help from you--and you did not think
we were free agents! That was too much; and, as you would not speak, I
had to!

Sannaes (kneeling to her). Miss Valborg!

Valborg. You have the most loyal nature, the most delicate mind, and the
warmest heart I have ever known.

Sannaes. This is a thousand times too much!

Valborg. Next to God, I have to thank you that I have become what I
am; and I feel that I can offer you a life's devotion such as you would
rarely find in this world.

Sannaes. I cannot answer because I scarcely realise what you are saying.
But you are saying it because you are sorry for me, now that I have to
go away, and feel that you owe me some gratitude. (Takes both her
hand in his.) Let me speak! I know the truth better than you, and have
thought over it far more than you. You are so immeasurably above me in
ability, in education, in manners--and a wife should not be able to look
down on her husband. At all events, I am too proud to be willing to be
exposed to that. No, what you are feeling now is only the result of your
beautiful nature, and the recollection of it will hallow all my life.
All the pain and all the happiness I have known have come from you. Your
life will be one of self-renunciation; but, God knows there are many
such! And my burden will be lightened now, because I shall know
that your good wishes will always be with me. (Gets up.) But part we
must--and now more than ever! For I could not bear to be near you unless
you were mine, and to make you mine would only mean misery for us both
after a little while!

Valborg. Sannaes--!

Sannaes (holding her hands and interrupting her). I entreat you not to
say anything more! You have too much power over me; do not use it to
make me sin! For it would be that--a great sin--to put two honest hearts
into a false position, where they would distress one another, even
perhaps get to hate one another.

Valborg. But let me--

Sannas (letting go her hands and stepping back). No, you must not tempt
me. Life with you would mean perpetual anxiety, for I should never
feel equal to what it would demand of me! But now I can part from you
comforted. There will be no bitterness in my heart now; and by degrees
all my thoughts of the past and of you will turn to sweetness. God bless
you! May every good fortune go with you! Good-bye! (Goes quickly towards
the house.)

Valborg. Sannaes! (Follows him.) Sannaes! Listen to me! (SANNAES takes
up his coat and glov