Paul. Three days, yes, very likely. To me, to be sure, they seemed like eternity. And strangely enough: terrible as the clash with father was, when he found out what intentions I had and that I did not want to remain with him and marry Antoinette and take over the estate some day. Believe me.
Aunt Clara, it was a relief in a sense, after all, when it had been said, and father had forbidden me the house and I sat in the carriage and drove away and was free for good. Yes for good! That is what I made myself believe at the time and I fairly breathed with relief and imbibed the crisp air! That must have been approximately this time of the year. Why, certainly! Just about. It was at Christmas.
Aunt Clara. Third holiday is when it was, Paul. I can still see you get into the carriage. It gave me such a shock. I thought I'd fall over.
Paul(caressing her). Good soul that you are! Yes you always took my part ... (Interrupting himself.) Third holiday, you say, it took place? (Striking his forehead.) Why that is today. Ten years ago today!
Aunt Clara. This very day!
Paul(goes back and forth excitedly). I say ... I say ... Ten years! Horrible!
Aunt Clara. And you see, my boy, all this time these candles have not been lighted! (She points to the chandelier.) Just as they were put out on Christmas Eve, they are in their places today.
Paul(gloomily). So that is why you lighted the chandelier, Auntie?
Aunt Clara. Yes, now that you are here again, it occurred to me that the candles ought to be lighted again.
Paul. I think we shall let that suffice. Broad daylight is already peering through the shutters. (He points to the background where broad daylight comes in through the heart-shaped apertures of the shutters, then slowly puts out the candles, one by one.) Now then, let us put them out!
Aunt Clara(goes to the background and unscrews the shutters, opens them, letting the daylight stream in, and puts out the lamp on the commode). Praise the Lord! After all it has become daylight once more.
Paul(has put out the candles and looks over at her). What do you mean by that. Aunt Clara?
Aunt Clara(having opened the shutters, comes forward again and whispers). I was forced to think so much, because it was the first night that your father has been dead and has been lying there in the corner room.
Paul(with suppressed feeling, after a short struggle). Will you not tell me how father died?
Aunt Clara. Oh, Paul what is there to tell about that? Didn't I telegraph to you? Heart failure, is what Doctor Bodenstein said. He went to bed at ten o'clock that night, as always; it was night before last, the first holiday.
Paul. Didn't he call at all? Did he not succeed in making himself heard at all?
Aunt Clara. Not a word! From that time on, no mortal heard another sound from him.
Paul(covers his face with his hands, then hesitatingly). Do you think he still thought of me?
Aunt Clara. The departed thought of you very often especially lately when thoughts of death were coming to him, I am certain of that.
Paul. And did he not want to see me once more?
Aunt Clara. He said nothing about that.
Paul. Nothing, Aunt Clara? Nothing? Think!
Aunt Clara. Hesaidnothing.
Paul(excited). But hethoughtit. And did not have time to do it! Now he is taking it down into his grave with him.
[Pause.]
Aunt Clara. I was going to ask you, Paul ...?
Paul. Well? (He stands before her at the fireplace.)
Aunt Clara. What kind of a man can that be who came with you?
Paul. Glyszinski?
Aunt Clara. Why yes, the one I took up stairs, the young man?
Paul. Heavens, he is a friend of ours. Particularly of Hella.
Aunt Clara. Of your wife? Why, Paul!
Paul(smiling). Oh, Auntie! There is no danger in him. You need not have any scruples about that. Hella indeed crams her head with thoughts quite distinct from love. She never did suffer from that.
Aunt Clara. But to think that he just came along? Did you invite him?
Paul(shrugging his shoulders). Well, what is a man to do? He lives with us.
Aunt Clara(more and more astonished). He lives with you?
Paul. We keep house together, yes. And so he wanted to come with us, and Hella was also of the opinion that we could not exactly desert him. He is likely to do some fool thing. You know he is always doing fool things ... Itwasn'tvery agreeable to me, I must confess. But itwouldnot do to leave him at home. When Hella takes a thing like that into her head ...
Aunt Clara. Don't be offended, Paul, I can't get that through my head ... Aren't you the master of your house?
Paul(smiling). Master of my house?... No, Auntie, Hella would never put up with that and on that point I am forced to agree with her.
Aunt Clara. The things that one does get to hear in one's old age! I'm too dense for that.
Paul. Well you see. Aunt Clara, these are views that are not exactly understood in the country. One has to work up to that gradually.
Aunt Clara. Are you really happy with them, Paul?
Paul. Why I have fought almost fifteen years for these views! Surely a man will not do a thing like that without serious consideration.
Aunt Clara. So you held those very views at the time when you had your quarrel with your father, who is now dead and gone?
Paul. That's the very reason I went away, Auntie. Do you understand now why it was impossible for me to remain?
Aunt Clara. (after a short silence, significantly). And do you sometimes still think of Antonie, Paul?
Paul(meditating). Antoinette?... Oh yes, sometimes.
Aunt Clara. Now do be frank, Paul! Has the thought never come to you that you would really like to have Antonie?
Paul(absent-minded). Who? I have her?
Aunt Clara. Why Paul?Youhaveherandshehaveyou! Didn't you really care for each other a bit?
Max_Halbe
Paul(as before, supporting his head on his hand). Do you think so? That is so long ago? Possibly. What do I know about it? (He sits up.)
Aunt Clara. We were always in the habit of saying they'll make a fine couple when they are big, you and Antonie.
