Kroll. Oh, it doesn't do to be importunate, you know.

Rebecca. If you only knew how we have missed you.

Kroll. And, besides, I have been away, you know.

Rebecca. Yes, for a fortnight or so. I suppose you have been
going the round of the public meetings?

Kroll (nods). Yes, what do you say to that? Would you ever have
thought I would become a political agitator in my old age--eh?

Rebecca (smilingly). You have always been a little bit of an
agitator, Mr. Kroll.

Kroll. Oh, yes; just for my own amusement. But for the future it
is going to be in real earnest. Do you ever read the Radical
newspapers?

Rebecca. Yes, I won't deny that!

Kroll. My dear Miss West, there is no objection to that--not as
far as you are concerned.

Rebecca. No, that is just what I think. I must follow the course
of events--keep up with what is happening.

Kroll. Well, under any circumstances, I should never expect you,
as a woman, to side actively with either party in the civic
dispute--indeed one might more properly call it the civil war--that