Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/45

 think I would turn political agitator in my old age, eh?

Rebecca.

[Smiling.] Well, you have always been a bit of an agitator, Rector Kroll.

Kroll.

Why yes, just for my private amusement. But henceforth it is to be no laughing matter, I can tell you.—Do you ever see those radical newspapers?

Rebecca.

Well yes, my dear Rector, I can't deny that

Kroll.

My dear Miss West, I have nothing to say against it—nothing in your case.

Rebecca.

No, surely not. One likes to know what's going on—to keep up with the time

Kroll.

And of course I should not think of expecting you, as a woman, to side actively with either party in the civil contest—I might almost say the civil war—that is raging among us.—But you have seen then, I suppose, how these gentlemen of "the people" have been pleased to treat me? What infamous abuse they have had the audacity to heap on me?

Rebecca.

Yes; but it seems to me you gave as good as you got.

Kroll.

So I did, though I say it that shouldn't. For