have
remained in Berlin and should not sit here in the presence of peasants
where I have nothing at stake.

PAUL. But I have, Hella! I have very much at stake here. After all a
man does not abandon his inheritance point blank. Do not forget that.

HELLA (straightening up). Of what concern is that to me! Sell it, why
don't you! It's nothing but a dead weight to you anyhow.

PAUL. Why, I agree with you, Hella. And I am in favor of selling the
estate. But not today nor tomorrow. Such things call for deliberation.

HELLA. But I simply cannot wait that long. Just confess it, Paul, my
place is in the world. You surely don't expect me to desert my post.
Our whole cause is hazarded, if I throw up the game now. Particularly
at this moment. You are demanding too much!... Do you expect me to give
up my life work, simply because you cannot break away from your clod,
on account of a stupid loyalty?

PAUL (controlling himself). It seems to me, Hella, that we have a
career in common. You are acting as if you alone had a career.

HELLA. We have had, up to this day. You are the one who is retreating!
Not I!

PAUL (becoming excited). Hella! You have been my friend! My comrade in
stress and tribulation, I may say. We have builded our life on our own
resources, our new life, when the old life had renounced us. We have
stood together in the combat, for ten years! Are you willing to forget
that now? (Has stepped up to her and seized both of her hands.)

HELLA (tries to disengage herself). Goodness, Paul ...

PAUL (fixing his eyes upon her). For years you have come to me with
your wishes. Now I am coming to you! Now your friendship is to assert
itself. Answer me!

HELLA (convinced against her will, is forced to smile). Do not fall
into tragedy, Paul!

PAUL (unswervingly). You are to tell me whether you can leave me alone
at this time, whether you can bring yourself to that point. Only a
word!

HELLA. Am I not here? What else do you expect? And I shall remain here.
At least for the immediate present.

PAUL (shaking her hands vigorously). Oh, then all will turn out well!
You will remain here! Thank you for that! (Breaking out in joy.) Now
everything may turn out well after all. (He walks to and fro in
suppressed excitement.) Mad as it may sound, Hella, under these
circumstances. (He stops, facing her.) I am almost merry! (He continues
to pace up and down.)

HELLA (scrutinizes him and shakes her head). Paul! Paul! Childishnes