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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..817b7ba --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #53513 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53513) diff --git a/old/53513-0.txt b/old/53513-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 6676443..0000000 --- a/old/53513-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7203 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hands Around [Reigen], by Arthur Schnitzler - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Hands Around [Reigen] - A Cycle of Ten Dialogues - -Author: Arthur Schnitzler - -Translator: L. D. Edwards - F. L. Glaser - -Release Date: November 12, 2016 [EBook #53513] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HANDS AROUND [REIGEN] *** - - - - -Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - -HANDS AROUND - -OF THIS EDITION, INTENDED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY, 1475 COPIES -HAVE BEEN PRINTED, AFTER WHICH THE TYPE HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED. - -THIS COPY IS NUMBER 738 - - - - - HANDS AROUND - [REIGEN] - - A CYCLE OF TEN DIALOGUES - - _By_ - ARTHUR SCHNITZLER - - COMPLETELY RENDERED - INTO ENGLISH - - AUTHORIZED TRANSLATION - - NEW YORK - _Privately Printed for Subscribers_ - MCMXX - - Copyright, 1920 - By - A. KOREN - - - - -INTRODUCTION - - -Humanity seems gayest when dancing on the brink of a volcano. The -culture of a period preceding a social cataclysm is marked by a spirit -of light wit and sophisticated elegance which finds expression in -a literature of a distinct type. This literature is light-hearted, -audacious and self-conscious. It can treat with the most charming -insouciance subjects which in another age would have been awkward or -even vulgar. But with the riper experience of a period approaching -its end the writers feel untrammeled in the choice of theme by pride -or prejudice knowing that they will never transgress the line of good -taste. - -So it was in the declining days of the Roman civilization when Lucian -of Samosata wrote his _Dialogues of the Hetærai_ and countless poets -penned their intricate epigrams on the art and experience of love. So -it was in England when the fine vigor of the Elizabethan and Miltonic -age gave way to the Restoration and the calculating brilliance of a -Congreve or a Wycherly. - -But the exquisite handling of the licentious was elaborated into a -perfect technique in eighteenth century France. The spirit of the -Rococo with its predilection for the well-measured pose was singularly -well adapted to the artistic expression of what in a cruder age could -only have been voiced with coarseness and vulgarity. In the literature -of this period we meet again the spirit that animates the gracious -paintings of Watteau and Fragonard. The scenes we admire in their -panels recur in literary style in works like Choderlos de Laclos’ -_Liaisons dangereuses_ and Louvet de Couvray’s _Les amours du Chevalier -de Faublas_. Again the same note is heard in Beaumarchais’ _Le -Mariage de Figaro_, in which the society of the period is travestied -with brilliant wit and worldly philosophy. The court of Louis XVI., -quite unaware, looked on and applauded a play which Napoleon later -characterized as “the revolution already in action.” - -During the closing years of the nineteenth century a similar spirit has -hovered over Vienna, when it was the last and staunchest stronghold -of aristocracy in the modern world. Its literature reflected the -charm of a fastidious amatory etiquette which is forbidden in sterner -and soberer environment, while it gayly ignored the slow gathering -of the clouds which foreshadowed its own catastrophe and martyrdom. -As Percival Pollard once so well put it: “All that rises out of that -air has had fascination, grace, insinuation, and intrigue. Neither -tremendous passion nor tremendous problems have stirred, to all -appearances, these polite artists of Vienna. Passion might be there, -but what was to be artistically expressed was, rather, the witty or -ironically mournful surfaces of passion.” - -The literary master of this world is concededly Arthur Schnitzler, -in whom are curiously combined the sophisticated elegance of the -Viennese man of letters and the disenchanting wisdom of the practising -physician. He was born in Vienna in 1862, the son of a doctor. He -studied medicine himself, took his degree in 1885, and was for two -years connected with a hospital. Since then he has practised privately, -and has also found the time to write a long series of plays, both in -prose and verse, several novels, and many shorter stories. Of these a -considerable number have appeared in English. - -_Reigen_, here translated as _Hands Around_, is a series of ten -comedies—miniatures in dialogue between man and woman in various ages -and walks of life. But transgressing the merely literary they are -psychological studies of the interplay of sex, and keen analyses of the -sophisticated modern soul, done with freedom and finesse. There are no -grim questions of right and wrong in these subtle revelations of the -merely human. In fact one might call them studies in the etiquette of -the liaison and all its nuances. - -The cycle begins with a girl of the streets and a soldier. Then come -the soldier and a parlor-maid, the parlor-maid and a young man, the -young man and a young wife, the young wife and her husband, the -husband and a sweet young miss, the sweet young miss and a poet, the -poet and an actress, the actress and a count, until finally the cycle -is completed with the count and the girl of the streets. A vicious -circle, some may say, and such it surely would have been in the hands -of a lesser artist than Schnitzler, for he would only have made the -book hideously fleshly, instead of a marvelous psychological study in -the ecstacies and disillusions of love and the whole tragedy of human -wishes unsatisfied even in their apparent gratification. - -But as it is the silken portières of discreet alcoves are opened -quietly before our eyes, and we hear the whisper of the most intimate -secrets. But with all their realism there is no word in these dialogues -which could antagonize the susceptibilities of any sincere student -or true lover of humanity. All stratagems of sex are uncovered not -through the curious observations of a faunic mind, but through the -finer eyes of a connoisseur of things human. - -The Puritan fanatic with his jaundiced inhibitions or the moral -ideologist with his heart of leather may toss the book aside resentful -because of its inherent truth. The philosopher of human life, taking -the larger aspect of this drama, will close it with the serene smile of -understanding. - -Any attempt to turn a dialogue so full of delicate shades as is -this of Schnitzler into a language like English, whose genius tends -rather toward a graphic concreteness and realism, is full of pitfalls -and difficulties. The translators, however, hope that they have -accomplished their task with reasonable success, thinking always of -the spirit rather than the letter. They also take this occasion to -express their appreciation to Dr. Arthur Schnitzler for his kindness in -granting them his authorization for this translation of _Reigen_. - - F. L. G. - L. D. E. - - New York - 1920 - - - - -HANDS AROUND - - - - -CHARACTERS - - - THE GIRL OF THE STREETS, - THE SOLDIER, - THE PARLOR MAID, - THE YOUNG MAN, - THE YOUNG WIFE, - THE HUSBAND, - THE SWEET YOUNG MISS, - THE POET, - THE ACTRESS, - THE COUNT. - - - - -THE GIRL OF THE STREETS AND THE SOLDIER - - -_Late in the evening near the Augarten Bridge._ - -SOLDIER - -(_Enters whistling, on his way home_) - -GIRL - -Hello, my beautiful angel! - -SOLDIER - -(_Turns and continues on his way_) - -GIRL - -Don’t you want to come with me? - -SOLDIER - -Oh, I am the beautiful angel? - -GIRL - -Sure, who else? Do come with me. I live very near here. - -SOLDIER - -I’ve no time. I must get back to the barracks. - -GIRL - -You’ll get to your barracks in plenty of time. It’s much nicer with me. - -SOLDIER - -(_Close to her_) That’s possible. - -GIRL - -Ps-st! A guard may pass any minute. - -SOLDIER - -Rot! A guard! I carry a saber too! - -GIRL - -Ah, come with me. - -SOLDIER - -Let me alone. I have no money anyway. - -GIRL - -I don’t want any money. - -SOLDIER - -(_Stopping. They are under a street-lamp_) You don’t want any money? -What kind of a girl are you, then? - -GIRL - -The civilians pay me. Chaps like you don’t have to pay me for anything. - -SOLDIER - -Maybe you’re the girl my pal told me about. - -GIRL - -I don’t know any pal of yours. - -SOLDIER - -You’re she, all right! You know—in the café down the street—He went -home with you from there. - -GIRL - -Lots have gone home with me from that café… Oh, lots! - -SOLDIER - -All right. Let’s go! - -GIRL - -So, you’re in a hurry now? - -SOLDIER - -Well, what are we waiting for? Anyhow, I must be back at the barracks -by ten. - -GIRL - -Been in service long? - -SOLDIER - -What business is that of yours? Is it far? - -GIRL - -Ten minutes’ walk. - -SOLDIER - -That’s too far for me. Give me a kiss. - -GIRL - -(_Kissing him_) I like that best anyway—when I love some one. - -SOLDIER - -I don’t. No, I can’t go with you. It’s too far. - -GIRL - -Say, come to-morrow afternoon. - -SOLDIER - -Sure. Give me your address. - -GIRL - -But maybe you won’t come. - -SOLDIER - -If I promise! - -GIRL - -Look here—if my place is too far to-night—there … there… - -(_She points toward the Danube_) - -SOLDIER - -What’s there? - -GIRL - -It’s nice and quiet there, too … no one is around. - -SOLDIER - -Oh, that’s not the real thing. - -GIRL - -It’s always the real thing with me. Come, stay with me now. Who knows, -if we’ll be alive to-morrow. - -SOLDIER - -Come along then—but quick. - -GIRL - -Be careful! It’s dark here. If you slip, you’ll fall in the river. - -SOLDIER - -Would be the best thing, perhaps. - -GIRL - -Sh-h. Wait a minute. We’ll come to a bench soon. - -SOLDIER - -You seem to know this place pretty well. - -GIRL - -I’d like to have you for a sweetheart. - -SOLDIER - -I’d fight too much. - -GIRL - -I’d cure you of that soon enough. - -SOLDIER - -Humph— - -GIRL - -Don’t make so much noise. Sometimes a guard stumbles down here. Would -you believe we are in the middle of Vienna? - -SOLDIER - -Come here. Come over here. - -GIRL - -You are crazy! If we slipped here, we’d fall into the river. - -SOLDIER - -(_Has grabbed her_) Oh you— - -GIRL - -Hold tight to me. - -SOLDIER - -Don’t be afraid… - - * * * * * - -GIRL - -It would have been nicer on the bench. - -SOLDIER - -Here or there, it doesn’t matter to me… Well, pick yourself up. - -GIRL - -What’s your hurry—? - -SOLDIER - -I must get to the barracks. I’ll be late anyhow. - -GIRL - -Say, what’s your name? - -SOLDIER - -What’s that to you? - -GIRL - -My name is Leocadia. - -SOLDIER - -Humph! I never heard such a name before. - -GIRL - -Listen! - -SOLDIER - -Well, what do you want? - -GIRL - -Give me just a dime for the janitor. - -SOLDIER - -Humph!… Do you think I’m your meal-ticket? Good-by, Leocadia… - -GIRL - -Tightwad! Pimp! - -(_He disappears_) - - - - -THE SOLDIER AND THE PARLOR-MAID - - -_Prater Gardens. Sunday Evening. A road which leads from the -Wurstelprater[1] into dark tree arcades. Confused music from the -Wurstelprater can still be heard; also strains from the cheap -dancehall, a vulgar polka, played by a brass band. THE SOLDIER. -THE PARLOR-MAID._ - -MAID - -Now tell me why you wanted to leave. - -SOLDIER - -(_Grins sheepishly_) - -MAID - -It was so beautiful and I so love to dance. - -SOLDIER - -(_Puts his arm around her waist_) - -MAID - -(_Submitting_) But we aren’t dancing now. Why do you hold me so tight? - -SOLDIER - -What’s your name? Katy? - -MAID - -You’ve always got a “Katy” on your mind. - -SOLDIER - -I know—I know … Marie. - -MAID - -Goodness, it’s dark here. I’m afraid. - -SOLDIER - -You needn’t be afraid when I’m with you. I can take care of myself! - -MAID - -But where are we going? There’s no one around. Come, let’s go back!… -It’s so dark! - -SOLDIER - -(_Pulling at his cigar until it glows brightly_) There … it’s already -getting brighter. Ha—! Oh, you dearie! - -MAID - -Oh! what are you doing there? If I had known this before! - -SOLDIER - -The devil take me, if any one at the dance to-day felt softer and -rounder than you, Miss Marie. - -MAID - -Did you find it out in the same way with all the others? - -SOLDIER - -You notice things … dancing. You find out lots that way! - -MAID - -But you danced much oftener with that cross-eyed blonde than with me. - -SOLDIER - -She’s an old friend of one of my pals. - -MAID - -Of the corporal with the upturned mustache? - -SOLDIER - -Oh no, I mean the civilian. You know, the one who was talking with me -at the table in the beginning. The one who has such a husky voice. - -MAID - -Oh I know. He’s fresh. - -SOLDIER - -Did he do anything to you? I’ll show him! What did he do to you? - -MAID - -Oh nothing… I only noticed how he was with the others. - -SOLDIER - -Tell me, Miss Marie… - -MAID - -You’ll burn me with your cigar. - -SOLDIER - -Pardon me!—Miss Marie—or may I say Marie? - -MAID - -We’re not such good friends yet… - -SOLDIER - -There’re many who don’t like each-other, and yet use first names. - -MAID - -Next time, if we… But, Frank! - -SOLDIER - -Oh, you remember my name? - -MAID - -But, Frank… - -SOLDIER - -That’s right, call me Frank, Miss Marie. - -MAID - -Don’t be so fresh—but, sh-h, suppose some one should come! - -SOLDIER - -What if some one did come? They couldn’t see anything two steps off. - -MAID - -For goodness’ sake, where are we going? - -SOLDIER - -Look! There’s two just like us. - -MAID - -Where? I don’t see anything. - -SOLDIER - -There … just ahead of us. - -MAID - -Why do you say: “two like us”— - -SOLDIER - -Well, I mean, they like each other too. - -MAID - -Look out! What’s that there? I nearly fell. - -SOLDIER - -Oh, that’s the meadow-gate. - -MAID - -Don’t shove me so. I’ll fall. - -SOLDIER - -Sh-h, not so loud. - -MAID - -Stop! Now I’m really going to scream—What are you doing?… Stop now— - -SOLDIER - -There’s no one anywhere around. - -MAID - -Then, let’s go back where the people are. - -SOLDIER - -We don’t need them. Why—Marie, we need … for that… - -MAID - -Stop, Frank, please, for Heaven’s sake! Listen to me, if I had … known -… oh … come! - - * * * * * - -SOLDIER - -(_Blissfully_) Once more… Oh… - -MAID - -… I can’t see your face at all. - -SOLDIER - -Don’t matter—my face… - - * * * * * - -SOLDIER - -Well, Miss Marie, you can’t stay here on the grass all night. - -MAID - -Please, Frank, help me. - -SOLDIER - -Oh, come along. - -MAID - -Oh, Lord help me, Frank. - -SOLDIER - -Well, what’s the matter with me? - -MAID - -You’re a bad man, Frank. - -SOLDIER - -Yes, yes. Say, wait a minute. - -MAID - -Why do you leave me alone? - -SOLDIER - -Can’t you let me light my cigar! - -MAID - -It’s so dark. - -SOLDIER - -It’ll be light again to-morrow morning. - -MAID - -Tell me, at least, you love me. - -SOLDIER - -Well, you must have felt that, Miss Marie! - -MAID - -Where are we going now? - -SOLDIER - -Back, of course. - -MAID - -Please, don’t walk so fast. - -SOLDIER - -Well, what’s wrong? I don’t like to walk around in the dark. - -MAID - -Tell me, Frank … do you love me? - -SOLDIER - -But I just told you that I loved you! - -MAID - -Won’t you give me a little kiss? - -SOLDIER - -(_Condescendingly_) There… Listen—There’s the music again. - -MAID - -Would you really like to go back, and dance again? - -SOLDIER - -Of course, why not? - -MAID - -But, Frank, see, I have to get home. Madame will scold me anyway,—she’s -cranky … she’d like it best if I never went out. - -SOLDIER - -Well, you can go home. - -MAID - -But, I thought, Frank, you’d take me home. - -SOLDIER - -Take you home? Oh! - -MAID - -Please, it’s so sad to go home alone. - -SOLDIER - -Where do you live? - -MAID - -Not very far—in Porzellanstrasse. - -SOLDIER - -So? Then we go the same way … but it’s still too early for me … me for -the dance… I’ve got late leave to-day… I don’t need to be back at the -barracks before twelve o’clock. I’m going to dance. - -MAID - -Oh, I see, now it’s that cross-eyed blonde’s turn. - -SOLDIER - -Humph!—Her face isn’t so bad. - -MAID - -Oh Lord, how wicked men are. I’m sure you do the same to every one. - -SOLDIER - -That’d be too much!— - -MAID - -Please, Frank, no more to-day—stay with me to-day, you see— - -SOLDIER - -Oh, very well, all right. But I suppose I may dance. - -MAID - -I’m not going to dance with any one else to-night. - -SOLDIER - -There it is already… - -MAID - -What? - -SOLDIER - -The hall! How quick we got back. They’re still playing the same thing … -that tatata-tum tatata-tum (_He hums with the band_)… Well, I’ll take -you home, if you want to wait for me … if not … good-by— - -MAID - -Yes, I’ll wait. - -(_They enter the dancehall_) - -SOLDIER - -Say, Miss Marie, get yourself a glass of beer. (_Turning to a blonde -who is just dancing past him in the arms of another, very formally_) -Miss, may I ask for a dance?— - - - - -THE PARLOR MAID AND THE YOUNG MAN - - -_Sultry summer afternoon. The parents of the YOUNG MAN are away in -the country. The cook has gone out. The PARLOR-MAID is in the kitchen -writing a letter to the soldier who is now her sweetheart. The YOUNG -MAN’S bell rings. She gets up and goes to his room. The YOUNG MAN is -lying on a couch, smoking a cigarette and reading a French novel._ - -MAID - -Yes, Sir? - -YOUNG MAN - -Oh, yes, Marie, oh, yes; I rang, yes … I only wanted … yes, of course… -Oh, yes, of course, let the blinds down, Marie… It’s cooler with the -blinds down … yes… - -(_The MAID goes to the window and pulls down the blinds_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Continues reading_) What are you doing, Marie? Oh, yes. But, now, I -can’t see to read. - -MAID - -You are always so studious, Sir. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Ignoring the remark_) There, that’s better. - -(_MARIE goes._) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Tries to go on with his reading, lets the book fall, and rings again_) - -MAID - -(_Enters_) - -YOUNG MAN - -I say, Marie … let’s see, what was it I wanted to say? … oh, yes… Is -there any cognac in the house? - -MAID - -Yes, but it’s locked up. - -YOUNG MAN - -Well, who has the key? - -MAID - -Lini. - -YOUNG MAN - -Who is Lini? - -MAID - -The cook, Mr. Alfred. - -YOUNG MAN - -Well, then ask Lini for it. - -MAID - -Yes, but it’s Lini’s day out. - -YOUNG MAN - -So… - -MAID - -Can I get anything for you from the café, Sir? - -YOUNG MAN - -Thank you, no… It is hot enough as it is. I don’t need any cognac. -Listen, Marie, bring me a glass of water. Wait, Marie,—let it run, till -it gets quite cold. - -_Exit MAID. The YOUNG MAN gazes after her. At the door the MAID looks -back at him, and the YOUNG MAN glances into the air. The MAID turns on -the water and lets it run. Meanwhile, she goes into her room, washes -her hands, and arranges her curls before the mirror. Then she brings -the glass of water to the YOUNG MAN. She approaches the couch. The -YOUNG MAN raises himself upon his elbow. The MAID gives him the glass -of water and their fingers touch._ - -YOUNG MAN - -Thank you—Well, what is the matter?—Be careful. Put the glass back on -the tray. (_He leans back, and stretches himself_) How late is it? - -MAID - -Five o’clock, Sir. - -YOUNG MAN - -Ah, five o’clock.—That’s fine.— - -MAID - -(_Goes. At the door she turns around. The YOUNG MAN has followed her -with his eyes; she notices it, and smiles_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Remains stretched out awhile; then, suddenly, he gets up. He walks -to the door, back again, and lies down on the couch. He again tries to -read. After a few moments, he rings once more._) - -MAID - -(_Appears with a smile which she does not try to hide_) - -YOUNG MAN - -Listen, Marie, there was something I wanted to ask you. Didn’t Dr. -Schueller call this morning? - -MAID - -No, Sir, nobody called this morning. - -YOUNG MAN - -That is strange. Then, Dr. Schueller didn’t call. Do you know Dr. -Schueller by sight? - -MAID - -Of course, I do. He’s the big gentleman with the black beard. - -YOUNG MAN - -Yes. Then, perhaps, he called after all? - -MAID - -No, Sir. Nobody called. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Resolutely_) Come here, Marie. - -MAID - -(_Coming a little nearer_) Yes, Sir. - -YOUNG MAN - -Still nearer … so … ah … I only thought… - -MAID - -Do you want anything, Sir? - -YOUNG MAN - -I thought… Well, I thought—only about your blouse … what kind of a -blouse is it … can’t you come closer. I won’t bite you. - -MAID - -(_Comes close to him_) What is the matter with my blouse? Don’t you -like it, Sir? - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Takes hold of her blouse, and draws her down to him_) Blue? It is a -nice blue. (_Simply_) You are very prettily dressed, Marie. - -MAID - -But, Sir… - -YOUNG MAN - -Ah… What is the matter?… (_He has opened her blouse. In a matter of -fact tone_) You have a beautiful white skin, Marie. - -MAID - -You are flattering me, Sir. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Kissing her on the breast_) That can’t hurt you. - -MAID - -Oh, no. - -YOUNG MAN - -But you sigh so. Why are you sighing? - -MAID - -Oh, Mr. Alfred… - -YOUNG MAN - -And what charming little slippers you have… - -MAID - -… But … Sir … if the doorbell should ring.— - -YOUNG MAN - -Who will ring now? - -MAID - -But, Sir … look … it is so light… - -YOUNG MAN - -You needn’t feel at all shy with me. You needn’t feel shy with anybody -… any one as pretty as you. Yes, really, you are, Marie… Do you know -your hair actually smells sweet. - -MAID - -Mr. Alfred… - -YOUNG MAN - -Don’t make such a fuss, Marie… Anyway, I’ve already seen you otherwise. -When I came home the other night and went to get some water, the door -to your room was open … well… - -MAID - -(_Covering her face_) Oh, my, I didn’t know that Mr. Alfred could be so -wicked. - -YOUNG MAN - -I _saw_ lots then … _that_ … and _that_ … that … and— - -MAID - -Oh, Mr. Alfred! - -YOUNG MAN - -Come, come … here … so—that’s it… - -MAID - -But if the doorbell should ring now— - -YOUNG MAN - -Now forget that … we simply wouldn’t open the door. - - * * * * * - -(_The bell rings_) - -YOUNG MAN - -Confound it… What a noise that fellow makes—Perhaps he rang before, and -we didn’t notice it. - -MAID - -Oh, no. I was listening all the while. - -YOUNG MAN - -Well, see what’s the matter. Peek through the curtains. - -MAID - -Mr. Alfred … you are … no … such a bad man. - -YOUNG MAN - -Please go and see… - -(_Exit MAID_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Opens the blinds quickly_) - -MAID - -(_Returns_) He must have gone away again. Anyway, no one is there now. -Perhaps, it was Dr. Schueller. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Annoyed_) Thank you. - -MAID - -(_Drawing close to him_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Evading her_) Listen, Marie,—I’m going to the café now. - -MAID - -(_Tenderly_) So soon … Mr. Alfred. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Formally_) I am going to the café now… If Dr. Schueller should call— - -MAID - -He won’t come any more to-day. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Severely_) If Dr. Schueller should come, I—I am in the café. - -(_He goes to the adjoining room. The MAID takes a cigar from the -smoking-stand, puts it in her blouse and goes out._) - - - - -THE YOUNG MAN AND THE YOUNG WIFE - - -_Evening—A drawing-room furnished with cheap elegance in a house in -Schwind street. The YOUNG MAN has just come in; and, still wearing -his hat and overcoat, he lights the gas. Then he opens a door to a -side-room and looks in. The light from the drawing-room shimmers over -the inlaid floor as far as the Louis Quinze bed, which stands against -the opposite wall. A reddish light plays from the fire-place in the -corner of the bedroom upon the hangings of the bed. The YOUNG MAN now -inspects the bedroom. He takes an atomizer from the dressing-table, -and sprays the bed-pillows with a fine rain of violet perfume. Then -he carries the atomizer through both rooms, constantly pressing upon -the bulb, so that soon the odor of violets pervades the place. He then -takes off his hat and coat. He sits down in a blue velvet armchair, -lights a cigarette, and smokes. After a short pause he rises again, and -makes sure that the green shutters are closed. Suddenly, he goes into -the bedroom, and opens a drawer in the dressing-table. He puts his hand -in it, and finds a tortoise-shell hair-pin. He looks for a place to -hide it, and finally puts it into a pocket of his overcoat. He opens -the buffet in the drawing-room; takes a silver tray, with a bottle and -two liqueur glasses, and puts them on the table. He goes back to his -overcoat, and takes from it a small white package. Opening this, he -places it beside the cognac. He goes again to the buffet, and takes two -small plates and knives and forks. He takes a candied chestnut from -the package and eats it. Then he pours himself a glass of cognac, and -drinks it quickly. He then looks at his watch. He walks up and down -the room. He stops a while before a large mirror, ordering his hair -and small mustache with a pocket-comb. He next goes to the door of the -vestibule and listens. Nothing is stirring. Then he closes the blue -portières, which hang before the bedroom. The bell rings. He starts -slightly. Then he sits down in the armchair, and rises only when the -door has been opened and the YOUNG WIFE enters._ - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Heavily veiled, closes the door behind her, pausing a moment with her -left hand over her heart, as though mastering a strong emotion_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Goes toward her, takes her left hand, and presses a kiss on the -white glove with black stitching. He says softly._) Thank you. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Alfred—Alfred! - -YOUNG MAN - -Come, Madame… Come, Emma… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Let me be for a minute—please … oh, please, please, Alfred! - -(_She is still standing at the door_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Standing before her, holding her hand_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -Where am I? - -YOUNG MAN - -With me. - -YOUNG WIFE - -This house is terrible, Alfred. - -YOUNG MAN - -Why terrible? It is a very proper house. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But I met two gentlemen on the staircase. - -YOUNG MAN - -Acquaintances of yours? - -YOUNG WIFE - -I don’t know. It’s possible. - -YOUNG MAN - -But, Madame—You surely know your friends! - -YOUNG WIFE - -I couldn’t see their faces. - -YOUNG MAN - -But even had they been your best friends—they couldn’t possibly have -recognized you… I, myself … if I didn’t know it was you … this veil— - -YOUNG WIFE - -There are two. - -YOUNG MAN - -Won’t you come closer?… And take off your hat, at least? - -YOUNG WIFE - -What are you thinking of, Alfred? I promised you: Five minutes… Not a -moment more … I swear it, no more— - -YOUNG MAN - -Well, then, your veil— - -YOUNG WIFE - -There are two of them. - -YOUNG MAN - -Very well, both of them—you will at least let me see your face. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Do you really love me, Alfred? - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Deeply hurt_) Emma! You ask me… - -YOUNG WIFE - -It’s so warm here. - -YOUNG MAN - -You’re still wearing your fur-coat—really, you will catch cold. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Finally enters the room, and throws herself into the armchair_) I’m -tired—dead tired. - -YOUNG MAN - -Permit me. - -(_He takes off her veil, removes her hat-pin, and puts hat, pin, and -veil aside_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Permits it_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Stands before her, and shakes his head_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -What is the matter? - -YOUNG MAN - -You’ve never been so beautiful. - -YOUNG WIFE - -How is that? - -YOUNG MAN - -Alone … alone with you—Emma— - -(_He kneels down beside her chair, takes both her hands, and covers -them with kisses_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -And now … now let me go again. I have done what you asked me to do. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Lets his head sink into her lap_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -You promised me to be good. - -YOUNG MAN - -Yes. - -YOUNG WIFE - -It is stifling hot in this room. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Gets up_) You still have your coat on. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Put it with my hat. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Takes off her coat, and puts it on the sofa_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -And now—good-by— - -YOUNG MAN - -Emma—! Emma—! - -YOUNG WIFE - -The five minutes are long past. - -YOUNG MAN - -Not one yet!— - -YOUNG WIFE - -Alfred, tell me truly now, how late it is. - -YOUNG MAN - -It is now exactly a quarter past six. - -YOUNG WIFE - -I should have been at my sister’s long ago. - -YOUNG MAN - -You can see your sister any time… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh, Merciful Heaven, Alfred, why did you tempt me to come? - -YOUNG MAN - -Because … I adore you, Emma! - -YOUNG WIFE - -To how many have you said the same thing? - -YOUNG MAN - -Since I met you, to no one. - -YOUNG WIFE - -What a foolish woman I am! If anybody had predicted … just a week ago … -or even yesterday… - -YOUNG MAN - -But you had already promised me the day before yesterday. - -YOUNG WIFE - -You plagued me so. But I didn’t want to do it. God is my witness—I -didn’t want to do it… Yesterday, I was firmly decided… Do you know I -even wrote you a long letter last night? - -YOUNG MAN - -I didn’t receive any. - -YOUNG WIFE - -I tore it up later. Oh, if only I had sent it to you. - -YOUNG MAN - -It is better as it is. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh, no, it’s awful … of me. I don’t understand myself. Good-by, Alfred, -let me go. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Seizes her, and covers her face with burning kisses_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -So … is that the way you keep your word… - -YOUNG MAN - -One more kiss—one more. - -YOUNG WIFE - -The last. - -(_He kisses her, and she returns the kiss; their lips remain joined for -a long time_) - -YOUNG MAN - -Shall I tell you something, Emma? It is now for the first time that I -know what happiness is. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Sinks back into the armchair_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Sits on the arm of the chair, and puts one arm lightly about her -neck_) … or rather, I know now what happiness might be. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Sighs deeply_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Kisses her again_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -Alfred—Alfred, what are you doing to me! - -YOUNG MAN - -Wasn’t I right?—It isn’t so awfully uncomfortable here… And we are so -safe here. It’s a thousand times better than those meetings outdoors… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh, don’t remind me of them. - -YOUNG MAN - -I shall always recall them with a thousand delights. Every minute you -have let me spend with you is a sweet memory. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Do you remember the ball at the Manufacturers’ Club? - -YOUNG MAN - -Do I remember it…? I sat beside you through the whole supper—quite -close to you. Your husband had champagne… - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Looks at him with a hurt expression_) - -YOUNG MAN - -I meant to speak only of the champagne. Emma, would you like a glass of -cognac? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Only a drop, but first give me a glass of water. - -YOUNG MAN - -Surely… But where is—oh, yes, I remember… - -(_He opens the portières, and goes into the bedroom_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Follows him with her eyes_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Comes back with a water-bottle and two glasses_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -Where have you been? - -YOUNG MAN - -In … the adjoining room. - -(_Pours her a glass of water_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -Now I’m going to ask you something, Alfred—and you must tell me the -truth. - -YOUNG MAN - -I swear— - -YOUNG WIFE - -Has there ever been any other woman in these rooms? - -YOUNG MAN - -But, Emma—this house was built twenty years ago!— - -YOUNG WIFE - -You know what I mean, Alfred … in these rooms, with you! - -YOUNG MAN - -With me—here—Emma!—It’s not kind of you even to imagine such a thing. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Then there was … how shall I… But, no, I’d rather not ask. It is -better that I shouldn’t ask. It’s my own fault. Every fault has its -punishment. - -YOUNG MAN - -But what is wrong? What is the matter with you? What fault? - -YOUNG WIFE - -No, no, no, I mustn’t think… Otherwise I would sink through the floor -with shame. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_With the water-bottle in his hand, shakes his head sadly_) Emma, if -you only knew how you hurt me. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Pours a glass of cognac_) - -YOUNG MAN - -I want to tell you something, Emma. If you’re ashamed of being here—if -you don’t care for me—if you don’t feel you are all the happiness in -the world for me—then you’d better go.— - -YOUNG WIFE - -Yes, I shall go. