was merely wild, empty fancy--until yesterday evening.

Rosmer. Then you do not think so any longer?

Kroll. Did not Beata see clearly enough, when she saw that you
were going to fall away from your childhood's faith?

Rosmer (staring in front of him). Yes, I cannot understand that.
It is the most incomprehensible thing in the world to me.

Kroll. Incomprehensible or not, the thing is true. And now I ask
you, Rosmer, how much truth is there in her other accusation?--the
last one, I mean.

Rosmer. Accusation? Was that an accusation, then?

Kroll. Perhaps you did not notice how it was worded. She said she
meant to stand out of the way. Why? Well?

Rosmer. In order that I might marry Rebecca, apparently.

Kroll. That was not quite how it was worded. Beata expressed
herself differently. She said "I have not much time left; for
John must marry Rebecca IMMEDIATELY now."

Rosmer (looks at him for a moment; then gets up). Now I
understand you, Kroll.

Kroll. And if you do? What answer have you to make?