spoon, and tasting it with satisfaction_)
HUSBAND
Is it good?
MISS
(_Without stopping_) Oh!
HUSBAND
Do you want another?
MISS
No. I’ve eaten too much already.
HUSBAND
Your wine is all gone.
(_He fills her glass_)
MISS
No … stop. I’ll leave it anyway.
HUSBAND
Why are you so shy?
MISS
Am I?—Well, it takes time to get acquainted.
HUSBAND
Come and sit here with me.
MISS
Right away… I’m not ready yet.
HUSBAND
(_Rises and stands behind her chair, and puts his arms around her,
turning her face toward him_)
MISS
What’s the matter?
HUSBAND
I want a kiss.
MISS
(_Kissing him_) You are … excuse me, you have a lot of nerve.
HUSBAND
You’re just finding that out?
MISS
Oh, no, I knew that long ago … from the first, in the street.—You must—
HUSBAND
What?
MISS
You must have a nice opinion of me.
HUSBAND
Why?
MISS
Because I went right away with you to a private dining room.
HUSBAND
Well, you can hardly say “right away.”
MISS
But you asked in such a nice way.
HUSBAND
Do you think so?
MISS
And, after all, what is the harm?
HUSBAND
Of course.
MISS
Whether we go walking or—
HUSBAND
Besides, it’s much too cold for walking.
MISS
Yes, it was too cold.
HUSBAND
But here it’s nice and warm, isn’t it?
(_He sits down again, puts his arms around the girl, and draws her to
his side_)
MISS
(_Weakly_) Don’t.
HUSBAND
Tell me… You noticed me before, didn’t you?
MISS
Certainly. Several blocks before you spoke to me.
HUSBAND
I don’t mean to-day. I mean yesterday and the day before, when I was
following you.
MISS
A lot of people follow me.
HUSBAND
I don’t doubt that. But did you notice me?
MISS
Guess … do you know what happened to me the other day? My cousin’s
husband followed me in the dark, and didn’t recognize me.
HUSBAND
Did he speak to you?
MISS
What do you suppose? Do you imagine every one is as bold as you?
HUSBAND
But they sometimes do, don’t they?
MISS
Of course, they do.
HUSBAND
Well, and what do you do?
MISS
Why nothing—I just don’t answer.
HUSBAND
Hm-m … but you answered me.
MISS
Are you sorry?
HUSBAND
(_Kisses her violently_) Your lips taste like cream-cakes.
MISS
Oh, they are sweet by nature.
HUSBAND
I suppose many have told you that?
MISS
Many! What are you dreaming of?
HUSBAND
Now, be honest. How many have kissed this mouth before?
MISS
Why do you ask? You wouldn’t believe me anyhow, if I told you.
HUSBAND
Why not?
MISS
Guess, then.
HUSBAND
All right, I’ll guess—but you mustn’t get angry!
MISS
Why should I get angry?
HUSBAND
Well, then, I’ll guess … twenty.
MISS
(_Slipping away from him_) So—why not make it a hundred?
HUSBAND
Oh, I was just guessing.
MISS
You guessed badly.
HUSBAND
Say—ten.
MISS
(_Offended_) Oh, of course. A girl who lets a man talk to her on the
street, and goes right away with him to a private dining-room!
HUSBAND
Don’t be childish. Whether we walk about in the streets or sit in a
room… We are in a restaurant. The waiter may come in at any moment—it
doesn’t signify anything at all…
MISS
That’s just what I thought.
HUSBAND
Have you ever been in a private dining-room before?
MISS
If I must tell the truth—yes.
HUSBAND
I am glad that you are honest with me at least.
MISS
But it wasn’t—no it wasn’t the way you imagine. I was in a private
dining-room with a friend and her fiancé, once during the carnival.
HUSBAND
It wouldn’t have been anything tragic, if you had ever gone—with your
sweetheart—
MISS
Of course, it wouldn’t have been anything serious. But I haven’t any
sweetheart.
HUSBAND
Oh, come now.
MISS
I swear, I haven’t.
HUSBAND
But you don’t expect to make me believe that I…
MISS
Make you believe what?… I haven’t any—at least, haven’t had for six
months.
HUSBAND
I see… But before then? Who was he?
MISS
Why are you so curious?
HUSBAND
I am curious because I love you.
MISS
Really?
HUSBAND
Of course! You should have noticed that. Tell me about him.
(_Presses her tightly to him_)
MISS
What do you want me to tell?
