Krogstad. Didn't you?
Mrs. Linde. Nils, did you really think that?
Krogstad. If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at the time?
Mrs. Linde. I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, it was my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me.
Krogstad (wringing his hands). So that was it. And all this—only for the sake of money.
Mrs. Linde. You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed hopeless then.
Krogstad. That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for any one else's sake.
Mrs. Linde. Indeed I don't know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had a 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.