Hands Around [Reigen]: A Cycle of Ten Dialogues

Why are you asking so many questions?

Husband

Because I am interested. What does your other brother do?

Miss

He’s still going to school. He wants to become a teacher. Just imagine!

Husband

And you also have a little sister?

Miss

Yes, she is a mere child, but you have to keep an eye on her all the time already. You have no idea how girls are spoiled at school. Just imagine! The other day I caught her keeping a date.

Husband

Really?

Miss

Yes! She was out walking one evening at half-past seven with a boy from the school across the way. A mere child like her!

Husband

And what did you do?

Miss

I gave her a spanking.

Husband

Are you as strict as all that?

Miss

Well, who would be if I wasn’t? My older sister is working and mother does nothing but grumble—everything always depends on me.

Husband

You are a dear, sweet girl! (Kisses her, and grows more tender) You also remind me of some one.

Miss

So—of whom?

Husband

Of no one in particular … of bygone days … of my youth. Come, drink, child!

Miss

How old are you?… You … why … I don’t even know your name.

Husband

Karl.

Miss

Is it possible? Your name is Karl?

Husband

Was his name also Karl?

Miss

No, but that’s the queer thing … that is … the eyes … (shaking her head) the way you look at me…

Husband

And who was he?—You haven’t told me yet.

Miss

Oh, he was a bad man—that’s sure, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone away.

Husband

Did you love him very much?

Miss

Of course, I loved him.

Husband

I know what he was—a lieutenant.

Miss

No, he wasn’t in the army. He couldn’t pass the examinations. His father owns a house in … but why do you have to know?

Husband

(Kisses her) You have gray eyes. I thought, at first, they were black.

Miss

Well aren’t they pretty enough?

Husband

(Kisses her eyes)

Miss

Don’t please—I can’t bear it… O, please don’t … let me get up … only for a moment—please.

Husband

(More tenderly still) No, indeed.

Miss

But, please, Karl…

Husband

How old are you?—eighteen—isn’t it?

Miss

Just past nineteen.

Husband

Nineteen … and I—

Miss

You are thirty…

Husband

And a little more—Don’t let’s talk about it.

Miss

He was thirty-two, when I first met him.

Husband

How long ago was that?

Miss

I don’t remember… Listen, there must have been something in the wine.

Husband

What makes you think so?

Miss

I am quite … see—everything is turning round about me.

Husband

Then hold tight to me. So… (He holds her close to him, and becomes more and more tender. She hardly resists) I’ll tell you something, dear, we might go now.

Miss

Yes … home.

Husband

Well, not exactly home…

Miss

What do you mean?… O, no—no… I won’t go anywhere else. What do you think I am?

Husband

But listen to me, child—the next time we meet, you know, we will arrange it so that … (He has slipped to the floor with his head in her lap) This is so comfy, oh, so comfy!

Miss

What are you doing? (She kisses his hair) Something must have been in that wine—I’m so sleepy … what would happen, if I couldn’t get up again? But, but—look, but Karl … if some one should come in … please … the waiter.

Husband

No … waiter … will ever come in … here…

Miss

(Leaning with closed eyes in the corner of the sofa)

Husband

(Pacing up and down the little room, after having lighted a cigarette)

(Long silence)

Husband

(Looking for a long time at the girl; speaking to himself) Who knows what sort of a person she really is—Confound it … so quickly … that wasn’t very cautious of me … hm-m…

Miss

(Without opening her eyes) There must have been something in the wine.

Husband

Why?

Miss

Otherwise…

Husband

Why do you blame everything on the wine?…

Miss

Where are you? Why do you stay so far away? Come to me.

Husband

(Sits beside her)

Miss

Now tell me if you really love me.

Husband

But you know that… (He interrupts himself quickly) Of course.

Miss

Listen… There must have … come, tell me the truth, what was in the wine.

Husband

Well, do you think I … I would drug your wine?

Miss

Well, see, I can’t understand it. I’m really not that kind… We’ve known each other only since… Dear, I’m not that kind … honestly, I’m not—if you think that of me—

Husband

Well—why worry about that? I don’t think anything bad of you. I only think that you love me.

Miss

Yes…

Husband

After all, when two young people are alone in a room, and have dinner, and drink wine … there doesn’t need to be anything in the wine.

Miss

I merely said it to say something.

Husband

But, why?

