IRENE.

A little way apart from each other—­also as in the old days.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Moving nearer.] It had to be so, then.

IRENE.

Had it?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Decisively.] There had to be a distance between us—–­

IRENE.

Was it absolutely necessary, Arnold?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Continuing.] Do you remember what you answered when I asked if you would go with me out into the wide world?

IRENE.

I held up three fingers in the air and swore that I would go with you to the world’s end and to the end of life.  And that I would serve you in all things—–­

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

As the model for my art—–­

IRENE.

—­in frank, utter nakedness—–­

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[With emotion.] And you did serve me, Irene—­so bravely—­so gladly and ungrudgingly.

IRENE.

Yes, with all the pulsing blood of my youth, I served you!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Nodding, with a look of gratitude.] That you have every right to say.

IRENE.

I fell down at your feet and served you, Arnold! [Holding her clenched hand towards him.] But you, you,—­you—!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Defensively.] I never did you any wrong!  Never, Irene!

IRENE.

Yes, you did!  You did wrong to my innermost, inborn nature—–­

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Starting back.] I—!

IRENE.

Yes, you!  I exposed myself wholly and unreservedly to your gaze—­ [More softly.] And never once did you touch me.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Irene, did you not understand that many a time I was almost beside myself under the spell of all your loveliness?

IRENE.

[Continuing undisturbed.] And yet—­if you had touched me, I think I should have killed you on the spot.  For I had a sharp needle always upon me—­hidden in my hair—­ [Strokes her forehead meditatively.] But after all—­after all—­that you could—–­