Gregers. Things will not be muddled for these two, Mr. Relling. I will not speak of Hjalmar now. Him we know. But she, too, at the bottom of her heart must surely have some truth, some sincerity.
Gina (tearfully). You might have let me pass for what I was then?
Relling (to Gregers). Would it be impertinent to inquire, what it is you really want in this house?
Gregers. I wish to lay the foundation of a true marriage.
Relling. So you don’t think that the Ekdal’s marriage is good enough as it is?
Gregers. It is certainly quite as good a marriage as most others, unfortunately. But it has not yet become a true marriage.
Hjalmar. You have never had any sense for the claims of the ideal, Relling.
Relling. Stuff and nonsense, my good fellow! With your permission, Mr. Werle—how many—approximately—how many true marriages have you seen in your life?
Gregers. I hardly think I’ve seen a single one.
Relling. Nor have I.