This child, too. He will grow up fatherless, and will be asked, "Where is your father?" He will come and ask you, "Where is my father?" What can you answer him? And, Miss Magda, he who has not peace in his heart from the beginning will never win it in the end.
MAGDA.
All this is not true, and if it were true, have I not a heart too? Have I not a life to live also? Have I not a right to seek my own happiness?
HEFFTERDINGT.
[Harshly.] No; no one has that. But do as you will. Ruin your home, ruin your father and sister and child, and then see what heart you have to seek your own happiness. [Magda bows her head, sobbing. The Pastor crosses to her, and leans over the table pityingly, with his hand on her hair.] My poor--
MAGDA.
[Seizing his hand.] Answer me one question. You have sacrificed your life for my sake. Do you think, to-day, in spite of what you know and what you do not know, do you think that I am worth this sacrifice?
HEFFTERDINGT.
[ Constrained, as if making a confession.] I have said already I am your fellow-sinner, Miss Magda.