Kroll (looks from one to the other, gloomily).  H’m!

Rosmer.  Yes.  Since we last met, I have changed my views.  I am going to create a new democracy, and awaken it to its true task of making all the people of this country noblemen, by freeing their wills, and purifying their minds!

Kroll.  What do you mean? [Takes up his hat.

Rosmer (bowing his head).  I don’t quite know, my dear friend; it was REB—­I should say.  Miss WEST’s scheme.

Kroll.  H’m! (A suspicion appears in his face.) Now I begin to believe that what BEATA said about schemes—­no matter.  But, under the circumstances, I will not stay to supper.

    [Takes up his stick, and walks out.

Rosmer.  I told you he would be annoyed, I shall go to bed now.  I don’t want any supper. [He lights a candle, and goes out; presently his footsteps are heard overhead, as he undresses.  REBECCA pulls a bell-rope.

Reb. (to Madam HELSETH, who enters with dishes).  No, Mr. ROSMER will not have supper to-night. (In a lighter tone.) Perhaps he is afraid of the nightmare.  There are so many sorts of White Horses in this world!

Mad.  H. (shaking).  Lord! lord! that Miss WEST—­the things she does say! [REB. goes out through door, knitting antimacassar thoughtfully, as Curtain falls.

ACT II.

ROSMER’s study.  Doors and windows, bookshelves, a writing-table.  Door, with curtain, leading to ROSMER’s bedroom.  ROSMER discovered in a smoking-jacket cutting a pamphlet with a paper-knife.  There is a knock at the door.  ROSMER says, “Come in.”  REBECCA enters in a morning wrapper and curl-papers.  She sits on a chair close to ROSMER, and looks over his shoulder as he cuts the leaves.  Rector KROLL is shown up.

Kroll (lays his hat on the table and looks at REB. from head to foot).  I am really afraid that I am in the way.

Reb. (surprised).  Because I am in my morning wrapper and curl-papers?  You forget that I am emancipated, Rector KROLL.

    [She leaves them and listens behind curtain in ROSMER’s
    bedroom.

Rosmer.  Yes, Miss WEST and I have worked our way forward in faithful comradeship.

Kroll (shakes his head at him slowly).  So I perceive.  Miss WEST is naturally inclined to be forward.  But, I say, really you know—­ However, I came to tell you that poor BEATA was not so mad as she looked, though flowers did bewilder her so. (Taking off his gloves meaningly.) She jumped into the mill-race because she had an idea that you ought to marry Miss WEST!

Rosmer (jumps half up from his chair).  I?  Marry—­Miss WEST! my good gracious, KROLL!  I don’t understand, it is most incomprehensible. (Looks fixedly before him.) How can people—­ (looks at him for a moment, then rises.) Will you get out? (Still quiet and self-restrained.) But first tell me why you never mentioned this before?