KROGSTAD.
That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for anyone else’s sake.
MRS LINDE.
Indeed I don’t know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had the right to do it.
KROGSTAD.
[more gently]. When I lost you, it was as if all the solid ground went from under my feet. Look at me now—I am a shipwrecked man clinging to a bit of wreckage.
MRS LINDE.
But help may be near.
KROGSTAD.
It was near; but then you came and stood in my way.
MRS LINDE.
Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I learned it was your place I was going to take in the Bank.
KROGSTAD.
I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, are you not going to give it up to me?
MRS LINDE.
No, because that would not benefit you in the least.
KROGSTAD.
Oh, benefit, benefit—I would have done it whether or no.
MRS LINDE.
I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter necessity have taught me that.