Wangel. I think I understand you, from certain things you have
let fall now and again.

Ellida (passionately). Oh, you do not! Don't say you understand!

Wangel. Yes. Yours is an honest nature, Ellida--yours is a
faithful mind.

Ellida. It is.

Wangel. Any position in which you could feel safe and happy must
be a completely true and real one.

Ellida (looking eagerly at him). Well, and then?

Wangel. You are not suited to be a man's second wife.

Ellida. What makes you think that?

Wangel. It has often flashed across me like a foreboding. Today
it was clear to me. The children's memorial feast--you saw in me
a kind of accomplice. Well, yes; a man's memories, after all,
cannot be wiped out--not so mine, anyhow. It isn't in me.

Ellida. I know that. Oh! I know that so well.

Wangel. But you are mistaken all the same. To you it is almost as
if the children's mother were still living--as if she were still
here invisible amongst us. You think my heart is equally divided
between you and her. It is this thought that shocks you. You see