Paul(almost painfully). You see, Auntie, what mistakes one can make. Nothing can be determined beforehand. But I almost think you are right. I liked her quite well, once upon a time. Something like that begins to dawn on me. A big, stupid, love-sick lubber. That'sme. Andshe... What wasshe? (With the suggestion of a smile.) A remarkably beautiful, sweet young thing with ashy-blond braids. Yes, yes, something like that dawns upon me. She did have splendid ashy-blond hair and dark eyes. (He leans his head on his hand.)
Aunt Clara. How well you still remember that.
Paul(collects himself again). Yes, strange, as it comes to me now. But at that time, you know, when I came back as a student, the aforesaid Christmas, it was all gone, as if obliterated, not a trace of it left. Then my head was filled with things of quite another nature. My home had become strange to me, that is it, Auntie. Hella was in my mind. For that reason nothing could come of it, the match between Antoinette and me. (Glyszinskienters from the right, followed byLene. )
Lene(remaining at the door). Shall I bring the coffee. Miss Clara?
Aunt Clara(has also stepped to the door). Yes, and don't forget the pound-cake!... But no, wait, I'll get it myself. Just a moment, Paul! (She motions to him and goes out at the right withLene. )
Glyszinski(has stepped to the center of the room. He is faultlessly clad in a black suit, spick and span from top to toe). Here I am! (He looks about.)
Paul(approachesGlyszinski). Yes, here you are!... You have spent much time on your toilet.
Glyszinski. Why, not more than usual.
Paul. To be sure! That's correct. (Looking at him with a bitter senile.) Well itdidpay for the trouble. You are fit for a ball.
Glyszinski(looks around again). Where is your wife?
Paul. Also busy with her toilet. But will surely be here directly. It doesn't take her half as long as it does you. Meanwhile, sit down! (He invites him to sit down on a chair by the sofa.)
Glyszinski(sits down on the chair at the right of the sofa, keeping his eye on the door at the left.) Ah, here comes madam! (He gets up to meetHella, who is just entering the door on the left, clad in a pleated blouse and a plain skirt.) May I conduct you to the table, madam? (He offers her his arm.)
Hella(places her arm on his and looks over at the table). Why, is it time?
Glyszinski(leadsHellato the sofa). Please, here in the place of honor.
Hella. Is it absolutely required that I should occupy the sofa? Will you not sit here, Paul? (She stands at the sofa hesitating.)
Glyszinski(with the tips of his fingers placed together). Please, please, madam. You are to preside!
Paul(walks through the hall with his hands on his back and speaks over his shoulder). Don't be embarrassed!
Hella. I am not particularly in love with this old uncomfortable furniture. I distinctly prefer a pretty modern fauteuil. (She sits down).
Lene(comes in at the right with the coffee service, places the tray containing the coffee-pot, cream-pitcher and cake on the table between the cups. AddressesHella). Miss Clara will bring the pound-cake directly. Shall I fill the cups?
Hella. You may go. We shall attend to that.
[Lenecasts a curious glance at the two, then atPaul, and goes out at the right.]
Hella(in an undertone toGlyszinski). Seems to be a regular country hussy. Did you notice the stupid expression?
Glyszinski(quoting with dignity). Upon her brow the Lord did nail a brazen slab!
Hella(toPaul, who is still walking about). Paul, can't you stop that everlasting marching?
Paul. I find it agreeable after the night's travel. Have you any objections?
Hella. Yes, it makes me nervous, especially here in this awful hall, where every step reverberates ten times over, because you do not even have the proper carpets. Isn't there another room, where one can sit with some comfort. (See pours out her coffee.)
Paul(with restrained asperity). No, not at present!
Hella. Then at least do me the favor to sit down, your coffee is getting cold, anyhow. (She pours outPaul'scoffee.)
Paul(approaching). Very well! I shall sit down then.
Glyszinski(raising his cup). And I, madam? Am I to have none?
Hella(decisively). Have you forgotten our household regulations, dear sir?
Glyszinski(grumbling). But he got some, didn't he?
Hella. I have allowed an exception in Paul's case today. Just take the pot and help yourself.
Glyszinski(shaking his head). Too bad! Too bad! (He pours out his coffee.)
Aunt Clara(has entered from the right carrying a platter with a large pound-cake). Children, here comes the pound-cake! Fresh from the oven. It's fairly steaming still. (She cuts the cake.) You surely haven't taken your coffee already?
Hella(very courteously). You are really going to too much trouble, dear Miss Clara.
Aunt Clara. Trouble, well, well. But now do help yourself! (She puts a large piece of cake on each plate.)
Paul, (smiling). Do you know, Hella, I do almost feel as I did as a schoolboy, when I came home for the Christmas vacation. In those days we would also sit in the hall and over there the fire would burn and the pound-cake would stand on the table exactly as today. Only that my mother had done the baking.
Aunt Clara(in the chair opposite the fireplace). Now you must imagine:Iam your mother, Paul. (She has also poured out her coffee and begins to drink it.) How do you like it?
Paul. Just as much as in the old days. It seems to me as if it were today.
Aunt Clara. Then eat away, my boy!
Hella. You have really had very good luck with this pound-cake, my dear Miss Clara. Accept my compliments.
Glyszinski(consumes his piece with great satisfaction). Delicious! A work of art!
Paul. You may well feel set up about that, Auntie. Glyszinski knows all about cake.
