Part 3

YOUNG WIFE

Well,—there must be something in it—! Otherwise, they wouldn’t do it.

HUSBAND

It is nothing … an intoxication.

YOUNG WIFE

(_Pensively_) An intoxication…

HUSBAND

No, it is not even intoxication. Like everything—it is dearly paid for, that much is certain.

YOUNG WIFE

Well … it has happened to you, hasn’t it?

HUSBAND

Yes, Emma.—And it is the thing I most regret.

YOUNG WIFE

Who was she? Tell me! Do I know her?

HUSBAND

The idea!

YOUNG WIFE

Was it long ago? Was it very long before you married me?

HUSBAND

Don’t ask me. Please, don’t ask.

YOUNG WIFE

But, Karl!

HUSBAND

She is dead.

YOUNG WIFE

Are you in earnest?

HUSBAND

Yes … it sounds almost ridiculous, but I have the feeling that all such women die young.

YOUNG WIFE

Did you love her very much?

HUSBAND

One doesn’t love women who lie.

YOUNG WIFE

Then why…

HUSBAND

An intoxication…

YOUNG WIFE

Really?

HUSBAND

Don’t talk about it any more, please. All that is passed long ago. I have only loved one woman—that is you. You only love where there is purity and truth.

YOUNG WIFE

Karl!

HUSBAND

Oh, how secure, how happy one feels in such arms. Why didn’t I know you as a child? I am sure I wouldn’t then even have looked at other women.

YOUNG WIFE

Karl!

HUSBAND

And how beautiful you are!… beautiful!… Oh, come…

(_He puts the light out_)

* * * * *

YOUNG WIFE

Do you know what I am thinking of to-night?

HUSBAND

What, sweetheart?

YOUNG WIFE

Of … of … of Venice.

HUSBAND

Our first night…

YOUNG WIFE

Yes…

HUSBAND

What then? Tell me!

YOUNG WIFE

You love me as much to-day.

HUSBAND

Yes, just as much.

YOUNG WIFE

Oh … if you would always…

HUSBAND

(_In her arms_) If I would what?

YOUNG WIFE

My Karl!

HUSBAND

What do you mean? If I would always?…

YOUNG WIFE

Well, yes.

HUSBAND

Well, what then, if I would always?…

YOUNG WIFE

Then I would always know that you love me.

HUSBAND

Yes. But you must know that anyway. One cannot always be a lover, sometimes one has to go out into the cold world to struggle and achieve! Don’t forget that, my child. There is a time for everything in marriage—that is the beauty of it. There are not many who can remember their Venice after five years.

YOUNG WIFE

True!

HUSBAND

And now … good-night, my child.

YOUNG WIFE

Good-night!

THE HUSBAND AND THE SWEET YOUNG MISS

_A private dining-room in the Riedhof, comfortably furnished with moderately good taste. A gas-grate is burning. The HUSBAND and the SWEET YOUNG MISS are disclosed. The remains of dinner are on the table, cream-cakes, fruit, cheese. In the wine-glasses is a Hungarian white wine._

HUSBAND

(_Is smoking a Havana cigar, and leaning against the corner of a sofa_)

MISS

(_Sits beside him in an armchair, eating the cream out of a cake with a spoon, and tasting it with satisfaction_)

HUSBAND

Is it good?

MISS

(_Without stopping_) Oh!

HUSBAND

Do you want another?

MISS

No. I’ve eaten too much already.

HUSBAND

Your wine is all gone.

(_He fills her glass_)

MISS

No … stop. I’ll leave it anyway.

HUSBAND

Why are you so shy?

MISS

Am I?—Well, it takes time to get acquainted.

HUSBAND

Come and sit here with me.

MISS

Right away… I’m not ready yet.

HUSBAND

(_Rises and stands behind her chair, and puts his arms around her, turning her face toward him_)

MISS

What’s the matter?

HUSBAND

I want a kiss.

MISS

(_Kissing him_) You are … excuse me, you have a lot of nerve.

HUSBAND

You’re just finding that out?

MISS

Oh, no, I knew that long ago … from the first, in the street.—You must—

HUSBAND

What?

MISS

You must have a nice opinion of me.

HUSBAND

Why?