HUSBAND
Don’t keep me in suspense so long. Who was he, that’s what I want to
know.
MISS
(_Laughing_) Just a man.
HUSBAND
Well—well—who?
MISS
He looked something like you.
HUSBAND
No!
MISS
If you hadn’t looked so much like him—
HUSBAND
Well, what then?
MISS
Now, don’t ask, don’t you see that…
HUSBAND
(_Understanding_) That’s why you let me speak to you.
MISS
Yes, that’s it.
HUSBAND
I really don’t know whether I ought to be pleased or angry.
MISS
If I were you, I’d be pleased.
HUSBAND
All right.
MISS
You also remind me of him the way you speak … and the way you look at
one…
HUSBAND
What was he?
MISS
And then, the eyes—
HUSBAND
What was his name?
MISS
Please don’t look at me that way; please don’t.
HUSBAND
(_Embraces her. A long, burning kiss_)
MISS
(_Trembles, and tries to get up_)
HUSBAND
Why do you want to leave me?
MISS
It’s time to go home.
HUSBAND
Later.
MISS
No, I really have to get home. What do you think mother will say.
HUSBAND
You live with your mother?
MISS
Of course, I live with my mother. What did you imagine?
HUSBAND
So—with your mother. Do you live alone with her?
MISS
Oh, yes, alone! There are five of us! Two boys and two more girls.
HUSBAND
Don’t sit so far away from me. Are you the oldest?
MISS
No, I’m the second. First comes Kitty. She’s working in a flower store.
Then come I.
HUSBAND
Where do you work?
MISS
I stay at home.
HUSBAND
Always?
MISS
One of us has to stay home.
HUSBAND
Of course,—and what do you tell your mother, when you—come home so late?
MISS
That happens so seldom.
HUSBAND
Well, to-day, for example. Your mother will ask you, won’t she?
MISS
Of course, she’ll ask. It doesn’t matter how careful I am when I come
home, she always wakes up.
HUSBAND
And what do you tell her?
MISS
Oh—that I’ve been to the theater.
HUSBAND
Does she believe that?
MISS
Why shouldn’t she believe it? I often go to the theater. I saw an opera
on Sunday with my friend and her fiancé, and my oldest brother.
HUSBAND
Where did you get the tickets?
MISS
My brother is a hairdresser.
HUSBAND
Oh, yes, a hairdresser … at the theater, I suppose?
MISS
Why are you asking so many questions?
HUSBAND
Because I am interested. What does your other brother do?
MISS
He’s still going to school. He wants to become a teacher. Just imagine!
HUSBAND
And you also have a little sister?
MISS
Yes, she is a mere child, but you have to keep an eye on her all the
time already. You have no idea how girls are spoiled at school. Just
imagine! The other day I caught her keeping a date.
HUSBAND
Really?
MISS
Yes! She was out walking one evening at half-past seven with a boy from
the school across the way. A mere child like her!
HUSBAND
And what did you do?
MISS
I gave her a spanking.
HUSBAND
Are you as strict as all that?
MISS
Well, who would be if I wasn’t? My older sister is working and mother
does nothing but grumble—everything always depends on me.
HUSBAND
You are a dear, sweet girl! (_Kisses her, and grows more tender_) You
also remind me of some one.
MISS
So—of whom?
HUSBAND
Of no one in particular … of bygone days … of my youth. Come, drink,
child!
MISS
How old are you?… You … why … I don’t even know your name.
HUSBAND
Karl.
MISS
Is it possible? Your name is Karl?
HUSBAND
Was his name also Karl?
MISS
No, but that’s the queer thing … that is … the eyes … (_shaking her
head_) the way you look at me…
HUSBAND
And who was he?—You haven’t told me yet.
MISS
Oh, he was a bad man—that’s sure, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone away.
HUSBAND
Did you love him very much?
MISS
Of course, I loved him.
HUSBAND
I know what he was—a lieutenant.
MISS
No, he wasn’t in the army. He couldn’t pass the examinations. His
father owns a house in … but why do you have to know?
HUSBAND
(_Kisses her_) You have gray eyes. I thought, at first, they were black.
MISS
Well aren’t they pretty enough?
HUSBAND
(_Kisses her eyes_)
MISS
Don’t please—I can’t bear it… O, please don’t … let me get up … only
for a moment—please.
HUSBAND
(_More tenderly still_) No, indeed.
MISS
But, please, Karl…
HUSBAND
How old are you?—eighteen—isn’t it?
