Afternoon, two days later. The banquet hoard and oleanders have been removed, every trace of the funeral has been carefully obliterated. Clear sunlight comes in from the garden windows in the background and lights up the spacious, sombre hall. The bushes and trees of the garden are coated with ice. The fire is burning as usual. Toward the end of the act the sunlight gradually vanishes and a light, gray dusk fills the hall. Aunt Clara stands at the fireplace with her arms folded over her waist, and looks into the fire.

Paul (who has been pacing the floor, stops and passes his hand over his hair nervously). So no letter has come, Aunt Clara?

Aunt Clara (looking up). No, no, my boy.

Paul (impatiently). And no messenger either?

Aunt Clara. From where do you expect one?

Paul (in agony). Great God, from where? From where? From anywhere? Some tiding! Some word! A letter! (Paces the floor again excitedly.)

Aunt Clara. Why I can't tell. Are you expecting anything from some source or other?

Paul (impetuously). Would I be asking, Aunt Clara?

[Silence.]

Paul (violently agitated, partly to himself). Incomprehensible! Incomprehensible! Two days without news! Two full days!

Aunt Clara (sadly). I do not comprehend you either, my boy!

Paul (takes a few steps without heeding her). This stillness! This death-like stillness!

Aunt Clara (sits down). Isn't it good, when peace prevails?

Paul. As you look at it. Certainly it is good! But first of all one must be at peace himself! Must have become calm and clear about the matters that concern one. Know what one wants to do and is expected to do and what one is here for in this world.

Aunt Clara. But every one knows that, Paul.

Paul (without listening to her, rather to himself). Uncanny, this silence all around one. Doubly and three-fold one feels, how it seethes and boils within, without one's getting anywhere. One can hear himself think! (He stops, then in a changed voice, as he looks up.) No no, Aunt Clara, people who have closed their account, belong in the country. Others do not! (Aunt Clara looks at him and is silent. After a moment.) The rest need noise, diversion, human beings about them. One must have something in order to be able to forget! Some narcotic to put one to sleep! There are people, who do that all of their lives and are quite, happy, who never come to themselves, are continually living in a kind of intoxication and leave this world without attaining real consciousness. You see, Auntie, the city is the proper place for that. There you can dull your feelings and forget.

Aunt Clara. I could not stand the city.

Paul. Yes, you, Aunt Clara! You are a child of the country.

Aunt Clara. Well, aren't you, Paul?

Paul. True! But you have never been alienated from the soil! I tell you the man who has once partaken of that poison, can not give it up, he is forced to go back to it again and again.

Aunt Clara (impatiently). One simply can't understand you, Paul. When you arrived, you said one thing and now you are saying another. The very idea!

Paul (is forced to smile). You fail to understand that, you good old soul! Of course, you do not know what has come to pass since then. At that time I was not at odds with myself ...

Aunt Clara. At that time! When, pray tell? You came on the third holiday and this is New Year's eve. You have been here for five days.

Paul. Today it's quite a different matter. Quite different!

Aunt Clara. What on earth has happened, pray tell!

Paul. Much, much, Aunt Clara!

Aunt Clara (probing). I suppose because they were a bit boisterous at the funeral! That's the way of it, you know, when they get to drinking.

Paul (negative gesture). Good heavens, no!... No!

Aunt Clara. That's the way they always act at funerals. I know of funerals where there was dancing.

Paul. Yes, yes, that may be!

Aunt Clara. And then they all were so friendly with you.

Paul. Oh, yes. With the friendliest kind of an air, they told me not to take it into my head that I know how to farm.

Aunt Clara. Why, Paul. You only imagine that!

Paul. The good neighbors. At bottom they are right! How should an old man be able to learn the things that call for the efforts of a whole life, just as any other career does! Ridiculous! Why that simply must have lurid consequences.

Aunt Clara (impatiently). I should never have thought that you would act this way, Paul!

Paul. Act what way? I am only checking over the possibilities. Every business man does that! And I tell you, the prospects are desperately bad! I can fairly see Laskowski establish himself here after I have lost the place! (He has slowly walked over to the garden window on the right and looks out into the garden.)

[Silence.]

Paul (after a time). What a beautiful day! The snow is glittering in the sunlight. The trees stand so motionless.

Aunt Clara. Awfully cold out-doors, my boy!

Paul. I know it. Aunt Clara, but the light is refreshing after all of the dark days. The old year is shining forth once more in its full glory.

