MAIA.
[Pointing to the hut.] A fellow to that one?
ULFHEIM.
It has not fallen to ruin yet.
MAIA.
And all the glory of the world, perhaps?
ULFHEIM.
A castle, I tell you--
MAIA.
Thanks! I have had enough of castles.
ULFHEIM. --with splendid hunting-grounds stretching for miles around it.
MAIA.
Are there works of art too in this castle?
ULFHEIM.
[Slowly.] Well, no--it"s true there are no works of art; but--
MAIA.
[Relieved.] Ah! that"s one good thing, at any rate!
ULFHEIM.
Will you go with me, then--as far and as long as I want you?
MAIA.
There is a tame bird of prey keeping watch upon me.
ULFHEIM.
[Wildly.] We"ll put a bullet in his wing, Maia!
MAIA.
[Looks at him a moment, and says resolutely.] Come then, and carry me down into the depths.
ULFHEIM.
[Puts his arm round her waist.] It is high time! The mist is upon us!
MAIA.
Is the way down terribly dangerous?
ULFHEIM.
The mountain is more dangerous still.
[She shakes him off, goes to the edge of the precipice and looks over, but starts quickly back.
ULFHEIM.
[Goes towards her, laughing.] What? Does it make you a little giddy?
MAIA.
[Faintly.] Yes, that too. But go and look over. Those two, coming up--
ULFHEIM.
[Goes and bends over the edge of the precipice.] It"s only your bird of prey--and his strange lady.
MAIA.
Can"t we get past them--without their seeing us?