PAUL (distressed). Drop that, Hella. HELLA (excited). What does this mean, Paul! We must have an understanding! PAUL. That is no longer possible for us, Hella! HELLA. It certainly has been, up to the present. How often we have quarreled in these years, and sailed into each other, and we have always found our way back to each other again for the simple reason that we belong together! Why in the world should that be impossible now? PAUL (struggles with himself; jumps up). Because ... Because ... (Groping for words.) HELLA (has become calm). Well, because?... Possibly because I did not care to stay down here, day before yesterday, did not dine with your guests when you asked me to do so? Is that it? PAUL. That and many other things. HELLA (gets up). Paul, don't be petty! I really can't bear to hear you talk in this manner. Are you so completely unable to enter into my feelings? I could not share your sorrow. Your father did not give me any occasion for that. I do not wish to speak ill of him, but I cannot forget it. After all, that is only human! PAUL. So the dead man stands between us. Why don't you say so frankly! HELLA. If you insist, yes. At least, for the moment! I was not able to stay with you. I _had_ to be alone. PAUL. Then blame yourself for the consequences! You deserted me at a moment when simply everything was unsettling me ... HELLA (interrupts him). Oh, you suppose I don't know what you mean? PAUL (excited). Well? HELLA. Shall I tell you? PAUL (controlling himself with difficulty). Please! HELLA (triumphantly). Dear Paul! Just recall the lady with the ashy-blonde hair, for a moment! PAUL (embarrassed). What lady? HELLA. Why, Paul? The one with whom I saw you after the banquet, day before yesterday. Your aunt was there too, wasn't she? PAUL (affecting surprise). You seem to refer to Madam von Laskowski. HELLA (smiling). Quite right. The Polish beauty! Was it not that? PAUL (beside himself). Hella? HELLA (as before). Don't become furious, Paul! There's no occasion at all for that! I am not reproaching you in the least! On the contrary, I am of the opinion that you were quite right! PAUL (comes nearer, plants himself before her). What are you trying to say? What does all this mean? HELLA (with a very superior air). We had quarreled, you were furious, wanted to revenge yourself, looked about for a fitting object and naturally hit upon ... whom? PAUL (turns away). Why it's simply idiotic to continue answering such questions! (He walks through the hall excitedly.) HELLA. Hit upon whom?... With the kind of taste that you do seem to have ... PAUL. Hella, I object to that!