[Walks about clenching and wringing her hands.] It is impossible. You want to cheat me into believing it. This can never, never be true! It cannot! Never in this world——!

Kroll.

[Rises.] My dear Miss West—why in heaven’s name are you so terribly excited? You quite frighten me! What am I to think—to believe——?

Rebecca.

Nothing! You are to think and believe nothing.

Kroll.

Then you must really tell me how you can take this affair—this possibility—so terribly to heart.

Rebecca.

[Controlling herself.] It is perfectly simple, Rector Kroll. I have no wish to be taken for an illegitimate child.

Kroll.