You might have known that I should.
Rebecca. It is many a long day since I thought about anything of
the kind.
Rosmer. Yes, of course. Naturally, you thought things could never
be otherwise between us than as they were.
Rebecca. Yes, that was what I thought.
Rosmer. So did I. But if anything were to happen to me now--
Rebecca. Oh, John, you will live longer than I shall.
Rosmer. I can dispose of my miserable existence as I please, you
know.
Rebecca. What do you mean? You surely are never thinking of--!
Rosmer. Do you think it would be so surprising? After the
pitiful, lamentable defeat I have suffered? I, who was to have
made it my life's work to lead my cause to victory--! And here I
am, a deserter before the fight has even really begun!
Rebecca. Take up the fight again, John! Only try--and you will
see that you will conquer. You will ennoble hundreds--thousands--of
souls. Only try!
Rosmer. I, Rebecca, who no longer believe even in my having a
mission in life?
Rebecca. But your mission has stood the test. You have at all
events ennobled one of your fellow-creatures for the rest of her
life--I mean myself.
Rosmer. Yes--if I dared believe you about that.
Rebecca (wringing her hands). But, John, do you know of nothing--
nothing--that would make you believe that?
Rosmer (starts, as if with fear). Don't venture on that subject!
No further, Rebecca! Not a single word more!
Rebecca.
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