Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/482

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Arnold?—men are coming up to fetch me away! Many men will come up here——

Professor Rubek.

Do not be alarmed, Irene!

Irene.

[In growing terror.] And she, the woman in black—she will come too. For she must have missed me long ago. And then she will seize me, Arnold! And put me in the strait-waist-*coat. Oh, she has it with her, in her box. I have seen it with my own eyes——

Professor Rubek.

Not a soul shall be suffered to touch you.

Irene.

[With a wild smile.] Oh no—I myself have a resource against that.

Professor Rubek.

What resource do you mean?

Irene.

[Drawing out the knife.] This!

Professor Rubek.

[Tries to seize it.] Have you a knife?

Irene.

Always, always—both day and night—in bed as well!