Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/90

 he may. [Goes to the door and calls down the stairs.] Come up, dear friend! I am delighted to see you.

[Rosmer stands holding the door open. Madam Helseth goes out. Rebecca draws the curtain before the doorway at the back, and then begins arranging things in the room.

Rector Kroll enters, with his hat in his hand.

Rosmer. [With quiet emotion.] I knew it couldn't be the last time

Kroll. I see things to-day in quite a different light from yesterday.

Rosmer. Ah yes, Kroll; I was sure you would, now that you have had time to reflect.

Kroll. You misunderstand me completely. [Lays his hat on the table beside the sofa.] It is of the utmost importance that I should speak to you, alone.

Rosmer. Why may not Miss West?

Rebecca. No no, Mr. Rosmer. I will go.

Kroll. [Looks at her from head to foot.] And I must ask Miss West to excuse my coming at such an