MISS

Because I went right away with you to a private dining room.

HUSBAND

Well, you can hardly say “right away.”

MISS

But you asked in such a nice way.

HUSBAND

Do you think so?

MISS

And, after all, what is the harm?

HUSBAND

Of course.

MISS

Whether we go walking or—

HUSBAND

Besides, it’s much too cold for walking.

MISS

Yes, it was too cold.

HUSBAND

But here it’s nice and warm, isn’t it?

(_He sits down again, puts his arms around the girl, and draws her to his side_)

MISS

(_Weakly_) Don’t.

HUSBAND

Tell me… You noticed me before, didn’t you?

MISS

Certainly. Several blocks before you spoke to me.

HUSBAND

I don’t mean to-day. I mean yesterday and the day before, when I was following you.

MISS

A lot of people follow me.

HUSBAND

I don’t doubt that. But did you notice me?

MISS

Guess … do you know what happened to me the other day? My cousin’s husband followed me in the dark, and didn’t recognize me.

HUSBAND

Did he speak to you?

MISS

What do you suppose? Do you imagine every one is as bold as you?

HUSBAND

But they sometimes do, don’t they?

MISS

Of course, they do.

HUSBAND

Well, and what do you do?

MISS

Why nothing—I just don’t answer.

HUSBAND

Hm-m … but you answered me.

MISS

Are you sorry?

HUSBAND

(_Kisses her violently_) Your lips taste like cream-cakes.

MISS

Oh, they are sweet by nature.

HUSBAND

I suppose many have told you that?

MISS

Many! What are you dreaming of?

HUSBAND

Now, be honest. How many have kissed this mouth before?

MISS

Why do you ask? You wouldn’t believe me anyhow, if I told you.

HUSBAND

Why not?

MISS

Guess, then.

HUSBAND

All right, I’ll guess—but you mustn’t get angry!

MISS

Why should I get angry?

HUSBAND

Well, then, I’ll guess … twenty.

MISS

(_Slipping away from him_) So—why not make it a hundred?

HUSBAND

Oh, I was just guessing.

MISS

You guessed badly.

HUSBAND

Say—ten.

MISS

(_Offended_) Oh, of course. A girl who lets a man talk to her on the street, and goes right away with him to a private dining-room!

HUSBAND

Don’t be childish. Whether we walk about in the streets or sit in a room… We are in a restaurant. The waiter may come in at any moment—it doesn’t signify anything at all…

MISS

That’s just what I thought.

HUSBAND

Have you ever been in a private dining-room before?

MISS

If I must tell the truth—yes.

HUSBAND

I am glad that you are honest with me at least.

MISS

But it wasn’t—no it wasn’t the way you imagine. I was in a private dining-room with a friend and her fiancé, once during the carnival.

HUSBAND

It wouldn’t have been anything tragic, if you had ever gone—with your sweetheart—

MISS

Of course, it wouldn’t have been anything serious. But I haven’t any sweetheart.

HUSBAND

Oh, come now.

MISS

I swear, I haven’t.

HUSBAND

But you don’t expect to make me believe that I…

MISS

Make you believe what?… I haven’t any—at least, haven’t had for six months.

HUSBAND

I see… But before then? Who was he?

MISS

Why are you so curious?

HUSBAND

I am curious because I love you.

MISS

Really?

HUSBAND

Of course! You should have noticed that. Tell me about him.

(_Presses her tightly to him_)

MISS

What do you want me to tell?

HUSBAND

Don’t keep me in suspense so long. Who was he, that’s what I want to know.

MISS

(_Laughing_) Just a man.

HUSBAND

Well—well—who?

MISS

He looked something like you.

HUSBAND

No!

MISS

If you hadn’t looked so much like him—

HUSBAND

Well, what then?

MISS

Now, don’t ask, don’t you see that…

HUSBAND

(_Understanding_) That’s why you let me speak to you.

MISS

Yes, that’s it.

HUSBAND

I really don’t know whether I ought to be pleased or angry.

MISS

If I were you, I’d be pleased.

HUSBAND

All right.

MISS

You also remind me of him the way you speak … and the way you look at one…

HUSBAND

What was he?

MISS

And then, the eyes—

HUSBAND

What was his name?