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Taking hold of her hand_) But if you feel that I cannot live without -you, that a kiss upon your hand means more to me than all the caresses -of all the women in the whole world… Emma, I’m not like other young -men, who are experienced in love-making—perhaps, I am too naïve … I… - -YOUNG WIFE - -But suppose you were like other young men? - -YOUNG MAN - -Then you wouldn’t be here to-night—because you are not like other women. - -YOUNG WIFE - -How do you know that? - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Drawing her close beside him on the sofa_) - -I have thought a lot about it. I know you are unhappy. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Pleased_) Yes. - -YOUNG MAN - -Life is so dreary, so empty—and then,—so short—so horribly short! There -is only one happiness—to find some one who loves you.— - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Takes a candied pear from the table, and puts it into her mouth_) - -YOUNG MAN - -Give me half of it! - -(_She offers it to him with her lips_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Catches the hands of the Young Man that threaten to stray_) What are -you doing, Alfred?… Is that the way you keep your promise? - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Swallows the pear, then, more daringly_) Life is so short. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Weakly_) But that’s no reason— - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Mechanically_) Oh, yes. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Still more weakly_) Alfred, you promised to be good … and then it’s -so light… - -YOUNG MAN - -Come, come, you only, only… - -(_He lifts her from the sofa_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -What are you doing? - -YOUNG MAN - -It’s not so light in the other room. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Is there another room? - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Drawing her with him_) A beautiful one … and quite dark. - -YOUNG WIFE - -We’d better stay in here. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Already past the bedroom portières with her, loosening her waist_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -You are so… O merciful Heaven, what are you doing with me!—Alfred! - -YOUNG MAN - -I adore you, Emma! - -YOUNG WIFE - -So then wait, wait a little… (_Weakly_) Go… I’ll call you. - -YOUNG MAN - -Let you help me—let us help you (_becoming confused_) … let … -me—help—you. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But you’ll tear everything. - -YOUNG MAN - -You have no corset on? - -YOUNG WIFE - -I never wear a corset. Odilon[2] doesn’t wear any either. But you can -unbutton my shoes. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Unbuttons her shoes and kisses her feet_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Slips into bed_) Oh, how cold it is. - -YOUNG MAN - -It’ll be warm in a minute. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Laughing softly_) Do you think so? - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Slightly hurt, to himself_) She ought not to have said that. - -(_He undresses in the dark_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Tenderly_) Come, come, come! - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Mollified_) In a minute, dear— - -YOUNG WIFE - -It smells like violets here. - -YOUNG MAN - -That’s you… Yes (_To her_) you, yourself. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Alfred… Alfred!!!! - -YOUNG MAN - -Emma… - - * * * * * - -YOUNG MAN - -Apparently I love you too much … yes… I am as if out of my senses. - -YOUNG WIFE - -… … - -YOUNG MAN - -I have been beside myself all these days. I was afraid of this. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Don’t mind. - -YOUNG MAN - -Oh, certainly not. It’s perfectly natural, if one… - -YOUNG WIFE - -No … don’t… You are nervous. Calm yourself first. - -YOUNG MAN - -Do you know Stendhal? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Stendhal? - -YOUNG MAN - -The “Psychologie de l’amour.” - -YOUNG WIFE - -No. Why do you ask me? - -YOUNG MAN - -There’s a story in that book which is very much to the point. - -YOUNG WIFE - -What kind of a story? - -YOUNG MAN - -There is a gathering of cavalry officers— - -YOUNG WIFE - -Yes. - -YOUNG MAN - -And they are telling each other about their love affairs. And each one -of them tells that with the woman he loved best—most passionately, you -know … that with him, that then—well, in short, that the same thing -happened just as it happened to me now. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Yes. - -YOUNG MAN - -That is very characteristic. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Yes. - -YOUNG MAN - -The story is not yet ended. One of them maintained … that this thing -had never in his life happened to him, but, adds Stendhal—he was known -as a great boaster. - -YOUNG WIFE - -And.— - -YOUNG MAN - -And, yet, it makes you feel blue—that’s the stupid side of it, even -though it’s so unimportant. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Of course. Anyway, you know … you promised me to be good. - -YOUNG MAN - -Sh-h! Don’t laugh. That doesn’t help things any. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But no, I’m not laughing. That story of Stendhal’s is really -interesting. I have always thought that only older people … or people -who … you know, people who have lived fast… - -YOUNG MAN - -The idea! That has nothing to do with it. By the way, I had completely -forgotten the prettiest of Stendhal’s stories. One of the cavalry -officers went so far as to say that he stayed for three or even six -nights… I don’t remember now—that is he stayed with a woman, whom he -wanted for weeks—_desirée_—you understand—and nothing happened all -those nights except that they wept for happiness … both… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Both? - -YOUNG MAN - -Yes. Does that surprise you? It seems very comprehensible—especially -when two people love each other. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But surely there are many who don’t weep. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Nervously_) Certainly … however, that is an exceptional case. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh—I thought Stendhal said that all cavalry officers weep on such an -occasion. - -YOUNG MAN - -Look here, now you are laughing at me. - -YOUNG WIFE - -What an idea! Don’t be childish, Alfred. - -YOUNG MAN - -Well, it makes me nervous anyway… Besides I have the feeling that you -are thinking about it all the time. That embarrasses me still more. - -YOUNG WIFE - -I’m not thinking of it at all. - -YOUNG MAN - -If I were only sure that you love me. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Do you want still further proofs? - -YOUNG MAN - -Didn’t I tell you … you are always laughing at me. - -YOUNG WIFE - -How so? Come, let me hold your sweet little head. - -YOUNG MAN - -Oh, that feels so good. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Do you love me? - -YOUNG MAN - -Oh, I’m so happy. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But you needn’t cry about it. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Moving away from her, highly irritated_) There! Again! I begged you -not to… - -YOUNG WIFE - -To tell you that you shouldn’t cry… - -YOUNG MAN - -You said: “You needn’t cry about it.” - -YOUNG WIFE - -You are nervous, sweetheart. - -YOUNG MAN - -I know. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But you ought not to be. It is beautiful even that … that we are -together like good comrades… - -YOUNG MAN - -Now you are beginning again. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Don’t you remember! That was one of our first talks. We wanted to be -comrades, nothing more. Oh, how nice that was … at my sister’s ball in -January, during the quadrille… For heaven’s sake, I should have gone -long ago… My sister expects me—what shall I tell her… Good-by, Alfred— - -YOUNG MAN - -Emma!—You will leave me in this way! - -YOUNG WIFE - -Yes—so!— - -YOUNG MAN - -Five minutes more… - -YOUNG WIFE - -All right. Five minutes more. But you must promise me … not to move?… -Yes?… I want to give you a good-by kiss… Psst … be still … don’t move, -I told you, otherwise I’ll get up at once, you, my sweetheart, sweet… - -YOUNG MAN - -Emma … my ador… … - - * * * * * - -YOUNG WIFE - -My Alfred! - -YOUNG MAN - -Oh, it is heaven to be with you. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But now I’ve really got to go. - -YOUNG MAN - -Oh, let your sister wait. - -YOUNG WIFE - -I must go home. It is much too late to see my sister. How late is it? - -YOUNG MAN - -How should I know? - -YOUNG WIFE - -You might look at your watch. - -YOUNG MAN - -My watch is in my waistcoat. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Get it. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Gets up with a jump_) Eight o’clock. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Jumps up quickly_) For heaven’s sake… Quick, Alfred, give me my -stockings. What shall I say? They must be waiting for me at home … -eight o’clock… - -YOUNG MAN - -When shall I see you again? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Never. - -YOUNG MAN - -Emma! Don’t you love me any more? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Just for that reason. Give me my shoes. - -YOUNG MAN - -Never again? Here are your shoes. - -YOUNG WIFE - -My button-hook is in my bag. Please, be quick… - -YOUNG MAN - -Here is the button-hook. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Alfred, this may cost us our lives. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Unpleasantly moved_) In what way? - -YOUNG WIFE - -What shall I say, if he asks me where I’ve been? - -YOUNG MAN - -At your sister’s. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh, if I only could lie. - -YOUNG MAN - -Well, you’ll have to. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Everything for a man like you. Oh, come here … let me give you a last -kiss. (_She embraces him_)—And now—leave me by myself, go in the other -room.—I can’t dress, if you are around. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Goes into the drawing-room, where he dresses. He eats some pastry and -drinks a glass of cognac_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Calls after a while_) Alfred! - -YOUNG MAN - -Yes, sweetheart. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Isn’t it better that we didn’t weep? - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Smiling, not without pride_) How can you talk so frivolously?— - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh, how difficult it will be now—if we should meet by chance in company? - -YOUNG MAN - -By chance?—sometime?… Surely you are coming to Lobheimer’s to-morrow? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Yes. You too? - -YOUNG MAN - -Of course. May I ask for the cotillion? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh, I shall not go. What do you imagine?—I would… (_She enters the -drawing-room fully dressed, and takes a piece of chocolate pastry_) -sink through the floor. - -YOUNG MAN - -To-morrow at Lobheimer’s. That’s fine. - -YOUNG WIFE - -No, no… I shall decline … certainly decline— - -YOUNG MAN - -Well, the day after to-morrow … here. - -YOUNG WIFE - -The idea! - -YOUNG MAN - -At six… - -YOUNG WIFE - -There are cabs at this corner, aren’t there? - -YOUNG MAN - -Yes, as many as you want. Well, the day after to-morrow, here at six -o’clock. Please say “yes,” sweetheart. - -YOUNG WIFE - -… We’ll discuss that to-morrow night during the cotillion. - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Embracing her_) My angel. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Don’t muss my hair again. - -YOUNG MAN - -Well then, to-morrow night at Lobheimer’s, and the day after to-morrow -in my arms. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Good-by… - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Suddenly anxious again_) And what will you—tell him to-night?— - -YOUNG WIFE - -Don’t ask me … don’t ask me … it’s too terrible.—Why do I love you -so?—Good-by—If I meet any one again on the stairway, I shall faint.—Ugh! - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Kisses her hand for the last time_) - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Exit_) - -YOUNG MAN - -(_Remains standing. Then he sits down on the couch. He smiles -reflectively, and says to himself_) Now, at last, I have an affair with -a respectable woman. - - - - -THE YOUNG WIFE AND THE HUSBAND - - -_A comfortable bedroom. It is half past ten at night. The WIFE is lying -abed and reading. The HUSBAND enters the room in a dressing gown._ - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Without looking up_) You have stopped working? - -HUSBAND - -Yes. I’m too tired. And besides… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Well?— - -HUSBAND - -I felt so lonely at my desk all at once. A longing for you came over me. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Looking up_) Really? - -HUSBAND - -(_Sitting down on the bed beside her_) Don’t read any more to-night. -You will ruin your eyes. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Closing the book_) What’s the matter with you? - -HUSBAND - -Nothing, child. I’m in love with you. But you know that. - -YOUNG WIFE - -One might almost forget it sometimes. - -HUSBAND - -One _must_ forget it sometimes. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Why? - -HUSBAND - -Because, otherwise, marriage would be something imperfect. It would … -how shall I express it … it would lose its sanctity. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh… - -HUSBAND - -Believe me—it is so… If we hadn’t sometimes forgotten that we are in -love with each other during the five years we have been married—we -might not be in love any longer. - -YOUNG WIFE - -That’s beyond me. - -HUSBAND - -The case is simply this. We have had perhaps ten or twelve -love-affairs with each other… Doesn’t it seem that way to you, too? - -YOUNG WIFE - -I haven’t counted them! - -HUSBAND - -If we had enjoyed the first one to the last drop, if I had from the -very beginning surrendered without restraint to my passion for you, the -same thing would have happened to us that has happened to millions of -other lovers. We would be tired of each other. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Ah … do you mean that? - -HUSBAND - -Believe me—Emma—in the early days of our marriage, I was afraid that -this would happen. - -YOUNG WIFE - -I, too. - -HUSBAND - -See? Am I not right? Therefore, it is wise every now and then to live -only as good friends. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh. - -HUSBAND - -And some can always experience new honeymoons, especially since I am -careful never to let such weeks of honeymoon… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Run into months. - -HUSBAND - -That is true. - -YOUNG WIFE - -And now … now it seems we are at the end of another such period of -friendship—? - -HUSBAND - -(_Pressing her tenderly to him_) So it might seem. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But if … if I should feel differently? - -HUSBAND - -You couldn’t. You are the wisest and most delicious being in the world. -I am very happy to have found you. - -YOUNG WIFE - -You know how to make love very well—every now and then. - -HUSBAND - -(_Who has also gone to bed_) Well, for a man who has looked about -in the world a bit—come, lay your head on my shoulder—who has seen -something of the world, marriage is really something much more -mysterious than it is for you sheltered young girls. You come to us -entirely innocent and … to a certain degree, at least, ignorant of -things, and therefore you really understand the essence of love much -better than we. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Laughing_) Oh! - -HUSBAND - -Certainly. For we get all tangled up by the many experiences that we -have to go through before marriage. You women, of course, hear a lot -of things, you know a lot of things, no doubt read too much, but you -can’t have any real idea of the things men experience. We men really -become quite disgusted with this thing people call love, for the kind -of creatures to which we are restricted really are… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Tell me—what kind of creatures are they? - -HUSBAND - -(_Kissing her on the forehead_) You ought to be glad, dear child, that -you never have had a glimpse of relations like that. After all most of -the poor things deserve pity—it is not for us to throw stones. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But—this pity—it doesn’t seem quite appropriate to me. - -HUSBAND - -(_With gentle benevolence_) They deserve it. You young girls of good -family, who wait quietly under the care of your parents for the man who -desires you in marriage,—you won’t know the misery that drives most of -these poor creatures into the arms of sin. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Do all of them really sell themselves? - -HUSBAND - -I would hardly say that. I don’t mean the material misery alone. There -is also—one might call it—a moral misery, a lack of appreciation for -what is permissible, and, especially, for what is noble. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But why are they to be pitied?—They seem to enjoy themselves. - -HUSBAND - -You have strange ideas, my child. You must not forget that such people -are predestined by nature to sink lower and lower. There is no stopping -them. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Cuddling to him_) It seems pleasant to fall. - -HUSBAND - -(_Hurt_) How can you say things like that, Emma? I should think that to -good women like you, nothing could be more repulsive than those who are -not! - -YOUNG WIFE - -Of course, Karl, of course. I was just thinking. Go on, tell me more. I -like it when you talk like this. Tell me something. - -HUSBAND - -What?— - -YOUNG WIFE - -Why—about these people. - -HUSBAND - -The idea! - -YOUNG WIFE - -But, I asked you a long time ago—you know, when we were first married -to tell me something of your younger days. - -HUSBAND - -Why does that interest you? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Aren’t you my husband? Isn’t it a sort of injustice that I really know -nothing about your past? - -HUSBAND - -You surely don’t think I have such bad taste, as to—No, Emma … it would -be like a profanation. - -YOUNG WIFE - -And yet you have … heaven knows how many other women you have held in -your arms, just as you are holding me now. - -HUSBAND - -Don’t say “women.” You are _the_ woman. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But you must answer one question … otherwise … otherwise … there won’t -be any honeymoon. - -HUSBAND - -That’s a nice way to talk … remember you are a mother … our little girl -is sleeping in there… - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Snuggling against him_) But I want a boy, too. - -HUSBAND - -Emma! - -YOUNG WIFE - -Don’t be silly … of course, I am your wife … but I’d like also to be … -to be your sweetheart. - -HUSBAND - -Would you?… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Well—now my question. - -HUSBAND - -(_Accommodating_) All right. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Was there … a married woman … amongst them? - -HUSBAND - -Why? What do you mean? - -YOUNG WIFE - -You know what I mean. - -HUSBAND - -(_Slightly disconcerted_) What makes you think of a thing like that? - -YOUNG WIFE - -I would like to know if … I mean—there are such women… I know that very -well. But did you?… - -HUSBAND - -(_Seriously_) Do you know such a woman? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Well, I hardly know. - -HUSBAND - -Is there, perhaps, such a woman among your friends? - -YOUNG WIFE - -How can I be sure that there is—or that there isn’t? - -HUSBAND - -Did any of your friends … women talk about a lot of things—alone among -themselves—did any of them ever confess—? - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Uncertainly_) No. - -HUSBAND - -Do you suspect any of your friends—that she… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Suspect … oh … suspect. - -HUSBAND - -It would seem so. - -YOUNG WIFE - -No, indeed, Karl, most certainly not. When I think things over—I don’t -believe there is any one. - -HUSBAND - -No one? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Not among my friends. - -HUSBAND - -Promise me something, Emma. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Well? - -HUSBAND - -That you will never associate with a woman about whom you have the -slightest suspicion that she … doesn’t lead a completely blameless life. - -YOUNG WIFE - -And you think it necessary for me to promise that? - -HUSBAND - -I know that you will not seek out the company of such women. But, it -might happen that you … in fact it often happens that such women, whose -reputations are not of the best, seek out good women, partly to give -them standing, and partly because they feel … how shall I say?… because -they feel a certain homesickness for virtue. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Do they? - -HUSBAND - -Yes. I believe what I just said is very true. Homesickness for virtue. -For all of these women are at heart very unhappy; you can believe that. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Why? - -HUSBAND - -You ask me, Emma?—How can you even ask?—Just imagine what a life these -women lead! Full of lies, perfidy, vulgarity, and danger. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Yes, of course. You are right. - -HUSBAND - -Truly … they pay for their little happiness … their little… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Pleasure. - -HUSBAND - -Why “pleasure”? Why do you call it “pleasure”? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Well,—there must be something in it—! Otherwise, they wouldn’t do it. - -HUSBAND - -It is nothing … an intoxication. - -YOUNG WIFE - -(_Pensively_) An intoxication… - -HUSBAND - -No, it is not even intoxication. Like everything—it is dearly paid for, -that much is certain. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Well … it has happened to you, hasn’t it? - -HUSBAND - -Yes, Emma.—And it is the thing I most regret. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Who was she? Tell me! Do I know her? - -HUSBAND - -The idea! - -YOUNG WIFE - -Was it long ago? Was it very long before you married me? - -HUSBAND - -Don’t ask me. Please, don’t ask. - -YOUNG WIFE - -But, Karl! - -HUSBAND - -She is dead. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Are you in earnest? - -HUSBAND - -Yes … it sounds almost ridiculous, but I have the feeling that all such -women die young. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Did you love her very much? - -HUSBAND - -One doesn’t love women who lie. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Then why… - -HUSBAND - -An intoxication… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Really? - -HUSBAND - -Don’t talk about it any more, please. All that is passed long ago. I -have only loved one woman—that is you. You only love where there is -purity and truth. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Karl! - -HUSBAND - -Oh, how secure, how happy one feels in such arms. Why didn’t I know you -as a child? I am sure I wouldn’t then even have looked at other women. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Karl! - -HUSBAND - -And how beautiful you are!… beautiful!… Oh, come… - -(_He puts the light out_) - - * * * * * - -YOUNG WIFE - -Do you know what I am thinking of to-night? - -HUSBAND - -What, sweetheart? - -YOUNG WIFE - -Of … of … of Venice. - -HUSBAND - -Our first night… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Yes… - -HUSBAND - -What then? Tell me! - -YOUNG WIFE - -You love me as much to-day. - -HUSBAND - -Yes, just as much. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Oh … if you would always… - -HUSBAND - -(_In her arms_) If I would what? - -YOUNG WIFE - -My Karl! - -HUSBAND - -What do you mean? If I would always?… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Well, yes. - -HUSBAND - -Well, what then, if I would always?… - -YOUNG WIFE - -Then I would always know that you love me. - -HUSBAND - -Yes. But you must know that anyway. One cannot always be a lover, -sometimes one has to go out into the cold world to struggle and -achieve! Don’t forget that, my child. There is a time for everything in -marriage—that is the beauty of it. There are not many who can remember -their Venice after five years. - -YOUNG WIFE - -True! - -HUSBAND - -And now … good-night, my child. - -YOUNG WIFE - -Good-night! - - - - -THE HUSBAND AND THE SWEET YOUNG MISS - - -_A private dining-room in the Riedhof, comfortably furnished with -moderately good taste. A gas-grate is burning. The HUSBAND and the -SWEET YOUNG MISS are disclosed. The remains of dinner are on the table, -cream-cakes, fruit, cheese. In the wine-glasses is a Hungarian white -wine._ - -HUSBAND - -(_Is smoking a Havana cigar, and leaning against the corner of a sofa_) - -MISS - -(_Sits beside him in an armchair, eating the cream out of a cake with a -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 - -Then Sunday … hm … Sunday … on Sunday … now I’ll have to explain -something to you.—I’m not Biebitz, but Biebitz is a friend of mine. -I’ll introduce him to you sometime. Biebitz’s play will be given -Sunday. I’ll send you tickets, and take you home after the performance. -You will tell me then how you liked the play. Won’t you? - -MISS - -Here you are talking about this Biebitz again.—I don’t understand what -it is all about. - -POET - -I won’t know you really, until I know what impression the play made on -you. - -MISS - -Now … I’m ready. - -POET - -Come, sweetheart. - -(_They go out_) - - - - -THE POET AND THE ACTRESS - - -_A room in an inn in the country. It is an evening in spring; -moonlight floods the meadows and hills; the windows are open. A deep -silence reigns. The POET and the ACTRESS enter, and as they cross the -threshold, the candle which the POET is carrying in his hand is blown -out._ - -POET - -Oh… - -ACTRESS - -What’s the matter? - -POET - -The candle.—But we don’t need any. Look, how light it is. Wonderful! - -ACTRESS - -(_Sinks suddenly down at the window with her hands folded_) - -POET - -What’s the matter with you? - -ACTRESS - -(_Remains silent_) - -POET - -(_Going to her_) What are you doing? - -ACTRESS - -(_Indignant_) Can’t you see that I am praying?— - -POET - -Do you believe in God? - -ACTRESS - -Of course I do; I am not a fool. - -POET - -Oh, I see! - -ACTRESS - -Come, kneel down beside me. It will do you good to pray just once. None -of the gems will drop out of your crown. - -POET - -(_Kneels beside her, and puts his arm around her waist_) - -ACTRESS - -Libertine!—(_Rises_). And do you know to whom I prayed? - -POET - -To God, I suppose. - -ACTRESS - -(_With deep sarcasm_) Oh, of course! It was to you to whom I prayed. - -POET - -Then why did you look out of the window? - -ACTRESS - -Tell me rather where you have lured me. - -POET - -But, child, it was your idea. You wanted to go to the country—and -picked out this very place. - -ACTRESS - -Well, wasn’t I right? - -POET - -Certainly. It’s charming here. When you consider that we are just two -hours from Vienna—complete solitude. And delightful scenery! - -ACTRESS - -Isn’t it? If you had any real talent, this place might inspire you to -write. - -POET - -Have you been here before? - -ACTRESS - -Have I been here before? Indeed I have! I have lived here for years. - -POET - -With whom? - -ACTRESS - -With Dick, of course. - -POET - -Oh, really! - -ACTRESS - -How I adored that man!— - -POET - -You’ve told me all about that already. - -ACTRESS - -I am sorry—I can go away again, if I bore you! - -POET - -You bore me?… You can’t imagine what you mean to me… You are a whole -world in itself… You are divine, you are a genius… You are the -simplicity which is holy… Yes, you… But you oughtn’t to talk about Dick -now. - -ACTRESS - -That was merely a slip! Well!— - -POET - -I am glad that you feel that way. - -ACTRESS - -Come, give me a kiss! - -POET - -(_Kisses her_) - -ACTRESS - -But now we had better say good night. Good night, darling! - -POET - -What do you mean by that? - -ACTRESS - -I mean, I am going to lie down and go to sleep. - -POET - -Yes,—that’s very well, but when it comes to saying “good night” … where -do I sleep? - -ACTRESS - -There are surely a lot of other rooms in this house. - -POET - -But they don’t appeal to me. Don’t you think I had better light a -candle now? - -ACTRESS - -Yes. - -POET - -(_Lights a candle, which stands upon the dressing-table_) What a -charming room … and what pious people they must be. Pictures of saints -everywhere… It would be interesting to spend some time among people -like this … quite another world. How little we know of the lives of -others! - -ACTRESS - -Don’t talk nonsense, but just give me the bag from the table. - -POET - -Here, beloved! - -ACTRESS - -(_Takes a small framed picture out of the hand-bag and puts it on the -dressing-table_) - -POET - -What’s that? - -ACTRESS - -That’s the Virgin. - -POET - -Do you always carry her around with you? - -ACTRESS - -She is my talisman. And now go, Robert! - -POET - -You are joking? Can’t I help you? - -ACTRESS - -No, you must go now. - -POET - -And when may I return? - -ACTRESS - -In ten minutes. - -POET - -(_Kisses her_) Au revoir! - -ACTRESS - -Where will you go? - -POET - -I shall walk up and down under your window. I love to wander about -outdoors at night time. My finest inspirations come to me that way. And -especially near you, under the breath of your longing, I might call it -… entwined in your art. - -ACTRESS - -You talk like an idiot… - -POET - -(_Hurt_) There are women who might say … like a poet. - -ACTRESS - -Oh, well, but do go now. But don’t start to flirt with the waitress.— - -POET - -(_Goes_) - -ACTRESS - -(_Undresses. She hears the POET going down the wooden stairway, and, -then hears his footsteps below her window. As soon as she is undressed, -she goes to the window and looks down to where he stands waiting. She -calls to him in a whisper_) Come! - -POET - -(_Comes quickly upstairs and runs toward her. She in the meantime has -gone to bed, and extinguished the light. He locks the door_) - -ACTRESS - -So, now you may sit down beside me, and tell me a story. - -POET - -(_Sits down on the bed beside her_) Hadn’t I better close the window? -Isn’t it too cold for you? - -ACTRESS - -Oh, no! - -POET - -Now, what shall I tell you? - -ACTRESS - -Tell me to whom you are unfaithful at this moment? - -POET - -I’m sorry, I’m not unfaithful yet. - -ACTRESS - -Well, if it’s any satisfaction to you, I am unfaithful to some one too. - -POET - -So I can imagine. - -ACTRESS - -And who do you suppose it is? - -POET - -But, child, how do you expect me to know? - -ACTRESS - -Guess, then. - -POET - -Wait … your manager. - -ACTRESS - -My dear man, I’m not a chorus-girl. - -POET - -Well, I am only guessing. - -ACTRESS - -Guess again. - -POET - -Then it’s your leading-man … Benno— - -ACTRESS - -Nonsense! He doesn’t care for women at all … didn’t you know that? He -carries on with his postman! - -POET - -No, really!— - -ACTRESS - -Now come, kiss me. - -POET - -(_Embraces her_) - -ACTRESS - -But what are you doing? - -POET - -Why do you torment me so? - -ACTRESS - -Listen, Robert, I have a suggestion to make to you. Come lie down in -bed with me. - -POET - -I accept. - -ACTRESS - -Come quickly, come quickly! - -POET - -Yes … if I had had my way, I would have been there long ago… Listen… - -ACTRESS - -What? - -POET - -The crickets are chirping outside. - -ACTRESS - -You are crazy, child, there are no crickets here. - -POET - -But surely you hear them. - -ACTRESS - -Hurry up. - -POET - -(_Beside her_) Here I am. - -ACTRESS - -Now lie quite still… Sh … don’t move… - -POET - -Yes, but why? - -ACTRESS - -You would rather like to have an affair with me? - -POET - -I should think that’s obvious by now. - -ACTRESS - -There are many who would like that… - -POET - -But it would seem that at the moment the odds are on my side… - -ACTRESS - -Then, come, my cricket! I shall call you “cricket” from now on. - -POET - -All right… - -ACTRESS - -Now, tell me, whom am I deceiving? - -POET - -Whom?… Perhaps me… - -ACTRESS - -Child, you have softening of the brain. - -POET - -Or some one … some one whom you have never seen … some one, whom you -don’t even know, some one—who is predestined for you and whom you will -never find… - -ACTRESS - -Please don’t talk such magnificent nonsense. - -POET - -… Isn’t it strange … you too—and yet one could think.—But no, it would -destroy the best in you, if one should … come, come—come.— - - * * * * * - -ACTRESS - -That’s better than acting in idiotic plays… Don’t you think so? - -POET - -Well, it seems to me, that it is a good thing you sometimes have to act -in an intelligent one. - -ACTRESS - -You conceited puppy. I suppose you are thinking of one of your own -plays again. - -POET - -Yes, I am. - -ACTRESS - -(_Seriously_) It is really a splendid play! - -POET - -Well, then! - -ACTRESS - -You are a great genius, Robert! - -POET - -And you might also tell me now why you didn’t turn up the day before -yesterday. There was absolutely nothing the matter with you. - -ACTRESS - -Well, I wanted to annoy you. - -POET - -But why? What have I done to you?