Aunt Clara. The days are getting longer again.

Paul (meditating). Didn't you tell me, once upon a time, Auntie, that the time between Christmas and New Year is called the holy season?

Aunt Clara. The time between Christmas and Epiphany, Paul. If anyone dies then ... (She suddenly stops.)

Paul (calmly). Finish it, Aunt Clara! If some one dies then, another member of the family will follow him. Isn't that the purport?

Aunt Clara. Why Paul, I don't know! Purport of what? Who would believe in all of those things?

Paul. Of course not! [Brief silence.]

Aunt Clara (with her hand behind her ear). Do you hear the whips crack, Paul?

Paul (also listens). Faintly, yes. It seems to be out in front.

Aunt Clara. The young folks are lashing the old year out. They always do that on New Year's Eve when the sun goes down.

Paul (reflecting). I know. I know. I have heard it many a New Year's Eve. When the sun was setting.

Aunt Clara. Another one gone!

Paul (stares out). Just so it stood between the trees, and kept on sinking and sinking, and I was a little fellow and watched it from the window. And at last it was down and twilight came on.

Aunt Clara. Thank God, Paul, this year is over.

Paul. Who knows what the day may still have in store for us! Things are taking their course.

Aunt Clara. Tonight we shall surely all take punch together, Paul?

Paul. If we have time and the desire to do so, yes.

Aunt Clara (nervously). How you are talking, Paul! Don't make a person afraid!

Paul (glancing at the sinking sun). Now it is directly over the pavilion. Now we shall not enjoy it much longer. (With a wave of his hand.) I greet thee, sun! Sinking sun!

Aunt Clara. I was going to ask you, in regard to the pavilion ...

Paul (turns around). Yes I'm glad that I've thought of it! (He comes forward and pulls the bell.)

Lene (opens the door at the right and enters). Did you ring, sir?

Paul. Yes. My trunks, books, all of my things are to be taken over to the garden-house. Understand?

Lene (astonished). To the garden-house?

Paul. Yes, to the pavilion. Put the rooms in proper order. Don't forget to make a fire. I suppose there's a bed there for the night?

Aunt Clara. Everything, my boy. Only it will have to be put to rights, because no one has put up there this many a day.

Lene. Are the madam's things also to be ...?

Paul. No they are not! They are to stay here!

[Aunt Clara shakes her head and turns away.]

Lene. Shall I do so immediately ...?

Paul. Is madam still asleep?

Lene. I think so.

Paul. Then wait till madam is up, and go there afterward.

Lene. What if madam should ask ...?

Paul. Then tell her that I requested you to do so.

Lene (confused). I'm to say that Mr. Warkentin has requested ...

Paul (resolutely). And you are to do what I have requested. Do you understand me?

Lene. Very well, sir!... And I was going to say, the inspector has been here.

Paul. Has he? Back from town already? (Struck by a sudden thought.) Did he possibly have a letter for me?

Lene. I don't know. I think he only wanted to know about the work ...

Paul. And there hasn't been a messenger? Say, from Klonowken?

Lene. No, nothing.

Paul. Then you may go. Oh yes, when the inspector returns, you might call me. (Lene goes off to the right.)

Paul (walks through the hall, clenching his fists nervously). Nothing yet? Nothing yet? And the day is almost gone!

Aunt Clara (with growing anxiety). What's the matter with you, Paul? Something is brewing here!

Paul. That may be very true!

Aunt Clara. And then, that you insist upon changing your quarters today! It does seem to me ...!

Paul. You can only take pleasure in that. You see by that, that I have resolved to stay at Ellernhof. Or I should certainly not go to the trouble.

Aunt Clara. Yes, yes, but your wife?

Paul. Who? Hella? All the better if the matter comes to a head. The issue is dead ripe!

Aunt Clara (approaches him anxiously). Paul, Paul! This will not come to a good end.

Paul. Quite possible. That is not at all necessary!

Aunt Clara. And I am to blame for all.

Paul. You? Why?

Aunt Clara. I got you into it! No one else!

Paul (is forced to smile). Innocent creature! Individuals quite apart from you got me into it. It has taken a whole lifetime to bring it about! You are as little to blame for that as you are for the fall of Adam and the existence of the world and the fact that some day we shall all have to die!

Aunt Clara (with her apron before her face). I told you about Antoinette! For she is at the bottom of it! I'll stake my head on that!

