COUNT—[_Shouts._] Don’t look at me like that! This is unheard of! I come
in with the fixed intention of giving you the sack, and here I am——
Unheard of! [_Angrier yet._] Now I’m the Juhasz! [_Roars._] Do you expect
me to send you away because you try to help everybody who is in trouble?
JUHASZ—A man like me does more harm around the place than a hundred lazy
workmen.... You mustn’t consider me, sir.... I’ll be all right. I’ll go
somewhere and wait until my money comes ... from Berlin. Then I’ll have
my shop back. [_He raises his eyes to the COUNT, then recollects that it
is forbidden._] I beg pardon. [_He turns his back._]
COUNT—Such credulity! Such optimism! [_Goes up to him._] You are the most
absurd old baby I ever—— You can look at me now ... you soft-hearted
[_JUHASZ looks at him_] old lamb, you.... The only thing to do with
you ... is ... hug you. [_Puts an arm affectionately around JUHASZ’S
shoulder. PAULA enters at right. Seeing her, the COUNT withdraws his arm.
There is a brief pause._] I’m a fine dismisser myself! [_To JUHASZ._]
Run along, my son ... go out to your pigeons ... and tell them that the
old master can’t eat his personal acquaintances either. [_JUHASZ flashes
PAULA a triumphant glance and exits quickly at left._]
PAULA—If I had come in a minute later you’d have been kissing him.
COUNT—Quite likely. It’s no use. I can’t get rid of him.
PAULA—I’ve thought of a way.
COUNT—To get him out of here?
PAULA—Yes, and of his own free will.
COUNT—It isn’t possible.
PAULA—It is. But it will cost a great deal.
COUNT—I’ll pay whatever it costs.
PAULA—Mr. Juhasz can have his shop back by paying fifty-one thousand
kronen to the attorney for his creditors.
COUNT—But, my dear, you said yourself that he’d never let me pay it for
him.
PAULA—Yes, but he is not to know that you are paying it.