MISS

Please don’t look at me that way; please don’t.

HUSBAND

(_Embraces her. A long, burning kiss_)

MISS

(_Trembles, and tries to get up_)

HUSBAND

Why do you want to leave me?

MISS

It’s time to go home.

HUSBAND

Later.

MISS

No, I really have to get home. What do you think mother will say.

HUSBAND

You live with your mother?

MISS

Of course, I live with my mother. What did you imagine?

HUSBAND

So—with your mother. Do you live alone with her?

MISS

Oh, yes, alone! There are five of us! Two boys and two more girls.

HUSBAND

Don’t sit so far away from me. Are you the oldest?

MISS

No, I’m the second. First comes Kitty. She’s working in a flower store. Then come I.

HUSBAND

Where do you work?

MISS

I stay at home.

HUSBAND

Always?

MISS

One of us has to stay home.

HUSBAND

Of course,—and what do you tell your mother, when you—come home so late?

MISS

That happens so seldom.

HUSBAND

Well, to-day, for example. Your mother will ask you, won’t she?

MISS

Of course, she’ll ask. It doesn’t matter how careful I am when I come home, she always wakes up.

HUSBAND

And what do you tell her?

MISS

Oh—that I’ve been to the theater.

HUSBAND

Does she believe that?

MISS

Why shouldn’t she believe it? I often go to the theater. I saw an opera on Sunday with my friend and her fiancé, and my oldest brother.

HUSBAND

Where did you get the tickets?

MISS

My brother is a hairdresser.

HUSBAND

Oh, yes, a hairdresser … at the theater, I suppose?

MISS

Why are you asking so many questions?

HUSBAND

Because I am interested. What does your other brother do?

MISS

He’s still going to school. He wants to become a teacher. Just imagine!

HUSBAND

And you also have a little sister?

MISS

Yes, she is a mere child, but you have to keep an eye on her all the time already. You have no idea how girls are spoiled at school. Just imagine! The other day I caught her keeping a date.

HUSBAND

Really?

MISS

Yes! She was out walking one evening at half-past seven with a boy from the school across the way. A mere child like her!

HUSBAND

And what did you do?

MISS

I gave her a spanking.

HUSBAND

Are you as strict as all that?

MISS

Well, who would be if I wasn’t? My older sister is working and mother does nothing but grumble—everything always depends on me.

HUSBAND

You are a dear, sweet girl! (_Kisses her, and grows more tender_) You also remind me of some one.

MISS

So—of whom?

HUSBAND

Of no one in particular … of bygone days … of my youth. Come, drink, child!

MISS

How old are you?… You … why … I don’t even know your name.

HUSBAND

Karl.

MISS

Is it possible? Your name is Karl?

HUSBAND

Was his name also Karl?

MISS

No, but that’s the queer thing … that is … the eyes … (_shaking her head_) the way you look at me…

HUSBAND

And who was he?—You haven’t told me yet.

MISS

Oh, he was a bad man—that’s sure, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone away.

HUSBAND

Did you love him very much?

MISS

Of course, I loved him.

HUSBAND

I know what he was—a lieutenant.

MISS

No, he wasn’t in the army. He couldn’t pass the examinations. His father owns a house in … but why do you have to know?

HUSBAND

(_Kisses her_) You have gray eyes. I thought, at first, they were black.

MISS

Well aren’t they pretty enough?

HUSBAND

(_Kisses her eyes_)

MISS

Don’t please—I can’t bear it… O, please don’t … let me get up … only for a moment—please.

HUSBAND

(_More tenderly still_) No, indeed.

MISS

But, please, Karl…

HUSBAND

How old are you?—eighteen—isn’t it?

MISS

Just past nineteen.

HUSBAND

Nineteen … and I—

MISS

You are thirty…

HUSBAND

And a little more—Don’t let’s talk about it.

MISS

He was thirty-two, when I first met him.

HUSBAND

How long ago was that?

MISS

I don’t remember… Listen, there must have been something in the wine.

HUSBAND

What makes you think so?

MISS

I am quite … see—everything is turning round about me.

HUSBAND

Then hold tight to me. So… (_He holds her close to him, and becomes more and more tender. She hardly resists_) I’ll tell you something, dear, we might go now.