Paul. Don't torture me, Aunt Clara!

Aunt Clara. She is at the bottom of it! And I, in my stupidity, cap the climax by leaving the two of you alone at the funeral day before yesterday.

Paul. I shall be grateful to you for that all of my life, Aunt Clara!

Aunt Clara. My notion was for you to have a little talk together, and then to think what it has led to! May God forgive what I have done.

Paul (partly to himself). She promised me to come. And she is not coming! She promised me to write. And she does not write. Not a word. Not the remotest token! How do I know, but everything was a delusion? Childish fancy and nothing more? The intoxication of a moment which seized her and vanished again when she sat in her sleigh and rode away in the winter night? Do I know? (He puts his hand to his head.)

Aunt Clara (very uneasy). Paul, what are you talking about? Tell me!

Paul (jumps up without listening to her). No!... Then farewell Ellernhof! Farewell my home and everything!

Aunt Clara. Do be quiet! What in the world is the matter?

Paul (walks up and down impatiently, stops again, speaks to himself in an undertone). At that time I deceived her, deceived her without knowing and wishing to. What if she deceives me now? What if she pays me back? (He sinks down in the chair near the fireplace in violent conflict with himself.)

Aunt Clara (in despair). What a calamity! What a calamity!

Paul (as if shaking something off). No! No! No!... it cannot but come out right. (Heaves a sigh of relief.)

Aunt Clara (joyful again). Do you see, my boy?

Paul (gloomily). Don't rejoice prematurely, Auntie! It seems to me that this house fosters misfortune! All that you need to do is to look at those faces! They all have a suggestion of melancholy and gloom. (He looks up at the portraits pensively.) Just as if the sun had never shone into their hearts, you know. No air of hopefulness, no suggestion of light and freedom! So chained to the earth! So savagely taciturn? Can that be due to the air and soil? It will probably assert itself in me too, after I have been here for some time. Possibly it would have been better, Auntie, if I had never returned to this house! I should have continued that life of mine, not cold, not warm, not happy, not unhappy! I should never have found out what I have really missed and yet can never find. Possibly it would have been better. [Short pause.]

Lene (opens the door at the right and stands in the door). The inspector is here, sir. Shall he come in? He is lunching just now.

Paul (gets up). No, never mind. One moment, Auntie! (He nods to her and goes out with Lene. )

[Aunt Clara shakes her head apprehensively as she follows him with her eyes, heaves a deep sigh, occupies herself with this and that in the room, then seems to be listening to a noise on the left. She straightens up energetically. Presently the door on the left is opened.]

Hella (enters, dressed in black. She looks solemn and rather pale. She slowly approaches Aunt Clara. The two face each other and eye each other for a moment). I thought Paul was here.

Aunt Clara. Paul will surely be back any minute.

Hella. Will he? Then I shall wait. (She turns around and starts for the window.)

Aunt Clara (hesitates a moment, then with a sudden effort). Madam ... Doctor ...? (Takes a step in the direction of Hella. )

Hella (looks around surprised). Were you saying something?

Aunt Clara (erect). Keep an eye on Paul, madam!... That's all I have to say!

Hella (approaches). How so?

Aunt Clara. I am simply saying, keep an eye on Paul!

Hella (steps up to her, with a searching look). What is going on?...

Aunt Clara, Talk to him yourself. I can't fathom it.

Hella. Then I will tell you. Do you think I am blind? Do you suppose that I am unable to see through the situation here? I know Paul and I know you, all of you who are turning Paul's head!

Aunt Clara (angered). Mercy me! I, turn Paul's head!

Hella. Yes, you, and all of you around here! I will tell you to your face! You are trying to set Paul against me!

Aunt Clara (with increasing excitement). I never set nobody against no one! Nobody ever said such a thing about me! God knows! You are the first person to do that! And on top of it all, I have the best intentions! I even want to help you! Well, I do say ...! (Takes several steps through the hall.)

Hella (with contemptuous laughter). You help me?... H'm! You wanted to get rid of me, and that is why you started all this about the estate, and staying here, and who knows what else. But I declare to you, once and for all! Don't go to any trouble! You will not succeed in parting Paul and me!

Aunt Clara (in spite of herself). May be not I!

Hella. Not you?... Oh indeed!... Not you!

Aunt Clara (continuing in her anger). No! Not I! Of course not! Even if you have deserved it, ten times over!

