Mrs. Sorby. Yes, we’ve known one another for many a year. Once, indeed, it might have come to something between us, too.

Gregers. It was a good thing for you it didn’t.

Mrs. Sorby. You may well say that. But I have always taken care not to act upon impulse. And a woman can’t throw herself quite away, either.

Gregers. Are you not in the least afraid that I might give my father a hint as to this old acquaintance?

Mrs. Sorby. Surely you understand that I have told him myself.

Gregers. Indeed?

Mrs. Sorby. Your father knows down to the very least detail all that people might fairly say against me. I have told him all this; it was the first thing I did when he let me see his intentions.

Gregers. You are more than commonly frank, I think.

Mrs. Sorby. I have always been frank. That’s the best way for us women.

Hjalmar. What do you say to that, Gina?