JOHANNA
Some day you will suddenly have disappeared. And I shall be standing by the garden door, and n.o.body will come to open it.
SALA
But that sort of thing is not needed between us two.
JOHANNA
No, indeed--bear that in mind.
FELIX (_enters_)
Oh, is that you, Mr. von Sala? (_They shake hands_) Well, how far have you got with your preparations?
SALA
There are hardly any needed. I shall pack my trunk, pull down the shades, lock the doors--and be off for the mysteries of far-away. There is something I want to ask you apropos of that, Felix. Would you care to come along?
FELIX (_startled_)
If I care.... Are you asking seriously, Mr. von Sala?
SALA
There is just so much seriousness in my question as you wish to put into it.
FELIX
What does it mean anyhow? If I want to go along to Asia? What use could they have for me in a venture of that kind?
SALA
Oh, that"s pretty plain.
FELIX
Is the expedition not going to be one of purely scientific character?
SALA
Yes, that"s what it is meant for, I suppose. But it is quite possible that various things may happen that would make the presence of some young men like you very desirable.
FELIX
Men like me...?
SALA
When Rolston went out there seven years ago, a lot of things happened which were not provided for in the original program. And they had to fight a regular battle, on a small scale, in the Kara-k.u.m district, not far from the river Amu-Daria.
REUMANN (_who has entered while Sala was speaking_)
To those who had to stay behind forever the scale of your battle was probably large enough. (_All greet each other and shake hands without letting the conversation be interrupted_)
SALA
In that respect you are probably right, Doctor.
FELIX
Pardon me, Mr. von Sala, but does this come from you alone? Is it just a sudden notion--or something more?
SALA
I have received no direct request from anybody to speak of this. But after the conference which took place at the Foreign Department yesterday, and which I attended, I feel ent.i.tled to add a little more.--Oh, no secrets at all!--You have probably read, Felix, that a member of the General Staff as well as several artillery and engineering officers are being sent with us in what might be termed a semi-official capacity. On account of the latest news from Asia--which, however, does not seem very reliable to me, as it has come by way of England--it has been decided to secure the additional cooperation of some young line officers, and all arrangements of this kind must be left to private initiative.
FELIX
And there might be a possibility for me...?
SALA
Will you permit me to speak to Count Ronsky?
FELIX
Have you already mentioned my name to him?
SALA
I have received permission to ask whether you could be prepared to board the ship with the rest at Genoa on the twenty-sixth of November.
REUMANN
Do you mean to leave Vienna as soon as that?
SALA (_sarcastically_)
Yes. Why did you look at me like that, Doctor? That glance of yours was a little indiscreet.
REUMANN
In what respect?
SALA
It seemed to say: Yes, you can start, of course, but if you ever come back, that"s more than doubtful.