Kroll (hanging up his hat in the hall). Many thanks. (Wipes his boots.) May I come in? (Comes in, puts down his stick, sits down, and looks about him.) And how do you and ROSMER get on together, eh?
Reb. Ever since your sister, BEATA, went mad and jumped into the mill-race, we have been as happy as two little birds together. (After a pause, sitting down in arm-chair.) So you don't really mind my living here all alone with ROSMER? We were afraid you might, perhaps.
Kroll. Why, how on earth—on the contrary, I shouldn't object at all if you—(looks at her meaningly)—h'm!
Reb. (interrupting, gravely). For shame, Rector; how can you make such jokes!
Kroll (as if surprised). Jokes? We do not joke in these parts—but here is ROSMER.
[Enter ROSMER, gently and softly.
Rosmer. So, my dear old friend, you have come again, after a year's absence. (Sits down.) We almost thought that—
Kroll (nods). So Miss WEST was saying—but you are quite mistaken. I merely thought I might remind you, if I came, of our poor BEATA's suicide, so I kept away. We Norwegians are not without our simple tact.
Rosmer. It was considerate—but unnecessary. REB—I mean, Miss WEST and I often allude to the incident, do we not?