No, of course not.--I told him everything, without any attempt at sparing myself. And for that reason he seemed to feel the wrong done to his mother's husband more strongly than anything else. But that won't last very long. He'll soon understand that, in the higher sense, no wrong has been done at all. People of Wegrat's type are not made to hold actual possession of anything--whether it be wives or children. They mean a refuge, a dwelling place--but never a real home. Can you understand what I mean by that? It is their mission to take into their arms creatures who have been worn out or broken to pieces by some kind of passion. But they never guess whence such creatures come. And while it is granted them to attract and befriend, they never understand whither those creatures go. They exist for the purpose of sacrificing themselves unconsciously, and in such sacrifices they find a happiness that might seem a pretty poor one to others.... You are not saying a word? SALA I am listening. JULIAN And have no reply to make? SALA Oh, well--it is possible to grind out scales quite smoothly even when the fiddle has got a crack.... [_It is growing darker. Felix appears on the terrace._ SALA Who is that? FELIX (_on the terrace_) It's me. The servant told me ... SALA Oh, Felix! Glad you came. FELIX (_coming down into the garden_) Good evening, Mr. von Sala.--Good evening, Mr. Fichtner. JULIAN Good evening, Felix. SALA I am delighted to see you. FELIX What magnificent old trees! SALA Yes, a piece of real woods--all you have to do is to forget the fence.--What brought you anyhow? I didn't expect you until to-morrow morning. Have you really made up your mind already? JULIAN Am I in the way? FELIX Oh, no. There is nothing secret about it.--I accept your offer, Mr. von Sala, and ask if you would be kind enough to speak to Count Ronsky. SALA (_shaking Felix by the hand_) I am glad of it.... (_To Julian_) It has to do with our Asiatic venture. JULIAN What?--You intend to join the expedition? FELIX Yes. SALA Have you already talked it over with your father? FELIX I shall do so to-night.--But that's a mere formality. I am determined, provided no other obstacles appear.... SALA I shall speak to the Count this very day. FELIX I don't know how to thank you. SALA There is no reason at all. In fact, I don't have to say another word. The Count knows everything he needs to know about you. VALET (_appearing on the terrace_) There is a lady asking if you are at home, sir. SALA Didn't she give her name?--You'll have to excuse me a moment, gentlemen. (_He goes toward the valet, and both disappear into the house_) JULIAN You are going away? FELIX Yes. And I am very happy this occasion has offered itself. JULIAN Have you also informed yourself concerning the real nature of this undertaking? FELIX It means at any rate genuine activity and the opening of wider worlds. JULIAN