myself the sight of the dead,
whenever I can. I did not even see _my_ father.

AUNT CLARA (has risen). I'll go with you, my boy, brace up!

PAUL (nods to her, choking down his words). I'm all right. (The two
slowly go out at the right.) [Short silence.]

HELLA (stands at the chair, clenches her fist, stamps her foot, in a
burst of passion). I cannot look at the man who has forbidden me his
house! Never!

GLYSZINSKI (has also risen, steps up to HELLA). How I admired you,
madam!

HELLA (still struggling). I cannot bring myself to _that_!

GLYSZINSKI (sentimentally). How you sat there! How you spoke! Every
word a blow! No evasion! No retreat! Mind triumphing over matter! The
first time I ever had this impression of you, Hella, do you recall, the
large meeting when you stood on the stage and your eye controlled
thousands? Then and there my soul rushed out to you! Now you possess
it.

HELLA (stands erect, resolutely and deliberately). If I really possess
your soul, dear doctor, listen to my request.

GLYSZINSKI. I am your slave, command me!

HELLA. It concerns Paul. You see how matters stand with him.

GLYSZINSKI (gloomily). Paul is not a modern man. I knew that long ago.

HELLA. Let us avoid all digressions now! (With unflinching emphasis.)
Paul _must_ ... _not_ ... _remain here_! Do you understand?

GLYSZINSKI. What can I do in the matter?

HELLA (taps her finger on his chest). You must help me get him away
from here as soon as possible!

GLYSZINSKI. And you would ask _me_ to do _that_?

HELLA. Why shouldn't I?

GLYSZINSKI. Expect me to help reestablish the bond between you? Don't
be inhuman, Hella!

HELLA. But you surely realize the relations that obtain between you and
me, doctor. You are my co-worker, my friend!

GLYSZINSKI. Is that all, Hella?

HELLA. Why, do you demand more? Beyond friendship I can give you
nothing! No, it will be better for you to help me plan how we can get
him away most readily. Rather today than tomorrow.

GLYSZINSKI. Even if I were willing; why he pays no attention to me.
Sometimes he strikes the pose of the man of thirty and treats me like a
schoolboy. If it were not for you, Hella!

HELLA (goes back and forth in intense excitement). I see it coming! I
see it coming! Irresistible! I have been watching it for a year.
Something is working on him. The old spirits have been revived in him.
They are restless to assert themselves. That calls for prompt action.
He must not