Brendel. You cannot imagine the luxury of enjoyment I have experienced! The mysterious rapture of creation!--in, general outlines, as I said. Applause, gratitude, eulogies, crowns of laurel!--all these I have culled with full hands trembling with joy. In my secret ecstasies I have steeped myself in a happiness so, intoxicating--Kroll. Ahem!
Rosmer. But you have never written anything of it down?
Brendel. Not a word. The thought of the dull clerk's work that it would mean has always moved me to a nauseating sense of disgust.
Besides, why should I profane my own ideals when I could enjoy them, in all their purity, by myself? But now they shall be sacrificed. Honestly, I feel as a mother must do when she entrusts her young daughter to the arms of a husband. But I am going to, sacrifice them nevertheless--sacrifice them on the altar of emancipation. A series of carefully thought-out lectures, to be delivered all over the country!
Rebecca (impetuously). That is splendid of you, Mr. Brendel! You are giving up the most precious thing you possess.
Rosmer. The only thing.
Rebecca (looking meaningly at ROSMER). I wonder how many there are who would do as much--who dare do it?
Rosmer (returning her look). Who knows?
Brendel. My audience is moved. That refreshes my heart and strengthens my will--and now I shall proceed upon my task forthwith. There is one other point, though. (To KROLL.) Can you inform me, sir, whether there is an Abstainers' Society in the town? A Total Abstainers' Society? I feel sure there must be.
Kroll. There is one, at your service. I am the president.
Brendel. I could tell that as soon as I saw you! Well, it is not at all impossible that I may come to you and become a member for a week.
Kroll. Excuse me--we do not accept weekly members.
Brendel. A la bonne heure, my good sir. Ulrik Brendel has never been in the habit of forcing himself upon societies of that kind.
(Turns to go But I must not prolong my stay in this house, rich as it is in memories. I must go into the town and find some suitable lodging. I shall find a decent hotel of some kind there, I hope?
Rebecca. Will you not have something hot to drink before you go?
Brendel. Of what nature, dear lady?
Rebecca. A cup of tea, or--
Brendel. A thousand thanks to the most generous of hostesses!--but I do not like trespassing on private hospitality. (Waves his hand.) Good-bye to you all! (Goes to the door, but turns back.)Oh, by the way--John--Mr. Rosmer--will you do your former tutor a service for old friendship's sake?
Rosmer. With the greatest of pleasure.
Brendel. Good. Well, then, lend me--just for a day or two--a starched shirt.
Rosmer. Nothing more than that!
Brendel. Because, you see, I am travelling on foot--on this occasion. My trunk is being sent after me.
Rosmer. Quite so. But, in that case, isn't there anything else?
Brendel. Well, I will tell you what--perhaps you have an old, worn-out summer coat that you could spare?
Rosmer. Certainly I have.
Brendel. And if there happened to be a pair of presentable shoes that would go with the coat Rosmer. I am sure we can manage that, too. As soon as you let us know your address, we will send the things to you.
Brendel. Please don't think of it! No one must be put to any inconvenience on my account! I will take the trifles with me.
Rosmer. Very well. Will you come upstairs with me, then?
Rebecca. Let me go. Mrs. Helseth and I will see about it.
Brendel. I could never think of allowing this charming lady--Rebecca. Nonsense! Come along, Mr. Brendel. (She goes out by the door on the right.)Rosmer (holding BRENDEL back). Tell me--is there no other way Ican be of service to you?
Brendel. I am sure I do not know of any. Yes, perdition seize it!--now that I come to think of it--John, do you happen to have seven or eight shillings on you?
Rosmer. I will see. (Opens his purse.) I have two half-sovereigns here.
Brendel. Oh, well, never mind. I may as well take them. I can always get change in town. Thanks, in the meantime. Remember that it was two half-sovereigns I had. Good-night, my own dear boy!
Good-night to you, sir! (Goes out by the door on the right, where ROSMER takes leave of him and shuts the door after him.)Kroll. Good heavens--and that is the Ulrik Brendel of whom people once thought that he would do great things!
Rosmer. At all events he has had the courage to live his life in his own way. I do not think that is such a small thing, after all.
Kroll. What? A life like his? I almost believe he would have the power, even now, to disturb all your ideas.
Rosmer. No, indeed. I have come to a clear understanding with myself now, upon all points.
Kroll. I wish I could believe it, my dear Rosmer. You are so dreadfully susceptible to impressions from without.
Rosmer. Let us sit down. I want to have a talk with you.
Kroll. By all means. (They sit down on the couch.)Rosmer (after a short pause). Don't you think everything here looks very pleasant and comfortable?
Kroll. Yes, it looks very pleasant and comfortable now--and peaceful. You have made yourself a real home, Rosmer. And I have lost mine.
Rosmer. My dear fellow, do not say that. There may seem to be a rift just now, but it will heal again.
Kroll. Never, never. The sting will always remain. Things can never be as they were before.
Rosmer. I want to ask you something, Kroll. You and I have been the closest of friends now for so many years--does it seem to you conceivable that anything could destroy our friendship?
Kroll. I cannot imagine anything that could cause a breach between us. What has put that into your head?
Rosmer. Well--your attaching such tremendous importance to similarity of opinions and views.
Kroll. Certainly I do; but then we two hold pretty similar opinions at all events on the most essential points.
Rosmer (gently). No. Not any longer.
Kroll (trying to jump up from his seat). What is this?
Rosmer (restraining him). No, you must sit still. Please, Kroll.
Kroll. What does it all mean? I do not understand you. Tell me, straight out!