You spoke of—Ida a while ago—if I remember—
William.
Well—what then?
Robert.
Now it seems you’re speaking of yourself—H’m, plainly—if you are indifferent as to what becomes of the girl, if you have the desirable dose of—well call it recklessness—if you take her, as you would a new coat or hat or something—
William.
Robert!—Heartless through and through as you are—you’re right this time. I’m with you, out of this place—That is, I’ll go with you a little way, not far, and now, now I’ve done with all of you—Yes, yes, now I’m—don’t speak!—now I’ve really done—absolutely—(Robert looks at him astonished, and shrugs his shoulders. With increasing vehemence) Don’t, don’t trouble yourself—it’s no good! You can’t do it—you can’t take me in with your harmless quiet. You’re in the right, but what has put you in the right, what has made you so clear-sighted? Shall I tell you? Jealousy—miserable jealousy—nothing else—simply pitiful malice!—You know very well that I should fight honestly—try to be a little worthier of her. You know very well that with her purity, this girl has power to purify me!—But you don’t want that! You don’t want to see me cleansed!—Why not?—Because you—you yourself must always be what you have been—because it is me she loves, and never you! And so the whole evening you have shadowed me with your detective looks—for ever there to remind me you know me for what I am! Yes! You are right!—I am sin-stained through and through!—Nothing left of me is pure. Tainted, I have nothing in common with her innocence—and I am determined not to commit this crime. But you, Robert!—That makes you none the purer; give thanks that you no longer can feel shame!
[Robert during the last part of William’s speech has taken his things and gone towards the door. He stands, hand on the latch, as if going to speak. Thinks better of it, shrugs his shoulders resignedly, and goes out very quietly.
William (calling after him).