Rebecca. The most important part of it all.
Rosmer. What do you mean?
Rebecca. Something that you have never suspected. Something that puts all the rest in its true light.
Rosmer (shaking his head). I do not understand, at all.
Rebecca. It is quite true that at one time I did play my cards so as to secure admission to Rosmersholm. My idea was that I should succeed in doing well for myself here—either in one way or in another, you understand.
Rosmer. Well, you succeeded in carrying your scheme through, too.
Rebecca. I believe I could have carried anything through—at that time. For then I still had the courage of a free will. I had no one else to consider, nothing to turn me from my path. But then began what has broken down my will and filled the whole of my life with dread and wretchedness.
Rosmer. What—began? Speak so that I can understand you.
Rebecca. There came over me—a wild, uncontrollable passion—Oh, John—!
Rosmer. Passion? You—! For what?