MISS

Yes … home.

HUSBAND

Well, not exactly home…

MISS

What do you mean?… O, no—no… I won’t go anywhere else. What do you think I am?

HUSBAND

But listen to me, child—the next time we meet, you know, we will arrange it so that … (_He has slipped to the floor with his head in her lap_) This is so comfy, oh, so comfy!

MISS

What are you doing? (_She kisses his hair_) Something must have been in that wine—I’m so sleepy … what would happen, if I couldn’t get up again? But, but—look, but Karl … if some one should come in … please … the waiter.

HUSBAND

No … waiter … will ever come in … here…

* * * * *

MISS

(_Leaning with closed eyes in the corner of the sofa_)

HUSBAND

(_Pacing up and down the little room, after having lighted a cigarette_)

(_Long silence_)

HUSBAND

(_Looking for a long time at the girl; speaking to himself_) Who knows what sort of a person she really is—Confound it … so quickly … that wasn’t very cautious of me … hm-m…

MISS

(_Without opening her eyes_) There must have been something in the wine.

HUSBAND

Why?

MISS

Otherwise…

HUSBAND

Why do you blame everything on the wine?…

MISS

Where are you? Why do you stay so far away? Come to me.

HUSBAND

(_Sits beside her_)

MISS

Now tell me if you really love me.

HUSBAND

But you know that… (_He interrupts himself quickly_) Of course.

MISS

Listen… There must have … come, tell me the truth, what was in the wine.

HUSBAND

Well, do you think I … I would drug your wine?

MISS

Well, see, I can’t understand it. I’m really not that kind… We’ve known each other only since… Dear, I’m not that kind … honestly, I’m not—if you think that of me—

HUSBAND

Well—why worry about that? I don’t think anything bad of you. I only think that you love me.

MISS

Yes…

HUSBAND

After all, when two young people are alone in a room, and have dinner, and drink wine … there doesn’t need to be anything in the wine.

MISS

I merely said it to say something.

HUSBAND

But, why?

MISS

(_Almost defiantly_) Because I was ashamed.

HUSBAND

How absurd! There is no reason to be. Especially, since I made you think of your first sweetheart.

MISS

Yes.

HUSBAND

Your _first_ sweetheart.

MISS

Yes, yes…

HUSBAND

Now I should like to know who the others were.

MISS

There weren’t any.

HUSBAND

That is not true, it can’t be true.

MISS

Oh, please, don’t tease me.

HUSBAND

Would you like a cigarette?

MISS

No, thanks.

HUSBAND

Do you know how late it is?

MISS

Well?

HUSBAND

Half-past eleven.

MISS

Really?

HUSBAND

Well … and your mother? She’s used to this, is she?

MISS

Do you really want to send me home?

HUSBAND

But earlier in the evening you yourself wanted—

MISS

You are quite changed. What have I done to you?

HUSBAND

But, child, what is the matter with you, what do you imagine?

MISS

And it was only your looks, believe me, or you would have had to wait … many men have asked me to go with them to a private dining-room.

HUSBAND

Well, would you like … to come here again with me soon … or rather somewhere else?

MISS

I don’t know.

HUSBAND

What do you mean by, “I don’t know”?

MISS

Well, why don’t you make a date?

HUSBAND

When? First of all, I must explain that I do not live in Vienna. I am only here for a few days’ visit now and then.

MISS

Oh, you’re not a Viennese?

HUSBAND

Yes, I am a Viennese. But I am living out of town now…

MISS

Where?

HUSBAND

Oh, well, that doesn’t matter.

MISS

Oh, don’t be frightened, I won’t come to see you.

HUSBAND

If it would give you any pleasure you may come. I live in Graz.

MISS

Honestly?

HUSBAND

Yes, why does that surprise you?

MISS

You are married, aren’t you?

HUSBAND

(_Greatly surprised_) What makes you think that?

MISS

I just got the impression.

HUSBAND

And you wouldn’t mind that at all?

MISS

Well, I would rather that you were single.—So you are married!—

HUSBAND

But, tell me first what made you think of that?

MISS

If a man says he doesn’t live in Vienna, and he doesn’t always have time—

HUSBAND

But that’s not so improbable.

MISS

I don’t believe it.

