Ellida.

I thought it might perhaps be painful to you to hear from one who—who could not meet your wishes. It would have been like opening an old wound, I thought.

Arnholm.

H’m—— Well, well, I daresay you were right.

Ellida.

But why did you never write?

Arnholm.

[Looks at her and smiles half reproachfully.] I? I begin? And perhaps be suspected of wishing to reopen the attack? After meeting with such a rebuff?

Ellida.

Oh no, I can understand that too.—Have you never thought of forming some other tie?