MISS
Just past nineteen.
HUSBAND
Nineteen … and I—
MISS
You are thirty…
HUSBAND
And a little more—Don’t let’s talk about it.
MISS
He was thirty-two, when I first met him.
HUSBAND
How long ago was that?
MISS
I don’t remember… Listen, there must have been something in the wine.
HUSBAND
What makes you think so?
MISS
I am quite … see—everything is turning round about me.
HUSBAND
Then hold tight to me. So… (_He holds her close to him, and becomes
more and more tender. She hardly resists_) I’ll tell you something,
dear, we might go now.
MISS
Yes … home.
HUSBAND
Well, not exactly home…
MISS
What do you mean?… O, no—no… I won’t go anywhere else. What do you
think I am?
HUSBAND
But listen to me, child—the next time we meet, you know, we will
arrange it so that … (_He has slipped to the floor with his head in
her lap_) This is so comfy, oh, so comfy!
MISS
What are you doing? (_She kisses his hair_) Something must have been
in that wine—I’m so sleepy … what would happen, if I couldn’t get up
again? But, but—look, but Karl … if some one should come in … please …
the waiter.
HUSBAND
No … waiter … will ever come in … here…
* * * * *
MISS
(_Leaning with closed eyes in the corner of the sofa_)
HUSBAND
(_Pacing up and down the little room, after having lighted a cigarette_)
(_Long silence_)
HUSBAND
(_Looking for a long time at the girl; speaking to himself_) Who knows
what sort of a person she really is—Confound it … so quickly … that
wasn’t very cautious of me … hm-m…
MISS
(_Without opening her eyes_) There must have been something in the wine.
HUSBAND
Why?
MISS
Otherwise…
HUSBAND
Why do you blame everything on the wine?…
MISS
Where are you? Why do you stay so far away? Come to me.
HUSBAND
(_Sits beside her_)
MISS
Now tell me if you really love me.
HUSBAND
But you know that… (_He interrupts himself quickly_) Of course.
MISS
Listen… There must have … come, tell me the truth, what was in the wine.
HUSBAND
Well, do you think I … I would drug your wine?
MISS
Well, see, I can’t understand it. I’m really not that kind… We’ve known
each other only since… Dear, I’m not that kind … honestly, I’m not—if
you think that of me—
HUSBAND
Well—why worry about that? I don’t think anything bad of you. I only
think that you love me.
MISS
Yes…
HUSBAND
After all, when two young people are alone in a room, and have dinner,
and drink wine … there doesn’t need to be anything in the wine.
MISS
I merely said it to say something.
HUSBAND
But, why?
MISS
(_Almost defiantly_) Because I was ashamed.
HUSBAND
How absurd! There is no reason to be. Especially, since I made you
think of your first sweetheart.
MISS
Yes.
HUSBAND
Your _first_ sweetheart.
MISS
Yes, yes…
HUSBAND
Now I should like to know who the others were.
MISS
There weren’t any.
HUSBAND
That is not true, it can’t be true.
MISS
Oh, please, don’t tease me.
HUSBAND
Would you like a cigarette?
MISS
No, thanks.
HUSBAND
Do you know how late it is?
MISS
Well?
HUSBAND
Half-past eleven.
MISS
Really?
HUSBAND
Well … and your mother? She’s used to this, is she?
MISS
Do you really want to send me home?
HUSBAND
But earlier in the evening you yourself wanted—
MISS
You are quite changed. What have I done to you?
HUSBAND
But, child, what is the matter with you, what do you imagine?
MISS
And it was only your looks, believe me, or you would have had to wait …
many men have asked me to go with them to a private dining-room.
HUSBAND
Well, would you like … to come here again with me soon … or rather
somewhere else?
MISS
I don’t know.
HUSBAND
What do you mean by, “I don’t know”?
MISS
Well, why don’t you make a date?
HUSBAND
When? First of all, I must explain that I do not live in Vienna. I am
only here for a few days’ visit now and then.
MISS
Oh, you’re not a Viennese?
HUSBAND
Yes, I am a Viennese. But I am living out of town now…
MISS
Where?
HUSBAND
Oh, well, that doesn’t matter.
MISS
Oh, don’t be frightened, I won’t come to see you.
HUSBAND
If it would give you any pleasure you may come. I live in Graz.
MISS
Honestly?
HUSBAND
Yes, why does that surprise you?
MISS
You are married, aren’t you?
