Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/103

 Madam Helseth. Isn't she? [Looks round the room.] Well, that's strange. [She goes.

Rosmer. You were saying?

Kroll. Listen to me. I am not going to inquire too closely into the secret history of what went on here in Beata's lifetime—and may still be going on. I know that your marriage was a most unhappy one; and I suppose that must be taken as some sort of excuse

Rosmer. Oh, how little you really know me!

Kroll. Don't interrupt me. What I mean is this: if your present mode of life with Miss West is to continue, it is absolutely necessary that the change of views—the unhappy backsliding—brought about by her evil influence, should be hushed up. Let me speak! Let me speak! I say, if the worst comes to the worst, in Heaven's name think and believe whatever you like about everything under the sun. But you must keep your views to yourself. These things are purely personal matters, after all. There is no need to proclaim them from the housetops.

Rosmer. I feel it an absolute necessity to get out o[*f] a false and equivocal position.

Kroll. But you have a duty towards the traditions of