heavy steps, then becomes
composed and speaks in a more unconcerned manner). Will you take off
your things, Hella? (rises, wavering). I don't know, I am cold.

PAUL (near her). But how can you be cold. The fire is roaring in the
fireplace. Our good aunt has made such perfect preparations. Who knows
when she got up in order that we might be comfortable. (He goes to the
fireplace and throws wood into it.) (leaning on the chair,
taciturnly). It is probably due to the night ride.

PAUL (approaches her). Well, come along! I'll help you!... You will
surely not remain in your furs. (He helps her. She takes off her hat
and cloak and goes to the fireplace not without hesitation.)

PAUL (following her with his eyes, gloomily). You are acting as if you
preferred to leave again at once? (turning fully toward him). Frankly,
Paul, that is what I should like to do.

PAUL (flaring up). Hella! (Calm again, coldly.) I simply do not
understand you! (has sat down at the fireplace, holds her feet up to
the fire). I do not understand you, and you do not understand me! That
is as broad as it is long.

PAUL (shrugging his shoulders). I don't know how you can think of going
away under the present circumstances.

HELLA. Quite simple. I do not demand that you shall go with me. You can
remain here as long as you are needed, order your affairs, look about
for a purchaser of the estate, and when good luck favors you in finding
him, you can come on. For the present I may as well precede you to
Berlin. You know that editing cannot be put off, the next number must
be out in a week. Both of us can not be absent. At least I am
indispensable.

PAUL. And for this purpose you made a trip of eight hours from Berlin
to this place? Hella! (He places his hand on her shoulder.)

HELLA. Yes, this unfortunate trip!

PAUL (with a deep breath). Unfortunate trip, yes indeed!

HELLA. For I must tell you, Paul ...

PAUL. Yes?

HELLA. I have a feeling that I am not quite suited to this place.

PAUL (bitterly). Aha! That is at the bottom of this insistence about
the new number of _Women's Rights_, which is all but complete even now.

HELLA (unswervingly). I have a feeling that I am not adapted to this
environment, and my feelings have rarely deceived me.

PAUL. Oh, your feelings, Hella! Your feelings! If you had only followed
them solely, many matters would stand better today! Believe me.

HELLA. I follow my feelings entirely too much, or I should