Ever since your sister, Beata, went mad and jumped into the mill-race, we have been as happy as two little birds together. [_After a pause, sitting down in arm-chair._] So you don't really mind my living here all alone with Rosmer? We were afraid you might, perhaps. KROLL. Why, how on earth--on the contrary, I shouldn't object at all if you--[_looks at her meaningly_]--h'm! REBECCA. [_Interrupting, gravely._] For shame, Rector; how can you make such jokes? KROLL. [_As if surprised._] Jokes! We do not joke in these parts--but here is Rosmer. [_Enter_ ROSMER, _gently and softly._ ROSMER. So, my dear old friend, you have come again, after a year's absence. [_Sits down._] We almost thought that---- KROLL. [_Nods._] So Miss West was saying--but you are quite mistaken. I merely thought I might remind you, if I came, of our poor Beata's suicide, so I kept away. We Norwegians are not without our simple tact. ROSMER. It was considerate--but unnecessary. Reb--I _mean_, Miss West--and I often allude to the incident, do we not? REBECCA. [_Strikes Tändstickor._] Oh yes, indeed. [_Lighting lamp._] Whenever we feel a little more cheerful than usual. KROLL. You dear good people! [_Wanders up the room._] I came because the Spirit of Revolt has crept into my School. A Secret Society has existed for weeks in the Lower Third! To-day it has come to my knowledge that a booby trap was prepared for me by the hand of my own son, Laurits, and I then discovered that a hair had been inserted in my cane by my daughter Hilda! The only way in which a right-minded Schoolmaster can combat this anarchic and subversive spirit is to start a newspaper, and I thought that you, as a weak, credulous, inexperienced and impressionable kind of man, were the very person to be the Editor. [REBECCA _laughs softly, as if to herself._ ROSMER _jumps up and sits down again._ REBECCA. [_With a look at Rosmer._] Tell him now! ROSMER. [_Returning the look._] I can't--Some other evening. Well, perhaps---- [_To_ KROLL.] I can't be your Editor--because [_in a low voice_] I--I am on the side of Laurits and Hilda! KROLL. [_Looks from one to the other, gloomily._] H'm! ROSMER. Yes. Since we last met, I have changed my views. I am going to create a new democracy, and awaken it to its true task of making all the people of this country noblemen, by freeing their wills, and purifying their minds! KROLL. What _do_ you mean! [_Takes up his hat._ ROSMER. [_Bowing his head._] I don't quite know, my dear friend; it was Reb---- I should say Miss West's scheme. KROLL. H'm! [_A suspicion appears in his face._] Now I begin to believe that what Beata said about schemes----no matter. But under the circumstances, I will _not_ stay to supper. [_Takes up his stick, and walks out._ ROSMER. I _told_ you he would be annoyed. I shall go to bed now. I don't want any supper.