JUHASZ—Paula—— [_He rises._] The fact is that from to-morrow on the shop
doesn’t belong to me.
PAULA—Doesn’t belong to you?
JUHASZ—In a word, Paula, my wife has left me and is going to Berlin with
Oscar ... and I have failed.... To-morrow morning a receiver, appointed
by my creditors, takes charge ... and he’ll be the boss here.... So why
should I worry my head about waterproof coats? [_A pause._]
PAULA—I—I don’t know what to say, Mr. Juhasz.
JUHASZ—Don’t say anything, Paula. I didn’t say anything myself. No. And
let those letters go for to-night. I can’t have you ruining your eyes.
PAULA—As if you hadn’t troubles enough of your own without worrying about
my eyes.
JUHASZ—Troubles?... Well....
PAULA—I can imagine how you must feel.
JUHASZ—Yes, here I stand like a tree in the park that is only good for
lovers to meet under....
PAULA—And then go away.
JUHASZ—But first they cut their names in it with a sharp knife. [_ADOLF,
carrying his long pole, comes through the archway._] What’s the matter?
ADOLF—It’s eight o’clock, Mr. Juhasz.
JUHASZ—[_Still a bit absently._] Yes, you can really close up now, Adolf.
[_ADOLF goes out, pulls the grating half way down._]
COUNT—[_His voice is heard from the street._] Here, here, here! Are you
trying to lock me out again? [_He dodges under the grating and enters.
He is wearing a motor coat and cap. ADOLF, pole in hand, follows him
in, grinning._] Tell me, my friend, do you do that on purpose? [_ADOLF
only grins._] Whenever I try to get in you come along with that big
stick and pull the grating down. You don’t like me, what? [_ADOLF’S grin
is broader._] Here! [_Gives him money._] Here is something for you.
Try to like me better. [_ADOLF tries to kiss his hand. The COUNT waves
him off._] Never mind that. [_The COUNT comes down right. ADOLF exits
through the archway._] He is always trying to close the door in my face.
[_Looks at them wonderingly._] What’s the matter? You look so cheerful,
Juhasz.
JUHASZ—Excellency.... I don’t know how to tell you. [_PAULA is about to
go._] Don’t go, Miss Paula.
PAULA—I only wanted to see whether the cap has arrived for his excellency.
COUNT—Thank you, Paula.