remain here. He must absolutely not remain in this
atmosphere, which unsettles the mind, this funereal atmosphere. Oh! I
can't stand it! Come on, doctor, I must have some fresh air! Get my
things!

GLYSZINSKI. I am on the wing! (About to start in some direction or
other.)

HELLA (restrains him). But no, wait a moment! We can go right through
our rooms. A door leads to the garden from there. (She listens.) Isn't
that Paul, now? Do you hear?

GLYSZINSKI. It seems to be.

HELLA (hurriedly). Quickly! I do not care to see him now! I don't want
to hear about the dead man. I can't endure it. Do hurry! (She draws him
along out toward the left.)

[PAUL and AUNT CLARA come in again from the right. PAUL walks
slowly through the hall with his head bowed. For a moment he
remains standing before the chair near the sofa, then suddenly
sits down and presses his face into his hands. AUNT CLARA has
slowly followed him, stands before him, and looks at him lovingly
and sadly. Brief silence.]

AUNT CLARA (puts her hand on his head). Compose yourself, Paul! What's
the good of it! Your father is past all trouble.

PAUL (without raising his head). Yes, he's beyond it all.

AUNT CLARA. All of us may be glad when we are that far along.

PAUL (between his teeth). When we are that far along, yes, yes, Aunt
Clara! When we are all through with it, this incomprehensible,
senseless force! (He leans back in the chair and folds his hands over
his head.)

AUNT CLARA. Your dead father enjoys the best lot after all. It's not at
all an occasion for weeping, Paul.

PAUL (nods his head mechanically). You caught the meaning, Auntie.

AUNT CLARA. I am old, my boy. I know what is back of life. Nothing.

PAUL. You have caught the meaning.

AUNT CLARA. When you are as far along as I am, you will think so too.

PAUL (throws his head back on his chair, yielding to his pain). I am
tired, Aunt Clara! Tired enough to die!

AUNT CLARA. That is due to the journey, Paul.

PAUL (repeats mechanically). That is due to the journey. (Waking up.)
You are right, Aunt Clara. To the long journey and the long, long way.

AUNT CLARA. Now you will take a rest, my boy.

PAUL. That's what I should like to do, Aunt Clara. Take a real rest
after all of the wild years! And they do say the best rest is to be
found at home.

AUNT CLARA. Do you see how good it is for you to be at home again.

PAUL (absorbed). How calmly he lay th