Miss

(Almost defiantly) Because I was ashamed.

Husband

How absurd! There is no reason to be. Especially, since I made you think of your first sweetheart.

Miss

Yes.

Husband

Your first sweetheart.

Miss

Yes, yes…

Husband

Now I should like to know who the others were.

Miss

There weren’t any.

Husband

That is not true, it can’t be true.

Miss

Oh, please, don’t tease me.

Husband

Would you like a cigarette?

Miss

No, thanks.

Husband

Do you know how late it is?

Miss

Well?

Husband

Half-past eleven.

Miss

Really?

Husband

Well … and your mother? She’s used to this, is she?

Miss

Do you really want to send me home?

Husband

But earlier in the evening you yourself wanted—

Miss

You are quite changed. What have I done to you?

Husband

But, child, what is the matter with you, what do you imagine?

Miss

And it was only your looks, believe me, or you would have had to wait … many men have asked me to go with them to a private dining-room.

Husband

Well, would you like … to come here again with me soon … or rather somewhere else?

Miss

I don’t know.

Husband

What do you mean by, “I don’t know”?

Miss

Well, why don’t you make a date?

Husband

When? First of all, I must explain that I do not live in Vienna. I am only here for a few days’ visit now and then.

Miss

Oh, you’re not a Viennese?

Husband

Yes, I am a Viennese. But I am living out of town now…

Miss

Where?

Husband

Oh, well, that doesn’t matter.

Miss

Oh, don’t be frightened, I won’t come to see you.

Husband

If it would give you any pleasure you may come. I live in Graz.

Miss

Honestly?

Husband

Yes, why does that surprise you?

Miss

You are married, aren’t you?

Husband

(Greatly surprised) What makes you think that?

Miss

I just got the impression.

Husband

And you wouldn’t mind that at all?

Miss

Well, I would rather that you were single.—So you are married!—

Husband

But, tell me first what made you think of that?

Miss

If a man says he doesn’t live in Vienna, and he doesn’t always have time—

Husband

But that’s not so improbable.

Miss

I don’t believe it.

Husband

And wouldn’t it hurt your conscience to have caused a married man to become unfaithful?

Miss

Oh, my, no doubt your wife acts just like you.

Husband

(Very indignant) That will do. No more of such remarks.

Miss

I thought you didn’t have a wife.

Husband

Whether I have one or not—such remarks are uncalled for.

(He has risen)

Miss

But Karl, Karl, what is the matter? Are you angry? I really didn’t know that you were married. I was just talking. Come, don’t be angry.

Husband

(Comes back to her after a few minutes) You are strange creatures, you … women.

(He becomes tender again)

Miss

Stop … don’t … it’s too late now.

Husband

Well, listen to me a minute. Let’s talk seriously. I would like to see you again, to see you often.

Miss

Would you?

Husband

But one thing is necessary … that I can depend upon you. I can’t look out for you.

Miss

Oh, I can look out for myself.

Husband

You are … well, I can’t just say inexperienced—but, you are young—and—men in general are pretty unscrupulous.

Miss

Oh, my!

Husband

I don’t mean on the moral side only.—Well, you know what I mean—

Miss

Tell me, what do you think I am?

Husband

Look here—if you want me—me only—we can easily arrange it—even if I do generally live in Graz. In a place like this where some one may come in at any moment, it isn’t very comfortable.

Miss

(Snuggles up to him)

Husband

Next time … we shall go somewhere else, won’t we?

Miss

Yes.

Husband

Where we may be entirely alone.

Miss

Yes.

Husband

(Embracing her passionately) We’ll discuss the rest on the way home. (He rises, and opens the door) Waiter … the bill!

THE SWEET YOUNG MISS AND THE POET

A small room, furnished with taste and comfort. Red curtains half-darken the room. A large writing-table strewn with books and papers. A piano against the wall. The Sweet Young Miss and the Poet are disclosed. They are just entering. The Poet closes the door.

Poet

(Kisses her) My darling!

Miss

(With hat and coat) Oh! It’s very pretty here! Only you can’t see anything!

Poet

Your eyes will have to get used to this semi-darkness.—Those sweet eyes—

(Kisses her eyes)

Miss

But there won’t be time enough.

Poet

Why not?

Miss

Because I can only stop a moment.

Poet

But, you can take your hat off, can’t you?

Miss

Just for the sake of a minute?

