[Rises and stands for a moment looking at him.] If you want to get rid of me, you have only to say so.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
Why will you use such phrases? Get rid of you?
MAIA.
Yes, if you want to have done with me, please say so right out. And I will go that instant.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[With an almost imperceptible smile.] Do you intend that as a threat, Maia?
MAIA.
There can be no threat for you in what I said.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Rising.] No, I confess you are right there. [Adds after a pause.] You and I cannot possibly go on living together like this--
MAIA.
Well? And then--?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
There is no "then" about it. [With emphasis on his words.] Because we two cannot go on living together alone--it does not necessarily follow that we must part.
MAIA.
[Smiles scornfully.] Only draw away from each other a little, you mean?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Shakes his head.] Even that is not necessary.
MAIA.
Well then? Come out with what you want to do with me.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[With some hesitation.] What I now feel so keenly--and so painfully--that I require, is to have some one about me who really and truly stands close to me--
MAIA.
[Interrupts him anxiously.] Don"t I do that, Rubek?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Waving her aside.] Not in that sense. What I need is the companionship of another person who can, as it were, complete me--supply what is wanting in me--be one with me in all my striving.
MAIA.
[Slowly.] It"s true that things like that are a great deal too hard for me.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
Oh no, they are not at all in your line, Maia.
MAIA.
[With an outburst.] And heaven knows I don"t want them to be, either!
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
I know that very well.--And it was with no idea of finding any such help in my life-work that I married you.
MAIA.
[Observing him closely.] I can see in your face that you are thinking of some one else.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
Indeed? I have never noticed before that you were a thought-reader. But you can see that, can you?
MAIA.
Yes, I can. Oh, I know you so well, so well, Rubek.