HELLA (impatiently). What in the world is that! PAUL. I have an idea, the people of the estate, coming to proclaim Saint Sylvester, (The door at the right is opened.) GLYSZINSKI (enters, makes a sign suggesting silence, points toward the outside). Do you hear that instrument, madam? That's what they call a pot harp, very interesting! HELLA (as before). Interesting or not. Why must you disturb us just now? GLYSZINSKI (offended). If I had known this, I should not have come! (About to go out.) PAUL (quite cold again). Stay right here, dear Glyszinski! You haven't disturbed us up to the present! I do not see that you are disturbing us now! INSPECTOR (comes in through the open door). Sir, the people are outside with the pot harp and want to sing their song. HELLA (annoyed). Oh, tell them to go and be done with it! PAUL (quickly). No, please, Hella, that won't do. That is an old custom here on New Year's eve. Let them sing their song. Besides, I like to hear it. I heard it many a time in my boyhood days. INSPECTOR. Shall I leave the door open, sir? PAUL. Please! (He sits down at the fireplace.) HELLA (steps up to him, with a voice that betrays excitement). Paul, do not listen to that nonsense out there! Don't let them muddle your head! PAUL. My head is clearer than ever, Hella! Don't go to any further trouble! I can see my way quite plainly now. HELLA (retreats to the sofa, embittered). And now that old trumpery must interfere too! [INSPECTOR stands at the door with GLYSZINSKI, motions to those outside. A brief silence, then singing to the accompaniment of the pot harp. The lines run as follows:] We wish our dear lord At his board, a full dish, And at all four corners A brown roasted fish: A crown for our dame; When the year's course is run The joy of all joys, A lusty young son. HELLA. Will that continue much longer, Paul? [PAUL gets up, motions to the inspector and goes out with him. The door is closed behind them. The muffled tones of the pot harp and the singing can still be heard, but the text becomes unintelligible. GLYSZINSKI, who also has been listening till now, starts to go out.] HELLA (from the sofa). One moment, Doctor! GLYSZINSKI (absent-minded). Were you calling me? HELLA. Why, yes, now that you are here, I might as well make use of the occasion. GLYSZINSKI (approaches, somewhat reserved). What can I do for you, madam? HELLA. Dear friend, do not be startled. We shall have to part. GLYSZINSKI (staggering). Part? We?... HELLA (calmly). Yes, Doctor, it must be! GLYSZINSKI. Why, who compels us to? No one! HELLA (frigidly). My _decision_ compels us, dear friend! Is that sufficient for you? GLYSZINSKI (whimpering). Your decision, Hella? You are cruel. HELLA. Yes, I myself am sorry, of course. I shall probably miss you quite frequently! GLYSZINSKI (as before). Hella!