Gregers. That you were shown clearly your true position—was it not well?
Hjalmar (somewhat impatiently). Yes, of course it was well. But there is one thing against which my sense of justice revolts.
Gregers. And what is that?
Hjalmar. It is this, that—but I really don’t know if I may express myself so freely about your father.
Gregers. Pray do not mind me in the least!
Hjalmar. Very well. You see, it seems to me so revolting to think that now it is not I, but he who will realize the true marriage.
Gregers. How can you say such a thing!
Hjalmar. But it is so. For your father and Mrs. Sorby are entering upon a marriage-contract founded upon complete confidence, founded upon perfect and absolute frankness on both sides; there are no concealments between them; there’s nothing kept in the background in their relation; the two sinners, if I may so express myself, proclaim mutual forgiveness.
Gregers. Well, and what then?
Hjalmar. But that’s the whole point of the thing. Why it was all these difficulties, as you yourself said, that were needed to found a true marriage.