Bernick: What are you going to do? (LONA, MRS. BERNICK, MARTHA,
DINA and HILMAR come in from the other room.)
Mrs. Bernick: Mr. Rorlund, I have tried my hardest, but I cannot
prevent him...
Rorlund: I shall prevent him, Mrs. Bernick. Dina, you are a
thoughtless girl, but I do not blame you so greatly. You have too
long lacked the necessary moral support that should have
sustained you. I blame myself for not having afforded you that
support.
Dina: You mustn't speak now!
Mrs. Bernick: What is it?
Rorlund: It is now that I must speak, Dina, although your conduct
yesterday and today has made it ten times more difficult for me.
But all other considerations must give way to the necessity for
saving you. You remember that I gave you my word; you remember
what you promised you would answer when I judged that the right
time had come. Now I dare not hesitate any longer, and therefore-
-. (Turns to JOHAN.) This young girl, whom you are persecuting,
is my betrothed.
Mrs. Bernick: What?
Bernick: Dina!
Johan: She? Your--?
Martha: No, no, Dina!
Lona: It is a lie!
Johan: Dina--is this man speaking the truth?
Dina (after a short pause): Yes.
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