Elina.
The weight I add to your burden crushes me no less than 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 might I have been proud, had you remained what once you were.
Lady Inger.
And what proves to you that I have not? Elina—how know you 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 ’twould 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!