Glyszinski. Yes in such matters we Poles are connoisseurs.
Hella. Their whole nourishment is made up of desserts.
Glyszinski. I consider sweets a thousand times more elegant than that brutal alcohol, which deadens all finer instincts.
Aunt Clara. I suppose the gentleman was also born in this region.
Glyszinski. Yes, mademoiselle, I am a Pole.
Paul. A Pole, and attended the gymnasium in Berlin!
Glyszinski. Unfortunately I got away too early. Nevertheless I shall remain what I always was.
Aunt Clara. Do you remember Laskowski, Paul?
Paul. From Klonowken?
Aunt Clara. Yes, quite nearby! He owns the neighboring estate.
Paul. Why, of course! He is even a relative in a sense. What makes you think of him. Aunt Clara?
Aunt Clara. It just occurred to me, simply because he is also a Polander and gets along with his German so well.
Paul. Why, I even attended school with him for a while. Hewasa fox if there ever was one.
Aunt Clara(in a searching manner). Aren't you glad, Paul, that your father held on to Ellernhof for you?
Paul. How so? Why?
Aunt Clara. He might have sold the estate to Laskowski or some one else.
Hella(who has been leaning back and playing the part of the silent but attentive listener, takes a hand). I cannot see in what sense that would have been a misfortune.
Paul. If Ellernhof had gone over into the hands of strangers? You are simply judging from your point of view. Then I should never have seen my childhood home again.
Hella(forcibly). But what are we to do with it. We have it on our hands and can't help but be glad to get rid of it at any price.
Aunt Clara(with growing uneasiness, toPaul). What is your wife saying? You intend to go away, intend to sell?
Hella. Why, certainly! As soon as possible! What else is there for us to do?
Aunt Clara. You intend to sell the estate that has been in the family over two hundred years?
Hella. That can be of no possible advantage to us. Do you expect us to settle down here? Do you suppose I have the least inclination to degenerate out here in the country?
Aunt Clara. And you, Paul, what have you to say to that?
Hella. Paul fully agrees with me.
Paul(gets up, distressed). Don't torment me with that now, good people, I beg of you. I am really not in the proper mood. There is certainly no hurry about that matter.
Aunt Clara. Don't you realize that you will commit a sin, if you sell the fine estate that your father maintained for you?
Hella. Oh sin! Sin! Do you not, from your point of view, consider the manner in which Paul's father behaved toward us a sin? I am unable to see any difference. There was no compunction about locking the door upon us. I was treated as a nondescript, bringing disgrace to the family! As if my family could not match up with the Warkentins any day! After all, I am the daughter of a university professor, my dear Miss Clara. You possibly fail to appreciate that a bit. Therefore I repeat to you, Paul hasn't the slightest reason to be ashamed of me! And he hasn't been. But Paul's fatherwas. He forced us to earn our daily bread! And now that we have been successful, now that we have won a place for ourselves, now they begin to think of us, simply because they need us. Now they are becoming sentimental. No, dearest! You did not concern yourselves about us! Now we shall not concern ourselves about you! Now we shall simply pay it all back! That's the sin that you were talking about. Ellernhof has no claims upon us, (She breathes deeply and leans back on the sofa.)
Glyszinski(has hung upon her lips, enthusiastically). Madam, your hand! (He extends his hand.)
Hella(curtly). Oh do let us dispense with that for the present, doctor!
Paul(has been listening from the fireplace and now approaches). That is quite correct, Hella, but there is one thing that you must not forget. I really did provoke my father at the time. I was young and inexperienced. I felt compelled to tell him at the outset, even before I went to the university, that I did not believe that I should be able to endure life in the country later on.
Hella. And the fact that he expected you to marry any woman that suitedhim; you don't seem to think of that at all.
Paul. Yes, yes, you are right ...
Aunt Clara. Tell me, Paul?
Paul. Yes, Auntie.
Aunt Clara. What in the world have you to do in Berlin that prevents you from staying here?
Paul. Oh, Aunt Clara, that is a difficult matter! I publish a journal.
Aunt Clara. A journal? Hm!
Hella. We publish a feminist journal which we ourselves have founded and simply cannot desert.
Aunt Clara(naïvely). Well is that so very necessary, Paul?
Hella.Isit necessary?
Paul(dubiously). Oh Hella! (Shrugs his shoulders.)
Hella. Yes it is necessary. Ifyouare able to forget it,Iamnot!
Paul. I shall not quarrel now, the hour does not seem fitting to me. I want to go in. (He makes a significant gesture to the right.) Would you care to go with me?
Hella. You want to see him?
Paul. Yes, I want to see him.
Hella(gets up and steps up toPaul). Excuse me, Paul! I am really not in the frame of mind.
Paul. As you think best.
Hella. You know very well that I spare myself the sight of the dead, whenever I can. I did not even seemyfather.
Aunt Clara(has risen). I'll go with you, my boy, brace up!
Paul(nods to her, choking down his words). I'm all right. (The two slowly go out at the right.) [Short silence.]
Hella(stands at the chair, clenches her fist, stamps her foot, in a burst of passion). I cannot look at the man who has forbidden me his house! Never!
Glyszinski(has also risen, steps up toHella). How I admired you, madam!
Hella(still struggling). I cannot bring myself tothat!