Hella (also continues her lead). Not you?... Well, well! So it's some other woman! (She steps up before Aunt Clara. ) Some other woman is trying to separate us, Paul and me? Is that it? Yes or no?

Aunt Clara (frightened). I haven't said a thing. I know nothing about it.

Hella (triumphantly). I thought so! And now I grasp the whole situation!... That accounts for Paul's behavior, this strange behavior! Well, well! (She walks to and fro excitedly, speaks partly to herself.) But you shall not succeed! No, no! (Addressing Aunt Clara again.) You shall not succeed! We'll just see who knows Paul better, you or I!

Aunt Clara (very seriously). Madam, I am an old woman, you may believe me or not, I tell you, don't carry matters too far with Paul!

Hella (reflecting again). So it was she?... The Polish woman, of course! Didn't I know it?

Aunt Clara (almost threatening). Don't carry matters too far! Remember what I say.

Hella (with a sudden change). Where is Paul?

Aunt Clara (anxiously). What is the matter?

Hella (very calmly and firmly). I must speak to Paul.

Aunt Clara. Merciful God! Now I see it coming!

Hella. Yes, I am going away and Paul is going with me. That is the end of the whole matter. I suppose that is not just exactly what you had expected.

Aunt Clara (petrified). And you are going to desert Ellernhof!

Hella. It will be a long time before the estate sees us again. Prepare for that. As for the rest, we shall see later.

Aunt Clara (turns away). Then I might as well order my grave at once, the sooner the better.

Hella (with an air of superiority). Don't worry! You will be cared for.

Aunt Clara (straightening up). Not a soul needs to care for me henceforth, madam! My way is quite clear to me. It will not be very long. Look at the men and women on these walls, they all followed this course. Now I shall emulate their example. What is coming now is no longer suitable for me. (She slowly steps to the door with head bowed).

Hella (partly to herself). No, what is coming now is the new world and new men and women! (She stands and reflects for a moment, then resolutely.) New men and women! Yes! Yes, we are ready to fight for that! (She clasps her hands vigorously, suggesting inflexible resolution.)

Paul (enters from the right, comes upon Aunt Clara, who is going out). What ails you, Auntie? How you do look!

Aunt Clara (shakes her head). Don't ask me, my boy. I have lived my life! (She goes out slowly and closes the door.)

Paul (steps to the fireplace pondering deeply and drops down in a chair). What did she say?... Lived my life?... A soothing phrase! A cradle-song! No more pain, no more care! All over!... Lived my life! (Supports his head on his hand.)

[Short pause.]

Hella (steps up to Paul, lays her hand on his shoulder and says kindly). Paul!

Paul. And?

Hella. Be a man, Paul! I beg of you.

Paul (looks up, with a deep breath). That is just what I intend to do.

Hella. For two days you have been walking around without saying a word. That surely cannot continue.

Paul. That will not continue, I am sure.

Hella. Why don't you speak? What have I done to you?

Paul (bitterly). You to me?... Nothing.

Hella. See here, Paul, I stayed here on your account, longer than I had intended and than seems justifiable to me.

Paul. Why did you? I did not ask you again.

Hella. Quite right. I did it of my own accord. Now don't you think that counts for more, Paul? (She closely draws up a chair and sits down facing Paul. )

Paul. Up to the day before yesterday anything would have counted with me. Today no longer, Hella!

Hella (eagerly). I remained because I kept in mind that it might be agreeable to you to have me near you. I have given you time to come to yourself again. I know very well what is going on in you.

Paul. Hardly!

Hella. Indeed, Paul, indeed! You have seen the soil of your boyhood home again. You have buried your father. I understand your crisis completely.

Paul. Really! All at once!

Hella. From the very beginning!

Paul. I did not realize very much of it!

Hella (interrupting him). Simply because I thought it would be best to let you settle that for yourself. That is why I have not interfered; allowed you to go your own way, these days. (Paul shrugs his shoulders and is silent.) Does all this fail to convince you?

Paul (distressed). Drop that, Hella.

Hella (excited). What does this mean, Paul! We must have an understanding!

Paul. That is no longer possible for us, Hella!

Hella. It certainly has been, up to the present. How often we have quarreled in these years, and sailed into each other, and we have always found our way back to each other again for the simple reason that we belong together! Why in the world should that be impossible now?

Paul (struggles with himself; jumps up). Because ... Because ... (Groping for words.)