HUSBAND

And wouldn’t it hurt your conscience to have caused a married man to become unfaithful?

MISS

Oh, my, no doubt your wife acts just like you.

HUSBAND

(_Very indignant_) That will do. No more of such remarks.

MISS

I thought you didn’t have a wife.

HUSBAND

Whether I have one or not—such remarks are uncalled for.

(_He has risen_)

MISS

But Karl, Karl, what is the matter? Are you angry? I really didn’t know that you were married. I was just talking. Come, don’t be angry.

HUSBAND

(_Comes back to her after a few minutes_) You are strange creatures, you … women.

(_He becomes tender again_)

MISS

Stop … don’t … it’s too late now.

HUSBAND

Well, listen to me a minute. Let’s talk seriously. I would like to see you again, to see you often.

MISS

Would you?

HUSBAND

But one thing is necessary … that I can depend upon you. I can’t look out for you.

MISS

Oh, I can look out for myself.

HUSBAND

You are … well, I can’t just say inexperienced—but, you are young—and—men in general are pretty unscrupulous.

MISS

Oh, my!

HUSBAND

I don’t mean on the moral side only.—Well, you know what I mean—

MISS

Tell me, what do you think I am?

HUSBAND

Look here—if you want me—me only—we can easily arrange it—even if I do generally live in Graz. In a place like this where some one may come in at any moment, it isn’t very comfortable.

MISS

(_Snuggles up to him_)

HUSBAND

Next time … we shall go somewhere else, won’t we?

MISS

Yes.

HUSBAND

Where we may be entirely alone.

MISS

Yes.

HUSBAND

(_Embracing her passionately_) We’ll discuss the rest on the way home. (_He rises, and opens the door_) Waiter … the bill!

THE SWEET YOUNG MISS AND THE POET

_A small room, furnished with taste and comfort. Red curtains half-darken the room. A large writing-table strewn with books and papers. A piano against the wall. The SWEET YOUNG MISS and the POET are disclosed. They are just entering. The POET closes the door._

POET

(_Kisses her_) My darling!

MISS

(_With hat and coat_) Oh! It’s very pretty here! Only you can’t see anything!

POET

Your eyes will have to get used to this semi-darkness.—Those sweet eyes—

(_Kisses her eyes_)

MISS

But there won’t be time enough.

POET

Why not?

MISS

Because I can only stop a moment.

POET

But, you can take your hat off, can’t you?

MISS

Just for the sake of a minute?

POET

(_Takes the pin out of her hat which he removes_)

And your coat—

MISS

The idea!—I have to leave right away.

POET

But you must rest a while first. We have been walking for three hours.

MISS

Riding, you mean.

POET

Yes, we rode home—but we ran around for a full three hours in the country. Now come, sit down, child … wherever you like—here at my desk;—no, that’s not comfortable. Sit down on the sofa.—That’s it. (_He presses her down_) If you are very tired, you may as well lie down. So. (_He stretches her out on the sofa_) There, put your head on the cushion.

MISS

(_Laughing_) But I’m not tired at all!

POET

You merely imagine you’re not. So—and if you are sleepy, you can go to sleep. I shall be very quiet. And what’s more I can play you a lullaby … one of my own…

(_He goes to the piano_)

MISS

One of yours.

POET

Yes.

MISS

But I thought, Robert, you were a professor.

POET

I? But I told you I was a writer. But what made you think of that?

MISS

Because you said the piece you are playing is your own.

POET

Yes … perhaps it is, perhaps it isn’t. But that doesn’t matter. Well? Anyway it doesn’t matter who composed it, if only it is beautiful. Don’t you agree?

MISS

Of course … it must be beautiful … that’s the chief thing!—

POET

Do you know what I meant by that?

MISS

By what?

POET

By what I just said.

MISS

(_Sleepily_) Of course I do.

POET

(_Gets up, goes to her, and strokes her hair_) You didn’t understand a word.

MISS

I’m not as stupid as that.

POET

Certainly you are, but that is just the reason why I love you. It is so beautiful, when girls are stupid. I mean in the way you are.

MISS

Go on, you are talking nonsense.

POET

Angel, little one! Isn’t it comfy on this soft, Persian couch cover?

