Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/153

 there was something immoral—something criminal about my birth?

Kroll.

I attribute your care for him to involuntary filial instinct. Indeed I believe your whole conduct is determined by your origin.

Rebecca.

[Vehemently.] But there is not a single word of truth in what you say! And I can prove it! Dr. West did not come to Finmark till after I was born.

Kroll.

Excuse me, Miss West. He settled there the year before. I have assured myself of that.

Rebecca.

You are mistaken, I say! You are utterly mistaken.

Kroll.

You told me the day before yesterday that you were nine-and-twenty—in your thirtieth year.

Rebecca. Indeed! Did I say so?

Kroll. Yes, you did. And I can calculate from that

Rebecca.

Stop! You needn't calculate. I may as well tell you at once: I am a year older than I give myself out to be.