Rosmer.

But can you not guess what is in my mind? Do you not know? Don’t you see how I can best shake off all gnawing memories—all the unhappy past?

Rebecca.

How?

Rosmer.

By opposing to it a new, a living reality.

Rebecca.

[Feeling for the chair-back.] A living——What do you mean?

Rosmer.

[Comes nearer.] Rebecca—if I were to ask you—will you be my second wife?