GLYSZINSKI (has stepped to the center of the room. He is faultlessly clad in a black suit, spick and span from top to toe). Here I am! (He looks about.) PAUL (approaches GLYSZINSKI). Yes, here you are!... You have spent much time on your toilet. GLYSZINSKI. Why, not more than usual. PAUL. To be sure! That's correct. (Looking at him with a bitter senile.) Well it _did_ pay for the trouble. You are fit for a ball. GLYSZINSKI (looks around again). Where is your wife? PAUL. Also busy with her toilet. But will surely be here directly. It doesn't take her half as long as it does you. Meanwhile, sit down! (He invites him to sit down on a chair by the sofa.) GLYSZINSKI (sits down on the chair at the right of the sofa, keeping his eye on the door at the left.) Ah, here comes madam! (He gets up to meet HELLA, who is just entering the door on the left, clad in a pleated blouse and a plain skirt.) May I conduct you to the table, madam? (He offers her his arm.) HELLA (places her arm on his and looks over at the table). Why, is it time? GLYSZINSKI (leads HELLA to the sofa). Please, here in the place of honor. HELLA. Is it absolutely required that I should occupy the sofa? Will you not sit here, Paul? (She stands at the sofa hesitating.) GLYSZINSKI (with the tips of his fingers placed together). Please, please, madam. You are to preside! PAUL (walks through the hall with his hands on his back and speaks over his shoulder). Don't be embarrassed! HELLA. I am not particularly in love with this old uncomfortable furniture. I distinctly prefer a pretty modern fauteuil. (She sits down). LENE (comes in at the right with the coffee service, places the tray containing the coffee-pot, cream-pitcher and cake on the table between the cups. Addresses HELLA). Miss Clara will bring the pound-cake directly. Shall I fill the cups? HELLA. You may go. We shall attend to that. [LENE casts a curious glance at the two, then at PAUL, and goes out at the right.] HELLA (in an undertone to GLYSZINSKI). Seems to be a regular country hussy. Did you notice the stupid expression? GLYSZINSKI (quoting with dignity). Upon her brow the Lord did nail a brazen slab! HELLA (to PAUL, who is still walking about). Paul, can't you stop that everlasting marching? PAUL. I find it agreeable after the night's travel. Have you any objections? HELLA. Yes, it makes me nervous, especially here in this awful hall, where every step reverberates ten times over, because you do not even have the proper carpets. Isn't there another room, where one can sit with some comfort. (See pours out her coffee.) PAUL (with restrained asperity). No, not at present! HELLA. Then at least do me the favor to sit down, your coffee is getting cold, anyhow. (She pours out PAUL'S coffee.) PAUL (approaching). Very well! I shall sit down then. GLYSZINSKI (raising his cup). And I, madam? Am I to have none? HELLA (decisively). Have you forgotten our household regulations, dear sir?