— - -ACTRESS - -You were over-bearing. - -POET - -In what way? - -ACTRESS - -Everybody at the theater thinks you are. - -POET - -Really. - -ACTRESS - -But I told them, he has a perfect right to be over-bearing. - -POET - -And what did they say? - -ACTRESS - -What could they say? I am not on speaking-terms with any of them. - -POET - -Oh, I see. - -ACTRESS - -They would like nothing better than to poison me, every one of them. -But they won’t succeed. - -POET - -Don’t think now of others. Let’s be happy that we are here together, -and tell me that you love me. - -ACTRESS - -What further proof can you want? - -POET - -It’s a thing that can’t be proven anyway. - -ACTRESS - -I like that! What else do you want? - -POET - -How many are there that you have tried to convince in this way … did -you love all of them? - -ACTRESS - -No, I have loved only one. - -POET - -(_Embraces her_) My… - -ACTRESS - -Dick. - -POET - -My name is Robert. What can I mean to you, if you are thinking of Dick, -now? - -ACTRESS - -You are a mood of mine. - -POET - -I am pleased to know it. - -ACTRESS - -Well, tell me, aren’t you proud? - -POET - -Why should I be proud? - -ACTRESS - -It seems to me that you have good reason to be. - -POET - -Oh, because of that. - -ACTRESS - -Yes, because of that, my little cricket!—What about the chirping? Are -they still chirping? - -POET - -All the time. Don’t you hear them? - -ACTRESS - -Of course, I hear them. But, child, those are frogs. - -POET - -You are wrong. Frogs croak. - -ACTRESS - -Of course, they croak. - -POET - -But this is not croaking, child, this is chirping. - -ACTRESS - -You are about the most stubborn person I have ever met. Kiss me, -froggie. - -POET - -Please don’t call me that. It gets on my nerves. - -ACTRESS - -Well, what shall I call you? - -POET - -My name is Robert. - -ACTRESS - -Oh, but that’s stupid. - -POET - -But won’t you please call me simply by my own name? - -ACTRESS - -Well, then, Robert, give me a kiss… Ah! (_She kisses him_) Now, are you -satisfied, froggie? - -POET - -May I light a cigarette? - -ACTRESS - -Give me one too. (_He takes his cigarette-case from the dressing-table; -takes two cigarettes out; lights both, and gives her one_) By the way, -you haven’t said a word about my performance yesterday. - -POET - -What performance? - -ACTRESS - -Well. - -POET - -Oh, yes. I wasn’t at the theater. - -ACTRESS - -You are joking. - -POET - -Not in the least. When you didn’t turn up the day before, I assumed you -hadn’t fully recovered yesterday, and so I decided not to go. - -ACTRESS - -You missed something wonderful. - -POET - -Yes. - -ACTRESS - -It was a sensation. The people actually grew pale. - -POET - -You saw that? - -ACTRESS - -Benno said: Child, you acted divinely. - -POET - -Hm!… And so ill the day before. - -ACTRESS - -Indeed I was. And do you know why? Because I felt such a longing for -you. - -POET - -A little while ago you said that you stayed away just to annoy me. - -ACTRESS - -But what do you know about my love for you? Everything leaves you cold. -And I have been delirious for nights. In a high fever—hundred and four -degrees. - -POET - -Rather high for a mood. - -ACTRESS - -You call that a mood? I am dying for love of you, and you call it a -mood—? - -POET - -And Dick…? - -ACTRESS - -Dick?… Don’t talk to me about that galley-slave!— - - - - -THE ACTRESS AND THE COUNT - - -_The bedroom of the ACTRESS, luxuriously furnished. It is midday. The -curtains are still down; a candle is burning on the dressing-table. -The ACTRESS is disclosed in her four-poster bed. Many newspapers are -strewn about on the cover. The COUNT in the uniform of a captain of the -Dragoons enters. He remains standing at the door._ - -ACTRESS - -Ah, Count. - -COUNT - -Your mother said I might, otherwise I would not— - -ACTRESS - -Please, come closer. - -COUNT - -I kiss your hand. Pardon me—when you come in from the street … I can’t -see a thing yet. So … here we are (_at her bed_). I kiss your hand. - -ACTRESS - -Please sit down, Count. - -COUNT - -Your mother said, My daughter isn’t well… Nothing serious, I hope. - -ACTRESS - -Nothing serious? I was on the verge of death. - -COUNT - -Oh, dear, oh, dear, is it possible? - -ACTRESS - -It is very good of you to have taken the trouble to call. - -COUNT - -On the verge of death! And only last night you acted divinely. - -ACTRESS - -It was a great triumph, wasn’t it? - -COUNT - -Tremendous!… The audience was carried away. I won’t say anything about -myself. - -ACTRESS - -Thanks, for the beautiful flowers. - -COUNT - -Nothing at all, Mademoiselle. - -ACTRESS - -(_Indicating with her eyes a large flower-basket, which stands on a -little table near the window_) There they are. - -COUNT - -You were literally overwhelmed with flowers and wreaths yesterday. - -ACTRESS - -They are still in my dressing-room. All I brought home was your flowers. - -COUNT - -(_Kissing her hand_) How sweet of you. - -ACTRESS - -(_Suddenly seizes his hand, and kisses it_) - -COUNT - -But, Mademoiselle. - -ACTRESS - -Don’t be frightened, Count, it doesn’t put you under any obligations. - -COUNT - -You are a strange being … a sort of a problem almost— - -(_Pause_) - -ACTRESS - -Miss Birken, I suppose, is much less of a problem. - -COUNT - -That little lady isn’t a problem at all, although … I really know her -only very slightly. - -ACTRESS - -Oh! - -COUNT - -That’s the actual truth. But you are a problem. I’ve always had a -yearning for a problem. It’s really been a deep personal loss to me, -that until yesterday… I _never_ saw you act. - -ACTRESS - -Really? - -COUNT - -Yes! You see, going to the theater is so complicated. I am used to -dining late … then when I get there, the best part of the play is over. -Isn’t that true? - -ACTRESS - -From now on, I suppose, you will dine earlier. - -COUNT - -I’ve thought of that too. Or maybe I won’t dine at all. Dining isn’t a -special pleasure anyhow. - -ACTRESS - -Are there any pleasures left to an old man like you? - -COUNT - -That’s a question I often ask myself. But I am not an old man. There -must be some other reason. - -ACTRESS - -Do you think so? - -COUNT - -Yes. Bobby, for instance, says, that I am a philosopher. You know he -means that I do too much thinking. - -ACTRESS - -Yes … thinking is a misfortune. - -COUNT - -I have too much time, that’s why I reflect. You see, I’ve often thought -if they would transfer me to Vienna, things would be better. There’s -diversion here, stimulation. But at the bottom, it’s not really very -different from up there. - -ACTRESS - -What do you mean by “up there”? - -COUNT - -Well, down there, you know, in Hungary, in the God forsaken country -towns, where I’ve been stationed most of the time. - -ACTRESS - -And what did you do in Hungary? - -COUNT - -Well, as I am telling you, military service. - -ACTRESS - -Yes, but why did you stay in Hungary so long? - -COUNT - -Oh, things happen that way. - -ACTRESS - -But it must be enough to drive one mad. - -COUNT - -But why? You have a lot more work there, than here. You know, drilling -recruits, breaking in mounts … and the country really isn’t as bad as -they say. They are really quite beautiful, the lowlands—and marvelous -sunsets. Too bad I’m not a painter, I’ve often thought if I were, I -would paint them. We had a young chap, Splany, in our regiment, who -could do it.—But, dear me, what dull stories I am telling you. - -ACTRESS - -Please go on; they are delightful! - -COUNT - -Do you know, the nice thing about you is the way one can chat with -you, Bobby told me all about it. And it’s so seldom one can find any -one like that. - -ACTRESS - -Down there in Hungary, I suppose. - -COUNT - -But it’s quite the same in Vienna! People are always the same. -Where there are more of them, the crowd is larger. That’s the whole -difference. Tell me, do you really like people? - -ACTRESS - -Like them—? I hate them! I hate to look at them. I never see any one. -I’m always alone. Nobody enters my house. - -COUNT - -You see, I sort of thought that you hated people. It must often be the -case with artists. If one lives in the higher regions… Well, you are -lucky, you know at least why you live! - -ACTRESS - -Who told you that? I haven’t the slightest notion what I’m living for! - -COUNT - -But really—to be famous—to be fêted— - -ACTRESS - -Does that mean happiness? - -COUNT - -Happiness? There really is no such thing as happiness. All the things -that people talk about most, don’t exist … for instance, love. That’s -one of them. - -ACTRESS - -I suppose you are right. - -COUNT - -Enjoyment … intoxication … very good, nobody can deny them … they are -something real. Now, when I am enjoying myself … very good, I am aware -that I am enjoying myself. Or I am intoxicated, good. That also is -something real. And when it’s over, well then it’s over. - -ACTRESS - -(_Grandly_) It is over. - -COUNT - -But as soon as one does not, how shall I express it, as soon as one -does not give oneself up to the moment, I mean, if one thinks of the -future or the past … well, everything is over in a moment… Afterwards … -there is sadness … before … there is uncertainty … in a word, one only -becomes confused. Isn’t that so? - -ACTRESS - -(_Nods with wide open eyes_) It seems, you have grasped the essence of -things. - -COUNT - -And, you see, when you have once clearly grasped this, it really -doesn’t matter whether you live in Vienna or in the Puszta[3] or in -Steinamanger.[4] You see, for instance … where may I put my cap? Yes, -thank you … what were we talking about? - -ACTRESS - -About the Puszta. - -COUNT - -Of course. Well, as I said, there isn’t much difference, whether I -spend the evening in the officers’ mess or at the club. It’s all the -same. - -ACTRESS - -And what about love? - -COUNT - -If you believe in it, some one will always be there who will love you. - -ACTRESS - -Like Miss Birken, for example. - -COUNT - -I really don’t see why you always have to come back to that little lady. - -ACTRESS - -But she’s your mistress, isn’t she? - -COUNT - -Who says so? - -ACTRESS - -Everybody knows it. - -COUNT - -Except myself, strange to say. - -ACTRESS - -But you fought a duel on her account! - -COUNT - -Maybe. I was even killed without my knowing it. - -ACTRESS - -You are a gentleman, won’t you sit closer to me? - -COUNT - -With pleasure. - -ACTRESS - -Here. (_She draws him to her, and passes her hand through his hair_) I -knew you would come to-day. - -COUNT - -How did you know? - -ACTRESS - -I knew it last night in the theater. - -COUNT - -You saw me from the stage, then? - -ACTRESS - -But man alive! Didn’t you notice that I acted for you alone? - -COUNT - -No, really? - -ACTRESS - -I was as on wings, when I saw you sitting in the first row. - -COUNT - -As on wings? On my account? I hadn’t the slightest suspicion that you -noticed me! - -ACTRESS - -Your aristocratic reserve is enough to drive one to despair. - -COUNT - -But… - -ACTRESS - -“But”!… At least, take your saber off! - -COUNT - -If you permit. - -(_Takes it off, and leans it against the bed_) - -ACTRESS - -And now give me a kiss. - -COUNT - -(_Kisses her, she clings to him_) - -ACTRESS - -It would have been better if I had never seen you. - -COUNT - -But this seems better to me. - -ACTRESS - -Count, you are a poseur! - -COUNT - -I—why? - -ACTRESS - -Can’t you imagine how happy many a man would be if he were in your -place! - -COUNT - -I’m perfectly happy. - -ACTRESS - -Well, I thought happiness didn’t exist. Why do you look at me that way? -I believe you are afraid of me, Count! - -COUNT - -I told you, Mademoiselle, you are a problem. - -ACTRESS - -Oh, don’t bother me with your philosophy … come to me. And ask me for -anything at all … you can have whatever you want. You are so handsome. - -COUNT - -Well then, may I ask (_kissing her hand_) that I may call again this -evening? - -ACTRESS - -This evening … but I have to act then. - -COUNT - -After the play. - -ACTRESS - -And you ask for nothing else? - -COUNT - -I shall ask for everything else after the play. - -ACTRESS - -(_Hurt_) You can beg a long while then, you abominable poseur. - -COUNT - -But, see, we’ve been perfectly frank with each other so far … it seems -to me it would be so much more beautiful after the play … much cozier -than now, when … I have a sort of feeling the door might open any -moment… - -ACTRESS - -It does not open from the outside. - -COUNT - -Well, you see, I have an idea one shouldn’t lightly spoil in advance -something which may be very beautiful. - -ACTRESS - -Possibly!… - -COUNT - -To tell the truth, love in the morning seems rather horrible to me. - -ACTRESS - -Well—you are about the worst case of lunacy I have ever met! - -COUNT - -I am not talking about women in general … because in general it doesn’t -make any difference anyway. But women like you … no, you may call me a -fool a hundred times over. But women like you … one doesn’t take them -before breakfast. And so … you know … so… - -ACTRESS - -Oh, but you are a darling! - -COUNT - -You understand, what I have said, don’t you? I sort of imagine it like… - -ACTRESS - -How do you imagine it? - -COUNT - -Like this… I wait for you in a carriage after the play, then we drive -somewhere for supper— - -ACTRESS - -I am not Miss Birken. - -COUNT - -I didn’t mean to say you were. Only, it seems to me, you have to be in -the right sort of mood for everything. In my case the mood doesn’t come -until supper. The most beautiful thing of all is when we drive home -together, and then… - -ACTRESS - -And then? - -COUNT - -And then … well, that depends upon circumstances. - -ACTRESS - -Do sit closer. Closer. - -COUNT - -(_Sitting down on the bed_) Seems to me, that out of the pillows comes -a fragrance … mignonette—isn’t it? - -ACTRESS - -It’s very warm in here, don’t you think so? - -COUNT - -(_Bends down, and kisses her neck_) - -ACTRESS - -Oh, Count, that is contrary to your program. - -COUNT - -Who said anything about “program.” I never have any program. - -ACTRESS - -(_Drawing him close to her_) - -COUNT - -It really is very warm. - -ACTRESS - -Do you think so? And so dark, just as if it were evening… (_Draws him -toward her_) It is evening … it is night… Close your eyes, if there is -too much light for you. Come!… Come!… - -COUNT - -(_Offers no further resistance_) - - * * * * * - -ACTRESS - -And what about atmosphere now, you poseur? - -COUNT - -You are a little devil. - -ACTRESS - -What a thing to say! - -COUNT - -Well, then an angel. - -ACTRESS - -You should have been an actor! Really! You understand women! And do you -know, what I shall do now? - -COUNT - -Well? - -ACTRESS - -I shall tell you that I shall never see you again. - -COUNT - -But why? - -ACTRESS - -Never, never. You are too dangerous! You would drive a woman mad. Here -you are standing before me, as though nothing had happened. - -COUNT - -But… - -ACTRESS - -Please remember, Count, I have just given you everything. - -COUNT - -I shall never forget it! - -ACTRESS - -And what about to-night? - -COUNT - -What do you mean? - -ACTRESS - -Well—you wanted to wait for me after the theater? - -COUNT - -Oh, yes, let’s say, the day after to-morrow. - -ACTRESS - -What do you mean by “the day after to-morrow”? We were talking about -to-day. - -COUNT - -There wouldn’t be much sense in that. - -ACTRESS - -Old man! - -COUNT - -You don’t quite understand me. What I mean has rather to do, how shall -I express myself, rather concerns the soul. - -ACTRESS - -What concern of mine is your soul? - -COUNT - -Believe me, it has much to do with it. It seems all wrong to me, this -notion, that you can separate the two. - -ACTRESS - -Don’t bother me with your philosophy. If I want any of that, I can read -books. - -COUNT - -One never learns from books. - -ACTRESS - -Very true! And that’s why you ought to wait for me to-night. As to the -soul, we will come to some sort of an understanding, you villain! - -COUNT - -Well, then, if I may, I shall wait in my carriage… - -ACTRESS - -You shall wait for me here in my home— - -COUNT - -… After the play. - -ACTRESS - -Of course. - -(_He buckles on his sword_) - -ACTRESS - -What are you doing? - -COUNT - -It seems to me it is time for me to go. For a formal call I have stayed -a bit too long as it is. - -ACTRESS - -Well, this evening it shall be a formal call. - -COUNT - -Do you think so? - -ACTRESS - -I’ll take care of that. And now give me a last kiss, you darling little -philosopher. Here, you seducer, you … sweet child, you seller of souls, -you … panther. (_After she has ardently kissed him several times, she -thrusts him violently away_) Count, you have done me a great honor. - -COUNT - -Not at all, mademoiselle! (_At the door_) Au revoir. - -ACTRESS - -Good-by, and love to Steinamanger. - - - - -THE COUNT AND THE GIRL OF THE STREETS - - -_It is morning toward six o’clock. A poorly furnished room with one -window. The dirty yellowish blinds are down. Tattered, greenish -curtains. On the dresser are several photographs, and beside them a -cheap woman’s hat of conspicuously bad taste. Behind the mirror are -cheap Japanese fans. On the table over which is drawn a reddish cover -is an oil-lamp. It is burning low with a disagreeable odor, and has a -shade of yellow paper. Beside it is a pitcher with remains of beer, -and a half-empty glass.—On the floor beside the bed a woman’s clothes -are lying in disorder. They look as though they had just been quickly -thrown off. The GIRL lies sleeping in the bed, breathing quietly. The -COUNT is lying on the sofa fully dressed with his light overcoat on. -His hat lies on the floor at the head of the sofa._ - -COUNT - -(_Stirs, rubs his eyes, sits up suddenly, remains seated, and looks -around_) Where am I?… Oh, yes … I actually went home with the woman, -it seems… (_He rises quickly, notices her bed_) Oh, there she is… -Queer, what sort of things can happen, even at my age. I haven’t the -faintest notion, did they carry me up here? No… I remember—coming into -the room… I was still awake then, or waked up … or … or maybe it’s only -the room that reminds of something?… ’Pon my soul, yes, of course … -it was yesterday I saw it… (_Looks at his watch_) What! yesterday, a -couple of hours ago!—But, I knew, that something had to happen… I felt -it in my bones … when I began to drink yesterday, I felt that … and -what has happened?… Nothing… Or did there…? ’Pon my soul … for … for -ten years it hasn’t happened to me that I don’t know… Well, let’s be -honest at any rate, I was drunk… If I only knew since when… I remember -perfectly when Bobby and I went into the all-night café, and … no, no… -We left together … and then on the way… Yes, that’s it, Bobby and I -rode in my carriage… But, why do I worry my brains about it? It doesn’t -really matter. Let’s see that we get out of here. (_Rises. The lamp -shakes_) Oh! (_Looks at the sleeping GIRL_) Well, she sleeps the sleep -of the just. I don’t remember anything—but I’ll put the money on the -table … and then, good-by… (_He stands in front of her, and looks at -her for a considerable time_) If I didn’t know what she is! (_Studies -her_) I’ve known many who didn’t look as virtuous even in their sleep. -’Pon my soul… Bobby would say again, I’m philosophizing, but the truth -is, sleep makes all equal, so it seems to me—like its brother, death… -Hm, I should like to know, whether… No, I’d remember that… No, no, I -dropped like a log on the sofa right away … and nothing happened… It is -unbelievable how much alike all women sometimes look… Well, let’s go -(_He is about to go_) Oh, of course. - -(_He takes his wallet, and is about to take out a banknote_) - -GIRL - -(_Awakening_) Well … who’s there so early in the morning—? -(_Recognizing him_) Good morning, sonny! - -COUNT - -Good morning. Have a good sleep? - -GIRL - -(_Stretching_) Oh, come here. Give me a little kiss. - -COUNT - -(_Bends down to her, considers, and draws back_) I was just going… - -GIRL - -Going? - -COUNT - -It’s really about time. - -GIRL - -You want to go away? - -COUNT - -(_Half-embarrassed_) Well… - -GIRL - -Well, good-by, you’ll come some other time. - -COUNT - -Yes, good-by. But, won’t you give me your hand? - -GIRL - -(_Reaches out her hand from under the cover_) - -COUNT - -(_Takes her hand, and kisses it mechanically, and becoming aware of it, -he smiles_) Just as with a princess. Besides, if one only… - -GIRL - -Why do you look at me that way? - -COUNT - -If one only sees the head, as now … anyway, each and every one looks -innocent when she first awakes … ’pon my soul, one might imagine -almost anything, if the kerosene didn’t smell so… - -GIRL - -Yes, the lamps are always a nuisance. - -COUNT - -How old are you really? - -GIRL - -Well, what would you guess? - -COUNT - -Twenty-four. - -GIRL - -Oh, of course! - -COUNT - -Older? - -GIRL - -I’m not yet twenty. - -COUNT - -And how long have you been… - -GIRL - -A year. - -COUNT - -You began early. - -GIRL - -Better too early, than too late. - -COUNT - -(_Sits down upon her bed_) Tell me, are you really happy? - -GIRL - -Am I, what? - -COUNT - -I mean, are things going well with you? - -GIRL - -Oh, things always go well with me. - -COUNT - -Yes… Well, did it never occur to you that you might become something -else? - -GIRL - -What might I become? - -COUNT - -Well… You are a very pretty girl. You might take a lover, for example. - -GIRL - -Do you imagine I haven’t any? - -COUNT - -Yes, I know that—But I mean just one single one, who would take care of -you, so that you wouldn’t have to go with everybody. - -GIRL - -I don’t go with everybody. Thank heaven, I don’t have to. I pick those -I want. - -COUNT - -(_Looks around the room_) - -GIRL - -(_Noticing it_) We move downtown next month, to the Spiegelgasse. - -COUNT - -We? Who? - -GIRL - -Well, the Madam, and the couple of other girls who live here. - -COUNT - -There are others— - -GIRL - -Next door … don’t you hear?… that is Milly. She was in the café too. - -COUNT - -I hear some one snoring. - -GIRL - -That’s Milly. She will snore the whole day long until ten o’clock -to-night. Then she gets up, and goes to the café. - -COUNT - -What an awful life! - -GIRL - -Of course it is. It annoys the Madam a lot. I’m always on the streets -by noon. - -COUNT - -What do you do on the streets at noon? - -GIRL - -What do you suppose I do? I’m going on my beat then. - -COUNT - -Oh, yes … of course… (_Rises, takes out his wallet, and puts a banknote -on the table_) Good-by! - -GIRL - -Going already… Good-by… Call again soon. - -(_Turns on her side_) - -COUNT - -(_Stands still_) Tell me, is everything a matter of indifference to you -already? - -GIRL - -What? - -COUNT - -I mean, don’t you get pleasure out of anything any more? - -GIRL - -(_Yawning_) I want to sleep. - -COUNT - -It’s all the same to you whether he is young or old or whether he… - -GIRL - -Why do you ask? - -COUNT - -… Well (_Suddenly hitting upon a thought_) ’pon my soul, now I know of -whom you remind me, it’s… - -GIRL - -Do I look like some one? - -COUNT - -Unbelievable, unbelievable. Now please, don’t talk, at least not for -a minute… (_Looking at her_) The very same features. (_He kisses her -suddenly on the eyes_), the very image. - -GIRL - -Well… - -COUNT - -’Pon my soul, it’s too bad that you … aren’t something different… You -could make your fortune! - -GIRL - -You talk just like Frank. - -COUNT - -Who is Frank? - -GIRL - -The waiter in our café. - -COUNT - -In what way am I just like Frank? - -GIRL - -He is also always telling me I might make my fortune, and wanting me to -marry him. - -COUNT - -Why don’t you? - -GIRL - -No thank you… I don’t want to marry, no, not for any price… Later on, -perhaps. - -COUNT - -The eyes … the very same eyes… Bobby would surely call me a fool.—But I -must kiss your eyes once more … so … and now God bless you, now I must -go. - -GIRL - -Good-by… - -COUNT - -(_At the door_) Tell me … aren’t you a bit surprised?… - -GIRL - -At what? - -COUNT - -That I don’t want anything of you. - -GIRL - -There are many men who aren’t in the mood in the morning. - -COUNT - -Of course… (_To himself_) Absurd, that I expect to be surprised… Well, -good-by… (_He is near the door_) But really, I’m disappointed. I ought -to know that women like her care only about money … what am I saying -… it is beautiful, that at least she doesn’t pretend; should make one -glad… (_Aloud_) Do you know, I shall come to see you again soon? - -GIRL - -(_With closed eyes_) All right. - -COUNT - -When are you at home? - -GIRL - -I’m always at home. You only have to ask for Leocadia. - -COUNT - -Leocadia… All right—Well, God bless you. (_At the door_) The wine is -still in my head. But after all it is sublime… I am with a woman like -her and haven’t done anything but kiss her eyes, because she reminded -me of some one… (_Turns toward her_) Tell me, Leocadia, does it often -happen that any one leaves you in this way? - -GIRL - -What way? - -COUNT - -As I do. - -GIRL - -In the morning? - -COUNT - -No … have you ever had any one with you,—who didn’t want anything of -you? - -GIRL - -No, that has never happened to me. - -COUNT - -Well, what do you think then? Do you think I didn’t like you? - -GIRL - -Why shouldn’t you like me? You liked me well enough by night. - -COUNT - -I like you now, too. - -GIRL - -But you liked me better last night. - -COUNT - -What makes you think that? - -GIRL - -Why ask such foolish questions? - -COUNT - -Last night … well, tell me, didn’t I drop right down on the sofa? - -GIRL - -Certainly … with me. - -COUNT - -With you? - -GIRL - -Yes, don’t you remember? - -COUNT - -I did … both of us… - -GIRL - -But you fell asleep right away. - -COUNT - -Right away… So … that’s what happened?… - -GIRL - -Yes, sonny. But you must have been terribly drunk, that you don’t -remember. - -COUNT - -So… And yet … there is a faint resemblance… Good-by… (_Listens_) … What -is the matter? - -GIRL - -The servant is up. Give her a tip as you go out. The outside door is -open, so you won’t have to give anything to the janitor. - -COUNT - -(_In the anteroom_) Well… It would have been beautiful, if I had kissed -her only on the eyes. It would have been almost an adventure… But it -wasn’t my destiny. (_The servant opens the door_) Ah—here… Good-night.— - -SERVANT - -Good morning! - -COUNT - -Of course … good morning … good morning. - - - - -FOOTNOTES - - -[1] The Luna Park of Vienna. - -[2] A Parisian dancer, famous in the nineties. - -[3] A monotonous, treeless region in the great plain of Hungary. - -[4] A provincial town in Hungary about 60 miles south of Vienna. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Hands Around [Reigen], by Arthur Schnitzler - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HANDS AROUND [REIGEN] *** - -***** This file should be named 53513-0.txt or 53513-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/5/1/53513/ - -Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Hands Around [Reigen] - A Cycle of Ten Dialogues - -Author: Arthur Schnitzler - -Translator: L. D. Edwards - F. L. Glaser - -Release Date: November 12, 2016 [EBook #53513] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HANDS AROUND [REIGEN] *** - - - - -Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center larger">HANDS AROUND</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span></p> - -<div style="margin: auto; max-width: 40em;"> - -<p>OF THIS EDITION, INTENDED FOR PRIVATE -CIRCULATION ONLY, 1475 COPIES HAVE BEEN -PRINTED, AFTER WHICH THE TYPE HAS BEEN -DISTRIBUTED.</p> - -<p class="center">THIS COPY IS NUMBER 738</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p> - -<p class="titlepage larger">HANDS AROUND<br /> -<span class="smaller">[REIGEN]</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">A Cycle of Ten Dialogues</span></p> - -<p class="center"><i>By</i><br /> -ARTHUR SCHNITZLER</p> - -<p class="titlepage"><span class="smcap">Completely Rendered<br /> -Into English</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage"><span class="smcap">Authorized Translation</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage">NEW YORK<br /> -<i>Privately Printed for Subscribers</i><br /> -MCMXX</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span></p> - -<p class="titlepage">Copyright, 1920<br /> -By<br /> -A. KOREN</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span></p> - -<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> - -<p>Humanity seems gayest when dancing on the -brink of a volcano. The culture of a period preceding -a social cataclysm is marked by a spirit of -light wit and sophisticated elegance which finds -expression in a literature of a distinct type. This -literature is light-hearted, audacious and self-conscious. -It can treat with the most charming insouciance -subjects which in another age would have -been awkward or even vulgar. But with the riper -experience of a period approaching its end the -writers feel untrammeled in the choice of theme by -pride or prejudice knowing that they will never -transgress the line of good taste.</p> - -<p>So it was in the declining days of the Roman -civilization when Lucian of Samosata wrote his -<cite>Dialogues of the Hetærai</cite> and countless poets -penned their intricate epigrams on the art and experience -of love. So it was in England when the -fine vigor of the Elizabethan and Miltonic age gave -way to the Restoration and the calculating brilliance -of a Congreve or a Wycherly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[x]</a></span></p> - -<p>But the exquisite handling of the licentious was -elaborated into a perfect technique in eighteenth -century France. The spirit of the Rococo with its -predilection for the well-measured pose was singularly -well adapted to the artistic expression of what -in a cruder age could only have been voiced with -coarseness and vulgarity. In the literature of this -period we meet again the spirit that animates the -gracious paintings of Watteau and Fragonard. -The scenes we admire in their panels recur in literary -style in works like Choderlos de Laclos’ -<cite>Liaisons dangereuses</cite> and Louvet de Couvray’s <cite>Les -amours du Chevalier de Faublas</cite>. Again the same -note is heard in Beaumarchais’ <cite>Le Mariage de -Figaro</cite>, in which the society of the period is travestied -with brilliant wit and worldly philosophy. -The court of Louis XVI., quite unaware, looked on -and applauded a play which Napoleon later characterized -as “the revolution already in action.”</p> - -<p>During the closing years of the nineteenth century -a similar spirit has hovered over Vienna, -when it was the last and staunchest stronghold of -aristocracy in the modern world. Its literature reflected -the charm of a fastidious amatory etiquette -which is forbidden in sterner and soberer environment, -while it gayly ignored the slow gathering of -the clouds which foreshadowed its own catastrophe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[xi]</a></span> -and martyrdom. As Percival Pollard once so well -put it: “All that rises out of that air has had fascination, -grace, insinuation, and intrigue. Neither -tremendous passion nor tremendous problems have -stirred, to all appearances, these polite artists of -Vienna. Passion might be there, but what was to -be artistically expressed was, rather, the witty or -ironically mournful surfaces of passion.”</p> - -<p>The literary master of this world is concededly -Arthur Schnitzler, in whom are curiously combined -the sophisticated elegance of the Viennese man of -letters and the disenchanting wisdom of the practising -physician. He was born in Vienna in 1862, -the son of a doctor. He studied medicine himself, -took his degree in 1885, and was for two years connected -with a hospital. Since then he has practised -privately, and has also found the time to write -a long series of plays, both in prose and verse, -several novels, and many shorter stories. Of -these a considerable number have appeared in -English.</p> - -<p><cite>Reigen</cite>, here translated as <cite>Hands Around</cite>, is a -series of ten comedies—miniatures in dialogue -between man and woman in various ages and walks -of life. But transgressing the merely literary they -are psychological studies of the interplay of sex, -and keen analyses of the sophisticated modern<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[xii]</a></span> -soul, done with freedom and finesse. There are -no grim questions of right and wrong in these subtle -revelations of the merely human. In fact one -might call them studies in the etiquette of the liaison -and all its nuances.</p> - -<p>The cycle begins with a girl of the streets and a -soldier. Then come the soldier and a parlor-maid, -the parlor-maid and a young man, the young man -and a young wife, the young wife and her husband, -the husband and a sweet young miss, the sweet -young miss and a poet, the poet and an actress, the -actress and a count, until finally the cycle is completed -with the count and the girl of the streets. -A vicious circle, some may say, and such it surely -would have been in the hands of a lesser artist than -Schnitzler, for he would only have made the book -hideously fleshly, instead of a marvelous psychological -study in the ecstacies and disillusions of -love and the whole tragedy of human wishes unsatisfied -even in their apparent gratification.</p> - -<p>But as it is the silken portières of discreet alcoves -are opened quietly before our eyes, and we -hear the whisper of the most intimate secrets. But -with all their realism there is no word in these dialogues -which could antagonize the susceptibilities -of any sincere student or true lover of humanity. -All stratagems of sex are uncovered not through<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[xiii]</a></span> -the curious observations of a faunic mind, but -through the finer eyes of a connoisseur of things -human.</p> - -<p>The Puritan fanatic with his jaundiced inhibitions -or the moral ideologist with his heart of -leather may toss the book aside resentful because -of its inherent truth. The philosopher of human -life, taking the larger aspect of this drama, will -close it with the serene smile of understanding.