Free Doll's House (9781443435505) by Henrik Ibsen Page A

for me.
    KROGSTAD
    (
Wringing his hands
.) So that was it. And all this—only for the sake of money!
    MRS. LINDE
    You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two little brothers. We couldn’t wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed hopeless then.
    KROGSTAD
    That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for anyone else’s sake.
    MRS. LINDE
    Indeed, I don’t know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had the right to do it.
    KROGSTAD
    (
More gently
.) When I lost you, it was as if all the solid ground went from under my feet. Look at me now—I am a shipwrecked man clinging to a bit of wreckage.
    MRS. LINDE
    But help may be near.
    KROGSTAD
    It was near; but then you came and stood in my way.
    MRS. LINDE
    Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I learned it was your place I was going to take in the Bank.
    KROGSTAD
    I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, are you not going to give it up to me?
    MRS. LINDE
    No, because that would not benefit you in the least.
    KROGSTAD
    Oh, benefit, benefit—I would have done it whether or no.
    MRS. LINDE
    I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter necessity have taught me that.
    KROGSTAD
    And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches.
    MRS. LINDE
    Then life has taught you something very reasonable. But deeds you must believe in?
    KROGSTAD
    What do you mean by that?
    MRS. LINDE
    You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to some wreckage.
    KROGSTAD
    I had good reason to say so.
    MRS. LINDE
    Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some wreckage—no one to mourn for, no one to care for.
    KROGSTAD
    It was your own choice.
    MRS. LINDE
    There was no other choice—then.
    KROGSTAD
    Well, what now?
    MRS. LINDE
    Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people could join forces?
    KROGSTAD
    What are you saying?
    MRS. LINDE
    Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better chance than each on their own.
    KROGSTAD
    Christine I . . .
    MRS. LINDE
    What do you suppose brought me to town?
    KROGSTAD
    Do you mean that you gave me a thought?
    MRS. LINDE
    I could not endure life without work. All my life, as long as I can remember, I have worked, and it has been my greatest and only pleasure. But now I am quite alone in the world—my life is so dreadfully empty and I feel so forsaken. There is not the least pleasure in working for one’s self. Nils, give me someone and something to work for.
    KROGSTAD
    I don’t trust that. It is nothing but a woman’s overstrained sense of generosity that prompts you to make such an offer of yourself.
    MRS. LINDE
    Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me?
    KROGSTAD
    Could you really do it? Tell me—do you know all about my past life?
    MRS. LINDE
    Yes.
    KROGSTAD
    And do you know what they think of me here?
    MRS. LINDE
    You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man.
    KROGSTAD
    I am certain of it.
    MRS. LINDE
    Is it too late now?
    KROGSTAD
    Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then—?
    MRS. LINDE
    I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real character—I can dare anything together with you.
    KROGSTAD
    (
Grasps her hands
.) Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot—
    MRS. LINDE
    (
Listening
.) Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go!
    KROGSTAD
    Why? What is it?
    MRS. LINDE
    Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may expect them back.
    KROGSTAD
    Yes, yes—I will go. But it is all no use. Of course you are not aware what steps I have taken in the matter of the Helmers.
    MRS. LINDE
    Yes, I know all about that.
    KROGSTAD
    And in spite of that have you the courage to—?
    MRS. LINDE
    I understand very well to what lengths a man like you might be driven by despair.
    KROGSTAD
    If I