Kroll. Ahem!

Rosmer. But you have never written anything of it down?

Brendel. Not a word. The thought of the dull clerk's work that it
would mean has always moved me to a nauseating sense of disgust.
Besides, why should I profane my own ideals when I could enjoy
them, in all their purity, by myself? But now they shall be
sacrificed. Honestly, I feel as a mother must do when she
entrusts her young daughter to the arms of a husband. But I am
going to, sacrifice them nevertheless--sacrifice them on the altar
of emancipation. A series of carefully thought-out lectures, to
be delivered all over the country!

Rebecca (impetuously). That is splendid of you, Mr. Brendel! You
are giving up the most precious thing you possess.

Rosmer. The only thing.

Rebecca (looking meaningly at ROSMER). I wonder how many there
are who would do as much--who dare do it?

Rosmer (returning her look). Who knows?

Brendel. My audience is moved. That refreshes my heart and
strengthens my will--and now I shall proceed upon my task
forthwith. There is one other point, though. (To KROLL.) Can you
inform me, sir, whether there is an Abstainers' Society in the
town? A Total Abstainers' Society? I feel sure there must be.