Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/155

 Kroll.

Might not that be because they both had reasons for suppressing a year? Just as you have done, Miss West. Perhaps it is a family foible.

Rebecca.

[Walks about clenching and wringing her hands.] It is impossible. You want to cheat me into believing it. This can never, never be true! It cannot! Never in this world!

Kroll.

[Rises.] My dear Miss West—why in heaven's name are you so terribly excited? You quite frighten me! What am I to think—to believe?

Rebecca.

Nothing! You are to think and believe nothing.

Kroll.

Then you must really tell me how you can take this affair—this possibility—so terribly to heart.

Rebecca.

[Controlling herself.] It is perfectly simple, Rector Kroll. I have no wish to be taken for an illegitimate child.

Kroll.

Indeed! Well well, let us be satisfied with that explanation—in the meantime. But in that case you must still have a certain—prejudice on that point too?

Rebecca. Yes, I suppose I have.