Act 2, Scene 10 Summary

The setting is what is now Ballas' office. As Hana combs her hair, Ballas searches his pockets for cigarettes. Gross comes in triumphantly, telling him the contents of the memo. His long speech is interrupted by Ballas, who tells Hana to go out and get the chocolates and also bring him some cigarettes. After Hana goes out, Gross continues, explaining that he's been told to end the use of Ptydepe and that he intends to do just that. Pillar looks in. Ballas tells him to go away, and he goes. Ballas asks Gross to repeat what he just said, and Gross does. Hana comes in with chocolates and cigarettes and goes back to combing her hair. Ballas lights a cigarette, as Gross excitedly talks about his intent to run his department on more humanist principles.

Pillar looks in again, and Ballas...