HUSBAND
(_Greatly surprised_) What makes you think that?
MISS
I just got the impression.
HUSBAND
And you wouldn’t mind that at all?
MISS
Well, I would rather that you were single.—So you are married!—
HUSBAND
But, tell me first what made you think of that?
MISS
If a man says he doesn’t live in Vienna, and he doesn’t always have
time—
HUSBAND
But that’s not so improbable.
MISS
I don’t believe it.
HUSBAND
And wouldn’t it hurt your conscience to have caused a married man to
become unfaithful?
MISS
Oh, my, no doubt your wife acts just like you.
HUSBAND
(_Very indignant_) That will do. No more of such remarks.
MISS
I thought you didn’t have a wife.
HUSBAND
Whether I have one or not—such remarks are uncalled for.
(_He has risen_)
MISS
But Karl, Karl, what is the matter? Are you angry? I really didn’t know
that you were married. I was just talking. Come, don’t be angry.
HUSBAND
(_Comes back to her after a few minutes_) You are strange creatures,
you … women.
(_He becomes tender again_)
MISS
Stop … don’t … it’s too late now.
HUSBAND
Well, listen to me a minute. Let’s talk seriously. I would like to see
you again, to see you often.
MISS
Would you?
HUSBAND
But one thing is necessary … that I can depend upon you. I can’t look
out for you.
MISS
Oh, I can look out for myself.
HUSBAND
You are … well, I can’t just say inexperienced—but, you are
young—and—men in general are pretty unscrupulous.
MISS
Oh, my!
HUSBAND
I don’t mean on the moral side only.—Well, you know what I mean—
MISS
Tell me, what do you think I am?
HUSBAND
Look here—if you want me—me only—we can easily arrange it—even if I do
generally live in Graz. In a place like this where some one may come
in at any moment, it isn’t very comfortable.
MISS
(_Snuggles up to him_)
HUSBAND
Next time … we shall go somewhere else, won’t we?
MISS
Yes.
HUSBAND
Where we may be entirely alone.
MISS
Yes.
HUSBAND
(_Embracing her passionately_) We’ll discuss the rest on the way home.
(_He rises, and opens the door_) Waiter … the bill!
THE SWEET YOUNG MISS AND THE POET
_A small room, furnished with taste and comfort. Red curtains
half-darken the room. A large writing-table strewn with books and
papers. A piano against the wall. The SWEET YOUNG MISS and the POET are
disclosed. They are just entering. The POET closes the door._
POET
(_Kisses her_) My darling!
MISS
(_With hat and coat_) Oh! It’s very pretty here! Only you can’t see
anything!
POET
Your eyes will have to get used to this semi-darkness.—Those sweet eyes—
(_Kisses her eyes_)
MISS
But there won’t be time enough.
POET
Why not?
MISS
Because I can only stop a moment.
POET
But, you can take your hat off, can’t you?
MISS
Just for the sake of a minute?
POET
(_Takes the pin out of her hat which he removes_)
And your coat—
MISS
The idea!—I have to leave right away.
POET
But you must rest a while first. We have been walking for three hours.
MISS
Riding, you mean.
POET
Yes, we rode home—but we ran around for a full three hours in the
country. Now come, sit down, child … wherever you like—here at my
desk;—no, that’s not comfortable. Sit down on the sofa.—That’s it. (_He
presses her down_) If you are very tired, you may as well lie down.
So. (_He stretches her out on the sofa_) There, put your head on the
cushion.
MISS
(_Laughing_) But I’m not tired at all!
POET
You merely imagine you’re not. So—and if you are sleepy, you can go to
sleep. I shall be very quiet. And what’s more I can play you a lullaby
… one of my own…
(_He goes to the piano_)
MISS
One of yours.
POET
Yes.
MISS
But I thought, Robert, you were a professor.
POET
I? But I told you I was a writer. But what made you think of that?
MISS
Because you said the piece you are playing is your own.
POET
Yes … perhaps it is, perhaps it isn’t. But that doesn’t matter. Well?
Anyway it doesn’t matter who composed it, if only it is beautiful.
Don’t you agree?
MISS
Of course … it must be beautiful … that’s the chief thing!—
POET
Do you know what I meant by that?
MISS
By what?
POET
By what I just said.
MISS
(_Sleepily_) Of course I do.
POET
(_Gets up, goes to her, and strokes her hair_) You didn’t understand a
word.
MISS
I’m not as stupid as that.
