KI, motions to those
outside. A brief silence, then singing to the accompaniment of
the pot harp. The lines run as follows:]

We wish our dear lord
At his board, a full dish,
And at all four corners
A brown roasted fish:
A crown for our dame;
When the year's course is run
The joy of all joys,
A lusty young son.

HELLA. Will that continue much longer, Paul?

[PAUL gets up, motions to the inspector and goes out with him.
The door is closed behind them. The muffled tones of the pot harp
and the singing can still be heard, but the text becomes
unintelligible. GLYSZINSKI, who also has been listening till now,
starts to go out.]

HELLA (from the sofa). One moment, Doctor!

GLYSZINSKI (absent-minded). Were you calling me?

HELLA. Why, yes, now that you are here, I might as well make use of the
occasion.

GLYSZINSKI (approaches, somewhat reserved). What can I do for you,
madam?

HELLA. Dear friend, do not be startled. We shall have to part.

GLYSZINSKI (staggering). Part? We?...

HELLA (calmly). Yes, Doctor, it must be!

GLYSZINSKI. Why, who compels us to? No one!

HELLA (frigidly). My _decision_ compels us, dear friend! Is that
sufficient for you?

GLYSZINSKI (whimpering). Your decision, Hella? You are cruel.

HELLA. Yes, I myself am sorry, of course. I shall probably miss you
quite frequently!

GLYSZINSKI (as before). Hella!

HELLA. Especially in connection with my correspondence. You have
certainly been a real help to me there. I shall have to carry that
burden alone again, now. But what is to be done about it? No other
course is possible. We must part.

GLYSZINSKI. But why? At least, give me a reason! Don't turn me out in
this fashion.

HELLA. It is necessary on account of my husband, dear friend! I must
make this sacrifice for him.

GLYSZINSKI (raging). The monster! (He paces through the hall wildly.)

HELLA (with clarity). You know, it cannot be denied that Paul can't
bear you, that he is always annoyed when he sees you ...

GLYSZINSKI. Do you suppose the reverse is not true?

HELLA. Yes, you men are exasperating. No one can eradicate your
jealousy! _That_ makes an unconstrained intercourse impossible! But
what is to be done? Paul is my husband, _not you_. And so I am
compelled to request you to yield.

GLYSZINSKI (with his hands raised). Kill me, Hella, but don't turn me
out.

HELLA (wards him o