PAUL (has walked through the hall with heavy steps, then becomes composed and speaks in a more unconcerned manner). Will you take off your things, Hella? (rises, wavering). I don't know, I am cold. PAUL (near her). But how can you be cold. The fire is roaring in the fireplace. Our good aunt has made such perfect preparations. Who knows when she got up in order that we might be comfortable. (He goes to the fireplace and throws wood into it.) (leaning on the chair, taciturnly). It is probably due to the night ride. PAUL (approaches her). Well, come along! I'll help you!... You will surely not remain in your furs. (He helps her. She takes off her hat and cloak and goes to the fireplace not without hesitation.) PAUL (following her with his eyes, gloomily). You are acting as if you preferred to leave again at once? (turning fully toward him). Frankly, Paul, that is what I should like to do. PAUL (flaring up). Hella! (Calm again, coldly.) I simply do not understand you! (has sat down at the fireplace, holds her feet up to the fire). I do not understand you, and you do not understand me! That is as broad as it is long. PAUL (shrugging his shoulders). I don't know how you can think of going away under the present circumstances. HELLA. Quite simple. I do not demand that you shall go with me. You can remain here as long as you are needed, order your affairs, look about for a purchaser of the estate, and when good luck favors you in finding him, you can come on. For the present I may as well precede you to Berlin. You know that editing cannot be put off, the next number must be out in a week. Both of us can not be absent. At least I am indispensable. PAUL. And for this purpose you made a trip of eight hours from Berlin to this place? Hella! (He places his hand on her shoulder.) HELLA. Yes, this unfortunate trip! PAUL (with a deep breath). Unfortunate trip, yes indeed! HELLA. For I must tell you, Paul ... PAUL. Yes? HELLA. I have a feeling that I am not quite suited to this place. PAUL (bitterly). Aha! That is at the bottom of this insistence about the new number of _Women's Rights_, which is all but complete even now. HELLA (unswervingly). I have a feeling that I am not adapted to this environment, and my feelings have rarely deceived me. PAUL. Oh, your feelings, Hella! Your feelings! If you had only followed them solely, many matters would stand better today! Believe me. HELLA. I follow my feelings entirely too much, or I should have remained in Berlin and should not sit here in the presence of peasants where I have nothing at stake. PAUL. But I have, Hella! I have very much at stake here. After all a man does not abandon his inheritance point blank. Do not forget that. HELLA (straightening up). Of what concern is that to me! Sell it, why don't you! It's nothing but a dead weight to you anyhow.