But as soon as one does not, how shall I express it, as soon as one does not give oneself up to the moment, I mean, if one thinks of the future or the past … well, everything is over in a moment… Afterwards … there is sadness … before … there is uncertainty … in a word, one only becomes confused. Isn’t that so? ACTRESS (_Nods with wide open eyes_) It seems, you have grasped the essence of things. COUNT And, you see, when you have once clearly grasped this, it really doesn’t matter whether you live in Vienna or in the Puszta[3] or in Steinamanger.[4] You see, for instance … where may I put my cap? Yes, thank you … what were we talking about? ACTRESS About the Puszta. COUNT Of course. Well, as I said, there isn’t much difference, whether I spend the evening in the officers’ mess or at the club. It’s all the same. ACTRESS And what about love? COUNT If you believe in it, some one will always be there who will love you. ACTRESS Like Miss Birken, for example. COUNT I really don’t see why you always have to come back to that little lady. ACTRESS But she’s your mistress, isn’t she? COUNT Who says so? ACTRESS Everybody knows it. COUNT Except myself, strange to say. ACTRESS But you fought a duel on her account! COUNT Maybe. I was even killed without my knowing it. ACTRESS You are a gentleman, won’t you sit closer to me? COUNT With pleasure. ACTRESS Here. (_She draws him to her, and passes her hand through his hair_) I knew you would come to-day. COUNT How did you know? ACTRESS I knew it last night in the theater. COUNT You saw me from the stage, then? ACTRESS But man alive! Didn’t you notice that I acted for you alone? COUNT No, really? ACTRESS I was as on wings, when I saw you sitting in the first row. COUNT As on wings? On my account? I hadn’t the slightest suspicion that you noticed me! ACTRESS Your aristocratic reserve is enough to drive one to despair. COUNT But… ACTRESS “But”!… At least, take your saber off! COUNT If you permit. (_Takes it off, and leans it against the bed_) ACTRESS And now give me a kiss. COUNT (_Kisses her, she clings to him_) ACTRESS It would have been better if I had never seen you. COUNT But this seems better to me. ACTRESS Count, you are a poseur! COUNT I—why? ACTRESS Can’t you imagine how happy many a man would be if he were in your place! COUNT I’m perfectly happy. ACTRESS Well, I thought happiness didn’t exist. Why do you look at me that way? I believe you are afraid of me, Count! COUNT I told you, Mademoiselle, you are a problem. ACTRESS Oh, don’t bother me with your philosophy … come to me. And ask me for anything at all … you can have whatever you want. You are so handsome. COUNT Well then, may I ask (_kissing her hand_) that I may call again this evening? ACTRESS This evening … but I have to act then. COUNT After the play. ACTRESS And you ask for nothing else? COUNT I shall ask for everything else after the play. ACTRESS