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?