Poet

(Takes the pin out of her hat which he removes)

And your coat—

Miss

The idea!—I have to leave right away.

Poet

But you must rest a while first. We have been walking for three hours.

Miss

Riding, you mean.

Poet

Yes, we rode home—but we ran around for a full three hours in the country. Now come, sit down, child … wherever you like—here at my desk;—no, that’s not comfortable. Sit down on the sofa.—That’s it. (He presses her down) If you are very tired, you may as well lie down. So. (He stretches her out on the sofa) There, put your head on the cushion.

Miss

(Laughing) But I’m not tired at all!

Poet

You merely imagine you’re not. So—and if you are sleepy, you can go to sleep. I shall be very quiet. And what’s more I can play you a lullaby … one of my own…

(He goes to the piano)

Miss

One of yours.

Poet

Yes.

Miss

But I thought, Robert, you were a professor.

Poet

I? But I told you I was a writer. But what made you think of that?

Miss

Because you said the piece you are playing is your own.

Poet

Yes … perhaps it is, perhaps it isn’t. But that doesn’t matter. Well? Anyway it doesn’t matter who composed it, if only it is beautiful. Don’t you agree?

Miss

Of course … it must be beautiful … that’s the chief thing!—

Poet

Do you know what I meant by that?

Miss

By what?

Poet

By what I just said.

Miss

(Sleepily) Of course I do.

Poet

(Gets up, goes to her, and strokes her hair) You didn’t understand a word.

Miss

I’m not as stupid as that.

Poet

Certainly you are, but that is just the reason why I love you. It is so beautiful, when girls are stupid. I mean in the way you are.

Miss

Go on, you are talking nonsense.

Poet

Angel, little one! Isn’t it comfy on this soft, Persian couch cover?

Miss

Indeed, it is. Won’t you play something else on the piano?

Poet

No, I’d rather stay near you.

(Caressing her)

Miss

But hadn’t you better light the lamp?

Poet

Oh, no… The dim light is so restful. We were as if bathed in sunbeams all day. Now we’ve just climbed out of the bath and slipped on … the twilight like a bathrobe—(Laughs) No—that ought to be expressed differently… Don’t you think so?

Miss

I don’t know.

Poet

(Moves slightly away from her) Absolutely divine, this stupidity!

(He takes out a notebook, and writes a few words in it)

Miss

What are you doing? (She turns toward him) What are you writing?

Poet

(Softly) Sun, bath, twilight, cloak … so… (He puts the notebook back. Aloud) Nothing… Now tell me, sweetheart, wouldn’t you like something to eat or drink?

Miss

I’m not thirsty, but I am hungry.

Poet

Hm … it would suit me better, if you were thirsty. I have some cognac at home, but I have to send out for food.

Miss

Can’t you send somebody?

Poet

That is difficult, my servant isn’t here now—but, wait a minute—I will go myself … what would you like?

Miss

Oh, really don’t bother; I have to go home anyway.

Poet

Child, that’s out of the question. Now I will tell you something; when we leave, we will go together somewhere for supper.

Miss

Oh, no. I haven’t time for that. And, then, where could we go? Somebody we know might see us.

Poet

Do you know such a lot of people?

Miss

Well, it takes only one to make trouble for us.

Poet

Why trouble?

Miss

Well, suppose mother should hear about it…

Poet

We can go somewhere, where no one can see us. There are plenty of restaurants with private dining-rooms.

Miss

(Singing) “Let’s dine in a chambre separée!”

Poet

Have you ever been in a private dining-room?

Miss

To tell the truth—yes.

Poet

Who was the happy man?

Miss

Oh, it wasn’t the way you imagine… I went with a friend and her fiancé. They took me along.

Poet

And you expect me to believe that?

Miss

You needn’t believe it!

Poet

(Close to her) Did you blush? You can hardly see anything. I can’t even distinguish your features. (He touches her cheeks with his hands) But even so I recognize you.

Miss

Well, be careful that you don’t take me for some one else.

Poet

It is strange, I don’t seem to remember how you look.

Miss

Thank you!

Poet

(Seriously) It is almost uncanny. I can’t imagine any longer how you look—In a certain way I have already forgotten you—Now, if I couldn’t remember even the sound of your voice … what would you do then?—Something near and far away at the same time … it’s uncanny.

Miss

What are you talking about?

