the new turn your views have taken--because I suppose Miss West
looks at things from the same standpoint as you?

Rosmer. She does. We two have worked our way forward in complete
companionship.

Kroll (looking at him and shaking his head slowly). Oh, you
blind, deluded man!

Rosmer. I? What makes you say that?

Kroll. Because I dare not--I WILL not--think the worst. No, no, let
me finish what I want to say. Am I to believe that you really
prize my friendship, Rosmer? And my respect, too? Do you?

Rosmer. Surely I need not answer that question.

Kroll. Well, but there are other things that require answering--
that require full explanation on your part. Will you submit to it
if I hold a sort of inquiry--?

Rosmer. An inquiry?

Kroll. Yes, if I ask you questions about one or two things that
it may be painful for you to recall to mind. For instance, the
matter of your apostasy--well, your emancipation, if you choose to
call it so--is bound up with so much else for which, for your own
sake, you ought to account to me.

Rosmer. My dear fellow, ask me about anything you please. I have