</p> - -<p>Any attempt to turn a dialogue so full of delicate -shades as is this of Schnitzler into a language like -English, whose genius tends rather toward a graphic -concreteness and realism, is full of pitfalls and -difficulties. The translators, however, hope that -they have accomplished their task with reasonable -success, thinking always of the spirit rather than -the letter. They also take this occasion to express -their appreciation to Dr. Arthur Schnitzler for his -kindness in granting them his authorization for this -translation of <cite>Reigen</cite>.</p> - -<p class="right">F. L. G.<br /> -L. D. E.</p> - -<p>New York</p> - -<p>1920</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[xiv]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> - -<h1>HANDS AROUND</h1> - -<h2>CHARACTERS</h2> - -<ul> -<li><span class="smcap">The Girl of the Streets</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Soldier</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Parlor Maid</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Young Man</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Young Wife</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Husband</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Sweet Young Miss</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Poet</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Actress</span>,</li> -<li><span class="smcap">The Count</span>.</li> -</ul> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE GIRL OF THE STREETS AND THE -SOLDIER</h2> - -<p class="scene">Late in the evening near the Augarten Bridge.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Enters whistling, on his way home</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Hello, my beautiful angel!</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Turns and continues on his way</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Don’t you want to come with me?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Oh, I am the beautiful angel?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Sure, who else? Do come with me. I live very -near here.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>I’ve no time. I must get back to the barracks.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>You’ll get to your barracks in plenty of time. -It’s much nicer with me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Close to her</span>) That’s possible.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Ps-st! A guard may pass any minute.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Rot! A guard! I carry a saber too!</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Ah, come with me.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Let me alone. I have no money anyway.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>I don’t want any money.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Stopping. They are under a street-lamp</span>) -You don’t want any money? What kind of a girl -are you, then?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>The civilians pay me. Chaps like you don’t -have to pay me for anything.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Maybe you’re the girl my pal told me about.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>I don’t know any pal of yours.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>You’re she, all right! You know—in the café -down the street—He went home with you from -there.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Lots have gone home with me from that café… -Oh, lots!</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>All right. Let’s go!</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>So, you’re in a hurry now?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Well, what are we waiting for? Anyhow, I must -be back at the barracks by ten.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Been in service long?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>What business is that of yours? Is it far?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Ten minutes’ walk.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>That’s too far for me. Give me a kiss.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kissing him</span>) I like that best anyway—when -I love some one.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>I don’t. No, I can’t go with you. It’s too far.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Say, come to-morrow afternoon.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Sure. Give me your address.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>But maybe you won’t come.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>If I promise!</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Look here—if my place is too far to-night—there -… there…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">She points toward the Danube</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>What’s there?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>It’s nice and quiet there, too … no one is -around.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Oh, that’s not the real thing.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>It’s always the real thing with me. Come, stay -with me now. Who knows, if we’ll be alive to-morrow.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Come along then—but quick.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Be careful! It’s dark here. If you slip, you’ll -fall in the river.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Would be the best thing, perhaps.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Sh-h. Wait a minute. We’ll come to a bench -soon.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>You seem to know this place pretty well.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>I’d like to have you for a sweetheart.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>I’d fight too much.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>I’d cure you of that soon enough.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Humph—</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Don’t make so much noise. Sometimes a guard -stumbles down here. Would you believe we are -in the middle of Vienna?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Come here. Come over here.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>You are crazy! If we slipped here, we’d fall -into the river.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Has grabbed her</span>) Oh you—</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Hold tight to me.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Don’t be afraid…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>It would have been nicer on the bench.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Here or there, it doesn’t matter to me… -Well, pick yourself up.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>What’s your hurry—?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>I must get to the barracks. I’ll be late anyhow.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Say, what’s your name?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>What’s that to you?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>My name is Leocadia.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Humph! I never heard such a name before.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Listen!</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Well, what do you want?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Give me just a dime for the janitor.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Humph!… Do you think I’m your meal-ticket? -Good-by, Leocadia…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Tightwad! Pimp!</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He disappears</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE SOLDIER AND THE -PARLOR-MAID</h2> - -<p class="scene">Prater Gardens. Sunday Evening. A road -which leads from the Wurstelprater<a name="FNanchor_1" id="FNanchor_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> into dark tree -arcades. Confused music from the Wurstelprater -can still be heard; also strains from the cheap -dancehall, a vulgar polka, played by a brass band. -<span class="character">The Soldier.</span> <span class="character">The Parlor-Maid.</span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Now tell me why you wanted to leave.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Grins sheepishly</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>It was so beautiful and I so love to dance.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Puts his arm around her waist</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Submitting</span>) But we aren’t dancing now. -Why do you hold me so tight?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>What’s your name? Katy?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>You’ve always got a “Katy” on your mind.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>I know—I know … Marie.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Goodness, it’s dark here. I’m afraid.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>You needn’t be afraid when I’m with you. I -can take care of myself!</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>But where are we going? There’s no one -around. Come, let’s go back!… It’s so dark!</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Pulling at his cigar until it glows brightly</span>) -There … it’s already getting brighter. Ha—! -Oh, you dearie!</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh! what are you doing there? If I had known -this before!</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>The devil take me, if any one at the dance to-day -felt softer and rounder than you, Miss Marie.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Did you find it out in the same way with all the -others?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>You notice things … dancing. You find out -lots that way!</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>But you danced much oftener with that cross-eyed -blonde than with me.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>She’s an old friend of one of my pals.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Of the corporal with the upturned mustache?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Oh no, I mean the civilian. You know, the one -who was talking with me at the table in the beginning. -The one who has such a husky voice.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh I know. He’s fresh.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Did he do anything to you? I’ll show him! -What did he do to you?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh nothing… I only noticed how he was with -the others.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Tell me, Miss Marie…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>You’ll burn me with your cigar.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Pardon me!—Miss Marie—or may I say Marie?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>We’re not such good friends yet…</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>There’re many who don’t like each-other, and yet -use first names.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Next time, if we… But, Frank!</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Oh, you remember my name?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>But, Frank…</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>That’s right, call me Frank, Miss Marie.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Don’t be so fresh—but, sh-h, suppose some one -should come!</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>What if some one did come? They couldn’t -see anything two steps off.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>For goodness’ sake, where are we going?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Look! There’s two just like us.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Where? I don’t see anything.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>There … just ahead of us.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Why do you say: “two like us”—</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Well, I mean, they like each other too.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Look out! What’s that there? I nearly fell.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Oh, that’s the meadow-gate.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Don’t shove me so. I’ll fall.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Sh-h, not so loud.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Stop! Now I’m really going to scream—What -are you doing?… Stop now—</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>There’s no one anywhere around.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Then, let’s go back where the people are.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>We don’t need them. Why—Marie, we need … for -that…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Stop, Frank, please, for Heaven’s sake! Listen -to me, if I had … known … oh … come!</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Blissfully</span>) Once more… Oh…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>… I can’t see your face at all.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Don’t matter—my face…</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Well, Miss Marie, you can’t stay here on the -grass all night.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Please, Frank, help me.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Oh, come along.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh, Lord help me, Frank.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Well, what’s the matter with me?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>You’re a bad man, Frank.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Yes, yes. Say, wait a minute.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Why do you leave me alone?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Can’t you let me light my cigar!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>It’s so dark.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>It’ll be light again to-morrow morning.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Tell me, at least, you love me.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Well, you must have felt that, Miss Marie!</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Where are we going now?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Back, of course.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Please, don’t walk so fast.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Well, what’s wrong? I don’t like to walk -around in the dark.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Tell me, Frank … do you love me?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>But I just told you that I loved you!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Won’t you give me a little kiss?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Condescendingly</span>) There… Listen—There’s -the music again.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Would you really like to go back, and dance -again?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Of course, why not?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>But, Frank, see, I have to get home. Madame -will scold me anyway,—she’s cranky … she’d -like it best if I never went out.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Well, you can go home.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>But, I thought, Frank, you’d take me home.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Take you home? Oh!</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Please, it’s so sad to go home alone.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Where do you live?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Not very far—in Porzellanstrasse.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>So? Then we go the same way … but it’s -still too early for me … me for the dance… -I’ve got late leave to-day… I don’t need to be -back at the barracks before twelve o’clock. I’m -going to dance.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh, I see, now it’s that cross-eyed blonde’s turn.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Humph!—Her face isn’t so bad.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh Lord, how wicked men are. I’m sure you do -the same to every one.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>That’d be too much!—</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Please, Frank, no more to-day—stay with me -to-day, you see—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Oh, very well, all right. But I suppose I may -dance.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>I’m not going to dance with any one else to-night.</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>There it is already…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>What?</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>The hall! How quick we got back. They’re -still playing the same thing … that tatata-tum -tatata-tum (<span class="stage-direction">He hums with the band</span>)… Well, -I’ll take you home, if you want to wait for me … -if not … good-by—</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Yes, I’ll wait.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">They enter the dancehall</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Soldier</p> - -<p>Say, Miss Marie, get yourself a glass of beer. -(<span class="stage-direction">Turning to a blonde who is just dancing past him -in the arms of another, very formally</span>) Miss, may -I ask for a dance?—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE PARLOR MAID AND THE -YOUNG MAN</h2> - -<p class="scene">Sultry summer afternoon. The parents of the -<span class="character">Young Man</span> are away in the country. The cook -has gone out. The <span class="character">Parlor-maid</span> is in the kitchen -writing a letter to the soldier who is now her sweetheart. -The <span class="character">Young Man’s</span> bell rings. She gets up -and goes to his room. The <span class="character">Young Man</span> is lying on -a couch, smoking a cigarette and reading a French -novel.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Yes, Sir?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Oh, yes, Marie, oh, yes; I rang, yes … I only -wanted … yes, of course… Oh, yes, of -course, let the blinds down, Marie… It’s cooler -with the blinds down … yes…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">The <span class="character">Maid</span> goes to the window and pulls -down the blinds</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Continues reading</span>) What are you doing, -Marie? Oh, yes. But, now, I can’t see to read.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>You are always so studious, Sir.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Ignoring the remark</span>) There, that’s better.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction"><span class="character">Marie</span> goes.</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Tries to go on with his reading, lets the book -fall, and rings again</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Enters</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I say, Marie … let’s see, what was it I wanted -to say? … oh, yes… Is there any cognac in -the house?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Yes, but it’s locked up.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Well, who has the key?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Lini.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Who is Lini?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>The cook, Mr. Alfred.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Well, then ask Lini for it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Yes, but it’s Lini’s day out.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>So…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Can I get anything for you from the café, Sir?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Thank you, no… It is hot enough as it is. I -don’t need any cognac. Listen, Marie, bring me -a glass of water. Wait, Marie,—let it run, till it -gets quite cold.</p> - -<p class="indented stage-direction">Exit <span class="character">Maid</span>. The <span class="character">Young Man</span> gazes -after her. At the door the <span class="character">Maid</span> looks back -at him, and the <span class="character">Young Man</span> glances into -the air. The <span class="character">Maid</span> turns on the water and -lets it run. Meanwhile, she goes into her -room, washes her hands, and arranges her -curls before the mirror. Then she brings -the glass of water to the <span class="character">Young Man</span>. She -approaches the couch. The <span class="character">Young Man</span> -raises himself upon his elbow. The <span class="character">Maid</span> -gives him the glass of water and their fingers -touch.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Thank you—Well, what is the matter?—Be careful.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -Put the glass back on the tray. (<span class="stage-direction">He leans -back, and stretches himself</span>) How late is it?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Five o’clock, Sir.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Ah, five o’clock.—That’s fine.—</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Goes. At the door she turns around. The -<span class="character">Young Man</span> has followed her with his eyes; she -notices it, and smiles</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Remains stretched out awhile; then, suddenly, -he gets up. He walks to the door, back again, and -lies down on the couch. He again tries to read. -After a few moments, he rings once more.</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Appears with a smile which she does not try to -hide</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Listen, Marie, there was something I wanted to -ask you. Didn’t Dr. Schueller call this morning?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>No, Sir, nobody called this morning.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>That is strange. Then, Dr. Schueller didn’t call. -Do you know Dr. Schueller by sight?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Of course, I do. He’s the big gentleman with -the black beard.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Yes. Then, perhaps, he called after all?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>No, Sir. Nobody called.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Resolutely</span>) Come here, Marie.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Coming a little nearer</span>) Yes, Sir.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Still nearer … so … ah … I only -thought…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Do you want anything, Sir?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I thought… Well, I thought—only about -your blouse … what kind of a blouse is it … -can’t you come closer. I won’t bite you.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Comes close to him</span>) What is the matter with -my blouse? Don’t you like it, Sir?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Takes hold of her blouse, and draws her down -to him</span>) Blue? It is a nice blue. (<span class="stage-direction">Simply</span>) -You are very prettily dressed, Marie.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>But, Sir…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Ah… What is the matter?… (<span class="stage-direction">He has -opened her blouse. In a matter of fact tone</span>) -You have a beautiful white skin, Marie.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>You are flattering me, Sir.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kissing her on the breast</span>) That can’t hurt you.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh, no.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>But you sigh so. Why are you sighing?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh, Mr. Alfred…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>And what charming little slippers you have…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>… But … Sir … if the doorbell should -ring.—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Who will ring now?</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>But, Sir … look … it is so light…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>You needn’t feel at all shy with me. You -needn’t feel shy with anybody … any one as -pretty as you. Yes, really, you are, Marie… -Do you know your hair actually smells sweet.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Mr. Alfred…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Don’t make such a fuss, Marie… Anyway, -I’ve already seen you otherwise. When I came -home the other night and went to get some water, -the door to your room was open … well…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Covering her face</span>) Oh, my, I didn’t know that -Mr. Alfred could be so wicked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I <em>saw</em> lots then … <em>that</em> … and <em>that</em> … -that … and—</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh, Mr. Alfred!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Come, come … here … so—that’s it…</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>But if the doorbell should ring now—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Now forget that … we simply wouldn’t open -the door.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">The bell rings</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Confound it… What a noise that fellow -makes—Perhaps he rang before, and we didn’t notice -it.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Oh, no. I was listening all the while.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Well, see what’s the matter. Peek through the -curtains.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>Mr. Alfred … you are … no … such -a bad man.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Please go and see…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Exit <span class="character">Maid</span></span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Opens the blinds quickly</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Returns</span>) He must have gone away again. -Anyway, no one is there now. Perhaps, it was Dr. -Schueller.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Annoyed</span>) Thank you.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Drawing close to him</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Evading her</span>) Listen, Marie,—I’m going to -the café now.</p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Tenderly</span>) So soon … Mr. Alfred.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Formally</span>) I am going to the café now… -If Dr. Schueller should call—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Maid</p> - -<p>He won’t come any more to-day.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Severely</span>) If Dr. Schueller should come, I—I -am in the café.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He goes to the adjoining room. The -<span class="character">Maid</span> takes a cigar from the smoking-stand, -puts it in her blouse and goes out.</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE YOUNG MAN AND THE -YOUNG WIFE</h2> - -<p class="scene">Evening—A drawing-room furnished with cheap -elegance in a house in Schwind street. The <span class="character">Young -Man</span> has just come in; and, still wearing his hat -and overcoat, he lights the gas. Then he opens a -door to a side-room and looks in. The light from -the drawing-room shimmers over the inlaid floor -as far as the Louis Quinze bed, which stands against -the opposite wall. A reddish light plays from the -fire-place in the corner of the bedroom upon the -hangings of the bed. The <span class="character">Young Man</span> now inspects -the bedroom. He takes an atomizer from -the dressing-table, and sprays the bed-pillows with -a fine rain of violet perfume. Then he carries the -atomizer through both rooms, constantly pressing -upon the bulb, so that soon the odor of violets pervades -the place. He then takes off his hat and -coat. He sits down in a blue velvet armchair, -lights a cigarette, and smokes. After a short pause -he rises again, and makes sure that the green shutters -are closed. Suddenly, he goes into the bedroom, -and opens a drawer in the dressing-table. -He puts his hand in it, and finds a tortoise-shell -hair-pin. He looks for a place to hide it, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -finally puts it into a pocket of his overcoat. He -opens the buffet in the drawing-room; takes a silver -tray, with a bottle and two liqueur glasses, and puts -them on the table. He goes back to his overcoat, -and takes from it a small white package. Opening -this, he places it beside the cognac. He goes again -to the buffet, and takes two small plates and knives -and forks. He takes a candied chestnut from the -package and eats it. Then he pours himself a -glass of cognac, and drinks it quickly. He then -looks at his watch. He walks up and down the -room. He stops a while before a large mirror, -ordering his hair and small mustache with a pocket-comb. -He next goes to the door of the vestibule -and listens. Nothing is stirring. Then he closes -the blue portières, which hang before the bedroom. -The bell rings. He starts slightly. Then he sits -down in the armchair, and rises only when the door -has been opened and the <span class="character">Young Wife</span> enters.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Heavily veiled, closes the door behind her, -pausing a moment with her left hand over her heart, -as though mastering a strong emotion</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Goes toward her, takes her left hand, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -presses a kiss on the white glove with black stitching. -He says softly.</span>) Thank you.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Alfred—Alfred!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Come, Madame… Come, Emma…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Let me be for a minute—please … oh, please, -please, Alfred!</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">She is still standing at the door</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Standing before her, holding her hand</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Where am I?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>With me.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>This house is terrible, Alfred.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Why terrible? It is a very proper house.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But I met two gentlemen on the staircase.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Acquaintances of yours?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I don’t know. It’s possible.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>But, Madame—You surely know your friends!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I couldn’t see their faces.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>But even had they been your best friends—they -couldn’t possibly have recognized you… I, myself -… if I didn’t know it was you … this -veil—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>There are two.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Won’t you come closer?… And take off -your hat, at least?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>What are you thinking of, Alfred? I promised -you: Five minutes… Not a moment more -… I swear it, no more—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Well, then, your veil—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>There are two of them.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Very well, both of them—you will at least let me -see your face.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Do you really love me, Alfred?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Deeply hurt</span>) Emma! You ask me…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>It’s so warm here.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>You’re still wearing your fur-coat—really, you -will catch cold.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Finally enters the room, and throws herself into -the armchair</span>) I’m tired—dead tired.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Permit me.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He takes off her veil, removes her hat-pin, -and puts hat, pin, and veil aside</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Permits it</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Stands before her, and shakes his head</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>What is the matter?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>You’ve never been so beautiful.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>How is that?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Alone … alone with you—Emma—</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He kneels down beside her chair, takes -both her hands, and covers them with -kisses</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>And now … now let me go again. I have -done what you asked me to do.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Lets his head sink into her lap</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You promised me to be good.