] Do you want to see that I
love you as much as ever? [Takes her hand.] Come, let me take you
in my arms.
KRISTRUN [bursting into tears, she throws herself into Hadda's
arms]. Hadda, dear--
HADDA PADDA [presses Kristrun violently to her breast].
KRISTRUN [throwing her head back]. Hadda, Hadda, you are hurting
me!
HADDA PADDA [lets go of her--turns to Ingolf]. And now I would
like to speak to you for a moment. May I?
INGOLF. Yes, certainly.
HADDA PADDA, Oh, there's Helga. She is looking for me, Runa, dear,
may I say a few words to Ingolf? You meet Helga, and start for
home with her, won't you?
KRISTRUN. I'll do that, Hadda. [Hurries away.]
HADDA PADDA [sits down]. I think I have discovered that you don't
really enjoy your new happiness. That is why I want to talk to
you.
INGOLF. You have told me all I want to hear.
HADDA PADDA [involuntarily frowning a moment]. It is strange how
proud the imagination can be, pretending to be a strong reality.
If I had really loved you at all, I would still. I do not. So long
as you were free, I made myself believe I had a certain claim to
you. But once you were engaged to any one else, the same thing
would have happened?--I should have forgotten you in a week.
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