PROFESSOR RUBEK.

But--?

MAIA.

But now I don't believe the least little bit that that was the reason--

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Then what is your theory about it now?

MAIA.

I think now that it was on account of that pale lady.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Madame von Satow--!

MAIA.

Yes, she who is always hanging at our heels. Yesterday evening she made her appearance up here too.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

But what in all the world--!

MAIA.

Oh, I know you knew her very well indeed--long before you knew me.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

And had forgotten her, too--long before I knew you.

MAIA.

[Sitting upright.] Can you forget so easily, Rubek?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Curtly.] Yes, very easily indeed. [Adds harshly.] When I want to forget.

MAIA.

Even a woman who has been a model to you?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

When I have no more use for her--

MAIA.

One who has stood to you undressed?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

That means nothing--nothing for us artists. [With a change of tone.]

And then--may I venture to ask--how was I to guess that she was in this country?

MAIA.

Oh, you might have seen her name in a Visitor's List--in one of the newspapers.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

But I had no idea of the name she now goes by. I had never heard of any Herr von Satow.

MAIA.

[Affecting weariness.] Oh well then, I suppose it must have been for some other reason that you were so set upon this journey.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Seriously.] Yes, Maia--it was for another reason. A quite different reason. And that is what we must sooner or later have a clear explanation about.

MAIA.

[In a fit of suppressed laughter.] Heavens, how solemn you look!