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>It is stifling hot in this room.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Gets up</span>) You still have your coat on.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Put it with my hat.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Takes off her coat, and puts it on the sofa</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>And now—good-by—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Emma—! Emma—!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>The five minutes are long past.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Not one yet!—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Alfred, tell me truly now, how late it is.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>It is now exactly a quarter past six.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I should have been at my sister’s long ago.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>You can see your sister any time…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh, Merciful Heaven, Alfred, why did you tempt -me to come?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Because … I adore you, Emma!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>To how many have you said the same thing?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Since I met you, to no one.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>What a foolish woman I am! If anybody had -predicted … just a week ago … or even yesterday…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>But you had already promised me the day before -yesterday.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You plagued me so. But I didn’t want to do it. -God is my witness—I didn’t want to do it… -Yesterday, I was firmly decided… Do you know -I even wrote you a long letter last night?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I didn’t receive any.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I tore it up later. Oh, if only I had sent it to -you.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>It is better as it is.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh, no, it’s awful … of me. I don’t understand -myself. Good-by, Alfred, let me go.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Seizes her, and covers her face with burning -kisses</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>So … is that the way you keep your -word…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>One more kiss—one more.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>The last.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He kisses her, and she returns the kiss; -their lips remain joined for a long time</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Shall I tell you something, Emma? It is now -for the first time that I know what happiness is.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sinks back into the armchair</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sits on the arm of the chair, and puts one arm -lightly about her neck</span>) … or rather, I know now -what happiness might be.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sighs deeply</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her again</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Alfred—Alfred, what are you doing to me!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Wasn’t I right?—It isn’t so awfully uncomfortable -here… And we are so safe here. It’s a -thousand times better than those meetings outdoors…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh, don’t remind me of them.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I shall always recall them with a thousand delights. -Every minute you have let me spend with -you is a sweet memory.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Do you remember the ball at the Manufacturers’ -Club?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Do I remember it…? I sat beside you -through the whole supper—quite close to you. -Your husband had champagne…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Looks at him with a hurt expression</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I meant to speak only of the champagne. -Emma, would you like a glass of cognac?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Only a drop, but first give me a glass of water.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Surely… But where is—oh, yes, I remember…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He opens the portières, and goes into the -bedroom</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Follows him with her eyes</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Comes back with a water-bottle and two glasses</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Where have you been?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>In … the adjoining room.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Pours her a glass of water</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Now I’m going to ask you something, Alfred—and -you must tell me the truth.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I swear—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Has there ever been any other woman in these -rooms?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>But, Emma—this house was built twenty years -ago!—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You know what I mean, Alfred … in these -rooms, with you!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>With me—here—Emma!—It’s not kind of you -even to imagine such a thing.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Then there was … how shall I… But, no,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> -I’d rather not ask. It is better that I shouldn’t ask. -It’s my own fault. Every fault has its punishment.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>But what is wrong? What is the matter with -you? What fault?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>No, no, no, I mustn’t think… Otherwise I -would sink through the floor with shame.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">With the water-bottle in his hand, shakes his -head sadly</span>) Emma, if you only knew how you -hurt me.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Pours a glass of cognac</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I want to tell you something, Emma. If you’re -ashamed of being here—if you don’t care for me—if -you don’t feel you are all the happiness in the -world for me—then you’d better go.—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Yes, I shall go.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Taking hold of her hand</span>) But if you feel that -I cannot live without you, that a kiss upon your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -hand means more to me than all the caresses of all -the women in the whole world… Emma, I’m -not like other young men, who are experienced in -love-making—perhaps, I am too naïve … -I…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But suppose you were like other young men?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Then you wouldn’t be here to-night—because -you are not like other women.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>How do you know that?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Drawing her close beside him on the sofa</span>)</p> - -<p>I have thought a lot about it. I know you are unhappy.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Pleased</span>) Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Life is so dreary, so empty—and then,—so short—so -horribly short! There is only one happiness—to -find some one who loves you.—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Takes a candied pear from the table, and puts -it into her mouth</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Give me half of it!</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">She offers it to him with her lips</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Catches the hands of the Young Man that -threaten to stray</span>) What are you doing, Alfred?… -Is that the way you keep your promise?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Swallows the pear, then, more daringly</span>) Life -is so short.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Weakly</span>) But that’s no reason—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Mechanically</span>) Oh, yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Still more weakly</span>) Alfred, you promised to -be good … and then it’s so light…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Come, come, you only, only…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He lifts her from the sofa</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>What are you doing?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>It’s not so light in the other room.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Is there another room?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Drawing her with him</span>) A beautiful one … -and quite dark.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>We’d better stay in here.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Already past the bedroom portières with her, -loosening her waist</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You are so… O merciful Heaven, what are -you doing with me!—Alfred!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I adore you, Emma!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>So then wait, wait a little… (<span class="stage-direction">Weakly</span>) Go… -I’ll call you.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Let you help me—let us help you (<span class="stage-direction">becoming -confused</span>) … let … me—help—you.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But you’ll tear everything.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>You have no corset on?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I never wear a corset. Odilon<a name="FNanchor_2" id="FNanchor_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> doesn’t wear -any either. But you can unbutton my shoes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Unbuttons her shoes and kisses her feet</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Slips into bed</span>) Oh, how cold it is.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>It’ll be warm in a minute.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Laughing softly</span>) Do you think so?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Slightly hurt, to himself</span>) She ought not to -have said that.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He undresses in the dark</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Tenderly</span>) Come, come, come!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Mollified</span>) In a minute, dear—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>It smells like violets here.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>That’s you… Yes (<span class="stage-direction">To her</span>) you, yourself.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Alfred… Alfred!!!!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Emma…</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Apparently I love you too much … yes… -I am as if out of my senses.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>… …</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I have been beside myself all these days. I was -afraid of this.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Don’t mind.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Oh, certainly not. It’s perfectly natural, if -one…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>No … don’t… You are nervous. Calm -yourself first.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Do you know Stendhal?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Stendhal?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>The “Psychologie de l’amour.”</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>No. Why do you ask me?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>There’s a story in that book which is very much -to the point.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>What kind of a story?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>There is a gathering of cavalry officers—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>And they are telling each other about their love -affairs. And each one of them tells that with the -woman he loved best—most passionately, you know -… that with him, that then—well, in short, that -the same thing happened just as it happened to me -now.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>That is very characteristic.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>The story is not yet ended. One of them maintained -… that this thing had never in his life -happened to him, but, adds Stendhal—he was -known as a great boaster.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>And.—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>And, yet, it makes you feel blue—that’s the -stupid side of it, even though it’s so unimportant.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Of course. Anyway, you know … you -promised me to be good.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Sh-h! Don’t laugh. That doesn’t help things -any.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But no, I’m not laughing. That story of Stendhal’s -is really interesting. I have always thought -that only older people … or people who … -you know, people who have lived fast…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>The idea! That has nothing to do with it. By -the way, I had completely forgotten the prettiest of -Stendhal’s stories. One of the cavalry officers -went so far as to say that he stayed for three or -even six nights… I don’t remember now—that -is he stayed with a woman, whom he wanted for -weeks—<i lang="fr">desirée</i>—you understand—and nothing -happened all those nights except that they wept for -happiness … both…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Both?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Yes. Does that surprise you? It seems very -comprehensible—especially when two people love -each other.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But surely there are many who don’t weep.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Nervously</span>) Certainly … however, that is -an exceptional case.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh—I thought Stendhal said that all cavalry officers -weep on such an occasion.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Look here, now you are laughing at me.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>What an idea! Don’t be childish, Alfred.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Well, it makes me nervous anyway… Besides -I have the feeling that you are thinking about -it all the time. That embarrasses me still more.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I’m not thinking of it at all.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>If I were only sure that you love me.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Do you want still further proofs?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Didn’t I tell you … you are always laughing -at me.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>How so? Come, let me hold your sweet little -head.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Oh, that feels so good.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Do you love me?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Oh, I’m so happy.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But you needn’t cry about it.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Moving away from her, highly irritated</span>) -There! Again! I begged you not to…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>To tell you that you shouldn’t cry…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>You said: “You needn’t cry about it.”</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You are nervous, sweetheart.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>I know.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But you ought not to be. It is beautiful even -that … that we are together like good comrades…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Now you are beginning again.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Don’t you remember! That was one of our first -talks. We wanted to be comrades, nothing more. -Oh, how nice that was … at my sister’s ball in -January, during the quadrille… For heaven’s -sake, I should have gone long ago… My sister -expects me—what shall I tell her… Good-by, -Alfred—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Emma!—You will leave me in this way!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Yes—so!—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Five minutes more…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>All right. Five minutes more. But you must -promise me … not to move?… Yes?… -I want to give you a good-by kiss… Psst … -be still … don’t move, I told you, otherwise I’ll -get up at once, you, my sweetheart, sweet…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Emma … my ador… …</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>My Alfred!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Oh, it is heaven to be with you.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But now I’ve really got to go.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Oh, let your sister wait.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I must go home. It is much too late to see my -sister. How late is it?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>How should I know?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You might look at your watch.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>My watch is in my waistcoat.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Get it.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Gets up with a jump</span>) Eight o’clock.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Jumps up quickly</span>) For heaven’s sake… -Quick, Alfred, give me my stockings. What shall -I say? They must be waiting for me at home … -eight o’clock…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>When shall I see you again?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Never.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Emma! Don’t you love me any more?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Just for that reason. Give me my shoes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Never again? Here are your shoes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>My button-hook is in my bag. Please, be -quick…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Here is the button-hook.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Alfred, this may cost us our lives.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Unpleasantly moved</span>) In what way?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>What shall I say, if he asks me where I’ve been?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>At your sister’s.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh, if I only could lie.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Well, you’ll have to.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Everything for a man like you. Oh, come -here … let me give you a last kiss. (<span class="stage-direction">She embraces<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> -him</span>)—And now—leave me by myself, go -in the other room.—I can’t dress, if you are around.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Goes into the drawing-room, where he dresses. -He eats some pastry and drinks a glass of cognac</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Calls after a while</span>) Alfred!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Yes, sweetheart.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Isn’t it better that we didn’t weep?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Smiling, not without pride</span>) How can you talk -so frivolously?—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh, how difficult it will be now—if we should -meet by chance in company?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>By chance?—sometime?… Surely you are -coming to Lobheimer’s to-morrow?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Yes. You too?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Of course. May I ask for the cotillion?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh, I shall not go. What do you imagine?—I -would… (<span class="stage-direction">She enters the drawing-room fully -dressed, and takes a piece of chocolate pastry</span>) sink -through the floor.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>To-morrow at Lobheimer’s. That’s fine.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>No, no… I shall decline … certainly decline—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Well, the day after to-morrow … here.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>The idea!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>At six…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>There are cabs at this corner, aren’t there?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Yes, as many as you want. Well, the day after -to-morrow, here at six o’clock. Please say “yes,” -sweetheart.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>… We’ll discuss that to-morrow night during -the cotillion.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Embracing her</span>) My angel.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Don’t muss my hair again.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>Well then, to-morrow night at Lobheimer’s, and -the day after to-morrow in my arms.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Good-by…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Suddenly anxious again</span>) And what will you—tell -him to-night?—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Don’t ask me … don’t ask me … it’s too -terrible.—Why do I love you so?—Good-by—If I -meet any one again on the stairway, I shall faint.—Ugh!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her hand for the last time</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Exit</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Young Man</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Remains standing. Then he sits down on the -couch. He smiles reflectively, and says to himself</span>) -Now, at last, I have an affair with a respectable -woman.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE YOUNG WIFE AND -THE HUSBAND</h2> - -<p class="scene">A comfortable bedroom. It is half past ten at -night. The <span class="character">Wife</span> is lying abed and reading. The -<span class="character">Husband</span> enters the room in a dressing gown.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Without looking up</span>) You have stopped working?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Yes. I’m too tired. And besides…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Well?—</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I felt so lonely at my desk all at once. A longing -for you came over me.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Looking up</span>) Really?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sitting down on the bed beside her</span>) Don’t -read any more to-night. You will ruin your eyes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Closing the book</span>) What’s the matter with -you?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Nothing, child. I’m in love with you. But you -know that.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>One might almost forget it sometimes.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>One <em>must</em> forget it sometimes.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Why?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Because, otherwise, marriage would be something -imperfect. It would … how shall I express it -… it would lose its sanctity.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Believe me—it is so… If we hadn’t sometimes -forgotten that we are in love with each other -during the five years we have been married—we -might not be in love any longer.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>That’s beyond me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>The case is simply this. We have had perhaps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -ten or twelve love-affairs with each other… -Doesn’t it seem that way to you, too?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I haven’t counted them!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>If we had enjoyed the first one to the last drop, -if I had from the very beginning surrendered without -restraint to my passion for you, the same thing -would have happened to us that has happened to -millions of other lovers. We would be tired of -each other.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Ah … do you mean that?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Believe me—Emma—in the early days of our -marriage, I was afraid that this would happen.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I, too.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>See? Am I not right? Therefore, it is wise -every now and then to live only as good friends.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And some can always experience new honeymoons, -especially since I am careful never to let -such weeks of honeymoon…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Run into months.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>That is true.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>And now … now it seems we are at the end -of another such period of friendship—?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Pressing her tenderly to him</span>) So it might -seem.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But if … if I should feel differently?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>You couldn’t. You are the wisest and most delicious -being in the world. I am very happy to -have found you.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You know how to make love very well—every -now and then.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Who has also gone to bed</span>) Well, for a man<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -who has looked about in the world a bit—come, -lay your head on my shoulder—who has seen something -of the world, marriage is really something -much more mysterious than it is for you sheltered -young girls. You come to us entirely innocent -and … to a certain degree, at least, ignorant of -things, and therefore you really understand the -essence of love much better than we.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Laughing</span>) Oh!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Certainly. For we get all tangled up by the -many experiences that we have to go through before -marriage. You women, of course, hear a lot -of things, you know a lot of things, no doubt read -too much, but you can’t have any real idea of the -things men experience. We men really become -quite disgusted with this thing people call love, for -the kind of creatures to which we are restricted -really are…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Tell me—what kind of creatures are they?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kissing her on the forehead</span>) You ought to be -glad, dear child, that you never have had a glimpse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -of relations like that. After all most of the poor -things deserve pity—it is not for us to throw stones.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But—this pity—it doesn’t seem quite appropriate -to me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">With gentle benevolence</span>) They deserve it. -You young girls of good family, who wait quietly -under the care of your parents for the man who desires -you in marriage,—you won’t know the misery -that drives most of these poor creatures into the -arms of sin.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Do all of them really sell themselves?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I would hardly say that. I don’t mean the material -misery alone. There is also—one might -call it—a moral misery, a lack of appreciation for -what is permissible, and, especially, for what is -noble.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But why are they to be pitied?—They seem to -enjoy themselves.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>You have strange ideas, my child. You must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -not forget that such people are predestined by nature -to sink lower and lower. There is no stopping -them.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Cuddling to him</span>) It seems pleasant to fall.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Hurt</span>) How can you say things like that, -Emma? I should think that to good women like -you, nothing could be more repulsive than those -who are not!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Of course, Karl, of course. I was just thinking. -Go on, tell me more. I like it when you talk like -this. Tell me something.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What?—</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Why—about these people.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>The idea!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But, I asked you a long time ago—you know, -when we were first married to tell me something of -your younger days.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why does that interest you?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Aren’t you my husband? Isn’t it a sort of injustice -that I really know nothing about your past?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>You surely don’t think I have such bad taste, -as to—No, Emma … it would be like a profanation.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>And yet you have … heaven knows how many -other women you have held in your arms, just as -you are holding me now.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Don’t say “women.” You are <em>the</em> woman.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But you must answer one question … otherwise -… otherwise … there won’t be any -honeymoon.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>That’s a nice way to talk … remember you -are a mother … our little girl is sleeping in -there…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Snuggling against him</span>) But I want a boy, too.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Emma!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Don’t be silly … of course, I am your wife -… but I’d like also to be … to be your sweetheart.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Would you?…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Well—now my question.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Accommodating</span>) All right.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Was there … a married woman … amongst -them?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why? What do you mean?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You know what I mean.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Slightly disconcerted</span>) What makes you think -of a thing like that?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>I would like to know if … I mean—there are -such women… I know that very well. But did -you?…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Seriously</span>) Do you know such a woman?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Well, I hardly know.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Is there, perhaps, such a woman among your -friends?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>How can I be sure that there is—or that there -isn’t?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Did any of your friends … women talk about -a lot of things—alone among themselves—did any -of them ever confess—?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Uncertainly</span>) No.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Do you suspect any of your friends—that -she…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Suspect … oh … suspect.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>It would seem so.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>No, indeed, Karl, most certainly not. When I -think things over—I don’t believe there is any one.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>No one?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Not among my friends.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Promise me something, Emma.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Well?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>That you will never associate with a woman about -whom you have the slightest suspicion that she … -doesn’t lead a completely blameless life.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>And you think it necessary for me to promise -that?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I know that you will not seek out the company<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> -of such women. But, it might happen that you -… in fact it often happens that such women, -whose reputations are not of the best, seek out good -women, partly to give them standing, and partly -because they feel … how shall I say?