Glyszinski(sentimentally). How you sat there! How you spoke! Every word a blow! No evasion! No retreat! Mind triumphing over matter! The first time I ever had this impression of you, Hella, do you recall, the large meeting when you stood on the stage and your eye controlled thousands? Then and there my soul rushed out to you! Now you possess it.
Hella(stands erect, resolutely and deliberately). If I really possess your soul, dear doctor, listen to my request.
Glyszinski. I am your slave, command me!
Hella. It concerns Paul. You see how matters stand with him.
Glyszinski(gloomily). Paul is not a modern man. I knew that long ago.
Hella. Let us avoid all digressions now! (With unflinching emphasis.) Paulmust...not...remain here! Do you understand?
Glyszinski. What can I do in the matter?
Hella(taps her finger on his chest). You must help me get him away from here as soon as possible!
Glyszinski. And you would askmeto dothat?
Hella. Why shouldn't I?
Glyszinski. Expect me to help reestablish the bond between you? Don't be inhuman, Hella!
Hella. But you surely realize the relations that obtain between you and me, doctor. You are my co-worker, my friend!
Glyszinski. Is that all, Hella?
Hella. Why, do you demand more? Beyond friendship I can give you nothing! No, it will be better for you to help me plan how we can get him away most readily. Rather today than tomorrow.
Glyszinski. Even if I were willing; why he pays no attention to me. Sometimes he strikes the pose of the man of thirty and treats me like a schoolboy. If it were not for you, Hella!
Hella(goes back and forth in intense excitement). I see it coming! I see it coming! Irresistible! I have been watching it for a year. Something is working on him. The old spirits have been revived in him. They are restless to assert themselves. That calls for prompt action. He must not remain here. He must absolutely not remain in this atmosphere, which unsettles the mind, this funereal atmosphere. Oh! I can't stand it! Come on, doctor, I must have some fresh air! Get my things!
Glyszinski. I am on the wing! (About to start in some direction or other.)
Hella(restrains him). But no, wait a moment! We can go right through our rooms. A door leads to the garden from there. (She listens.) Isn't that Paul, now? Do you hear?
Glyszinski. It seems to be.
Hella(hurriedly). Quickly! I do not care to see him now! I don't want to hear about the dead man. I can't endure it. Do hurry! (She draws him along out toward the left.)
[PaulandAunt Claracome in again from the right.Paulwalks slowly through the hall with his head bowed. For a moment he remains standing before the chair near the sofa, then suddenly sits down and presses his face into his hands.Aunt Clarahas slowly followed him, stands before him, and looks at him lovingly and sadly. Brief silence.]
Aunt Clara(puts her hand on his head). Compose yourself, Paul! What's the good of it! Your father is past all trouble.
Paul(without raising his head). Yes, he's beyond it all.
Aunt Clara. All of us may be glad when we are that far along.
Paul(between his teeth). When we are that far along, yes, yes, Aunt Clara! When we are all through with it, this incomprehensible, senseless force! (He leans back in the chair and folds his hands over his head.)
Aunt Clara. Your dead father enjoys the best lot after all. It's not at all an occasion for weeping, Paul.
Paul(nods his head mechanically). You caught the meaning, Auntie.
Aunt Clara. I am old, my boy. I know what is back of life. Nothing.
Paul. You have caught the meaning.
Aunt Clara. When you are as far along as I am, you will think so too.
Paul(throws his head back on his chair, yielding to his pain). I am tired, Aunt Clara! Tired enough to die!
Aunt Clara. That is due to the journey, Paul.
Paul(repeats mechanically). That is due to the journey. (Waking up.) You are right, Aunt Clara. To the long journey and the long, long way.
Aunt Clara. Now you will take a rest, my boy.
Paul. That's what I should like to do, Aunt Clara. Take a real rest after all of the wild years! And they do say the best rest is to be found at home.
Aunt Clara. Do you see how good it is for you to be at home again.
Paul(absorbed). How calmly he lay there. How great and serene! Not the vestige of a doubt left! Everything overcome. All the questions solved!... (Lamenting.) Father, father, if I were only in your place! (He presses his head in his hands.)
Aunt Clara(worried). Paul, what's the matter!
Paul. Nothing, Aunt Clara, it's over now.
Aunt Clara. No, no, my boy, there's something wrong with you. You needn't tell me. I know well enough.
Paul(controlling himself). You know nothing at all.
Aunt Clara. And you can't talk me out of it. It's your wife. What I know, I know. Your wife is to blame! And if youdosay no ten times over!
Paul(gets up, with a firm voice). I repeat, Aunt Clara, you know nothing about it! I do not want to hear one word about that, please remember. (With marked emphasis.) I do not want to hear of it! (Walks up and down in excitement.)
Aunt Clara. Paul, Paul, if you had only taken Antonie!
Paul(sits down in the chair at the fireplace, restraining his pain). Be quiet, Aunt Clara!... Do you want to make me even more miserable than I am?
Aunt Clara(gets up, steps up to him and lays her hand on his head). My poor, poor boy!
The forenoon of the following day. The gloomy light of a winter day comes in through the wide windows at the background of the hall, as on the day before. Outside, white bushes and trees loom up vaguely. A dark velvet cover is spread over the sofa table now. A fire again biases in the fireplace.
In front of it on the left sitsGlyszinskiwith his feet toward the fire and a book in his hand. He is again faultlessly clad in a black suit; looks pale. At his right, in the center chairHellareposes comfortably. She likewise holds a book and looks as if she had been reading. As on the previous day, her dress is dark, but not black.
