PROFESSOR RUBEK.
But--?
MAIA.
But now I don"t believe the least little bit that that was the reason--
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
Then what is your theory about it now?
MAIA.
I think now that it was on account of that pale lady.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
Madame von Satow--!
MAIA.
Yes, she who is always hanging at our heels. Yesterday evening she made her appearance up here too.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
But what in all the world--!
MAIA.
Oh, I know you knew her very well indeed--long before you knew me.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
And had forgotten her, too--long before I knew you.
MAIA.
[Sitting upright.] Can you forget so easily, Rubek?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Curtly.] Yes, very easily indeed. [Adds harshly.] When I want to forget.
MAIA.
Even a woman who has been a model to you?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
When I have no more use for her--
MAIA.
One who has stood to you undressed?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
That means nothing--nothing for us artists. [With a change of tone.]
And then--may I venture to ask--how was I to guess that she was in this country?
MAIA.
Oh, you might have seen her name in a Visitor"s List--in one of the newspapers.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
But I had no idea of the name she now goes by. I had never heard of any Herr von Satow.
MAIA.
[Affecting weariness.] Oh well then, I suppose it must have been for some other reason that you were so set upon this journey.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Seriously.] Yes, Maia--it was for another reason. A quite different reason. And that is what we must sooner or later have a clear explanation about.
MAIA.
[In a fit of suppressed laughter.] Heavens, how solemn you look!