Kroll. Perhaps you encouraged her in the idea? Answer! Did you not do so?
Rebecca. That was how she understood me, I believe.
Rosmer. Yes, yes—and she bowed to your will in everything. And so she gave place. (Springs up.) How could you—how could you go on with this terrible tragedy!
Rebecca. I thought there were two lives here to choose between, John.
Kroll (severely and with authority). You had no right to make any such choice.
Rebecca (impetuously). Surely you do not think I acted with cold and calculating composure! I am a different woman now, when I am telling you this, from what I was then. And I believe two different kinds of will can exist at the same time in one person. I wanted Beata away—in one way or the other; but I never thought it would happen, all the same. At every step I ventured and risked, I seemed to hear a voice in me crying: "No further! Not a step further!" And yet, at the same time, I COULD not stop. I HAD to venture a little bit further—just one step. And then another—and always another—and at last it happened. That is how such things go of themselves. (A short silence.)
Rosmer (to REBECCA). And how do you think it will go with YOU in the future?—after this?
Rebecca. Things must go with me as they can. It is of very little consequence.
Kroll. Not a word suggestive of remorse! Perhaps you feel none?
Rebecca (dismissing his remark coldly). Excuse me, Mr. Kroll, that is a matter that is no concern of any one else's. That is an account I must settle with myself.