k us some day when we are down and out? Not a soul!

HELLA. Nor do I demand gratitude and recognition. I do what I have
recognized to be correct; that constitutes my happiness.

PAUL. But not mine. I want more, Hella! I am at an age when fine words
no longer avail me. And see, here is a world in which I have what I
need, what I am seeking, here at last I can follow myself up, can see
what is really in me and not what has merely been imposed upon me. I am
on the crest of my life, Hella. Possibly past it. Do not take it amiss!
I need rest, composure ...

HELLA (reserved). And for that you are going to the end of the world?

PAUL. I had got to the end of the world! Now I shall begin all over
again. Would the attempt not be worth while? Tell me, comrade! (He
seizes both of HELLA'S hands and looks squarely into her eyes.)

HELLA (reserved). I can't answer you now, Paul.

PAUL (visibly relieved). Very well! If you can not at present ... There
is plenty of time.

HELLA. Isn't there? You will give me time. I should like to put it off
only a few days longer.

PAUL (joyously). Why as long as you please. Till then I shall be
assured of you and meanwhile you will get acclimated?

HELLA. Only a few days, Paul. Possibly I can make a definite
proposition to you by that time.

PAUL (shakes her hands again, happy). Hella, my clever, unusual Hella!
(He puts his arms around her waist, about to kiss her.)

HELLA (with quick resistance). What are you doing, Paul! Don't you see
how wet you are?

PAUL. Snow-water! Clear snow-water. What harm will that do! Give me a
kiss, Hella!

HELLA (reluctantly). You _do_ have notions at times!... So here is your
kiss! (Extends her cheek to him.)

PAUL (embraces her.) Oh, no! Today I must have something unusual! (He
tries to kiss her mouth.)

HELLA (warding him off). Do stop that, Paul! I beg you urgently!

PAUL (looks into her eyes). But why not, Hella! Just for today ...!
(His voice is soft and pleading.)

HELLA (with her face toward the sofa). Why Glyszinski is sitting there.

PAUL (impatiently). What is Glyszinski to me? It's surely all right for
a husband and wife to kiss each other.

HELLA. But not before strangers! I can't bear that, Paul!

PAUL (bitterly). Calm down! It never happens anyhow! (He releases her
and walks through the hall with great strides).

HELLA (shrugging her shoulders). Because it is really not proper for
two people who are as old as we have become. Peop