Rosmer (turning it off).  Isn’t that enough for one evening P

Reb. (almost voiceless).  No, dear.  I have a Past—­behind me!

Rosmer. Behind you?  How strange.  I had an idea of that sort already. (Starts, as if in fear.) A joke! (Sadly.) Ah, no—­no, I must not give way to that!  Never mind the Past, REBECCA; I once thought that I had made the grand discovery that, if one is only virtuous, one will be happy.  I see now it was too daring, too original—­an immature dream.  What bothers me is that I can’t—­somehow I can’t—­believe entirely in you—­I am not even sure that I have ennobled you so very much—­isn’t it terrible?

Reb. (wringing her hands).  Oh, this killing doubt! (Looks darkly at him.) Is there anything I can do to convince you?

Rosmer (as if impelled to speak against his will).  Yes, one thing—­only I’m afraid you wouldn’t see it in the same light.  And yet I must mention it.  It is like this.  I want to recover faith in my mission, in my power to ennoble human souls.  And, as a logical thinker, this I cannot do now, unless—­well, unless you jump into the mill-race, too, like BEATA!

Reb. (takes up her antimacassar, with composure, and puts it on her head).  Anything to oblige you.

Rosmer (springs up).  What?  You really will!  You are sure you don’t mind?  Then, REBECCA, I will go further.  I will even go—­yes—­as far as you go yourself!

Reb. (bows her head towards his breast).  You will see me off?  Thanks.  Now you are indeed an Ibsenite.

    [Smiles almost imperceptibly.

Rosmer (cautiously).  I said as far as you go.  I don’t commit myself further than that.  Shall we go?

Reb. First tell me this.  Are you going with me, or am I going with you?

Rosmer.  A subtle psychological point—­but we have not time to think it out here.  We will discuss it as we go along.  Come!

[ROSMER takes his hat and stick, REBECCA her reticule, with sandwiches.  They go out hand-in-hand through the door, which they leave open.  The room (as is not uncommon with rooms in Norway) is left empty.  Then Madam HELSETH enters through another door.

Madam H. The cab, Miss—­not here! (Looks out.) Out together—­at this time of night—­upon my—­not on the garden-seat? (Looks out of window.) My goodness! what is that white thing on the bridge—­the Horse at last! (Shrieks aloud.) And those two sinful creatures running home!

    Enter ROSMER and REBECCA, out of breath._