Kroll. I wish I could believe it, my dear Rosmer. You are so
dreadfully susceptible to impressions from without.

Rosmer. Let us sit down. I want to have a talk with you.

Kroll. By all means. (They sit down on the couch.)

Rosmer (after a short pause). Don't you think everything here
looks very pleasant and comfortable?

Kroll. Yes, it looks very pleasant and comfortable now--and
peaceful. You have made yourself a real home, Rosmer. And I have
lost mine.

Rosmer. My dear fellow, do not say that. There may seem to be a
rift just now, but it will heal again.

Kroll. Never, never. The sting will always remain. Things can
never be as they were before.

Rosmer. I want to ask you something, Kroll. You and I have been
the closest of friends now for so many years--does it seem to you
conceivable that anything could destroy our friendship?

Kroll. I cannot imagine anything that could cause a breach
between us. What has put that into your head?

Rosmer. Well--your attaching such tremendous importance to
similarity of opinions and views.