Am I in the way?
FELIX
Oh, no. There is nothing secret about it.--I accept your offer, Mr. von Sala, and ask if you would be kind enough to speak to Count Ronsky.
SALA (_shaking Felix by the hand_)
I am glad of it.... (_To Julian_) It has to do with our Asiatic venture.
JULIAN
What?--You intend to join the expedition?
FELIX
Yes.
SALA
Have you already talked it over with your father?
FELIX
I shall do so to-night.--But that"s a mere formality. I am determined, provided no other obstacles appear....
SALA
I shall speak to the Count this very day.
FELIX
I don"t know how to thank you.
SALA
There is no reason at all. In fact, I don"t have to say another word.
The Count knows everything he needs to know about you.
VALET (_appearing on the terrace_)
There is a lady asking if you are at home, sir.
SALA
Didn"t she give her name?--You"ll have to excuse me a moment, gentlemen. (_He goes toward the valet, and both disappear into the house_)
JULIAN
You are going away?
FELIX
Yes. And I am very happy this occasion has offered itself.
JULIAN
Have you also informed yourself concerning the real nature of this undertaking?
FELIX
It means at any rate genuine activity and the opening of wider worlds.
JULIAN
And couldn"t those things be found in connection with more hopeful prospects?
FELIX
That"s possible. But I don"t care to wait.
[_Sala and Irene enter._
IRENE (_still on the terrace, talking to Sala_)
I couldn"t leave Vienna without keeping my promise.
SALA
And I thank you for it, Miss Herms.
IRENE (_descending into the garden with Sala_)
You have a wonderful place here.--How do you do, Julian? Good evening, Lieutenant.
SALA
You should have come earlier, Miss Herms, so that you could have seen it in full sunlight.
IRENE
Why, I was here two hours ago. But it was like an enchanted castle. It was impossible to get in. The bell didn"t ring at all.
SALA
Oh, of course! I hope you pardon. If I had had the slightest idea....
IRENE