Hella. These awful visits of condolence all day yesterday! If calls of that kind continue today, I'll simply lock myself in and fail to appear. Let Paul settle it as he may.
Glyszinski. And yet! How easily and graciously you can dispose of the good people. I can't get over my astonishment.
Hella. Yes and then to feign a sadness that one does not remotely feel, cannot feel! What an idea!
Glyszinski(after a moment of reflection, whispering). Do you know what makes me glad?
Hella(curtly). No, possibly you will tell me.
Glyszinski(halts a bit). That the dead man is out of the house!... I suppose they took him to the church?
Hella. Yes, quite early this morning. The coffin is to be there till tomorrow. I suppose you were afraid?
Glyszinski, Why you know that I sometimes see things.
Hella. You modern creature, you! Look at me! Itryto seethingsby daylight. I can battle withthem! Not with the other kind.
Glyszinski. Oh you don't realize how I have envied you for that.
Hella. Why don't you follow my example then? Do not lose yourself deeper and deeper in your riddles. Enter the conflict! Just as I do!
Glyszinski. You, Hella ...! I cannot vie with you.
Hella. Don't be a weakling! Try it! You are old enough.
Glyszinski(grumbling).Tooold.
Hella(more and more impassioned). Too old! Ridiculous. When Paul was of your age he was already in the fray, founding ourWomen's Rights. And I, I helped him.
Glyszinski. You must have been of firmer fiber than we of the younger generation.
Hella(gets up, stands up straight, folds her hands over her head). Possibly! I was scarcely twenty at the time, but I felt strong enough to throw down the gauntlet to the whole world, when it was a question of my rights. I had an uncontrollable thirst for freedom, and it is not too much to assert that I gave Paul the incentive for all that followed.
Glyszinski. That's just like you, Hella! I suppose he would simply have remained in his old trot if it had not been for you.
Hella(supporting herself on the chair). I should not go that far. He had already freed himself, but did not know in what direction to move. He was still groping. He might have followed an utterly wrong course, might have fooled away his time with literature and impractical things like that. His rescue from all that was my work. I guided him! You know he was a pupil of my father. When we became acquainted, I had no difficulty in showering things upon him. You see I had spent my whole childhood in this intellectual atmosphere. And he ... well, you can see from where he had come. (She sweeps her hand around.) That is just why I was ahead of him.
Glyszinski(lamenting). Why was I not born ten years earlier? Then I should have found what he now has and fails to value!
Hella(walks through the hall slowly, engrossed in memories). Yes it was a joyous time! All of us young, vigorous and certain of victory! (Her manner becomes gloomy.)
Glyszinski(has followed her with his eyes). Are you so no longer, Hella?
Hella(morosely). I?... (Collects herself.) More than ever ... But I have become tired, Doctor!
Glyszinski(subdued). I do suppose it requires more than mortal strength to hold out, in this fashion, a whole life long.
Hella(straightening up). Yes, if one did not know that he is going to prevail, that he will carry out his demands; one can rest assured only when he has the better arguments in his favor. Not until then. (She steps to the background in great excitement.)
Glyszinski(jumps up). Hella! Hella!...
Hella(comes back again). Not an hour before that, I tell you. Do you understand the terrible aspect of my present position now? My nails fairly tingle. Whenever I hear the clock strike out there, something seems to drive me away. Another hour gone, and life is so short. It cries within me, go to your post, and I am forced to remain! I must remain on account of Paul!
Glyszinski(strikes his fist on the chair). Oh he doesn't deserve to have you sacrifice yourself for him! If you called me in this manner ... I should follow you to the scaffold!
Hella(approaches him, in a changed manner). What was your impression of Paul today, Doctor? Be frank!
Glyszinski(gloomily). Why do you askmeabout that? I scarcely caught sight of him before he rode away.
Hella. It seemed to me that he was more cheerful, freer. (To herself.) Possibly because the body was out of the house. (She turns away again.)
[Glyszinskisteps to the background, shaking his head, seems in a quandary.]
Hella(has paid no attention to him, since her thoughts completely dominate her, speaks as if to herself). May be all will turn out for the best after all. (She gains control of herself and looks up.) Where in the world are you, Doctor? (She approaches him.)
Glyszinski(stands at the window and looks into the garden). I am watching the snow.
Hella. I suppose you are surprised that I am hopeful again?
Glyszinski. Since I have been in your company nothing surprises me!
Hella(continues). But Paul must listen to reason. My position is clearly correct. You do not know him as I do. Paul is tender-hearted; all that is necessary is to know how to deal with him. (She reflects a moment and concludes.) Possibly I did not always know how to do that.
Glyszinski(deprecatingly). Don't belittle yourself, Hella!
Hella. And there shall be a change. But first of all he must get away from here. Of course we shall have to wait till after the funeral. But then I shall not allow myself to be kept here any longer. I'll get in and ride away and Paul will be forced to come along. When I once have him in Berlin again ...
Glyszinski. And the estate?
Hella. I'll simply sell that.
Glyszinski(rushes up to her with flaming eyes). Hella!
Hella(coldly). Well?
Glyszinski. Are you going to leave Paul?
Hella. How so? What is the matter with you?
Glyszinski(seizes her hand). Can't you leave Paul! My life is at stake.
Hella. Dear friend, don't stake your life so foolishly! And release my hand. I do not want to leave Paul! I haven't the slightest reason to do so. We agree very well.
