what is true—that I liked you very much, and that you were the truest and best friend I had out there.
Arnholm.
Thank you for that. But now tell me—why have you never written to me since I left?
Ellida.
I thought it might perhaps be painful to you to hear from one who—who could not meet your wishes. It would have been like opening an old wound, I thought.
Arnholm.
H'm Well, well, I daresay you were right.
Ellida. But why did you never write?
Arnholm.
[Looks at her and smiles half reproachfully.] I? I begin? And perhaps be suspected of wishing to reopen the attack? After meeting with such a rebuff?
Ellida.
Oh no, I can understand that too.—Have you never thought of forming some other tie?
Arnholm.
Never. I have remained faithful to my memories.
Ellida.
[Half-joking.] Oh, nonsense! Let those sad old memories go. I am sure you had much better think about getting happily married.
