Gina. Ah! we women are so different, we are. Some take one way and some another.
Mrs. Sorby. Yes, Gina, but I believe it is wisest to arrange matters as I have done. And Werle, too, has concealed nothing of what concerns himself from me. Indeed, it was that which chiefly brought us together. Now he can sit and talk to me as frankly as a child. He has never been able to do that all his life. He, the strong man, full of life, heard nothing all through his youth and all through the best years of his life but sermons. And many a time the sermons were about merely imaginary offenses—as I’ve heard say.
Gina. Yes, what they say’s true enough.
Gregers. If you ladies are going to discuss that subject I had better go.
Mrs. Sorby. You needn’t go on that account. I shall not say another word. I only wanted you to know that I had done nothing deceitful or in any way underhand. It may be, perhaps, a great piece of good fortune for me—and so indeed it is in some respects. But still I think I receive no more than I give. Assuredly I shall never fail him. And I shall serve him and tend him as no one else could, now that he is becoming helpless.
Hjalmar. Helpless?
Gregers (to Mrs. Sorby). Don’t speak of that here.
Mrs. Sorby. It’s no use hiding it any longer, much as he would like to. He’s going blind.
Hjalmar (starting). Going blind? That’s strange. He is going blind, too?
Gina. So many people do.