Hella (has become calm). Well, because?... Possibly because I did not care to stay down here, day before yesterday, did not dine with your guests when you asked me to do so? Is that it?

Paul. That and many other things.

Hella (gets up). Paul, don't be petty! I really can't bear to hear you talk in this manner. Are you so completely unable to enter into my feelings? I could not share your sorrow. Your father did not give me any occasion for that. I do not wish to speak ill of him, but I cannot forget it. After all, that is only human!

Paul. So the dead man stands between us. Why don't you say so frankly!

Hella. If you insist, yes. At least, for the moment! I was not able to stay with you. I had to be alone.

Paul. Then blame yourself for the consequences! You deserted me at a moment when simply everything was unsettling me ...

Hella (interrupts him). Oh, you suppose I don't know what you mean?

Paul (excited). Well?

Hella. Shall I tell you?

Paul (controlling himself with difficulty). Please!

Hella (triumphantly). Dear Paul! Just recall the lady with the ashy-blonde hair, for a moment!

Paul (embarrassed). What lady?

Hella. Why, Paul? The one with whom I saw you after the banquet, day before yesterday. Your aunt was there too, wasn't she?

Paul (affecting surprise). You seem to refer to Madam von Laskowski.

Hella (smiling). Quite right. The Polish beauty! Was it not that?

Paul (beside himself). Hella?

Hella (as before). Don't become furious, Paul! There's no occasion at all for that! I am not reproaching you in the least! On the contrary, I am of the opinion that you were quite right!

Paul (comes nearer, plants himself before her). What are you trying to say? What does all this mean?

Hella (with a very superior air). We had quarreled, you were furious, wanted to revenge yourself, looked about for a fitting object and naturally hit upon ... whom?

Paul (turns away). Why it's simply idiotic to continue answering such questions! (He walks through the hall excitedly.)

Hella. Hit upon whom?... With the kind of taste that you do seem to have ...

Paul. Hella, I object to that!

Hella. Why, I am absolutely serious, Paul! You can't expect me to question your taste! I should compromise my own position. No, no, I really agree with you, of all those present she was decidedly the most piquant. The typical beauty that appeals to men! Of course you hit upon her, probably courted her, lavished compliments upon her, all the things that you men do when you suppose that you are in the presence of an inferior woman ...

Paul. Hella, now restrain yourself! Or I may tell you something ...

Hella. Very well, let us even suppose that you fell in love with her for the time and she with you, that you went into ecstasy over each other and turned each other's heads, then you parted and the next day the intoxication passed off, and, if not on the next day, then on the following one ... Am I not right? Do you expect me to be jealous of such a thing as that? No, Paul!

Paul (in supreme excitement, struggling with himself). You are a demon! A demon!

Hella (has become serious). I am your friend, Paul! Believe me! I desire nothing but your own good, simply because I care for you and because, I'll be frank with you, I should not want to lose you. You may be convinced of it, Paul, conceited as it may sound, but you will never find another woman like me! One with whom you can share everything! I don't know what you may have said to the Polish woman or what she may have said to you, but do you really suppose that she still knows about that today, even though the most fervent vows were exchanged?

Paul (jumps up). Hella, Hella, you do not know what you are saying.

Hella. Would you teach me to know my own sex? They aren't all like me, dear Paul. You have been spoiled by me. Very few, indeed, have attained maturity as yet, or even know what they are doing. You can depend upon very few of them. It seems to me that we are in the best possible position to know that, Paul, after our years of work. And I am to fear such competition? Expect me to be jealous of a Polish country beauty? Me,—Hella Bernhardy!... No, Paul, I have been beyond that type of jealousy for some time! (She walks up and down slowly.)

Paul (stands at the window, struggling with himself). Would it not be better to say that you have never had it?

Hella. Possibly! There are some who consider that an advantage.

Paul. Theorists, yes! The kind that I was, once upon a time. But now I know better! Now I know that the absence of jealousy was nothing but an absence of love.

Hella (energetically). That is not true, Paul. I always cared for you!

Paul. Cared! Cared! A fine word!

Hella, Why should you demand more than that? I respected you, Paul, valued you as my best friend!

Paul. All but a little word, a little word ...

Hella. What is that?

Paul. Imagine!

Hella. I know what you are thinking of! I am not a friend of strong words, but if you insist upon hearing it, I have loved you too!

Paul. You ... me!

Hella. Yes, I have loved you, Paul, for what you were, the unselfish idealist ...

