MAIA.

What are they, then?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

There is something equivocal, something cryptic, lurking in and behind these busts—­a secret something, that the people themselves cannot see—–­

MAIA.

Indeed?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Decisively.] I alone can see it.  And it amuses me unspeakably.—­On the surface I give them the “striking likeness,” as they call it, that they all stand and gape at in astonishment—­[Lowers his voice]—­but at bottom they are all respectable, pompous horse-faces, and self-opinionated donkey-muzzles, and lop-eared, low-browed dog-skulls, and fatted swine-snouts—­and sometimes dull, brutal bull-fronts as well—–­

MAIA.

[Indifferently.] All the dear domestic animals, in fact.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Simply the dear domestic animals, Maia.  All the animals which men have bedevilled in their own image—­and which have bedevilled men in return. [Empties his champagne-glass and laughs.] And it is these double-faced works of art that our excellent plutocrats come and order of me.  And pay for in all good faith—­and in good round figures too—­almost their weight in gold, as the saying goes.

MAIA.

[Fills his glass.] Come, Rubek!  Drink and be happy.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Passes his hand several times across his forehead and leans back in his chair.] I am happy, Maia.  Really happy—­in a way. [Short silence.] For after all there is a certain happiness in feeling oneself free and independent on every hand—­in having at ones command everything one can possibly wish for—­all outward things, that is to say.  Do you not agree with me, Maia?

MAIA.

Oh yes, I agree.  All that is well enough in its way. [Looking at him.] But do you remember what you promised me the day we came to an understanding on—­on that troublesome point—–­

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Nods.] —­on the subject of our marriage, yes.  It was no easy matter for you, Maia.

MAIA.

[Continuing unruffled.] —­and agreed that I was to go abroad with you, and live there for good and all—­and enjoy myself.—­Do you remember what you promised me that day?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Shaking his head.] No, I can’t say that I do.  Well, what did I promise?

MAIA.