POET
Certainly you are, but that is just the reason why I love you. It is so
beautiful, when girls are stupid. I mean in the way you are.
MISS
Go on, you are talking nonsense.
POET
Angel, little one! Isn’t it comfy on this soft, Persian couch cover?
MISS
Indeed, it is. Won’t you play something else on the piano?
POET
No, I’d rather stay near you.
(_Caressing her_)
MISS
But hadn’t you better light the lamp?
POET
Oh, no… The dim light is so restful. We were as if bathed in sunbeams
all day. Now we’ve just climbed out of the bath and slipped on … the
twilight like a bathrobe—(_Laughs_) No—that ought to be expressed
differently… Don’t you think so?
MISS
I don’t know.
POET
(_Moves slightly away from her_) Absolutely divine, this stupidity!
(_He takes out a notebook, and writes a few words in it_)
MISS
What are you doing? (_She turns toward him_) What are you writing?
POET
(_Softly_) Sun, bath, twilight, cloak … so… (_He puts the notebook
back. Aloud_) Nothing… Now tell me, sweetheart, wouldn’t you like
something to eat or drink?
MISS
I’m not thirsty, but I am hungry.
POET
Hm … it would suit me better, if you were thirsty. I have some cognac
at home, but I have to send out for food.
MISS
Can’t you send somebody?
POET
That is difficult, my servant isn’t here now—but, wait a minute—I will
go myself … what would you like?
MISS
Oh, really don’t bother; I have to go home anyway.
POET
Child, that’s out of the question. Now I will tell you something; when
we leave, we will go together somewhere for supper.
MISS
Oh, no. I haven’t time for that. And, then, where could we go? Somebody
we know might see us.
POET
Do you know such a lot of people?
MISS
Well, it takes only one to make trouble for us.
POET
Why trouble?
MISS
Well, suppose mother should hear about it…
POET
We can go somewhere, where no one can see us. There are plenty of
restaurants with private dining-rooms.
MISS
(_Singing_) “Let’s dine in a chambre separée!”
POET
Have you ever been in a private dining-room?
MISS
To tell the truth—yes.
POET
Who was the happy man?
MISS
Oh, it wasn’t the way you imagine… I went with a friend and her fiancé.
They took me along.
POET
And you expect me to believe that?
MISS
You needn’t believe it!
POET
(_Close to her_) Did you blush? You can hardly see anything. I can’t
even distinguish your features. (_He touches her cheeks with his
hands_) But even so I recognize you.
MISS
Well, be careful that you don’t take me for some one else.
POET
It is strange, I don’t seem to remember how you look.
MISS
Thank you!
POET
(_Seriously_) It is almost uncanny. I can’t imagine any longer how
you look—In a certain way I have already forgotten you—Now, if I
couldn’t remember even the sound of your voice … what would you do
then?—Something near and far away at the same time … it’s uncanny.
MISS
What are you talking about?
POET
Nothing, my angel, nothing. Where are your lips?…
(_He kisses her_)
MISS
Wouldn’t it be better to light the lamp?
POET
No… (_Very tenderly_) Tell me, do you love me?
MISS
Very much … oh, so much!
POET
Have you ever loved any one as much as me?
MISS
I told you already that I didn’t.
POET
But…
(_He sighs_)
MISS
He was my fiancé.
POET
I’d rather you wouldn’t think of him now.
MISS
Why … what’s the difference … look…
POET
We might imagine now that we were in a palace in India.
MISS
I’m sure people there wouldn’t be as wicked as you are.
POET
How idiotic! Perfectly divine—Ah, if you only know what you are to me…
MISS
Well?
POET
Don’t always push me away, I’m not going to hurt you—
MISS
My corset hurts me.
POET
(_Simply_) Take it off.
MISS
Yes. But you must behave.
POET
Of course!
MISS
(_Rises, and takes off her corset in the darkness_)
POET
(_Sits in the meantime on the sofa_) Tell me, aren’t you at all curious
to know my name?
MISS
Yes, what is it?
POET
I’d rather not tell you my real name, but the name I go by.
MISS
What is the difference?
POET
I mean the name I use as a writer.
MISS
Oh, you don’t write under your real name?
POET
(_Close to her_)
MISS
Oh … stop … don’t.
POET
What fragrance! How sweet.
(_He kisses her breasts_)
MISS
You are tearing my chemise.
POET
Away with it … away with it … everything is superfluous.
MISS
Oh, Robert.
