Mr Punch's Pocket Ibsen – A Collection of Some of the Master's Best Known Dramas

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. [He lights a candle, and goes out; presently his footsteps are heard overhead, as he undresses. Rebecca pulls a bell-rope.

Rebecca

[To Madam Helseth, who enters with dishes.] No, Mr. Rosmer will not have supper to-night. [In a lighter tone.] Perhaps he is afraid of the nightmare. There are so many sorts of White Horses in this world!

Madam Helseth

[Shaking.] Lord! lord! that Miss West – the things she does say!

[Rebecca goes out through door, knitting antimacassar thoughtfully, as Curtain falls

ACT SECOND

Rosmer's study. Doors and windows, bookshelves, a writing-table. Door, with curtain, leading to Rosmer's bedroom. Rosmer discovered in a smoking jacket cutting a pamphlet with a paper-knife. There is a knock at the door. Rosmer says "Come in." Rebecca enters in a morning wrapper and curl-papers. She sits on a chair close to Rosmer, and looks over his shoulder as he cuts the leaves. Rector Kroll is shown up.

Kroll

[Lays his hat on the table and looks at Rebecca from head to foot.] I am really afraid that I am in the way.

Rebecca

[Surprised.] Because I am in my morning wrapper and curl-papers? You forget that I am emancipated, Rector Kroll.

[She leaves them and listens behind curtain in Rosmer's bedroom

Rosmer

Yes, Miss West and I have worked our way forward in faithful comradeship.

Kroll

[Shakes his head at him slowly.] So I perceive. Miss West is naturally inclined to be forward. But, I say, really you know – However, I came to tell you that poor Beata was not so mad as she looked, though flowers did bewilder her so. [Taking off his gloves meaningly.] She jumped into the mill-race because she had an idea that you ought to marry Miss West!

Rosmer

[Jumps half up from his chair.] I? Marry – Miss West! My good gracious, Kroll! I don't understand, it is most incomprehensible. [Looks fixedly before him.] How can people? – [Looks at him for a moment, then rises.] Will you get out? [Still quiet and self-restrained.] But first tell me why you never mentioned this before?

Kroll

Why? Because I thought you were both orthodox, which made all the difference. Now I know that you side with Laurits and Hilda, and mean to make the democracy into noblemen, and accordingly I intend to make it hot for you in my paper. Good morning!

[He slams the door with spite as Rebecca enters from bedroom

Rosmer

[As if surprised..] You – in my bedroom! You have been listening, dear? But you are so emancipated. Ah, well! so our pure and beautiful friendship has been misinterpreted, bespattered! Just because you wear a morning wrapper, and have lived here alone for a year, people with coarse souls and ignoble eyes make unpleasant remarks! But what really did drive Beata mad? Why did she jump into the mill-race? I'm sure we did everything we could to spare her! I made it the business of my life to keep her in ignorance of all our interests —didn't I, now?

Rebecca

You did. But why brood over it? What does it matter? Get on with your great beautiful task, dear – [approaching him cautiously from behind] – winning over minds and wills, and creating noblemen, you know —joyful noblemen!

Rosmer

[Walking about restlessly, as if in thought.] Yes, I know. I have never laughed in the whole course of my life – we Rosmers don't – and so I felt that spreading gladness and light, and making the democracy joyful, was properly my mission. But now– I feel too upset to go on, Rebecca, unless – [Shakes his head heavily.] Yes, an idea has just occurred to me – [Looks at her, and then runs his hands through his hair] – Oh, my goodness! No – I can't.

[He leans his elbows on table

Rebecca

Be a free man to the full, Rosmer – tell me your idea.

Rosmer

[Gloomily.] I don't know what you'll say to it. It's this: Our platonic comradeship was all very well while I was peaceful and happy. Now that I am bothered and badgered, I feel —why, I can't exactly explain, but I do feel that I must oppose a new and living reality to the gnawing memories of the past. I should perhaps, explain that this is equivalent to an Ibsenian proposal.

Rebecca

[Catches at the chair-back with joy.] How? at last– a rise at last! [Recollects herself.] But what am I about? Am I not an emancipated enigma? [Puts her hands over her ears as if in terror.] What are you saying? You mustn't. I can't think what you mean. Go away, do!

Rosmer

[Softly.] Be the new and living reality. It is the only way to put Beata out of the Saga. Shall we try it?

Rebecca

Never! Do not —do not ask me why – for I haven't a notion – but never! [Nods slowly to him and rises.] White Horses would not induce me! [With her hand on door-handle.] Now you know!

[She goes out

Rosmer

[Sits up, stares, thunderstruck, at the stove, and says to himself.] Well – I —am—

Quick Curtain

ACT THREE