants to keep me like the carved image of some saint standing on a shelf. The smaller and weaker he can make me, the greater is his pleasure in placing his strength at my feet—
Mother (waking). Lars! (Christine holds back Lars and steps forward.) Who is that?
Christine. The nurse.
Mother. Christine!