Valborg (after a moment's reflection).--I mean, the reason of your having made such great sacrifices for us--and of your being willing to make still greater now. (A pause. SANNAES hangs his head, and is raising his hands to hide his face, when suddenly he puts them behind his back again. VALBORG continues, in gentle but firm tones:) I have taught myself, all my life, to look behind deeds and words for their motives. Sannaes (quietly, without raising his head). You have taught yourself to be cruelly bitter, hard and unjust. Valborg (starts, but collects herself, and says gently:) Don't say that, Mr. Sannaes! It is not hard-heartedness or bitterness that makes me think of your future now--and makes me wish to spare you disappointment. Sannaes (with a cry of pain). Miss Valborg! Valborg. Be honest with yourself, and you will be able to take a fairer view of what I have just said. Sannaes. Have you any more orders, Miss Valborg? Valborg. I give you no orders, as I have told you already. I am only bidding you good-bye; and I do it with grateful thanks to you for all your goodness to me--and to us all. Good-bye and good luck, Mr. Sannaes. (SANNAES bows.)Won't you shake hands? Ah, I forgot--I offended you. I beg your pardon for that. (SANNAES bows and turns to go.) Come, Mr. Sannaes--let us at least part as good friends! You are going to America, and I am going among strangers. Let us go away wishing one another well. Sannaes (moved). Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (Turns to go.) Valborg. Mr. Sannaes--shake hands! Sannaes (stopping). No, Miss Valborg. Valborg. Don't treat me uncivilly; I have not deserved that. (SANNAES again turns to go.) Mr. Sannaes! Sannaes (stopping). You might soil your fingers, Miss Valborg! (Walks proudly away.) Valborg (controlling herself with an effort). Well, we have offended each other now. But why should we not forgive each other as well? Sannaes. Because you have just offended me for the second time to-day--and more deeply than the first time. Valborg. Oh, this is too much! I spoke as I did, because I owed it to myself not to be put in a false position, and owed it to you to spare you future disappointment. And you call that insulting you! Which of us has insulted the other, I should like to know? Sannaes. You have, by thinking such things of me. Do you realise how cruelly you have spoilt the happiest action of my life? Valborg. I have done so quite unintentionally, then. I am only glad that I was mistaken. Sannes (bitterly). You are glad! So it really makes you glad to know that I am not a scoundrel! Valborg (quietly). Who said anything of the kind?