Oh, I have not the least intention to play the modest one. But as to men of genius--we had better not talk of them at all. There you are dealing with a world by itself, lying outside of all discussion--as do the elements. REUMANN My opinion, I must confess, is utterly different. WEGRAT Oh, it's of no use discussing anybody but those who have distinct limitations. And what I have found is--that he who knows his own limitations best is the better man. And on this point I have pretty good reason for self-respect.--Do you feel chilly, Gabrielle? MRS. WEGRAT No. WEGRAT But you had better pull the shawl a little closer about you, and then we should have a little exercise--in so far as it's possible in here. MRS. WEGRAT All right.--Please, Doctor, give me your arm. You haven't paid the least attention to your patient yet. REUMANN At your service! [_The rest start ahead, Johanna walking with her brother, and Wegrat with Sala. Dr. Reumann and Mrs. Wegrat seem about to follow, when she suddenly stops._ MRS. WEGRAT Did you notice his eyes light up--I mean, the eyes of Felix, when they were talking of _him?_ It was most peculiar. REUMANN Men of Mr. Fichtner's type appear undoubtedly very interesting to young people. They seem to carry with them an odor of romance. MRS. WEGRAT (_shaking her head_) And he looked him up.... It is perfectly clear that he went to Salzburg just to see him again. I suppose he is beginning to feel a little deserted. REUMANN Why not pay a visit to a young friend when one happens to be near the place where he is living? I can see nothing peculiar in that. MRS. WEGRAT Perhaps you are right. Perhaps I might have looked at the matter in the same way not long ago. But now, in the face of.... No, Doctor, I am not going to be sentimental. REUMANN I don't object to sentiment, but to nonsense. MRS. WEGRAT (_smiling_) Thank you.--However, I have occasion to think of many different things. And it is no reason for taking it too seriously, my dear friend. You know, of course, that I told you everything merely that I might have a kind and sensible man with whom to discuss the past--and not at all to be absolved of any guilt. REUMANN To give happiness is more than being free of guilt. And as this has been granted you, it is clear that you have made full atonement--if you'll pardon the use of such a preposterously extravagant term. MRS. WEGRAT How can you talk like that? REUMANN Well, am I not right? MRS. WEGRAT Just as if I couldn't feel how all of us, deceivers and deceived, must seem equally contemptible to you in particular! REUMANN