s!
From one extreme to the other! When will you come to reason. Take an
example in me!

PAUL (stopping in the centre of the hall, sweeping his hand around).
Hella!... This is the soil which nurtured my youth. Do you expect me
not be happy?

AUNT CLARA (enters again from the right. She has taken off her
head-cloth and wears a black dress). Now then, Paul, here I am again.
Have you made yourself at home? Is it warm enough in the hall for both
of you? You probably got good and cold on the way. You had the wind to
face, didn't you?

PAUL (reflecting). Yes, pretty much! I think it was from the east.

AUNT CLARA. It did take me rather a long while, didn't it, Paul?

PAUL. You probably had some other matters that required attention? (Now
that she stands directly before him he looks at her more closely.) And
how Aunt Clara has dressed up! (He shakes his finger at her.) Well,
well, Auntie. Still so vain, in your years?

AUNT CLARA. Why, Paul, this old dress! (She strokes her skirt with her
hands.) I have worn it so many years. Don't you remember at all?

PAUL. Yes, yes, now ... (Meditates a moment.)

AUNT CLARA. I was wearing it when your mother died. That is the time I
had it made.

PAUL (abruptly). Oh yes. That has been a long time, to be sure!

AUNT CLARA. In waiting for you, I had quite forgotten that I still had
on my morning dress. So I quickly put on something else.

HELLA. That is exactly what I intend to do, dear Miss Clara. (She
approaches the two.)

PAUL. Yes, Auntie, you see, I don't even know where you have quartered
us? Possibly you would show Hella ...?

AUNT CLARA. Right next door, dear Mrs. ... Mrs. ---- Doctor!

HELLA (nodding to her to desist). Well then, please do not go to any
trouble.

PAUL (to HELLA, who has picked up her things). May I relieve you of
something? Or can I help you in any other way? Unlock the trunk, for
instance?

HELLA (refusing). Do drop these courtesies, Paul! That kind of thing is
certainly not in vogue with us.

PAUL (curtly). As you please!

[HELLA goes out with her things through the open door on the
left, closing it behind her.]

PAUL (to AUNT CLARA, who has been listening in amazement). So you have
lodged us next door? (Hesitating as he points to the right.) Over
there, I suppose ...?

AUNT CLARA (nodding). Yes, over there, Paul, there ... the body lies.

PAUL (gloomily). Shall we not go in. Aunt Clara?

AUNT CLARA. Why, not at once, my boy