Mathilde. Yes, when people have nothing in them, and no pride.
Axel. The more I get to know of you, the less I seem really to know you. What sort of a man can this fellow be, that you have loved without return?
Mathilde (in a subdued voice). A man to whom I am now very grateful; because marriage is not my vocation.
Axel. What is your vocation, then?
Mathilde. One that one is unwilling to speak about, until one knows that it has been successful.—And I don't believe I should have discovered it, but for him.
Axel. And is your mind quite at peace now? Have you no longings?
Mathilde (speaking here, and in what follows, with some vehemence). Yes, a longing to travel—a long, long way! To fill my soul with splendid pictures!—Oh, if you have any regard for me—
Axel. I have more than that, Mathilde—the warmest gratitude—and more than that, I—
Mathilde (interrupting him). Well, then, make it up with Laura! Then I shall be able to go abroad with her parents. Oh, if I don't get away—far away—there is something within me that will die!
Axel. Go away then, Mathilde—you say so, and therefore I believe you.