ELINA. The weight I add to your burden bears on me as heavily as on you. Lightly and freely I drew the breath of life, so long as I had you to believe in. For my pride is my life; and well had it become me, if you had remained what once you were.
LADY INGER. And what proves to you I have not? Elina, how can you know so surely that you are not doing your mother wrong?
ELINA (vehemently). Oh, that I were!
LADY INGER. Peace! You have no right to call your mother to account—— With a single word I could—— ——; but it would be an ill word for you to hear; you must await what time shall bring; may be that——
ELINA (turns to go). Sleep well, my mother!
LADY INGER (hesitates). Nay, stay with me; I have still somewhat—
Come nearer;—you must hear me, Elina!
(Sits down by the table in front of the window.)
ELINA. I am listening.
LADY INGER. For as silent as you are, I know well that you often long to be gone from here. Ostrat is too lonely and lifeless for you.
ELINA. Do you wonder at that, my mother?