Poet

Nothing, my angel, nothing. Where are your lips?…

(He kisses her)

Miss

Wouldn’t it be better to light the lamp?

Poet

No… (Very tenderly) Tell me, do you love me?

Miss

Very much … oh, so much!

Poet

Have you ever loved any one as much as me?

Miss

I told you already that I didn’t.

Poet

But…

(He sighs)

Miss

He was my fiancé.

Poet

I’d rather you wouldn’t think of him now.

Miss

Why … what’s the difference … look…

Poet

We might imagine now that we were in a palace in India.

Miss

I’m sure people there wouldn’t be as wicked as you are.

Poet

How idiotic! Perfectly divine—Ah, if you only know what you are to me…

Miss

Well?

Poet

Don’t always push me away, I’m not going to hurt you—

Miss

My corset hurts me.

Poet

(Simply) Take it off.

Miss

Yes. But you must behave.

Poet

Of course!

Miss

(Rises, and takes off her corset in the darkness)

Poet

(Sits in the meantime on the sofa) Tell me, aren’t you at all curious to know my name?

Miss

Yes, what is it?

Poet

I’d rather not tell you my real name, but the name I go by.

Miss

What is the difference?

Poet

I mean the name I use as a writer.

Miss

Oh, you don’t write under your real name?

Poet

(Close to her)

Miss

Oh … stop … don’t.

Poet

What fragrance! How sweet.

(He kisses her breasts)

Miss

You are tearing my chemise.

Poet

Away with it … away with it … everything is superfluous.

Miss

Oh, Robert.

Poet

And now enter into our Indian palace.

Miss

Tell me first—do you really love me?

Poet

I adore you. (Kisses her passionately) I adore you, my sweetheart, my springtime … my…

Miss

Robert … Robert…

Poet

It was heaven… My name is…

Miss

Robert—oh, my Robert!

Poet

I call myself Biebitz.

Miss

Why do you call yourself Biebitz?

Poet

My name is not Biebitz—I just use it as a pseudonym … well, don’t you recognize the name?

Miss

No.

Poet

You don’t know the name Biebitz? Ah—Perfectly divine! Really? You are just pretending you don’t know it, aren’t you?

Miss

No really, I never heard it.

Poet

Don’t you ever go to the theater?

Miss

Oh, yes—I was at the opera only the other day with—you know, with one of my friends and her uncle, to hear Cavalleria Rusticana.

Poet

Hm, you don’t go then to see plays.

Miss

I never get tickets for them.

Poet

I’ll send you a ticket soon.

Miss

Oh, do! And don’t forget it. But for something funny.

Poet

Oh … something funny … you don’t care to see anything sad?

Miss

Not very much.

Poet

Not even if it is a play of mine.

Miss

A play of yours? Do you write for the theater?

Poet

Let me light a candle now. I haven’t seen you since you have become my best beloved—Angel!

(He lights a candle)

Miss

Don’t. I’m ashamed. Give me a cover at least.

Poet

Later!

(He approaches her with the light, and looks at her a long while)

Miss

(Covering her face with her hands) Go away, Robert!

Poet

You are beautiful, you are Beauty itself. You are Nature herself. You are the simplicity which is holy.

Miss

Ouch! You are dropping wax on me. Look, why aren’t you more careful?

Poet

(Puts the candle away) You are that for which I have long sought. You love me for my own sake. You would love me even if I were only a counter-jumper. That’s balm to one’s heart. I must confess I was suspicious until this moment. Tell me, honestly, you didn’t have any notion that I am Biebitz?

Miss

Oh, pshaw, I don’t even know what you are talking about. I never heard of any Biebitz.

Poet

What is fame! No, forget what I have told you. Forget even the name. I am Robert and I want to remain Robert to you. I was only joking. (Lightly) I am not a writer at all. I’m a clerk, and in the evening I play the piano in a dancehall.

Miss

But now I’m all mixed up … and the way you look at one. What is the matter, yes, what do you mean?

Poet

It is very strange—something that has never happened to me, sweetheart; I am on the verge of tears. You move me deeply. We ought to live together. Will you? We will be very much in love with each other.

Miss

Is it true about the dancehall?

Poet

Yes, but don’t ask any more about it. If you love me, don’t ask me anything. Tell me, can’t you get away for a few weeks?

Miss

How do you mean get away?

Poet

Well, I mean, leave home?

