PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Not understanding.] Maia—–?

MAIA.

—­for here she is, you see.  And no doubt it’s on account of this casket that she has come.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I have not said a single word to her on this subject!

MAIA.

[Looks innocently at him.] My dear Rubek—­is it worth while to make all this fuss and commotion about so simple a matter?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Do you think this matter is so absolutely simple?

MAIA.

Yes, certainly I think so.  Do you attach yourself to whoever you most require. [Nods to him.] I shall always manage to find a place for myself.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Where do you mean?

MAIA.

[Unconcerned, evasively.] Well—­I need only take myself off to the villa, if it should be necessary.  But it won’t be; for in town—­in all that great house of ours—­there must surely, with a little good will, be room enough for three.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Uncertainly.] And do you think that would work in the long run?

MAIA.

[In a light tone.] Very well, then—­if it won’t work, it won’t.  It is no good talking about it.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

And what shall we do then, Maia—­if it does not work?

MAIA.

[Untroubled.] Then we two will simply get out of each other’s way—­ part entirely.  I shall always find something new for myself, somewhere in the world.  Something free!  Free!  Free!—­No need to be anxious about that, Professor Rubek! [Suddenly points off to the right.] Look there!  There we have her.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Turning.] Where?

MAIA.

Out on the plain.  Striding—­like a marble stature.  She is coming this way.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Stands gazing with his hand over his eyes.] Does not she look like the Resurrection incarnate? [To himself.] And her I could displace—­ and move into the shade!  Remodel her—.  Fool that I was!

MAIA.

What do you mean by that?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.