Now
you lean out over the railing ! You grow dizzy as you feel drawn
down towards the mill-race! No--you recoil. You dare not do--what
she dared.
Rebecca. But if I had the courage?--and willingly and gladly? What
then?
Rosmer. Then I would believe in you. Then I should get back my
faith in my mission in life--my faith in my power to ennoble my
fellow men--my faith in mankind's power to be ennobled.
Rebecca (takes up her shawl slowly, throws it over her head. and
says, controlling herself): You shall have your faith back.
Rosmer. Have you the courage and the strength of will for that,
Rebecca?
Rebecca. Of that you must judge in the morning--or later--when they
take up my body.
Rosmer (burying his head in his hands). There is a horrible
temptation in this--!
Rebecca. Because I should not like to be left lying there--any
longer than need be. You must take care that they find me.
Rosmer (springing up). But all this is madness, you know. Go
away, or stay! I will believe you on your bare word this time
too.
Rebecca. Those are mere words, John. No more cowardice or
evasion! How can you believe me on my bare word after today?
Rosmer. But I do not want to see your defeat, Rebecca.
Rebecca. There will be no defeat.
Rosmer. There will. You will never have the heart to go Beata's
way.
Rebecca. Do you believe that?
Rosmer. Never. You are not like Beata.
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