From where do you come? FELIX I went to see Mr. von Sala. REUMANN Why? FELIX I thought it rather possible that he might have a suspicion, or be able to give us some kind of direction. But he knows nothing at all. That was perfectly clear. And if he had known anything--had known anything definite--he would have told me. I am sure of that. He was still in bed when I called on him. I suppose he thought I had come about my own matter. When he heard that Johanna had disappeared, he turned very pale.... But he doesn't know anything. WEGRAT (_enters_) Anything? [_All the others shake their heads. Julian presses his hand._ WEGRAT (_sitting down_) They asked me to give more details, something more tangible to go by. But what is there to give?... I have nothing.... The whole thing is a riddle to me. (_Turning to Julian_) In the afternoon she went out for a short walk as usual.... (_To Felix_) Was there anything about her that attracted attention?... It seems quite impossible to me that she could have had anything in mind when she left the house--that she could know already--that she was going away forever. FELIX Perhaps though.... WEGRAT Of course, she was very reserved--especially of late, since the death of her mother.... I wonder if it could be that?... Would you think that possible, Doctor? REUMANN (_shrugs his shoulders_) FELIX Did any one of us really know her? And who takes a real interest in another person anyhow? REUMANN It is apparently fortunate that such is the case. Otherwise we should all go mad from pity or loathing or anxiety. (_Pause_) Now I must get around to my patients. There are a few calls that cannot be postponed. I shall be back by dinner-time. Good-by for a while. (_He goes out_) WEGRAT To think that you can watch a young creature like her grow up--can see the child turn into girl, and then into a young lady--can speak hundreds of thousands of words to her.... And one day she rises from the table, puts on hat and coat, and goes ... and you have no idea as to whether she has slipped away--if into nothingness or into a new life. FELIX But whatever may have happened, father--she wanted to get away from us. And in that fact, I think, we should find a certain consolation. WEGRAT (_shakes his head in perplexity_) Everything is fluttering away--willingly or unwillingly--but away it goes. FELIX Father, we can't tell what may have happened. It's conceivable, at least, that Johanna may have formed some decision which she does not carry out. Perhaps she will come back in a few hours, or days. WEGRAT You believe ... you think it possible, do you? FELIX Possible--yes. But if she shouldn't come--of course, father, I shall give up the plan of which I told you yesterday. Under circumstances like these I couldn't think of going so far away from you for such a long time. WEGRAT (_to Julian_) And now he's going to sacrifice himself for my sake! FELIX Perhaps I could arrange to have myself transferred here.