I will tell you what, Miss West; as
far as I am concerned I should have nothing whatever to say
against it if you. But it doesn't do to say such things.
Rebecca. What things?
Kroll. Well, if it so happened that you were to step into the
empty place--
Rebecca. I have the place I want, already, Mr. Kroll.
Kroll. Yes, as far as material benefits go; but not--
Rebecca (interrupting him, in a serious voice). For shame, Mr.
Kroll! How can you sit there and jest about such things!
Kroll. Oh, well, I dare say our good John Rosmer thinks he has
had more than enough of married life. But, all the same--
Rebecca. Really, you almost make me feel inclined to laugh at
you.
Kroll. All the same--Tell me, Miss West, if I may be allowed the
question, how old are you?
Rebecca. I am ashamed to say I was twenty-nine on my last
birthday, Mr. Kroll. I am nearly thirty.
Kroll. Quite so. And Rosmer--how old is he? Let me see. He is five
years younger than me, so he must be just about forty-three. It
seems to me it would be very suitable.
Rebecca. No doubt, no doubt. It would be remarkably suitable--Will
you stop and have supper with us?
Kroll. Thank you. I had meant to pay you a good long visit,
because there is a matter I want to talk over with our excellent
friend--Well, then, Miss West, to prevent your taking foolish
ideas into your head again, I will come out here again from time
to time, as in the old days.
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