[Bitterly.] There you are right. The life we now lead is no marriage at all.

Ellida.

Nor the life we led before; never; not from the outset. [Looks straight before her.] The first—that might have been a real and true marriage.

Wangel.

The first? What “first” do you mean?

Ellida.

Mine,—with him.

Wangel.

[Looks at her in astonishment.] I cannot understand you at all!

Ellida.