MISS

Indeed, it is. Won’t you play something else on the piano?

POET

No, I’d rather stay near you.

(_Caressing her_)

MISS

But hadn’t you better light the lamp?

POET

Oh, no… The dim light is so restful. We were as if bathed in sunbeams all day. Now we’ve just climbed out of the bath and slipped on … the twilight like a bathrobe—(_Laughs_) No—that ought to be expressed differently… Don’t you think so?

MISS

I don’t know.

POET

(_Moves slightly away from her_) Absolutely divine, this stupidity!

(_He takes out a notebook, and writes a few words in it_)

MISS

What are you doing? (_She turns toward him_) What are you writing?

POET

(_Softly_) Sun, bath, twilight, cloak … so… (_He puts the notebook back. Aloud_) Nothing… Now tell me, sweetheart, wouldn’t you like something to eat or drink?

MISS

I’m not thirsty, but I am hungry.

POET

Hm … it would suit me better, if you were thirsty. I have some cognac at home, but I have to send out for food.

MISS

Can’t you send somebody?

POET

That is difficult, my servant isn’t here now—but, wait a minute—I will go myself … what would you like?

MISS

Oh, really don’t bother; I have to go home anyway.

POET

Child, that’s out of the question. Now I will tell you something; when we leave, we will go together somewhere for supper.

MISS

Oh, no. I haven’t time for that. And, then, where could we go? Somebody we know might see us.

POET

Do you know such a lot of people?

MISS

Well, it takes only one to make trouble for us.

POET

Why trouble?

MISS

Well, suppose mother should hear about it…

POET

We can go somewhere, where no one can see us. There are plenty of restaurants with private dining-rooms.

MISS

(_Singing_) “Let’s dine in a chambre separée!”

POET

Have you ever been in a private dining-room?

MISS

To tell the truth—yes.

POET

Who was the happy man?

MISS

Oh, it wasn’t the way you imagine… I went with a friend and her fiancé. They took me along.

POET

And you expect me to believe that?

MISS

You needn’t believe it!

POET

(_Close to her_) Did you blush? You can hardly see anything. I can’t even distinguish your features. (_He touches her cheeks with his hands_) But even so I recognize you.

MISS

Well, be careful that you don’t take me for some one else.

POET

It is strange, I don’t seem to remember how you look.

MISS

Thank you!

POET

(_Seriously_) It is almost uncanny. I can’t imagine any longer how you look—In a certain way I have already forgotten you—Now, if I couldn’t remember even the sound of your voice … what would you do then?—Something near and far away at the same time … it’s uncanny.

MISS

What are you talking about?

POET

Nothing, my angel, nothing. Where are your lips?…

(_He kisses her_)

MISS

Wouldn’t it be better to light the lamp?

POET

No… (_Very tenderly_) Tell me, do you love me?

MISS

Very much … oh, so much!

POET

Have you ever loved any one as much as me?

MISS

I told you already that I didn’t.

POET

But…

(_He sighs_)

MISS

He was my fiancé.

POET

I’d rather you wouldn’t think of him now.

MISS

Why … what’s the difference … look…

POET

We might imagine now that we were in a palace in India.

MISS

I’m sure people there wouldn’t be as wicked as you are.

POET

How idiotic! Perfectly divine—Ah, if you only know what you are to me…

MISS

Well?

POET

Don’t always push me away, I’m not going to hurt you—

MISS

My corset hurts me.

POET

(_Simply_) Take it off.

MISS

Yes. But you must behave.

POET

Of course!

MISS

(_Rises, and takes off her corset in the darkness_)

POET

(_Sits in the meantime on the sofa_) Tell me, aren’t you at all curious to know my name?

MISS

Yes, what is it?

POET

I’d rather not tell you my real name, but the name I go by.

MISS

What is the difference?

POET

I mean the name I use as a writer.

MISS

Oh, you don’t write under your real name?

POET

(_Close to her_)

MISS

Oh … stop … don’t.

POET

What fragrance! How sweet.

(_He kisses her breasts_)

MISS

You are tearing my chemise.

POET

Away with it … away with it … everything is superfluous.

MISS

Oh, Robert.

POET

And now enter into our Indian palace.

MISS

Tell me first—do you really love me?

POET