_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 learnt 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! _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 your self. _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.