COUNT—Tell me ... isn’t this Juhasz in love with you?
PAULA—[_In honest amazement._] How can you say such a thing? It is
nothing but his goodness, his exaggerated sense of gratitude. He thinks
he owes me his aid and his protection because I followed him here into
exile.
COUNT—I’ll exile him for good this time. Wait and see.
PAULA—You won’t be unkind to him ... please ... don’t be.
COUNT—Don’t worry.... I’ll be absolutely just with him. I’ll simply
confront him with the case of this fellow Mate whom he can’t bring
himself to dismiss. And I’ll say to him, “Now, it’s Mate or you.” And as
it is perfectly certain that he will never be able to harden his heart
to the point of dismissing anyone, he’ll have no alternative but to go
himself. And then ... [_ardently_] my happiness begins ... and yours,
Paula ... for you are my last love ... and last love is like the setting
sun ... full of fire and gold.... [_He approaches her ardently. JUHASZ
enters at left, a big book under his arm._]
JUHASZ—The swine aren’t entered in the books.
COUNT—Oh!... There’s a limit to everything! [_Goes to the door at left,
calling angrily._] Mr. Santha! Didn’t I say I was not to be disturbed
while dictating? Where is the fellow! [_Exits at left, leaving the door
open._]
JUHASZ—[_To PAULA, quickly._] I heard all the dreadful things he said to
you. And it’s my fault. I brought you here.