Rosmer (taking up the paper again). "Make some allowance for
inexperience and want of judgment"--"a pernicious influence which,
very possibly, has extended even to matters which for the present
we will refrain from publicly discussing or condemning." (Looks
at her.) What does that mean?
Rebecca. That is a hit at me, obviously.
Rosmer (laying down the paper). Rebecca, this is the conduct of
dishonourable men.
Rebecca. Yes, it seems to me they have no right to talk about
Mortensgaard.
Rosmer (walking up and down the room). They must be saved from
this sort of thing. All the good that is in men is destroyed, if
it is allowed to go on. But it shall not be so! How happy--how
happy I should feel if I could succeed in bringing a little light
into all this murky ugliness.
Rebecca (getting up). I am sure of it. There is something great,
something splendid, for you to live for!
Rosmer. Just think of it--if I could wake them to a real knowledge
of themselves--bring them to be angry with and ashamed of
themselves--induce them to be at one with each other in
toleration, in love, Rebecca!
Rebecca. Yes! Give yourself up entirely to that task, and you
will see that you will succeed.
Rosmer. I think it might be done. What happiness it would be to
live one's life, then! No more hateful strife--only emulation;
every eye fixed on the same goal; every man's will, every man's
thoughts moving forward-upward--each in its own inevitable path
Happiness for all--and through the efforts of all! (Looks out of
the window as he speaks, then gives a start and says gloomily:)
Ah! not through me.
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