Rosmer. And what?

Kroll. And free love, since you force me to say it.

Rosmer (gently). And you are not ashamed to say that to me!--you,
who have known me ever since I was a boy.

Kroll. It is just for that reason. I know how easily you allow
yourself to be influenced by those you associate with. And as for
your Rebecca--well, your Miss West, then--to tell the truth, we
know very little about her. To cut the matter short, Rosmer--I am
not going to give you up. And you, on your part, ought to try and
save yourself in time.

Rosmer. Save myself? How--? (MRS. HELSETH looks in through the
door on the left.) What do you want?

Mrs. Helseth. I wanted to ask Miss West to come down, sir.

Rosmer. Miss West is not up here.

Mrs. Helseth. Indeed, sir? (Looks round the room.) That is very
strange. (Goes out.)

Rosmer. You were saying--?

Kroll. Listen to me. As to what may have gone on here in secret
while Beata was alive, and as to what may be still going on here,
I have no wish to inquire more closely. You were, of course,
extremely unhappy in your marriage--and to some extent that may be