How can you say that?
Ida.
I feel it.
William.
But you are throwing yourself to destruction, Ida! I am dragging you to your ruin.
Ida.
I’m not afraid of that, William, not the least afraid! Only have faith again! Only give me your hand again! Then I can be something to you.—Don’t push me away.
William.
Let me go!—You are in love for the first time!—You love an illusion. I have thrown myself in the gutter time after time. I have degraded womanhood with other women.—I am an outcast—
Ida (sobbing and crying, embraces him).