… because -they feel a certain homesickness for virtue.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Do they?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Yes. I believe what I just said is very true. -Homesickness for virtue. For all of these women -are at heart very unhappy; you can believe that.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Why?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>You ask me, Emma?—How can you even ask?—Just -imagine what a life these women lead! -Full of lies, perfidy, vulgarity, and danger.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Yes, of course. You are right.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Truly … they pay for their little happiness -… their little…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Pleasure.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why “pleasure”? Why do you call it “pleasure”?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Well,—there must be something in it—! Otherwise, -they wouldn’t do it.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>It is nothing … an intoxication.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Pensively</span>) An intoxication…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>No, it is not even intoxication. Like everything—it -is dearly paid for, that much is certain.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Well … it has happened to you, hasn’t it?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Yes, Emma.—And it is the thing I most regret.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Who was she? Tell me! Do I know her?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>The idea!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Was it long ago? Was it very long before you -married me?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Don’t ask me. Please, don’t ask.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>But, Karl!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>She is dead.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Are you in earnest?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Yes … it sounds almost ridiculous, but I have -the feeling that all such women die young.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Did you love her very much?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>One doesn’t love women who lie.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Then why…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>An intoxication…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Really?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Don’t talk about it any more, please. All that -is passed long ago. I have only loved one woman—that -is you. You only love where there is purity -and truth.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Karl!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Oh, how secure, how happy one feels in such -arms. Why didn’t I know you as a child? I am -sure I wouldn’t then even have looked at other -women.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Karl!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And how beautiful you are!… beautiful!… -Oh, come…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He puts the light out</span>)</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Do you know what I am thinking of to-night?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What, sweetheart?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Of … of … of Venice.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Our first night…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Yes…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What then? Tell me!</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>You love me as much to-day.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Yes, just as much.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Oh … if you would always…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">In her arms</span>) If I would what?</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>My Karl!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What do you mean? If I would always?…</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Well, yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, what then, if I would always?…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Then I would always know that you love me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Yes. But you must know that anyway. One -cannot always be a lover, sometimes one has to go -out into the cold world to struggle and achieve! -Don’t forget that, my child. There is a time for -everything in marriage—that is the beauty of it. -There are not many who can remember their -Venice after five years.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>True!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And now … good-night, my child.</p> - -<p class="character">Young Wife</p> - -<p>Good-night!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE HUSBAND AND THE SWEET -YOUNG MISS</h2> - -<p class="scene">A private dining-room in the Riedhof, comfortably -furnished with moderately good taste. A gas-grate -is burning. The <span class="character">Husband</span> and the <span class="character">Sweet -Young Miss</span> are disclosed. The remains of dinner -are on the table, cream-cakes, fruit, cheese. In the -wine-glasses is a Hungarian white wine.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Is smoking a Havana cigar, and leaning against -the corner of a sofa</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sits beside him in an armchair, eating the -cream out of a cake with a spoon, and tasting it with -satisfaction</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Is it good?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Without stopping</span>) Oh!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Do you want another?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>No. I’ve eaten too much already.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Your wine is all gone.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He fills her glass</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>No … stop. I’ll leave it anyway.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why are you so shy?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Am I?—Well, it takes time to get acquainted.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Come and sit here with me.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Right away… I’m not ready yet.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Rises and stands behind her chair, and puts his -arms around her, turning her face toward him</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What’s the matter?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I want a kiss.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kissing him</span>) You are … excuse me, you -have a lot of nerve.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>You’re just finding that out?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, no, I knew that long ago … from the first, -in the street.—You must—</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You must have a nice opinion of me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Because I went right away with you to a private -dining room.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, you can hardly say “right away.”</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>But you asked in such a nice way.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Do you think so?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>And, after all, what is the harm?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Of course.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Whether we go walking or—</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Besides, it’s much too cold for walking.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes, it was too cold.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But here it’s nice and warm, isn’t it?</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He sits down again, puts his arms -around the girl, and draws her to his side</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Weakly</span>) Don’t.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Tell me… You noticed me before, didn’t -you?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Certainly. Several blocks before you spoke to -me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I don’t mean to-day. I mean yesterday and the -day before, when I was following you.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>A lot of people follow me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I don’t doubt that. But did you notice me?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Did he speak to you?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What do you suppose? Do you imagine every -one is as bold as you?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But they sometimes do, don’t they?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Of course, they do.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, and what do you do?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Why nothing—I just don’t answer.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Hm-m … but you answered me.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Are you sorry?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her violently</span>) Your lips taste like -cream-cakes.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, they are sweet by nature.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I suppose many have told you that?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Many! What are you dreaming of?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Now, be honest. How many have kissed this -mouth before?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Why do you ask? You wouldn’t believe me anyhow, -if I told you.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why not?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Guess, then.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>All right, I’ll guess—but you mustn’t get angry!</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Why should I get angry?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, then, I’ll guess … twenty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Slipping away from him</span>) So—why not make -it a hundred?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Oh, I was just guessing.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You guessed badly.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Say—ten.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Offended</span>) 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!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>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…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>That’s just what I thought.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Have you ever been in a private dining-room -before?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>If I must tell the truth—yes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I am glad that you are honest with me at least.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>It wouldn’t have been anything tragic, if you had -ever gone—with your sweetheart—</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Of course, it wouldn’t have been anything serious. -But I haven’t any sweetheart.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Oh, come now.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I swear, I haven’t.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But you don’t expect to make me believe that -I…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Make you believe what?… I haven’t any—at -least, haven’t had for six months.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I see… But before then? Who was he?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Why are you so curious?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I am curious because I love you.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Really?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Of course! You should have noticed that. Tell -me about him.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Presses her tightly to him</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What do you want me to tell?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Don’t keep me in suspense so long. Who was -he, that’s what I want to know.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Laughing</span>) Just a man.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well—well—who?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>He looked something like you.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>No!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>If you hadn’t looked so much like him—</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, what then?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Now, don’t ask, don’t you see that…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Understanding</span>) That’s why you let me speak -to you.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes, that’s it.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I really don’t know whether I ought to be pleased -or angry.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>If I were you, I’d be pleased.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>All right.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You also remind me of him the way you speak -… and the way you look at one…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What was he?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>And then, the eyes—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What was his name?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Please don’t look at me that way; please don’t.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Embraces her. A long, burning kiss</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Trembles, and tries to get up</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why do you want to leave me?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>It’s time to go home.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Later.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>No, I really have to get home. What do you -think mother will say.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>You live with your mother?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Of course, I live with my mother. What did you -imagine?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>So—with your mother. Do you live alone with -her?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, yes, alone! There are five of us! Two -boys and two more girls.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Don’t sit so far away from me. Are you the -oldest?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>No, I’m the second. First comes Kitty. She’s -working in a flower store. Then come I.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Where do you work?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I stay at home.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Always?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>One of us has to stay home.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Of course,—and what do you tell your mother, -when you—come home so late?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>That happens so seldom.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, to-day, for example. Your mother will -ask you, won’t she?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Of course, she’ll ask. It doesn’t matter how -careful I am when I come home, she always wakes -up.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And what do you tell her?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh—that I’ve been to the theater.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Does she believe that?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Where did you get the tickets?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>My brother is a hairdresser.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Oh, yes, a hairdresser … at the theater, I suppose?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Why are you asking so many questions?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Because I am interested. What does your other -brother do?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>He’s still going to school. He wants to become -a teacher. Just imagine!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And you also have a little sister?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Really?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And what did you do?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I gave her a spanking.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Are you as strict as all that?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well, who would be if I wasn’t? My older sister -is working and mother does nothing but grumble—everything -always depends on me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>You are a dear, sweet girl! (<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her, and -grows more tender</span>) You also remind me of some -one.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>So—of whom?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Of no one in particular … of bygone days -… of my youth. Come, drink, child!</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>How old are you?… You … why … -I don’t even know your name.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Karl.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Is it possible? Your name is Karl?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Was his name also Karl?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>No, but that’s the queer thing … that is … -the eyes … (<span class="stage-direction">shaking her head</span>) the way you -look at me…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And who was he?—You haven’t told me yet.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, he was a bad man—that’s sure, otherwise he -wouldn’t have gone away.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Did you love him very much?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Of course, I loved him.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I know what he was—a lieutenant.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her</span>) You have gray eyes. I thought, -at first, they were black.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well aren’t they pretty enough?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her eyes</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Don’t please—I can’t bear it… O, please -don’t … let me get up … only for a moment—please.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">More tenderly still</span>) No, indeed.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>But, please, Karl…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>How old are you?—eighteen—isn’t it?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Just past nineteen.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Nineteen … and I—</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You are thirty…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And a little more—Don’t let’s talk about it.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>He was thirty-two, when I first met him.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>How long ago was that?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I don’t remember… Listen, there must have -been something in the wine.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What makes you think so?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I am quite … see—everything is turning -round about me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Then hold tight to me. So… (<span class="stage-direction">He holds her -close to him, and becomes more and more tender. -She hardly resists</span>) I’ll tell you something, dear, -we might go now.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes … home.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, not exactly home…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What do you mean?… O, no—no… I -won’t go anywhere else. What do you think I -am?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But listen to me, child—the next time we meet, -you know, we will arrange it so that … (<span class="stage-direction">He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -has slipped to the floor with his head in her lap</span>) -This is so comfy, oh, so comfy!</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What are you doing? (<span class="stage-direction">She kisses his hair</span>) -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.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>No … waiter … will ever come in … -here…</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Leaning with closed eyes in the corner of the -sofa</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Pacing up and down the little room, after having -lighted a cigarette</span>)</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Long silence</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Looking for a long time at the girl; speaking to -himself</span>) Who knows what sort of a person she -really is—Confound it … so quickly … -that wasn’t very cautious of me … hm-m…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Without opening her eyes</span>) There must have -been something in the wine.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Otherwise…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Why do you blame everything on the wine?…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Where are you? Why do you stay so far away? -Come to me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sits beside her</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Now tell me if you really love me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But you know that… (<span class="stage-direction">He interrupts himself -quickly</span>) Of course.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Listen… There must have … come, tell -me the truth, what was in the wine.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, do you think I … I would drug your -wine?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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—</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well—why worry about that? I don’t think -anything bad of you. I only think that you love -me.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I merely said it to say something.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But, why?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Almost defiantly</span>) Because I was ashamed.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>How absurd! There is no reason to be. Especially, -since I made you think of your first sweetheart.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Your <em>first</em> sweetheart.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes, yes…</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Now I should like to know who the others were.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>There weren’t any.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>That is not true, it can’t be true.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, please, don’t tease me.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Would you like a cigarette?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>No, thanks.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Do you know how late it is?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Half-past eleven.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Really?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well … and your mother? She’s used to -this, is she?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Do you really want to send me home?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But earlier in the evening you yourself wanted—</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You are quite changed. What have I done to -you?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But, child, what is the matter with you, what do -you imagine?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, would you like … to come here again -with me soon … or rather somewhere else?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I don’t know.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>What do you mean by, “I don’t know”?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well, why don’t you make a date?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, you’re not a Viennese?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Yes, I am a Viennese. But I am living out of -town now…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Where?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Oh, well, that doesn’t matter.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, don’t be frightened, I won’t come to see you.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>If it would give you any pleasure you may come. -I live in Graz.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Honestly?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Yes, why does that surprise you?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You are married, aren’t you?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Greatly surprised</span>) What makes you think -that?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I just got the impression.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And you wouldn’t mind that at all?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well, I would rather that you were single.—So -you are married!—</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But, tell me first what made you think of that?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>If a man says he doesn’t live in Vienna, and -he doesn’t always have time—</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But that’s not so improbable.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I don’t believe it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>And wouldn’t it hurt your conscience to have -caused a married man to become unfaithful?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, my, no doubt your wife acts just like you.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Very indignant</span>) That will do. No more of -such remarks.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I thought you didn’t have a wife.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Whether I have one or not—such remarks are -uncalled for.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He has risen</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Comes back to her after a few minutes</span>) You -are strange creatures, you … women.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He becomes tender again</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Stop … don’t … it’s too late now.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Well, listen to me a minute. Let’s talk seriously. -I would like to see you again, to see you -often.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Would you?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>But one thing is necessary … that I can depend -upon you. I can’t look out for you.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, I can look out for myself.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>You are … well, I can’t just say inexperienced—but, -you are young—and—men in general -are pretty unscrupulous.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, my!</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>I don’t mean on the moral side only.—Well, you -know what I mean—</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Tell me, what do you think I am?</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Look here—if you want me—me only—we can -easily arrange it—even if I do generally live in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> -Graz. In a place like this where some one may -come in at any moment, it isn’t very comfortable.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Snuggles up to him</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Next time … we shall go somewhere else, -won’t we?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>Where we may be entirely alone.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Husband</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Embracing her passionately</span>) We’ll discuss -the rest on the way home. (<span class="stage-direction">He rises, and opens -the door</span>) Waiter … the bill!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE SWEET YOUNG MISS AND -THE POET</h2> - -<p class="scene">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 <span class="character">Sweet Young Miss</span> and the -<span class="character">Poet</span> are disclosed. They are just entering. The -<span class="character">Poet</span> closes the door.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her</span>) My darling!</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">With hat and coat</span>) Oh! It’s very pretty -here! Only you can’t see anything!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Your eyes will have to get used to this semi-darkness.—Those -sweet eyes—</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her eyes</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>But there won’t be time enough.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Why not?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Because I can only stop a moment.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But, you can take your hat off, can’t you?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Just for the sake of a minute?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Takes the pin out of her hat which he removes</span>)</p> - -<p>And your coat—</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>The idea!—I have to leave right away.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But you must rest a while first. We have been -walking for three hours.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Riding, you mean.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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. (<span class="stage-direction">He presses her down</span>) If you -are very tired, you may as well lie down. So. -(<span class="stage-direction">He stretches her out on the sofa</span>) There, put your -head on the cushion.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Laughing</span>) But I’m not tired at all!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He goes to the piano</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>One of yours.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>But I thought, Robert, you were a professor.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I? But I told you I was a writer. But what -made you think of that?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Because you said the piece you are playing is -your own.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Of course … it must be beautiful … that’s -the chief thing!—</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Do you know what I meant by that?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>By what?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>By what I just said.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sleepily</span>) Of course I do.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Gets up, goes to her, and strokes her hair</span>) You -didn’t understand a word.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I’m not as stupid as that.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Go on, you are talking nonsense.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Angel, little one! Isn’t it comfy on this soft, -Persian couch cover?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Indeed, it is. Won’t you play something else -on the piano?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>No, I’d rather stay near you.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Caressing her</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>But hadn’t you better light the lamp?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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—(<span class="stage-direction">Laughs</span>) No—that -ought to be expressed differently… Don’t -you think so?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I don’t know.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Moves slightly away from her</span>) Absolutely -divine, this stupidity!</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He takes out a notebook, and writes a -few words in it</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What are you doing? (<span class="stage-direction">She turns toward him</span>) -What are you writing?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Softly</span>) Sun, bath, twilight, cloak … so… -(<span class="stage-direction">He puts the notebook back. Aloud</span>) -Nothing… Now tell me, sweetheart, wouldn’t -you like something to eat or drink?