Miss

How absurd! How could I! What would mother say? And without me everything would be topsy-turvy at home in no time.

Poet

It would be so wonderful to live with you a few weeks, all alone with you, somewhere far away, in the forest, in the world of nature… Nature. And then, some day, “Good-by”—each going, without the other knowing where.

Miss

You are talking already about saying good-by. And I thought that you loved me such a lot.

Poet

That is just the reason—(Bends over her, and kisses her upon the forehead.) You sweet darling!

Miss

Please, hold me tight. I feel so cold.

Poet

I fancy it’s time for you to dress. Wait, I’ll light a few more candles for you.

Miss

(Rising) Don’t look this way.

Poet

No. (At the window) Tell me, child, are you happy?

Miss

What do you mean?

Poet

I mean are you happy the way things are in general?

Miss

Well, they might be better.

Poet

You misunderstand me. You have told me enough about your conditions at home. I know you are not a princess. Leaving all that aside, do you feel alive. Do you feel life pulsing through you?

Miss

Come, have you a comb?

Poet

(Goes to the dressing-table, hands her a comb, and watches her) Good Lord, how lovely you look!

Miss

Please … don’t!

Poet

Please, stay a while yet. I’ll get something for supper, and…

Miss

But it is awfully late already.

Poet

It is not yet nine.

Miss

Dear me, I must hurry. Please!

Poet

When shall I see you again?

Miss

When would you like to see me?

Poet

To-morrow.

Miss

What day is to-morrow?

Poet

Saturday.

Miss

Oh, then I can’t. I must take my little sister to her guardian.

Poet

Then Sunday … hm … Sunday … on Sunday … now I’ll have to explain something to you.—I’m not Biebitz, but Biebitz is a friend of mine. I’ll introduce him to you sometime. Biebitz’s play will be given Sunday. I’ll send you tickets, and take you home after the performance. You will tell me then how you liked the play. Won’t you?

Miss

Here you are talking about this Biebitz again.—I don’t understand what it is all about.

Poet

I won’t know you really, until I know what impression the play made on you.

Miss

Now … I’m ready.

Poet

Come, sweetheart.

(They go out)

THE POET AND THE ACTRESS

A room in an inn in the country. It is an evening in spring; moonlight floods the meadows and hills; the windows are open. A deep silence reigns. The Poet and the Actress enter, and as they cross the threshold, the candle which the Poet is carrying in his hand is blown out.

Poet

Oh…

Actress

What’s the matter?

Poet

The candle.—But we don’t need any. Look, how light it is. Wonderful!

Actress

(Sinks suddenly down at the window with her hands folded)

Poet

What’s the matter with you?

Actress

(Remains silent)

Poet

(Going to her) What are you doing?

Actress

(Indignant) Can’t you see that I am praying?—

Poet

Do you believe in God?

Actress

Of course I do; I am not a fool.

Poet

Oh, I see!

Actress

Come, kneel down beside me. It will do you good to pray just once. None of the gems will drop out of your crown.

Poet

(Kneels beside her, and puts his arm around her waist)

Actress

Libertine!—(Rises). And do you know to whom I prayed?

Poet

To God, I suppose.

Actress

(With deep sarcasm) Oh, of course! It was to you to whom I prayed.

Poet

Then why did you look out of the window?

Actress

Tell me rather where you have lured me.

Poet

But, child, it was your idea. You wanted to go to the country—and picked out this very place.

Actress

Well, wasn’t I right?

Poet

Certainly. It’s charming here. When you consider that we are just two hours from Vienna—complete solitude. And delightful scenery!

Actress

Isn’t it? If you had any real talent, this place might inspire you to write.

Poet

Have you been here before?

Actress

Have I been here before? Indeed I have! I have lived here for years.

Poet

With whom?

Actress

With Dick, of course.

Poet

Oh, really!

Actress

How I adored that man!—

Poet

You’ve told me all about that already.

Actress

I am sorry—I can go away again, if I bore you!

Poet

You bore me?… You can’t imagine what you mean to me… You are a whole world in itself… You are divine, you are a genius… You are the simplicity which is holy… Yes, you… But you oughtn’t to talk about Dick now.

Actress

That was merely a slip! Well!—

Poet

I am glad that you feel that way.

Actress

Come, give me a kiss!

Poet

(Kisses her)

Actress

But now we had better say good night. Good night, darling!

