JUHASZ—What do I want the shop for now? Let the creditors sell it out.
There will be more than enough to pay them.
PAULA—But that means your livelihood, your entire future!
JUHASZ—I love you, Paula. It is _your_ future I am thinking of. You don’t
want to work in a shop ... or be a shopkeeper’s wife ... you want to
live in luxury ... well ... here is money. Take it. [_Forces it into her
hand._] There! Close your hand.... Spend it ... while it lasts ... and
then ... if you still want to go on living that way ... it will be easy
to get more money ... too easy for a pretty girl like you.... But if you
change your mind, Paula, if you change your mind, you can turn back ...
back to this ordinary life.... But if you took the Count’s money, there
could be no turning back.... Don’t you see?... For when a girl’s honor is
gone ... she can’t turn back.... And you will want to turn back.... I am
certain of that.... I know you, Paula.... You will want to turn back.
PAULA—[_Deeply moved._] You would do this for me? You would give me
everything you possess ... and ask nothing in return?
JUHASZ—[_Throwing it off, with a whimsical smile._] Everything I possess?
So it is. Let the Count do as much for you if he’s such a cavalier.
[_PAULA offers him the money, mutely._] No. We are going now ... we shall
both make the noon train to Budapest.... You will not stay here with the
Count.... I see it in your eyes ... in your tears.... You are saved,
little Paula, ... saved from your own folly. [_He has moved very close to
her and has one hand on her shoulder when the COUNT enters. JUHASZ drops
his hand. There is a pause._]
COUNT—Are you dictating, Juhasz?
JUHASZ—[_Cold, resolute but respectful._] I have had very good news,
your excellency. I am leaving on the noon express ... and ... [_looks
at PAULA_] Miss Paula will tell you the rest. [_Head high, very sure of
himself, he exits at right. There is a pause._]
COUNT—What’s the matter with the man? [_PAULA shows him the money._] I
don’t understand.
PAULA—He gave it to me.
COUNT—I said he was in love with you.