POET
And now enter into our Indian palace.
MISS
Tell me first—do you really love me?
POET
I adore you. (_Kisses her passionately_) I adore you, my sweetheart,
my springtime … my…
MISS
Robert … Robert…
* * * * *
POET
It was heaven… My name is…
MISS
Robert—oh, my Robert!
POET
I call myself Biebitz.
MISS
Why do you call yourself Biebitz?
POET
My name is not Biebitz—I just use it as a pseudonym … well, don’t you
recognize the name?
MISS
No.
POET
You don’t know the name Biebitz? Ah—Perfectly divine! Really? You are
just pretending you don’t know it, aren’t you?
MISS
No really, I never heard it.
POET
Don’t you ever go to the theater?
MISS
Oh, yes—I was at the opera only the other day with—you know, with one
of my friends and her uncle, to hear Cavalleria Rusticana.
POET
Hm, you don’t go then to see plays.
MISS
I never get tickets for them.
POET
I’ll send you a ticket soon.
MISS
Oh, do! And don’t forget it. But for something funny.
POET
Oh … something funny … you don’t care to see anything sad?
MISS
Not very much.
POET
Not even if it is a play of mine.
MISS
A play of yours? Do you write for the theater?
POET
Let me light a candle now. I haven’t seen you since you have become my
best beloved—Angel!
(_He lights a candle_)
MISS
Don’t. I’m ashamed. Give me a cover at least.
POET
Later!
(_He approaches her with the light, and looks at her a long while_)
MISS
(_Covering her face with her hands_) Go away, Robert!
POET
You are beautiful, you are Beauty itself. You are Nature herself. You
are the simplicity which is holy.
MISS
Ouch! You are dropping wax on me. Look, why aren’t you more careful?
POET
(_Puts the candle away_) You are that for which I have long sought.
You love me for my own sake. You would love me even if I were only
a counter-jumper. That’s balm to one’s heart. I must confess I was
suspicious until this moment. Tell me, honestly, you didn’t have any
notion that I am Biebitz?
MISS
Oh, pshaw, I don’t even know what you are talking about. I never heard
of any Biebitz.
POET
What is fame! No, forget what I have told you. Forget even the name.
I am Robert and I want to remain Robert to you. I was only joking.
(_Lightly_) I am not a writer at all. I’m a clerk, and in the evening I
play the piano in a dancehall.
MISS
But now I’m all mixed up … and the way you look at one. What is the
matter, yes, what do you mean?
POET
It is very strange—something that has never happened to me, sweetheart;
I am on the verge of tears. You move me deeply. We ought to live
together. Will you? We will be very much in love with each other.
MISS
Is it true about the dancehall?
POET
Yes, but don’t ask any more about it. If you love me, don’t ask me
anything. Tell me, can’t you get away for a few weeks?
MISS
How do you mean get away?
POET
Well, I mean, leave home?
MISS
How absurd! How could I! What would mother say? And without me
everything would be topsy-turvy at home in no time.
POET
It would be so wonderful to live with you a few weeks, all alone with
you, somewhere far away, in the forest, in the world of nature… Nature.
And then, some day, “Good-by”—each going, without the other knowing
where.
MISS
You are talking already about saying good-by. And I thought that you
loved me such a lot.
POET
That is just the reason—(_Bends over her, and kisses her upon the
forehead._) You sweet darling!
MISS
Please, hold me tight. I feel so cold.
POET
I fancy it’s time for you to dress. Wait, I’ll light a few more candles
for you.
MISS
(_Rising_) Don’t look this way.
POET
No. (_At the window_) Tell me, child, are you happy?
MISS
What do you mean?
POET
I mean are you happy the way things are in general?
MISS
Well, they might be better.
POET
You misunderstand me. You have told me enough about your conditions at
home. I know you are not a princess. Leaving all that aside, do you
feel alive. Do you feel life pulsing through you?
MISS
Come, have you a comb?
POET
(_Goes to the dressing-table, hands her a comb, and watches her_) Good
Lord, how lovely you look!
MISS
Please … don’t!
POET
Please, stay a while yet. I’ll get something for supper, and…
MISS
But it is awfully late already.
POET
It is not yet nine.
MISS
Dear me, I must hurry. Please!
POET
When shall I see you again?
MISS
When would you like to see me?
POET
To-morrow.
MISS
What day is to-morrow?
POET
Saturday.
MISS
Oh, then I can’t. I must take my little sister to her guardian.
POET