Glyszinski(drops his head). Then I was mistaken, after all.
Hella. Yes, it seems so to me also. You simply do not know what Paul has been to me. [Pause.] I want to go to work, I still have much to do. The editorial work is crowding. (Takes several steps.)
Paul(enters from the right, clad in a riding suit and riding boots, shakes of the snow and waves his hat vigorously as he speaks). Good morning, you stay-at-homes! Just see how I look.
Hella(has turned around at his approach and looks at him). You are bringing winter in with you, Paul.
Paul(with dash). That's what I'm doing. I'm bringing winter in with me. Regular country winter, with ice and snow, such as the city knows only by hearsay. Don't you envy me?
Hella(surprised). How so? For what?
Paul. For what, she asks! Why for all the snow in which I have been stamping about! For this honest winter mood, that I have not had for so many years!
Hella. Where in the world have you been!
Paul(sits down, facing the fire, and crosses his legs). Far, far away, I can tell you.
[Glyszinskihas risen from his chair and has slowly walked over toward the left, where he sits down on the sofa and pretends to become interested in a book.]
Hella. One can tell that. You are in a beautiful condition.
Paul(stares into the fire, spinning away at his thoughts). I rode a great, great distance!... To the border of our possessions!
Hella. Is that so very far?
Paul. Very far!... At least it seemed so to me when I was a child.
Hella. Yes, of course, to a child everything seems larger.
Paul. But this time it was no delusion! It was really quite a distance. And I did remain away long enough too.
Hella(sarcastically). Are you not boasting, Paul? I believe you were riding around in a circle.
Paul(waking up). And so I did. Criss cross over the fields, taking ditches, helter skelter as it were, right through the dense snow.
Hella(as before).Canyou really ride, Paul?
Paul. I? Well, I should say! I supposed I had forgotten how, during all of these empty years, but when I had mounted, for a moment I was unsteady, but only for a moment, then I felt my old power. The bay realized that I still know how, and off we were like destruction itself.
Glyszinski(from the sofa). I should like to try it myself sometime.
Paul(without heeding him). And curiously enough Hella, strange as the way had naturally become to me, I nevertheless got along easily. After all, one does not forget the things with which one has once been familiar, and, you see, my father took me with him often enough in my boyhood. (Smiling.) Possibly in order that, some day in the future, I might get my bearings in the old fields! At last I got into the forest and when I was out of that, I saw the houses of Klonowken, all covered with snow ...
Hella(has listened very attentively, interrupts). Klonowken, you say! Isn't that the estate where—what is his name?—your relative lives?
Paul.Laskowski, you mean?
Hella. Quite right,Laskowski... But you did not call on him, did you?
Paul. No, then I came back.
Hella. The ride has certainly agreed with you. Your color is much better than yesterday.
Paul(joyously).Isit?... Well that is just the way I feel.
Hella. Then you can see more clearly today, what you wish to do and what is necessary?
Paul. Much more clearly, Hella! As I trotted along in the snowstorm, many things dawned upon me. My head has became clear, Hella.
Hella. I am glad for you and both of us!
Paul(seizes her hand). Yes, for both of us. We must come to an agreement, Hella!
Hella(cautiously). I hope we are agreed. And, moreover, you know how we can remain so!
Paul(thoughtful again). Well, as I rode along, strange! So many years of desk work, I thought to myself, and nothing but desk work. My bones have almost become stiff as a result and, after all, what has come of it? Little enough! You surely must admit that.
Hella(seriously). I cannotadmit that, Paul.
Paul. But we do live in a continual turmoil, Hella, in an everlasting struggle the outcome of which we can not foresee andfromwhich we shall reap no rewards. We are working for strangers, are sacrificing our best years and have forgotten to consider ourselves. Do you suppose they will thank us some day when we are down and out? Not a soul!
Hella. Nor do I demand gratitude and recognition. I do what I have recognized to be correct; that constitutes my happiness.
Paul. But not mine. I want more, Hella! I am at an age when fine words no longer avail me. And see, here is a world in which I have what I need, what I am seeking, here at last I can follow myself up, can see what is really in me and not what has merely been imposed upon me. I am on the crest of my life, Hella. Possibly past it. Do not take it amiss! I need rest, composure ...
Hella(reserved). And for that you are going to the end of the world?
Paul. I had got to the end of the world! Now I shall begin all over again. Would the attempt not be worth while? Tell me, comrade! (He seizes both ofHella'shands and looks squarely into her eyes.)
Hella(reserved). I can't answer you now, Paul.
Paul(visibly relieved). Very well! If you can not at present ... There is plenty of time.
Hella. Isn't there? You will give me time. I should like to put it off only a few days longer.
Paul(joyously). Why as long as you please. Till then I shall be assured of you and meanwhile you will get acclimated?
Hella. Only a few days, Paul. Possibly I can make a definite proposition to you by that time.
Paul(shakes her hands again, happy). Hella, my clever, unusual Hella! (He puts his arms around her waist, about to kiss her.)
Hella(with quick resistance). What are you doing, Paul! Don't you see how wet you are?
Paul. Snow-water! Clear snow-water. What harm will that do! Give me a kiss, Hella!
Hella(reluctantly). Youdohave notions at times!... So here is your kiss! (Extends her cheek to him.)
Paul(embraces her.) Oh, no! Today I must have something unusual! (He tries to kiss her mouth.)
