again at once. She smiles a trifle
sarcastically). Yes, for a bright morning, the chandelier suggests
this, that and what not.

PAUL (fixing his eyes upon her calmly). To me the morning seemed pretty
dark, as we were riding along. Didn't it to you?

HELLA. Oh yes, you are right. It was even disagreeably dark. I kept on
fearing we should fall into the ditch. I don't like to ride in a
strange region by night.

[Brief silence.]

PAUL (facing HELLA, shaking his head). I do not see what objections
you can have to the chandelier.

HELLA (meeting his eye calmly). None whatever, Paul.

PAUL. Aunt Clara's intentions were certainly good. One does realize
that one was expected. (He turns away and takes several steps through
the hall.)

HELLA. But you know that I do not like such occasions. That is simply
my disposition. I cannot make myself over.

PAUL. I certainly do not demand that. (Turns on his heel and approaches
again.) Or have I not always allowed you to have your own way!

HELLA (also compromising). Certainly, certainly, up to the present we
_have_ agreed on this point.

PAUL. And shall continue in the future. (He extends his right hand to
HELLA.)

HELLA (grasps his hand and looks into his face squarely). I am true to
my old self, Paul, remain so too.

PAUL. Simply because each one of us has freely gone his own way,
nothing has been able to separate us. That is the reason why we have
kept together so firmly, all of these years. Don't you think so too?

HELLA. It seems to me that I held that point of view long before we
were acquainted.

PAUL (seriously) Rather say, with that point of view, we found each
other. For this point of view, I sacrificed my home, Hella!

HELLA. Yes, therefore it surprises me all the more, that you suddenly
seem to be forgetting all about that ...

PAUL. In what respect?

HELLA (continuing). That you behave like a school boy who is coining
home for his vacation.

PAUL (is silent for a moment, then continues). Hella!... My father is
lying there on his bier. (He points toward the right.) I did not see
him again!

HELLA. Was it your fault? He forbade you his house! This house!

PAUL (without listening to her). I have not been able to come to an
understanding with him. I shall never come to an understanding with
him! Do you realize what that means? (He turns away.)

[HELLA shrugs her shoulders and remains silent. Pause.]

PAUL (has walked through the hall with