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PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Madame von Satow—–!

MAIA.

Yes, she who is always hanging at our heels.  Yesterday evening she made her appearance up here too.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

But what in all the world—–!

MAIA.

Oh, I know you knew her very well indeed—­long before you knew me.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

And had forgotten her, too—­long before I knew you.

MAIA.

[Sitting upright.] Can you forget so easily, Rubek?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Curtly.] Yes, very easily indeed. [Adds harshly.] When I want to forget.

MAIA.

Even a woman who has been a model to you?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

When I have no more use for her—–­

MAIA.

One who has stood to you undressed?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

That means nothing—­nothing for us artists. [With a change of tone.] And then—­may I venture to ask—­how was I to guess that she was in this country?

MAIA.

Oh, you might have seen her name in a Visitor’s List—­in one of the newspapers.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

But I had no idea of the name she now goes by.  I had never heard of any Herr von Satow.

MAIA.

[Affecting weariness.] Oh well then, I suppose it must have been for some other reason that you were so set upon this journey.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Seriously.] Yes, Maia—­it was for another reason.  A quite different reason.  And that is what we must sooner or later have a clear explanation about.

MAIA.

[In a fit of suppressed laughter.] Heavens, how solemn you look!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Suspiciously scrutinising her.] Yes, perhaps a little more solemn than necessary.

MAIA.

How so—–?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

And that is a very good thing for us both.

MAIA.

You begin to make me feel curious, Rubek.