Hella(warding him off). Do stop that, Paul! I beg you urgently!
Paul(looks into her eyes). But why not, Hella! Just for today ...! (His voice is soft and pleading.)
Hella(with her face toward the sofa). Why Glyszinski is sitting there.
Paul(impatiently). What is Glyszinski to me? It'ssurelyall right for a husband and wife to kiss each other.
Hella. But not before strangers! I can't bear that, Paul!
Paul(bitterly). Calm down! It never happens anyhow! (He releases her and walks through the hall with great strides).
Hella(shrugging her shoulders). Because it is really not proper for two people who are as old as we have become. People should become sensible sometime.
Paul(with increasing excitement). You always were! Why, I don't know you any other way.
Hella. You must have liked it well enough.
Paul(bursting out). Yes I probably did ...! At that time! Because I was a fool!
Hella(picks up her book again, turns as if to go away). Now you are becoming abusive! Good-by, I have work to do!
Paul(intercepts her). Hella! I am coming to you with an overflowing heart! I have a yearning to be alone with you, once, only once; I am almost desperate for a heart to heart talk ...
Glyszinski(who has silently followed the scene from the sofa, presumably engrossed in his book, but at times has cast over a furtive glance, makes a motion as if to rise). If I'm disturbing you, you only need to say so ...
Hella. Do not be funny, doctor. You do know that I wanted to go to my room some time ago. Please let me pass, Paul!
Paul(has retreated, with an angry bow). You have plenty of room! (Across toGlyszinski) Hella is quite right. There is no longer any occasion for you to go. (He goes to the fireplace and sits down facing the fire.)
Hella(remains in the centre of the hall a few moments longer, then takes a step in the direction ofPaul, and speaks in a changed, gentler voice). Paul! (Pauldoes not stir).
Hella(urgently). Paul!
Paul. That's all right!
Hella. Oh, is it! Very well! (She turns away abruptly, goes over toward the right, opens the door and turns around, saying curtly). I wish to work, so please do not disturb me. (She goes out.)
Paul(has become restless, gets up and calls). Hella! (One can hear how the door is being locked on the other side.) As you please, then! (He sits down again).
Glyszinski(looking up from his book). Hella has locked the door.
[Paulsets his teeth and is silent. Pause.]
Glyszinski. Am I disturbing you?
Paul(without turning around). I have already told you,no! Not any longer, now!
Glyszinski. So Ihavebeen disturbing you?
Paul. I'll leave that toyou.
Glyszinski. You would like to have me go away?
Paul. Dear Glyszinski,don'task such stupid questions!
Glyszinski. Well, Ishouldhave gone long ago ...
Paul(cutting). Indeed?
Glyszinski. I can see very well how irksome I am to you.
Paul. You are not at all irksome, dear Glyszinski, neither now nor formerly. You are only funny.
Glyszinski. You two admitted me to your household.
Paul. Excuse me!Hellaadmitted you.
Glyszinski. That is what I was going to say. Upon Hella's express invitation ...
Paul. Correct.
Glyszinski. Indeed I may say upon her wish ...
Paul. Also correct.
Glyszinski. I came into your house.
Paul. That was very kind of you.
Glyszinski. And so I can leave it only upon her invitation. Not before! I should be offending Hella, and that I cannot take upon myself. I revere her too much for that.
Paul(cutting). Sensitive soul that you are!
Glyszinski. Of course my views may not agree with all the conventional rules of society, but there are still other, higher duties.
Paul(amused). Andyouhonor them?
Glyszinski(casting a piercing look atPaul). Yes, it is my duty to protect Hella.
Paul. Protect Hella?... (He gets up.) Do you know! One is impelled to feel sorry for you! (He turns away and walks through the hall.)
Glyszinski. Well!
Paul. Yes, you have no idea how far you are off the track. That's the reason.
Glyszinski. Thanks for your sympathy!
Paul. You are badly off the track, and will hardly get on again, unless you are warned in time. Whether or not that will do you any good, is your affair.
Glyszinski(agitated). But what does all of this mean? I don't understand you.
Paul(very seriously). In a word, that means: look out for women who are like Hella! Look out for that ilk! That tells the whole story! The whole story!
Glyszinski(jumps up). And you expect me to follow that advice?
Paul. Do not follow it, but don't be surprised later on if you find yourself in the position in which I am today. It has taken me ten to twelve years to arrive at it. Half of that time will suffice for you.
Glyszinski. Why that is sheer nonsense! Your position is estimable enough.
Paul. I am a bankrupt! That's all!
Glyszinski(greatly excited). Imagination, pure imagination! You have your position! You have a name in the movement!
Paul(bitterly). Oh yes! This movement!
Glyszinski. I wish I were that far along!
Paul. Possibly you are, without knowing it. But as for myself, when I was of your age and began to fly the track, the aforesaidtrack, I was quite another fellow! Today as I rode through the snow knee-deep, that became quite clear to me! I saw myself as I had been once upon a time and then realized what had later become of me! All the strength! All the life! All the color! All lost! All gone!... Colorless and commonplace! That is the outcome! (He sinks down in complete collapse.)
Glyszinski(very uncomfortably). And you blame Hella for all that?
Hella(a pen behind her ear, puts in her head and calls). Glyszinski! Doctor! Why don't you come in! I want you to help me write a number of letters. I shall dictate to you. (Withdraws again.)
