Ah, we're so far removed from all these ideas, my dear young lady. Every now and then some person gives lectures here, but the good families have nothing to do with it. MAGDA. [_Politely_.] Oh, I can quite understand that. The good families need nothing, as they have plenty to eat. [_A silence_.] MRS. ELLRICH. But at least you must have some residence? MAGDA. If you call it so,--a place to sleep. Yes, I have a villa by the Lake of Como and an estate at Naples. [_Sensation_.] MRS. SCHWARTZE. But you've said nothing to us about that. MAGDA. I hardly ever make use of them, mamma dear. MRS. ELLRICH. Art must be a very trying occupation? MAGDA. [_In a friendly tone_.] It depends upon how one follows it, my dear madam. MRS. ELLRICH. My daughter used to take singing-lessons, and it always taxed her very much. MAGDA. [_Politely_.] Oh, I'm sorry for that. MRS. ELLRICH. Naturally, you only do it for pleasure. MAGDA. Oh, it's so much pleasure! [_Aside to_ Mrs. Schwartze, _who sits near her_.] Get these women away, or I shall be rude! MRS. VON KLEBS. Are you really engaged by a theatre, my dear young lady? MAGDA. [_Very sweetly_.] Sometimes, my dear madam. MRS. VON KLEBS. Then you are out of an engagement at present? MAGDA. [_Murmurs_.] Oh, come, come! [_Aloud_.] Yes, I'm a vagabond now. [_The ladies look at each other_.] MRS. VON KLEBS. There are really not many daughters of good families on the stage, are there? MAGDA. [_In a friendly tone_.] No, my dear madam; most of them are too stupid. MRS. SCHWARTZE. Oh, Magda! _Enter_ Max. MAGDA. Oh, that must be Max! [_Goes to him and shakes hands_.] Just think, I had quite forgotten your face. We were great friends, were we not? MAX. Were we? [_Astonished_.] MAGDA. Well, we can begin now. MRS. ELLRICH. [_Aside_.] Do you understand this? [Mrs. Von Klebs _shrugs her shoulder. The ladies rise and take their leave, shaking hands with_ Mrs. Schwartze _and_ Franziska, _and bowing to_ Magda.] MRS. SCHWARTZE. [_Confused_.] Must you go already, ladies? My husband will be so sorry-- MAGDA. [_Coolly_.] _Au revoir_, ladies, _au revoir_! [_Exit the ladies in the order of their rank_.