Paul (bitterly). Oh, indeed!

Hella. Yes, Paul! Do not forget about one thing! I am not one of these petty little women, to whom men are the alpha and omega! If you assumed that, of course you have been mistaken.

Paul. To be sure! And the mistake has cost me my life!

Hella. You knew it beforehand, Paul!

Paul. Because I was blinded!

Hella, And yet I tell you, say what you please, leave me for instance, but you will not find another woman who can satisfy you after you have had me! I know it and will stake my life on it!

Paul. Do you rate yourself so highly?

Hella. I am rating you highly, Paul!

Paul (wavering). Do you mean to say I am ruined for happiness?... Possibly you are right.

Hella. Whoever has once become accustomed to the heights of life, will never again descend.

Paul (repeats to himself). Will never again descend.

Hella. You are too good for a woman of the dead level! See here, Paul, I have at times made life a burden to you, I now and then refused to enter upon many things just because my head was full of ideas, possibly I have been too prone to disregard your emotional nature.

Paul. Hella, do not remind me of that!

Hella. We must come to an understanding, Paul! All of that may be true. And there shall be a change. There will be a change, that much I promise you today, but show me the kindness, pack your things and come with me! Today rather than tomorrow! (She has stepped up to him and places her hands on his shoulders.)

Paul (in the most violent conflict). Hella! Hella!

Hella. Look into my face, Paul! Are you happy here?

Paul (lowers his head). Do not ask me, Hella!

Hella (triumphantly). Then you are not! Didn't I know it? I am proud of you for that, Paul!

Paul (blurting out). Hella, do not exult! I cannot go back again!

Hella (undaunted). Yes you can! Are these people here meant for you? Do you mean to say that you are suited to these peasants? You, with your refined instincts? You would think of degrading yourself consciously! Nobody can do that, you least of all! I tell you once more, you are too good for these rubes!

Paul, (frees himself from her). Give me time till this evening, Hella! Then I will give you a full explanation!

Hella (seizes his hand). Not thirty minutes, Paul! You are to decide at once! As I have you at this moment, I shall possibly never have you again. Pack your trunk and come with me! Have some one manage the estate. We will go back tomorrow morning and begin the new life with the new year. Thank your stars when you are once more out of this stuffy air. It induces thoughts in you that can never make you happy. Say yes, Paul, say that we are going!

Paul (has not listened to the last words, listens to what is going on outside). Do you hear, Hella? (He frees himself and goes to the foreground. One can hear people singing outside, accompanied by a deep-toned instrument.)

Hella (impatiently). What in the world is that!

Paul. I have an idea, the people of the estate, coming to proclaim Saint Sylvester, (The door at the right is opened.)

Glyszinski (enters, makes a sign suggesting silence, points toward the outside). Do you hear that instrument, madam? That's what they call a pot harp, very interesting!

Hella (as before). Interesting or not. Why must you disturb us just now?

Glyszinski (offended). If I had known this, I should not have come! (About to go out.)

Paul (quite cold again). Stay right here, dear Glyszinski! You haven't disturbed us up to the present! I do not see that you are disturbing us now!

Inspector (comes in through the open door). Sir, the people are outside with the pot harp and want to sing their song.

Hella (annoyed). Oh, tell them to go and be done with it!

Paul (quickly). No, please, Hella, that won't do. That is an old custom here on New Year's eve. Let them sing their song. Besides, I like to hear it. I heard it many a time in my boyhood days.

Inspector. Shall I leave the door open, sir?

Paul. Please! (He sits down at the fireplace.)

Hella (steps up to him, with a voice that betrays excitement). Paul, do not listen to that nonsense out there! Don't let them muddle your head!

Paul. My head is clearer than ever, Hella! Don't go to any further trouble! I can see my way quite plainly now.

Hella (retreats to the sofa, embittered). And now that old trumpery must interfere too!

[Inspector stands at the door with Glyszinski, motions to those outside. A brief silence, then singing to the accompaniment of the pot harp. The lines run as follows:]

Hella. Will that continue much longer, Paul?

[Paul gets up, motions to the inspector and goes out with him. The door is closed behind them. The muffled tones of the pot harp and the singing can still be heard, but the text becomes unintelligible. Glyszinski, who also has been listening till now, starts to go out.]

Hella (from the sofa). One moment, Doctor!

Glyszinski (absent-minded). Were you calling me?