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I’m not thirsty, but I am hungry.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Hm … it would suit me better, if you were -thirsty. I have some cognac at home, but I have -to send out for food.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Can’t you send somebody?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>That is difficult, my servant isn’t here now—but, -wait a minute—I will go myself … what would -you like?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, really don’t bother; I have to go home anyway.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Child, that’s out of the question. Now I will tell -you something; when we leave, we will go together -somewhere for supper.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, no. I haven’t time for that. And, then, -where could we go? Somebody we know might -see us.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Do you know such a lot of people?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well, it takes only one to make trouble for us.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Why trouble?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well, suppose mother should hear about it…</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>We can go somewhere, where no one can see us. -There are plenty of restaurants with private dining-rooms.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Singing</span>) “Let’s dine in a chambre separée!”</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Have you ever been in a private dining-room?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>To tell the truth—yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Who was the happy man?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, it wasn’t the way you imagine… I went -with a friend and her fiancé. They took me along.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>And you expect me to believe that?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You needn’t believe it!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Close to her</span>) Did you blush? You can -hardly see anything. I can’t even distinguish your -features. (<span class="stage-direction">He touches her cheeks with his hands</span>) -But even so I recognize you.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well, be careful that you don’t take me for some -one else.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>It is strange, I don’t seem to remember how you -look.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Thank you!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Seriously</span>) 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.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What are you talking about?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Nothing, my angel, nothing. Where are your -lips?…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He kisses her</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Wouldn’t it be better to light the lamp?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>No… (<span class="stage-direction">Very tenderly</span>) Tell me, do you -love me?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Very much … oh, so much!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Have you ever loved any one as much as me?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I told you already that I didn’t.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But…</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He sighs</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>He was my fiancé.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I’d rather you wouldn’t think of him now.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Why … what’s the difference … look…</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>We might imagine now that we were in a palace -in India.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I’m sure people there wouldn’t be as wicked as -you are.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>How idiotic! Perfectly divine—Ah, if you only -know what you are to me…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Don’t always push me away, I’m not going to -hurt you—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>My corset hurts me.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Simply</span>) Take it off.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes. But you must behave.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Of course!</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Rises, and takes off her corset in the darkness</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sits in the meantime on the sofa</span>) Tell me, -aren’t you at all curious to know my name?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Yes, what is it?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I’d rather not tell you my real name, but the -name I go by.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What is the difference?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I mean the name I use as a writer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, you don’t write under your real name?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Close to her</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh … stop … don’t.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>What fragrance! How sweet.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He kisses her breasts</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You are tearing my chemise.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Away with it … away with it … everything -is superfluous.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, Robert.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>And now enter into our Indian palace.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Tell me first—do you really love me?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I adore you. (<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her passionately</span>) I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> -adore you, my sweetheart, my springtime … -my…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Robert … Robert…</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>It was heaven… My name is…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Robert—oh, my Robert!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I call myself Biebitz.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Why do you call yourself Biebitz?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>My name is not Biebitz—I just use it as a -pseudonym … well, don’t you recognize the -name?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>No.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>You don’t know the name Biebitz? Ah—Perfectly -divine! Really? You are just pretending -you don’t know it, aren’t you?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>No really, I never heard it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Don’t you ever go to the theater?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Hm, you don’t go then to see plays.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>I never get tickets for them.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I’ll send you a ticket soon.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, do! And don’t forget it. But for something -funny.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Oh … something funny … you don’t care -to see anything sad?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Not very much.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Not even if it is a play of mine.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>A play of yours? Do you write for the theater?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Let me light a candle now. I haven’t seen you -since you have become my best beloved—Angel!</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He lights a candle</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Don’t. I’m ashamed. Give me a cover at least.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Later!</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He approaches her with the light, and -looks at her a long while</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Covering her face with her hands</span>) Go away, -Robert!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>You are beautiful, you are Beauty itself. You -are Nature herself. You are the simplicity which -is holy.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Ouch! You are dropping wax on me. Look, -why aren’t you more careful?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Puts the candle away</span>) 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.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -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?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, pshaw, I don’t even know what you are talking -about. I never heard of any Biebitz.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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. -(<span class="stage-direction">Lightly</span>) I am not a writer at all. I’m a clerk, -and in the evening I play the piano in a dancehall.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>But now I’m all mixed up … and the way you -look at one. What is the matter, yes, what do you -mean?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Is it true about the dancehall?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>How do you mean get away?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Well, I mean, leave home?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>How absurd! How could I! What would -mother say? And without me everything would -be topsy-turvy at home in no time.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>You are talking already about saying good-by. -And I thought that you loved me such a lot.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>That is just the reason—(<span class="stage-direction">Bends over her, and -kisses her upon the forehead.</span>) You sweet darling!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Please, hold me tight. I feel so cold.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I fancy it’s time for you to dress. Wait, I’ll -light a few more candles for you.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Rising</span>) Don’t look this way.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>No. (<span class="stage-direction">At the window</span>) Tell me, child, are you -happy?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What do you mean?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I mean are you happy the way things are in general?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Well, they might be better.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Come, have you a comb?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Goes to the dressing-table, hands her a comb, -and watches her</span>) Good Lord, how lovely you -look!</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Please … don’t!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Please, stay a while yet. I’ll get something for -supper, and…</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>But it is awfully late already.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>It is not yet nine.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Dear me, I must hurry. Please!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>When shall I see you again?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>When would you like to see me?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>To-morrow.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>What day is to-morrow?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Saturday.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Oh, then I can’t. I must take my little sister to -her guardian.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Then Sunday … hm … Sunday … on -Sunday … now I’ll have to explain something to -you.—I’m not Biebitz, but Biebitz is a friend of -mine. I’ll introduce him to you sometime. Biebitz’s -play will be given Sunday. I’ll send you -tickets, and take you home after the performance. -You will tell me then how you liked the play. -Won’t you?</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Here you are talking about this Biebitz again.—I -don’t understand what it is all about.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I won’t know you really, until I know what -impression the play made on you.</p> - -<p class="character">Miss</p> - -<p>Now … I’m ready.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Come, sweetheart.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">They go out</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE POET AND THE -ACTRESS</h2> - -<p class="scene">A room in an inn in the country. It is an evening -in spring; moonlight floods the meadows and -hills; the windows are open. A deep silence -reigns. The <span class="character">Poet</span> and the <span class="character">Actress</span> enter, and as -they cross the threshold, the candle which the <span class="character">Poet</span> -is carrying in his hand is blown out.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Oh…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What’s the matter?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>The candle.—But we don’t need any. Look, -how light it is. Wonderful!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sinks suddenly down at the window with her -hands folded</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>What’s the matter with you?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Remains silent</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Going to her</span>) What are you doing?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Indignant</span>) Can’t you see that I am praying?—</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Do you believe in God?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Of course I do; I am not a fool.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Oh, I see!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Come, kneel down beside me. It will do you -good to pray just once. None of the gems will -drop out of your crown.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kneels beside her, and puts his arm around her -waist</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Libertine!—(<span class="stage-direction">Rises</span>). And do you know to -whom I prayed?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>To God, I suppose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">With deep sarcasm</span>) Oh, of course! It was -to you to whom I prayed.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Then why did you look out of the window?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Tell me rather where you have lured me.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But, child, it was your idea. You wanted to go -to the country—and picked out this very place.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well, wasn’t I right?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Certainly. It’s charming here. When you consider -that we are just two hours from Vienna—complete -solitude. And delightful scenery!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Isn’t it? If you had any real talent, this place -might inspire you to write.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Have you been here before?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Have I been here before? Indeed I have! I -have lived here for years.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>With whom?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>With Dick, of course.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Oh, really!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>How I adored that man!—</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>You’ve told me all about that already.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I am sorry—I can go away again, if I bore you!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>You bore me?… You can’t imagine what you -mean to me… You are a whole world in itself… -You are divine, you are a genius… You -are the simplicity which is holy… Yes, you… -But you oughtn’t to talk about Dick now.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>That was merely a slip! Well!—</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I am glad that you feel that way.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Come, give me a kiss!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>But now we had better say good night. Good -night, darling!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>What do you mean by that?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I mean, I am going to lie down and go to sleep.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Yes,—that’s very well, but when it comes to saying -“good night” … where do I sleep?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>There are surely a lot of other rooms in this -house.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But they don’t appeal to me. Don’t you think -I had better light a candle now?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Lights a candle, which stands upon the dressing-table</span>) -What a charming room … and what -pious people they must be. Pictures of saints<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> -everywhere… It would be interesting to spend -some time among people like this … quite another -world. How little we know of the lives of -others!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Don’t talk nonsense, but just give me the bag -from the table.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Here, beloved!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Takes a small framed picture out of the hand-bag -and puts it on the dressing-table</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>What’s that?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>That’s the Virgin.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Do you always carry her around with you?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>She is my talisman. And now go, Robert!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>You are joking? Can’t I help you?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>No, you must go now.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>And when may I return?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>In ten minutes.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her</span>) Au revoir!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Where will you go?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I shall walk up and down under your window. -I love to wander about outdoors at night time. My -finest inspirations come to me that way. And -especially near you, under the breath of your longing, -I might call it … entwined in your art.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You talk like an idiot…</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Hurt</span>) There are women who might say … -like a poet.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Oh, well, but do go now. But don’t start to flirt -with the waitress.—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Goes</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Undresses. She hears the <span class="character">Poet</span> going down -the wooden stairway, and, then hears his footsteps -below her window. As soon as she is undressed, -she goes to the window and looks down to where he -stands waiting. She calls to him in a whisper</span>) -Come!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Comes quickly upstairs and runs toward her. -She in the meantime has gone to bed, and extinguished -the light. He locks the door</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>So, now you may sit down beside me, and tell me -a story.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sits down on the bed beside her</span>) Hadn’t I better -close the window? Isn’t it too cold for you?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Oh, no!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Now, what shall I tell you?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Tell me to whom you are unfaithful at this moment?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I’m sorry, I’m not unfaithful yet.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well, if it’s any satisfaction to you, I am unfaithful -to some one too.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>So I can imagine.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>And who do you suppose it is?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But, child, how do you expect me to know?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Guess, then.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Wait … your manager.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>My dear man, I’m not a chorus-girl.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Well, I am only guessing.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Guess again.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Then it’s your leading-man … Benno—</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Nonsense! He doesn’t care for women at all -… didn’t you know that? He carries on with -his postman!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>No, really!—</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Now come, kiss me.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Embraces her</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>But what are you doing?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Why do you torment me so?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Listen, Robert, I have a suggestion to make to -you. Come lie down in bed with me.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I accept.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Come quickly, come quickly!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Yes … if I had had my way, I would have -been there long ago… Listen…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>The crickets are chirping outside.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You are crazy, child, there are no crickets here.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But surely you hear them.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Hurry up.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Beside her</span>) Here I am.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Now lie quite still… Sh … don’t -move…</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Yes, but why?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You would rather like to have an affair with me?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I should think that’s obvious by now.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>There are many who would like that…</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But it would seem that at the moment the odds are -on my side…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Then, come, my cricket! I shall call you -“cricket” from now on.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>All right…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Now, tell me, whom am I deceiving?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Whom?… Perhaps me…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Child, you have softening of the brain.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Or some one … some one whom you have -never seen … some one, whom you don’t even -know, some one—who is predestined for you and -whom you will never find…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Please don’t talk such magnificent nonsense.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>… Isn’t it strange … you too—and yet one -could think.—But no, it would destroy the best in -you, if one should … come, come—come.—</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>That’s better than acting in idiotic plays… -Don’t you think so?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Well, it seems to me, that it is a good thing you -sometimes have to act in an intelligent one.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You conceited puppy. I suppose you are thinking -of one of your own plays again.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Yes, I am.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Seriously</span>) It is really a splendid play!</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Well, then!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You are a great genius, Robert!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>And you might also tell me now why you didn’t -turn up the day before yesterday. There was absolutely -nothing the matter with you.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well, I wanted to annoy you.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But why? What have I done to you?—</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You were over-bearing.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>In what way?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Everybody at the theater thinks you are.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Really.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>But I told them, he has a perfect right to be -over-bearing.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>And what did they say?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What could they say? I am not on speaking-terms -with any of them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Oh, I see.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>They would like nothing better than to poison me, -every one of them. But they won’t succeed.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Don’t think now of others. Let’s be happy that -we are here together, and tell me that you love me.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What further proof can you want?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>It’s a thing that can’t be proven anyway.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I like that! What else do you want?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>How many are there that you have tried to convince -in this way … did you love all of them?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>No, I have loved only one.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Embraces her</span>) My…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Dick.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>My name is Robert. What can I mean to you, -if you are thinking of Dick, now?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You are a mood of mine.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>I am pleased to know it.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well, tell me, aren’t you proud?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Why should I be proud?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>It seems to me that you have good reason to be.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Oh, because of that.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Yes, because of that, my little cricket!—What -about the chirping? Are they still chirping?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>All the time. Don’t you hear them?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Of course, I hear them. But, child, those are -frogs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>You are wrong. Frogs croak.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Of course, they croak.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But this is not croaking, child, this is chirping.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You are about the most stubborn person I have -ever met. Kiss me, froggie.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Please don’t call me that. It gets on my nerves.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well, what shall I call you?</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>My name is Robert.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Oh, but that’s stupid.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>But won’t you please call me simply by my own -name?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well, then, Robert, give me a kiss… Ah! -(<span class="stage-direction">She kisses him</span>) Now, are you satisfied, froggie?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>May I light a cigarette?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Give me one too. (<span class="stage-direction">He takes his cigarette-case -from the dressing-table; takes two cigarettes out; -lights both, and gives her one</span>) By the way, you -haven’t said a word about my performance yesterday.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>What performance?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Oh, yes. I wasn’t at the theater.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You are joking.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Not in the least. When you didn’t turn up the -day before, I assumed you hadn’t fully recovered -yesterday, and so I decided not to go.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You missed something wonderful.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>It was a sensation. The people actually grew -pale.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>You saw that?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Benno said: Child, you acted divinely.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Hm!… And so ill the day before.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Indeed I was. And do you know why? Because -I felt such a longing for you.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>A little while ago you said that you stayed away -just to annoy me.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>But what do you know about my love for you? -Everything leaves you cold. And I have been delirious -for nights. In a high fever—hundred and -four degrees.</p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>Rather high for a mood.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You call that a mood? I am dying for love of -you, and you call it a mood—?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Poet</p> - -<p>And Dick…?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Dick?… Don’t talk to me about that galley-slave!—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE ACTRESS AND THE -COUNT</h2> - -<p class="scene">The bedroom of the <span class="character">Actress</span>, luxuriously furnished. -It is midday. The curtains are still -down; a candle is burning on the dressing-table. -The <span class="character">Actress</span> is disclosed in her four-poster bed. -Many newspapers are strewn about on the cover. -The <span class="character">Count</span> in the uniform of a captain of the -Dragoons enters. He remains standing at the door.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Ah, Count.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Your mother said I might, otherwise I would -not—</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Please, come closer.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I kiss your hand. Pardon me—when you come -in from the street … I can’t see a thing yet. So -… here we are (<span class="stage-direction">at her bed</span>). I kiss your hand.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Please sit down, Count.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Your mother said, My daughter isn’t well… -Nothing serious, I hope.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Nothing serious? I was on the verge of death.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Oh, dear, oh, dear, is it possible?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>It is very good of you to have taken the trouble -to call.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>On the verge of death! And only last night you -acted divinely.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>It was a great triumph, wasn’t it?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Tremendous!… The audience was carried -away. I won’t say anything about myself.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Thanks, for the beautiful flowers.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Nothing at all, Mademoiselle.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Indicating with her eyes a large flower-basket,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> -which stands on a little table near the window</span>) -There they are.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>You were literally overwhelmed with flowers and -wreaths yesterday.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>They are still in my dressing-room. All I -brought home was your flowers.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kissing her hand</span>) How sweet of you.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Suddenly seizes his hand, and kisses it</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But, Mademoiselle.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Don’t be frightened, Count, it doesn’t put you -under any obligations.