HELLA (approaches him, in a changed manner). What was your impression of Paul today, Doctor? Be frank! GLYSZINSKI (gloomily). Why do you ask _me_ about that? I scarcely caught sight of him before he rode away. HELLA. It seemed to me that he was more cheerful, freer. (To herself.) Possibly because the body was out of the house. (She turns away again.) [GLYSZINSKI steps to the background, shaking his head, seems in a quandary.] HELLA (has paid no attention to him, since her thoughts completely dominate her, speaks as if to herself). May be all will turn out for the best after all. (She gains control of herself and looks up.) Where in the world are you, Doctor? (She approaches him.) GLYSZINSKI (stands at the window and looks into the garden). I am watching the snow. HELLA. I suppose you are surprised that I am hopeful again? GLYSZINSKI. Since I have been in your company nothing surprises me! HELLA (continues). But Paul must listen to reason. My position is clearly correct. You do not know him as I do. Paul is tender-hearted; all that is necessary is to know how to deal with him. (She reflects a moment and concludes.) Possibly I did not always know how to do that. GLYSZINSKI (deprecatingly). Don't belittle yourself, Hella! HELLA. And there shall be a change. But first of all he must get away from here. Of course we shall have to wait till after the funeral. But then I shall not allow myself to be kept here any longer. I'll get in and ride away and Paul will be forced to come along. When I once have him in Berlin again ... GLYSZINSKI. And the estate? HELLA. I'll simply sell that. GLYSZINSKI (rushes up to her with flaming eyes). Hella! HELLA (coldly). Well? GLYSZINSKI. Are you going to leave Paul? HELLA. How so? What is the matter with you? GLYSZINSKI (seizes her hand). Can't you leave Paul! My life is at stake. HELLA. Dear friend, don't stake your life so foolishly! And release my hand. I do not want to leave Paul! I haven't the slightest reason to do so. We agree very well. GLYSZINSKI (drops his head). Then I was mistaken, after all. HELLA. Yes, it seems so to me also. You simply do not know what Paul has been to me. [Pause.] I want to go to work, I still have much to do. The editorial work is crowding. (Takes several steps.) PAUL (enters from the right, clad in a riding suit and riding boots, shakes of the snow and waves his hat vigorously as he speaks). Good morning, you stay-at-homes! Just see how I look. HELLA (has turned around at his approach and looks at him). You are bringing winter in with you, Paul. PAUL (with dash). That's what I'm doing. I'm bringing winter in with me. Regular country winter, with ice and snow, such as the city knows only by hearsay. Don't you envy me? HELLA (surprised). How so? For what? PAUL. For what, she asks! Why for all the snow in which I have been stamping about! For this honest winter mood, that I have not had for so many years! HELLA. Where in the world have you been!