Hella. Why, yes, now that you are here, I might as well make use of the occasion.

Glyszinski (approaches, somewhat reserved). What can I do for you, madam?

Hella. Dear friend, do not be startled. We shall have to part.

Glyszinski (staggering). Part? We?...

Hella (calmly). Yes, Doctor, it must be!

Glyszinski. Why, who compels us to? No one!

Hella (frigidly). My decision compels us, dear friend! Is that sufficient for you?

Glyszinski (whimpering). Your decision, Hella? You are cruel.

Hella. Yes, I myself am sorry, of course. I shall probably miss you quite frequently!

Glyszinski (as before). Hella!

Hella. Especially in connection with my correspondence. You have certainly been a real help to me there. I shall have to carry that burden alone again, now. But what is to be done about it? No other course is possible. We must part.

Glyszinski. But why? At least, give me a reason! Don't turn me out in this fashion.

Hella. It is necessary on account of my husband, dear friend! I must make this sacrifice for him.

Glyszinski (raging). The monster! (He paces through the hall wildly.)

Hella (with clarity). You know, it cannot be denied that Paul can't bear you, that he is always annoyed when he sees you ...

Glyszinski. Do you suppose the reverse is not true?

Hella. Yes, you men are exasperating. No one can eradicate your jealousy! That makes an unconstrained intercourse impossible! But what is to be done? Paul is my husband, not you. And so I am compelled to request you to yield.

Glyszinski (with his hands raised). Kill me, Hella, but don't turn me out.

Hella (wards him off). A pleasant journey. You will be able to find comfort.

Glyszinski. I shall be alone, Hella!

Hella (straightening up). All of us are!

Glyszinski. May I ever see you again, Hella?

Hella. Possibly later! And now go! I do not care to have my husband find you here when he comes. Why here he is now. (She pushes him over toward the right, the door has been opened and the singing has ceased in the meantime.)

Paul (has entered, sees Glyszinski, frigidly). Are you still here? If you wish to talk together, I'll go out.

Hella (comes over to Paul). Please stay, Paul!

Glyszinski has just been telling me that he is going to take the night train back to Berlin and he is asking you for a sleigh. Isn't that it, Doctor? (Glyszinski nods silently, passes by Paul and goes out at the right.)

Paul (frigidly). What's the use of this farce?

Hella (places her hand on his shoulder). Not a farce, Paul! It is really true! When we get to Berlin tomorrow evening, you will no longer find Glyszinski at our rooms! Are you satisfied now? Have I finally succeeded in pleasing you, you grumbler!

Paul (turns away, clenching his fists nervously). Oh, well!

Hella. Look into my face, Paul, old comrade! Tell me if you are pleased with your comrade. (Paul is silent.)

Hella (frowning). Now isn't that a proof to you of my fidelity and sincerity?

Paul. Do not torment me, Hella. My decision is final!

Hella (worried). I don't know what you mean! Surely the matter is settled. We are going, aren't we? (She looks at him anxiously.)

Paul (frees himself from her). That is not settled! I shall remain! [A moment of silence.]

Hella (furiously). You are going to remain?

Paul (curtly). I shall remain ... And no power on earth will swerve me from my purpose! Not even you, Hella!

Hella (plants herself before him). Are you trying to play the part of the stronger sex? Eye to eye, Paul! No evasions now! Are you playing the farce of the stronger sex?

Paul. I do what I must do!

Hella. What you must?... Well so must I.

Paul (bows his head). I know that, and I am not hindering you!

Hella (reflects a moment, then). And do you realize that that practically means separation for us?

Paul. I have already told you, Hella, I am prepared for anything.

Hella (looks at him sharply; with quick decision). And what if I stay also, Paul, what then?

Paul. (is startled). If you also ...? You are not serious about that!

Hella. Assume that I am!... If I should remain also, for your sake? (She stands before him erectly.)

Paul (furiously). Don't jest, Hella! It is not the proper moment!

Hella. I am certainly not jesting! I am your wife! I shall keep you company. Aren't you pleased with that?

Paul (straightens up). The dead man stands between us, as you have said. Very well, let that be final! You have wished it so! The bond between us is broken. We have come to the parting of our ways. (He goes to the left, opens the door and walks out slowly. Deep twilight has set in.)

Hella (stands rigidly and whispers to herself). To the parting of our ways? (Waking up, with a wild defiance.) If I consent, I say!... If I consent!

Sheep

SHEEP