Ellida. I want to face him in perfect freedom.
Wangel. And what—what else do you intend to do?
Ellida. I will not hide behind the fact that I am the wife of another man; nor make the excuse that I have no choice, for then it would be no decision.
Wangel, You speak of a choice. Choice, Ellida! A choice in such a matter!
Ellida. Yes, I must be free to choose—to choose for either side. I must be able to let him go away—alone, or to go with him.
Wangel. Do you know what you are saying? Go with him—give your whole life into his hands!
Ellida. Didn't I give my life into your hands, and without any ado?
Wangel. Maybe. But he! He! an absolute stranger! A man of whom you know so little!
Ellida. Ah! but after all I knew you even less; and yet I went with you.
Wangel. Then you knew to some extent what life lay before you. But now? Think! What do you know? You know absolutely nothing. Not even who or what he is.