Glyszinski(with precipitation). Immediately, madam. (He runs to the right.)
Paul(raising his finger). You have been warned!
Glyszinski(already at the door on the right). Some other time! I have no time now!
[Goes off, the door closes again and is bolted on the other side.]
Paul(looks after him, then, after a pause). He is going the same course! (Takes a few steps through the hall, remains standing before the portraits on the wall, looks up at them for a long while, breathes deeply and says, only just audibly): The Warkentins bring no luck!... And theyhaveno luck!...
[He steps across to the spinet which is open, sits down, and softly strikes a number of chords.Aunt Claracomes in quickly from the right, looks around.]
Paul(sitting at the spinet). Well, Aunt Clara? (He lowers his hands from the keys.)
Aunt Clara(cautiously). It is well that you are here, my boy! (She approaches.)
Paul(absent-minded). Is there anything?...
Aunt Clara(shaking her head). Why a person can't talk to your wife. And that young man ... There's something about him too. Where in the world are the two now?
Paul(feigning indifference). There, in the other room, Aunt Clara.
Aunt Clara. Do you suppose she will hear us?
Paul. Oh no, Auntie! They are in the green room. The sun-parlor lies between. And then ... when Hella is working, she doesn't hear anyhow.
Aunt Clara. Those two! I do say! They just have to stay together the whole day! But I was going to say ... Laskowskis ...
Paul. What about Laskowski?
Aunt Clara. Wonder whether we ought to send them an announcement?
Paul. I don't care! Although I do not exactly consider it necessary.
Aunt Clara. Just on account of the wife.
Paul. Whose wife?
Aunt Clara. Well, Mrs. Laskowski. Why, don't you know?
Paul(turns around). Not a thing! Is Laskowski married?
Aunt Clara. Why, Paul! Didn't he marry Antonie?
Paul(recoils). Antoinette ...? Our Antoinette? And I am just finding out about that!
Aunt Clara. Well, I didn't know whether you cared to hear anything about Antonie.
Paul(approaches her and speaks to her in an interested manner). Why, Auntie, oneisinterested in the people who were once near and dear.
Aunt Clara. Then, you didn't ask about her yesterday!
Paul. Goodness, Aunt Clara! I didn'twantto ask!... After all, I'm finding out soon enough!... Poor Antoinette!... Wasn't she able to find any one else?...
Aunt Clara. You had been gone a year and a half, Paul, and then they got married.
Paul(depressed). Well, well ...! That long ago? Then it has really ceased to be news! Howdoesshe look? (Bitterly.) I suppose quite ...? (He makes a significant derogatory gesture.)
Aunt Clara. Don't say that, Paul! She can vie with the youngest and most beautiful of them! She is in her very prime now! Just set her over against your wife!
Paul(embarrassed). Well, well! Hella is not exactly obliged to conceal herself, it seems to me.
Aunt Clara(eagerly). But oh, you should see Mrs. Laskowski!
Paul(crabbed). Well, then old Laskowski may thank his stars. How in all the world did Antoinette run into that fellow? I could neverbearhim!
Aunt Clara. Have you forgotteneverything Paul? Why, he was forever after her, even when you were still here.
Paul. Why, he is the greatest crook on God's green earth!
Aunt Clara. At first Antonie didn't care a thing in the world for him, but later she took him just the same, when it was all over with you.
Paul(disdainfully). Of course he had his eye on her estate, the sly rogue! I'd vouch for that.
Aunt Clara(gleefully). Her estate, Grosz-Rukkoschin, went to him right at her marriage. You know that belongs to her from her father's side.Youmight have that now, Paul.
Paul(interested). Well, and how do the two get along? He and Antoinette?
Aunt Clara(shrugging her shoulders). Oh, Paul, what do I know about it? They have no children.
Paul(relieved). They haven't any children either? Well!
Aunt Clara. They did have one, a girl! But they lost her.
Paul. Lost her ... Well, well!... Hm! Antoinette!... Antoinette Rousselle as Mrs. von Laskowski!... Could I have dreamed such a thing when I was a sophomore with old Heliodor! (He shakes his head, burdened with memories, then with a sudden change.) Well, of course, we shall send the Laskowskis an announcement. We'll attend to that at once! (Starts to go.)
Aunt Clara(holds him by the arm). Never mind, Paul! Ihavesent it. Yesterday. I was certain it would be all right with you.
Paul(forced to smile). Well, what do you think of Aunt Clara!...
Aunt Clara. It's only on account of the neighbors. Now that you are here and they live right next to us, if we should not even invite them to the funeral....
Paul(absent-minded). Yes, yes, quite right!
Aunt Clara(searchingly). For you'll have to observe a bit of neighborliness with the estate-owners around here, my boy ...
Paul(warding off). Oh, Aunt Clara, here's the same old question again!
Aunt Clara. Now really, Paul, don't you know yet what you are going to do, whether you intend to remain?
Paul(very seriously). Aunt Clara! I shallneverbe able to induce Hella. That is becoming clearer and clearer to me!
Aunt Clara(bolt upright). If Ellernhof is sold, I shall not survive it! I have been here thirty-three years! I have carried you all in my arms, you and your brothers and sisters. All of the rest are dead. You are still here, Paul. I closed your mother's eyes for her. I witnessed the death of your father. In all of my days I have known only Ellernhof. At the cemetery I've selected a place for myself where all of them are lying. Shall I go away now at the very end? At least, wait until I am dead!