up to that gradually.

AUNT CLARA. Are you really happy with them, Paul?

PAUL. Why I have fought almost fifteen years for these views! Surely a
man will not do a thing like that without serious consideration.

AUNT CLARA. So you held those very views at the time when you had your
quarrel with your father, who is now dead and gone?

PAUL. That's the very reason I went away, Auntie. Do you understand now
why it was impossible for me to remain?

AUNT CLARA. (after a short silence, significantly). And do you
sometimes still think of Antonie, Paul?

PAUL (meditating). Antoinette?... Oh yes, sometimes.

AUNT CLARA. Now do be frank, Paul! Has the thought never come to you
that you would really like to have Antonie?

PAUL (absent-minded). Who? I have her?

AUNT CLARA. Why Paul? _You_ have _her_ and _she_ have _you_! Didn't you
really care for each other a bit?

[Illustration: MAX HALBE]

PAUL (as before, supporting his head on his hand). Do you think so?
That is so long ago? Possibly. What do I know about it? (He sits up.)

AUNT CLARA. We were always in the habit of saying they'll make a fine
couple when they are big, you and Antonie.

PAUL (almost painfully). You see, Auntie, what mistakes one can make.
Nothing can be determined beforehand. But I almost think you are right.
I liked her quite well, once upon a time. Something like that begins to
dawn on me. A big, stupid, love-sick lubber. That's _me_. And _she_ ...
What was _she_? (With the suggestion of a smile.) A remarkably
beautiful, sweet young thing with ashy-blond braids. Yes, yes,
something like that dawns upon me. She did have splendid ashy-blond
hair and dark eyes. (He leans his head on his hand.)

AUNT CLARA. How well you still remember that.

PAUL (collects himself again). Yes, strange, as it comes to me now. But
at that time, you know, when I came back as a student, the aforesaid
Christmas, it was all gone, as if obliterated, not a trace of it left.
Then my head was filled with things of quite another nature. My home
had become strange to me, that is it, Auntie. Hella was in my mind. For
that reason nothing could come of it, the match between Antoinette and
me. (GLYSZINSKI enters from the right, followed by LENE.)

LENE (remaining at the door). Shall I bring the coffee. Miss Clara?

AUNT CLARA (has also stepped to the door). Yes, and don't forget the
pound-cake!... But no, wait, I'll get it myself. Just a moment, Paul!
(She motions to him a