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>You are a strange being … a sort of a problem -almost—</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Pause</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Miss Birken, I suppose, is much less of a problem.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>That little lady isn’t a problem at all, although -… I really know her only very slightly.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Oh!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>That’s the actual truth. But you are a problem. -I’ve always had a yearning for a problem. -It’s really been a deep personal loss to me, that -until yesterday… I <em>never</em> saw you act.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Really?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Yes! You see, going to the theater is so complicated. -I am used to dining late … then -when I get there, the best part of the play is over. -Isn’t that true?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>From now on, I suppose, you will dine earlier.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I’ve thought of that too. Or maybe I won’t dine -at all. Dining isn’t a special pleasure anyhow.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Are there any pleasures left to an old man like -you?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>That’s a question I often ask myself. But I am -not an old man. There must be some other reason.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Do you think so?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Yes. Bobby, for instance, says, that I am a -philosopher. You know he means that I do too -much thinking.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Yes … thinking is a misfortune.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I have too much time, that’s why I reflect. You -see, I’ve often thought if they would transfer me to -Vienna, things would be better. There’s diversion -here, stimulation. But at the bottom, it’s not really -very different from up there.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What do you mean by “up there”?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well, down there, you know, in Hungary, in the -God forsaken country towns, where I’ve been stationed -most of the time.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>And what did you do in Hungary?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well, as I am telling you, military service.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Yes, but why did you stay in Hungary so long?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Oh, things happen that way.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>But it must be enough to drive one mad.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But why? You have a lot more work there, than -here. You know, drilling recruits, breaking in -mounts … and the country really isn’t as bad -as they say. They are really quite beautiful, the -lowlands—and marvelous sunsets. Too bad I’m -not a painter, I’ve often thought if I were, I would -paint them. We had a young chap, Splany, in our -regiment, who could do it.—But, dear me, what -dull stories I am telling you.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Please go on; they are delightful!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Do you know, the nice thing about you is the way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> -one can chat with you, Bobby told me all about it. -And it’s so seldom one can find any one like that.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Down there in Hungary, I suppose.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But it’s quite the same in Vienna! People are -always the same. Where there are more of them, -the crowd is larger. That’s the whole difference. -Tell me, do you really like people?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Like them—? I hate them! I hate to look at -them. I never see any one. I’m always alone. -Nobody enters my house.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>You see, I sort of thought that you hated people. -It must often be the case with artists. If one lives -in the higher regions… Well, you are lucky, -you know at least why you live!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Who told you that? I haven’t the slightest notion -what I’m living for!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But really—to be famous—to be fêted—</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Does that mean happiness?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Happiness? There really is no such thing as -happiness. All the things that people talk about -most, don’t exist … for instance, love. That’s -one of them.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I suppose you are right.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Enjoyment … intoxication … very good, -nobody can deny them … they are something -real. Now, when I am enjoying myself … very -good, I am aware that I am enjoying myself. Or -I am intoxicated, good. That also is something -real. And when it’s over, well then it’s over.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Grandly</span>) It is over.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But as soon as one does not, how shall I express -it, as soon as one does not give oneself up to the -moment, I mean, if one thinks of the future or the -past … well, everything is over in a moment… -Afterwards … there is sadness … before … there -is uncertainty … in a word, one -only becomes confused. Isn’t that so?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Nods with wide open eyes</span>) It seems, you have -grasped the essence of things.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>And, you see, when you have once clearly -grasped this, it really doesn’t matter whether you -live in Vienna or in the Puszta<a name="FNanchor_3" id="FNanchor_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> or in Steinamanger.<a name="FNanchor_4" id="FNanchor_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> -You see, for instance … where may I -put my cap? Yes, thank you … what were we -talking about?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>About the Puszta.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Of course. Well, as I said, there isn’t much difference, -whether I spend the evening in the officers’ -mess or at the club. It’s all the same.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>And what about love?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>If you believe in it, some one will always be there -who will love you.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Like Miss Birken, for example.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I really don’t see why you always have to come -back to that little lady.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>But she’s your mistress, isn’t she?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Who says so?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Everybody knows it.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Except myself, strange to say.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>But you fought a duel on her account!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Maybe. I was even killed without my knowing -it.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You are a gentleman, won’t you sit closer to me?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>With pleasure.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Here. (<span class="stage-direction">She draws him to her, and passes her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> -hand through his hair</span>) I knew you would come -to-day.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>How did you know?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I knew it last night in the theater.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>You saw me from the stage, then?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>But man alive! Didn’t you notice that I acted -for you alone?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>No, really?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I was as on wings, when I saw you sitting in the -first row.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>As on wings? On my account? I hadn’t the -slightest suspicion that you noticed me!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Your aristocratic reserve is enough to drive one -to despair.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>“But”!… At least, take your saber off!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>If you permit.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Takes it off, and leans it against the -bed</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>And now give me a kiss.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Kisses her, she clings to him</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>It would have been better if I had never seen -you.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But this seems better to me.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Count, you are a poseur!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I—why?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Can’t you imagine how happy many a man would -be if he were in your place!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I’m perfectly happy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well, I thought happiness didn’t exist. Why do -you look at me that way? I believe you are afraid -of me, Count!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I told you, Mademoiselle, you are a problem.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Oh, don’t bother me with your philosophy … -come to me. And ask me for anything at all … -you can have whatever you want. You are so -handsome.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well then, may I ask (<span class="stage-direction">kissing her hand</span>) that I -may call again this evening?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>This evening … but I have to act then.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>After the play.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>And you ask for nothing else?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I shall ask for everything else after the play.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Hurt</span>) You can beg a long while then, you -abominable poseur.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But, see, we’ve been perfectly frank with each -other so far … it seems to me it would be so -much more beautiful after the play … much -cozier than now, when … I have a sort of feeling -the door might open any moment…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>It does not open from the outside.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well, you see, I have an idea one shouldn’t -lightly spoil in advance something which may be -very beautiful.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Possibly!…</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>To tell the truth, love in the morning seems rather -horrible to me.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well—you are about the worst case of lunacy I -have ever met!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I am not talking about women in general … -because in general it doesn’t make any difference -anyway. But women like you … no, you may -call me a fool a hundred times over. But women<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> -like you … one doesn’t take them before breakfast. -And so … you know … so…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Oh, but you are a darling!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>You understand, what I have said, don’t you? -I sort of imagine it like…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>How do you imagine it?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Like this… I wait for you in a carriage after -the play, then we drive somewhere for supper—</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I am not Miss Birken.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I didn’t mean to say you were. Only, it seems -to me, you have to be in the right sort of mood for -everything. In my case the mood doesn’t come -until supper. The most beautiful thing of all is -when we drive home together, and then…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>And then?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>And then … well, that depends upon circumstances.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Do sit closer. Closer.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sitting down on the bed</span>) Seems to me, that -out of the pillows comes a fragrance … mignonette—isn’t -it?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>It’s very warm in here, don’t you think so?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Bends down, and kisses her neck</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Oh, Count, that is contrary to your program.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Who said anything about “program.” I never -have any program.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Drawing him close to her</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>It really is very warm.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Do you think so? And so dark, just as if it -were evening… (<span class="stage-direction">Draws him toward her</span>) It -is evening … it is night… Close your eyes, -if there is too much light for you. Come!… -Come!…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Offers no further resistance</span>)</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>And what about atmosphere now, you poseur?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>You are a little devil.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What a thing to say!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well, then an angel.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You should have been an actor! Really! You -understand women! And do you know, what I -shall do now?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I shall tell you that I shall never see you again.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But why?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Never, never. You are too dangerous! You -would drive a woman mad. Here you are standing -before me, as though nothing had happened.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>But…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Please remember, Count, I have just given you -everything.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I shall never forget it!</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>And what about to-night?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>What do you mean?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well—you wanted to wait for me after the -theater?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Oh, yes, let’s say, the day after to-morrow.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What do you mean by “the day after to-morrow”? -We were talking about to-day.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>There wouldn’t be much sense in that.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Old man!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>You don’t quite understand me. What I mean -has rather to do, how shall I express myself, rather -concerns the soul.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What concern of mine is your soul?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Believe me, it has much to do with it. It seems -all wrong to me, this notion, that you can separate -the two.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Don’t bother me with your philosophy. If I -want any of that, I can read books.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>One never learns from books.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Very true! And that’s why you ought to wait -for me to-night. As to the soul, we will come to -some sort of an understanding, you villain!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well, then, if I may, I shall wait in my carriage…</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>You shall wait for me here in my home—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>… After the play.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Of course.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He buckles on his sword</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>What are you doing?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>It seems to me it is time for me to go. For a -formal call I have stayed a bit too long as it is.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Well, this evening it shall be a formal call.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Do you think so?</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>I’ll take care of that. And now give me a last -kiss, you darling little philosopher. Here, you seducer, -you … sweet child, you seller of souls, -you … panther. (<span class="stage-direction">After she has ardently kissed -him several times, she thrusts him violently away</span>) -Count, you have done me a great honor.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Not at all, mademoiselle! (<span class="stage-direction">At the door</span>) Au -revoir.</p> - -<p class="character">Actress</p> - -<p>Good-by, and love to Steinamanger.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a><br /> -<a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE COUNT AND THE -GIRL OF THE STREETS</h2> - -<p class="scene">It is morning toward six o’clock. A poorly -furnished room with one window. The dirty yellowish -blinds are down. Tattered, greenish curtains. -On the dresser are several photographs, -and beside them a cheap woman’s hat of conspicuously -bad taste. Behind the mirror are cheap -Japanese fans. On the table over which is drawn -a reddish cover is an oil-lamp. It is burning low -with a disagreeable odor, and has a shade of yellow -paper. Beside it is a pitcher with remains of -beer, and a half-empty glass.—On the floor beside -the bed a woman’s clothes are lying in disorder. -They look as though they had just been quickly -thrown off. The <span class="character">Girl</span> lies sleeping in the bed, -breathing quietly. The <span class="character">Count</span> is lying on the sofa -fully dressed with his light overcoat on. His hat -lies on the floor at the head of the sofa.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Stirs, rubs his eyes, sits up suddenly, remains -seated, and looks around</span>) Where am I?… -Oh, yes … I actually went home with the woman, -it seems… (<span class="stage-direction">He rises quickly, notices her bed</span>) -Oh, there she is… Queer, what sort of things<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> -can happen, even at my age. I haven’t the faintest -notion, did they carry me up here? No… -I remember—coming into the room… I was -still awake then, or waked up … or … or -maybe it’s only the room that reminds of something?… -’Pon my soul, yes, of course … it -was yesterday I saw it… (<span class="stage-direction">Looks at his watch</span>) -What! yesterday, a couple of hours ago!—But, I -knew, that something had to happen… I felt -it in my bones … when I began to drink yesterday, -I felt that … and what has happened?… -Nothing… Or did there…? ’Pon my -soul … for … for ten years it hasn’t happened -to me that I don’t know… Well, let’s be -honest at any rate, I was drunk… If I only -knew since when… I remember perfectly when -Bobby and I went into the all-night café, and … -no, no… We left together … and then on -the way… Yes, that’s it, Bobby and I rode in -my carriage… But, why do I worry my brains -about it? It doesn’t really matter. Let’s see that -we get out of here. (<span class="stage-direction">Rises. The lamp shakes</span>) -Oh! (<span class="stage-direction">Looks at the sleeping <span class="character">Girl</span></span>) Well, she -sleeps the sleep of the just. I don’t remember anything—but -I’ll put the money on the table … -and then, good-by… (<span class="stage-direction">He stands in front of her, -and looks at her for a considerable time</span>) If I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> -didn’t know what she is! (<span class="stage-direction">Studies her</span>) I’ve -known many who didn’t look as virtuous even in -their sleep. ’Pon my soul… Bobby would say -again, I’m philosophizing, but the truth is, sleep -makes all equal, so it seems to me—like its brother, -death… Hm, I should like to know, whether… -No, I’d remember that… No, no, I -dropped like a log on the sofa right away … -and nothing happened… It is unbelievable how -much alike all women sometimes look… Well, -let’s go (<span class="stage-direction">He is about to go</span>) Oh, of course.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">He takes his wallet, and is about to take -out a banknote</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Awakening</span>) Well … who’s there so early -in the morning—? (<span class="stage-direction">Recognizing him</span>) Good -morning, sonny!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Good morning. Have a good sleep?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Stretching</span>) Oh, come here. Give me a little -kiss.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Bends down to her, considers, and draws back</span>) -I was just going…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Going?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>It’s really about time.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>You want to go away?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Half-embarrassed</span>) Well…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Well, good-by, you’ll come some other time.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Yes, good-by. But, won’t you give me your -hand?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Reaches out her hand from under the cover</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Takes her hand, and kisses it mechanically, and -becoming aware of it, he smiles</span>) Just as with a -princess. Besides, if one only…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Why do you look at me that way?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>If one only sees the head, as now … anyway, -each and every one looks innocent when she first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -awakes … ’pon my soul, one might imagine almost -anything, if the kerosene didn’t smell so…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Yes, the lamps are always a nuisance.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>How old are you really?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Well, what would you guess?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Twenty-four.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Oh, of course!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Older?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>I’m not yet twenty.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>And how long have you been…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>A year.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>You began early.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Better too early, than too late.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Sits down upon her bed</span>) Tell me, are you -really happy?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Am I, what?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I mean, are things going well with you?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Oh, things always go well with me.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Yes… Well, did it never occur to you that -you might become something else?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>What might I become?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well… You are a very pretty girl. You -might take a lover, for example.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Do you imagine I haven’t any?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Yes, I know that—But I mean just one single -one, who would take care of you, so that you -wouldn’t have to go with everybody.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>I don’t go with everybody. Thank heaven, I -don’t have to. I pick those I want.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Looks around the room</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Noticing it</span>) We move downtown next month, -to the Spiegelgasse.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>We? Who?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Well, the Madam, and the couple of other girls -who live here.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>There are others—</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Next door … don’t you hear?… that is -Milly. She was in the café too.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I hear some one snoring.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>That’s Milly. She will snore the whole day long -until ten o’clock to-night. Then she gets up, and -goes to the café.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>What an awful life!</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Of course it is. It annoys the Madam a lot. -I’m always on the streets by noon.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>What do you do on the streets at noon?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>What do you suppose I do? I’m going on my -beat then.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Oh, yes … of course… (<span class="stage-direction">Rises, takes out -his wallet, and puts a banknote on the table</span>) -Good-by!</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Going already… Good-by… Call again -soon.</p> - -<p class="indented">(<span class="stage-direction">Turns on her side</span>)</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Stands still</span>) Tell me, is everything a matter -of indifference to you already?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>What?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I mean, don’t you get pleasure out of anything -any more?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">Yawning</span>) I want to sleep.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>It’s all the same to you whether he is young or -old or whether he…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Why do you ask?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>… Well (<span class="stage-direction">Suddenly hitting upon a thought</span>) -’pon my soul, now I know of whom you remind -me, it’s…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Do I look like some one?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Unbelievable, unbelievable. Now please, don’t -talk, at least not for a minute… (<span class="stage-direction">Looking at -her</span>) The very same features. (<span class="stage-direction">He kisses her -suddenly on the eyes</span>), the very image.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Well…</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>’Pon my soul, it’s too bad that you … aren’t -something different… You could make your -fortune!</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>You talk just like Frank.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Who is Frank?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>The waiter in our café.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>In what way am I just like Frank?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>He is also always telling me I might make my -fortune, and wanting me to marry him.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Why don’t you?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>No thank you… I don’t want to marry, no, -not for any price… Later on, perhaps.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>The eyes … the very same eyes… Bobby -would surely call me a fool.—But I must kiss your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> -eyes once more … so … and now God bless -you, now I must go.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Good-by…</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">At the door</span>) Tell me … aren’t you a bit -surprised?…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>At what?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>That I don’t want anything of you.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>There are many men who aren’t in the mood in -the morning.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Of course… (<span class="stage-direction">To himself</span>) Absurd, that I -expect to be surprised… Well, good-by… -(<span class="stage-direction">He is near the door</span>) But really, I’m disappointed. -I ought to know that women like her care -only about money … what am I saying … it -is beautiful, that at least she doesn’t pretend; -should make one glad… (<span class="stage-direction">Aloud</span>) Do you -know, I shall come to see you again soon?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">With closed eyes</span>) All right.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>When are you at home?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>I’m always at home. You only have to ask for -Leocadia.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Leocadia… All right—Well, God bless you. -(<span class="stage-direction">At the door</span>) The wine is still in my head. But -after all it is sublime… I am with a woman -like her and haven’t done anything but kiss her -eyes, because she reminded me of some one… -(<span class="stage-direction">Turns toward her</span>) Tell me, Leocadia, does it -often happen that any one leaves you in this way?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>What way?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>As I do.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>In the morning?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>No … have you ever had any one with you,—who -didn’t want anything of you?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>No, that has never happened to me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Well, what do you think then? Do you think I -didn’t like you?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Why shouldn’t you like me? You liked me well -enough by night.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I like you now, too.</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>But you liked me better last night.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>What makes you think that?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Why ask such foolish questions?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Last night … well, tell me, didn’t I drop right -down on the sofa?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Certainly … with me.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>With you?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Yes, don’t you remember?</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>I did … both of us…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>But you fell asleep right away.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Right away… So … that’s what happened?…</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>Yes, sonny. But you must have been terribly -drunk, that you don’t remember.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>So… And yet … there is a faint resemblance… -Good-by… (<span class="stage-direction">Listens</span>) … -What is the matter?</p> - -<p class="character">Girl</p> - -<p>The servant is up. Give her a tip as you go out. -The outside door is open, so you won’t have to give -anything to the janitor.</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>(<span class="stage-direction">In the anteroom</span>) Well… It would have -been beautiful, if I had kissed her only on the eyes. -It would have been almost an adventure… But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> -it wasn’t my destiny. (<span class="stage-direction">The servant opens the -door</span>) Ah—here… Good-night.—</p> - -<p class="character">Servant</p> - -<p>Good morning!</p> - -<p class="character">Count</p> - -<p>Of course … good morning … good morning.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>FOOTNOTES</h2> - -<div class="footnotes"> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The Luna Park of Vienna.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2" id="Footnote_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> A Parisian dancer, famous in the nineties.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_3" id="Footnote_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> A monotonous, treeless region in the great plain of Hungary.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_4" id="Footnote_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> A provincial town in Hungary about 60 miles south of Vienna.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Hands Around [Reigen], by Arthur Schnitzler - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HANDS AROUND [REIGEN] *** - -***** This file should be named 53513-h.htm or 53513-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/5/1/53513/ - -Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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