Wangel. But you have shaken it off--long since--when you broke
with him. Why, all this is long past now.

Ellida (springing up). No; that it is not--it is not!

Wangel. Not past?

Ellida. No, Wangel, it is not past; and I fear it never will be--
never, in all our life.

Wangel (in a pained voice). Do you mean to say that in your
innermost heart you have never been able to forget this strange
man?

Ellida. I had forgotten him; but then it was as if he had
suddenly come back again.

Wangel. How long ago is that?

Ellida. It's about three years ago, now, or a little longer. It
was just when I expected the child.

Wangel. Ah! at that time? Yes, Ellida--now I begin to understand
many things.

Ellida. You are mistaken, dear. What has come to me? Oh! I
believe nothing on earth will ever make it clear.

Wangel (looking sadly at her). Only to think that all these three