which I had never dared to think, but which I must have dreamt
while father kept me still enslaved.

Olof. I don't know you any more, Christine.

Christine. No, I begin to feel a little lost myself.

Olof. Were you unkind to mother?

Christine. I suppose I was. Does it seem to you that I have grown
hard, Olof?

Olof. Did you show her the door?

Christine. Forgive me, Olof! I was not kind to her.

Olof. For my sake you might have made your words a little milder.
Why didn't you call me at once?

Christine. I wished to see if I had the strength to take care of
myself. Olof, would you sacrifice me to your mother, if she
demanded it?

Olof. I cannot answer such a question offhand.

Christine. I'll do it in your place. It pleases you to submit
willingly to your mother's will and wish because you are strong--
and I, on the other hand, feel hurt by doing so, for I am weak. I
will never do it!