But we never know ourselves until we stand on the edge
between joy and sorrow, and now, having touched happiness, I
cannot live without grasping it. I cannot, Ingolf, I cannot live
without you.
INGOLF. Could you get any happiness out of life with a man who
does not love you?
HADDA PADDA [silent, gets up, and walks up to the piano, leaning
heavily against it].
INGOLF [takes out the ring, and puts it on the table].
HADDA PADDA [does not stir]. Ingolf, this is my last request.
Don't make our separation harder than necessary. I cannot remain
in your home when they all know it. Do me the favor of wearing the
ring till I leave for home. You won't have to wait long. Will you
promise me that?
INGOLF [holds the ring in his hand without answering].
HADDA PADDA. This is my last request.
INGOLF. I promise. [Puts the ring on his hand.]
HADDA PADDA [watches him as he puts it on].
CURTAIN
ACT III
(Slope of a valley overgrown with brush and heather and flowers.
Toward the rear on the left, a beautiful cataract rushes down from
a great height between steep cliffs. On the right, a rock shuts
out the bottom of the falls, and part of the river.
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