here, you see, Miss Valborg; you are laughing at me.

Valborg. I don't know whether I want to laugh or to cry.

Sannaes. Believe me, you are mistaken about this, Miss Valborg. You
don't see things as plainly as I do.

Valborg. Which of us was it that was mistaken to-day?--and had to beg
pardon for it?

Sannaes. It was I, I know. But this is impossible! A real union of
hearts needs to be founded on more than respect--

Valborg (laughing). On love?

Sannaes. You misunderstand me. Could you go into society with me without
feeling embarrassed? (VALBORG laughs.) You see, the mere idea of it
makes you laugh.

Valborg (laughing). I am laughing because you are magnifying the least
important part of it into the most important.

Sannaes. You know how awkward and shy--in fact downright frightened I am
amongst those who--. (VALBORG laughs again.) There, you see--you can't
help laughing at the idea!

Valborg. I should perhaps even laugh at you when we were in society
together! (Laughs.)

Sannaes (seriously). But I should suffer horribly if you did.

Valborg. Believe me, Sannaes, I love you well enough to be able to
afford to have a little laugh sometimes at your little imperfections.
Indeed, I often do! And suppose we were out in society, and I saw you
weighed down under the necessity for pretty manners that do not come
easy to you; if I did laugh at you, do you think there would be any
unkindness behind my laughter? If others laughed at you, do you suppose
I would not, the very next moment, take your arm and walk proudly down
the room with you? I know what you really are, and others know it too!
Thank God it is not only bad deeds that are known to others in this
world!

Sannaes. Your words intoxicate me and carry me off my feet!

Valborg (earnestly). If you think I am only flattering you, let us put
it to the test. Mr. Berent is here. He moves in the very best society,
but he is superior to its littlenesses. Shall we take his opinion?
Without betraying anything, I could make him give it in a moment.

Sannaes (carried away). I want no one's opinion but yours!

Valborg. That's right! If only you feel certain of my love--

Sannaes (impetuously).--then nothing else will seem to matter; and that
alone will be able to teach me all that I lack, in a very short time.

Valborg. Look into my eyes!

Sannaes (taking her hands). Yes!

Valborg. Do you believe that nothing would ever make me ashamed of you!

Sannaes. Yes,