MIKKELSEN

It 's rather funny, I must say. For it has become
possible to prove that Spartacus was not at all a
son of the man whom he thought his father, and by
whose dead body he took his famous oath.
OLSEN {as if overcome)
What is that you say.''

MIKKELSEN

Don't you think there is something tragic about the
way in which he — moved by a wholly false suppo-
sition — went and wasted his powers and his life on
a hopeless cause?

OLSEN

Why did you tell me that? Just now, when I was
in such need of an exalted model. Just now, when
I was seeing the goal so clearly ahead of me.
MIKKELSEN

To me it seems quite exciting to imagine what might
have become of Spartacus — of a man with his ability
— if one of those who knew about it had told him
in time.
OLSEN

And he was the son of — whom?
MiKKELSEN (with emphasis)

He was the son of a very noble Roman. {Looks
searchingly at Olsen)

OLSEN

You are hiding something from me —
MIKKELSEN {shruggifig his shoulders)

I don't know more than what I have read.
ACT m] LYNGGAARD & CO. 195

OLSEN (squeezing his gloves as if he meant to crush
them) Good-bye, sir — and thank you for your
information ! (He goes out )

[MikJcelsen remains standing in the same spot in evi-
dent enjoyment of the effect produced hy his words.
LYNGGAARD (entering from his room)

So you are home at last — thank heaven ! I have
been looking for you.
