I remember the day very clearly. But I have entirely forgotten what we were talking about. WEGRAT Just what we said has passed out of my mind, too, but I can still remember what an extraordinary talk it was.... In some way the world seemed to open up more widely. And I felt something like envy toward you, as I often did in those days. There rose within me a feeling that I, too, could do anything--if I only wanted. There was so much to be seen and experienced--and the flow of life was irresistible. Nothing would be needed but a little more nerve, a little more self-assurance, and then to plunge in. ... Yes, that was what I felt while you were talking. ... And then Gabrielle came toward us along the narrow road from the village, between the acacias. She carried her straw hat in her hand, and she nodded to me. And all my dreams of the future centered in her after that, and once more the whole world seemed fitted into a frame, and yet it was big and beautiful enough. ... Why does the color all of a sudden come back into those things? It was practically forgotten, all of it, and now, when she is dead, it comes to life again with a glow that almost scares me. ... Oh, it were better not to think of it at all. What's the use? What's the use? (_Pause; he goes to one of the windows_) JULIAN (_struggling to overcome his embarrassment_) It is both wise and brave of you to resume your regular activities so promptly. WEGRAT Oh, once you have made up your mind to go on living. ... There is nothing but work that can help you through this sense of being alone--of being _left_ alone. JULIAN It seems to me that your grief makes you a little unjust toward--much that is still yours. WEGRAT Unjust...? Oh, I didn't mean to. I hope you don't feel hurt, children ...! Felix, you understand me fully, don't you? There is so much, from the very beginning, that draws--that lures--that tears the young ones away from us. We have to struggle to keep our children almost from the very moment they arrive--and the struggle is a pretty hopeless one at that. But that's the way of life: they cannot possibly belong to us. And as far as other people are concerned.... Even our friends come into our lives only as guests who rise from the table when they have eaten, and walk out. Like us, they have their own streets, their own affairs. And it's quite natural it should be so.... Which doesn't prevent us from feeling pleased, Julian--sincerely pleased, when one of them finds his way back to us. Especially if it be one on whom we have put great store throughout life. You may be sure of that, Julian. (_They shake hands_) And as long as you remain in Vienna, I shall see you here quite often, I trust. It will give me genuine pleasure. JULIAN I'll be sure to come. MAID (_enters_) The carriage is here, Professor. (_She goes out_) WEGRAT