Poet

What do you mean by that?

Actress

I mean, I am going to lie down and go to sleep.

Poet

Yes,—that’s very well, but when it comes to saying “good night” … where do I sleep?

Actress

There are surely a lot of other rooms in this house.

Poet

But they don’t appeal to me. Don’t you think I had better light a candle now?

Actress

Yes.

Poet

(Lights a candle, which stands upon the dressing-table) What a charming room … and what pious people they must be. Pictures of saints everywhere… It would be interesting to spend some time among people like this … quite another world. How little we know of the lives of others!

Actress

Don’t talk nonsense, but just give me the bag from the table.

Poet

Here, beloved!

Actress

(Takes a small framed picture out of the hand-bag and puts it on the dressing-table)

Poet

What’s that?

Actress

That’s the Virgin.

Poet

Do you always carry her around with you?

Actress

She is my talisman. And now go, Robert!

Poet

You are joking? Can’t I help you?

Actress

No, you must go now.

Poet

And when may I return?

Actress

In ten minutes.

Poet

(Kisses her) Au revoir!

Actress

Where will you go?

Poet

I shall walk up and down under your window. I love to wander about outdoors at night time. My finest inspirations come to me that way. And especially near you, under the breath of your longing, I might call it … entwined in your art.

Actress

You talk like an idiot…

Poet

(Hurt) There are women who might say … like a poet.

Actress

Oh, well, but do go now. But don’t start to flirt with the waitress.—

Poet

(Goes)

Actress

(Undresses. She hears the Poet going down the wooden stairway, and, then hears his footsteps below her window. As soon as she is undressed, she goes to the window and looks down to where he stands waiting. She calls to him in a whisper) Come!

Poet

(Comes quickly upstairs and runs toward her. She in the meantime has gone to bed, and extinguished the light. He locks the door)

Actress

So, now you may sit down beside me, and tell me a story.

Poet

(Sits down on the bed beside her) Hadn’t I better close the window? Isn’t it too cold for you?

Actress

Oh, no!

Poet

Now, what shall I tell you?

Actress

Tell me to whom you are unfaithful at this moment?

Poet

I’m sorry, I’m not unfaithful yet.

Actress

Well, if it’s any satisfaction to you, I am unfaithful to some one too.

Poet

So I can imagine.

Actress

And who do you suppose it is?

Poet

But, child, how do you expect me to know?

Actress

Guess, then.

Poet

Wait … your manager.

Actress

My dear man, I’m not a chorus-girl.

Poet

Well, I am only guessing.

Actress

Guess again.

Poet

Then it’s your leading-man … Benno—

Actress

Nonsense! He doesn’t care for women at all … didn’t you know that? He carries on with his postman!

Poet

No, really!—

Actress

Now come, kiss me.

Poet

(Embraces her)

Actress

But what are you doing?

Poet

Why do you torment me so?

Actress

Listen, Robert, I have a suggestion to make to you. Come lie down in bed with me.

Poet

I accept.

Actress

Come quickly, come quickly!

Poet

Yes … if I had had my way, I would have been there long ago… Listen…

Actress

What?

Poet

The crickets are chirping outside.

Actress

You are crazy, child, there are no crickets here.

Poet

But surely you hear them.

Actress

Hurry up.

Poet

(Beside her) Here I am.

Actress

Now lie quite still… Sh … don’t move…

Poet

Yes, but why?

Actress

You would rather like to have an affair with me?

Poet

I should think that’s obvious by now.

Actress

There are many who would like that…

Poet

But it would seem that at the moment the odds are on my side…

Actress

Then, come, my cricket! I shall call you “cricket” from now on.

Poet

All right…

Actress

Now, tell me, whom am I deceiving?

Poet

Whom?… Perhaps me…

Actress

Child, you have softening of the brain.

Poet

Or some one … some one whom you have never seen … some one, whom you don’t even know, some one—who is predestined for you and whom you will never find…

Actress

Please don’t talk such magnificent nonsense.

Poet

… Isn’t it strange … you too—and yet one could think.—But no, it would destroy the best in you, if one should … come, come—come.—

Actress

That’s better than acting in idiotic plays… Don’t you think so?

Poet

Well, it seems to me, that it is a good thing you sometimes have to act in an intelligent one.

Actress

You conceited puppy. I suppose you are thinking of one of your own plays again.

Poet