I can't let you be unkind to him . . . no . . . not on my account.
Count—He'll never get the money. And I can't wait. I am fifty-six, Paula, and desperately in love . . . in love, do you hear. . . . [Comes nearer to her.] You beautiful . . . young . . . thing! [Juhasz enters at left with a big ledger under his arm.]
Juhasz—I beg pardon. Shall I check up the live-stock too?
Count—[Crossly.] Yes. [To Paula.] "The deplorable policies inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture. . . ." [Paula types.] By the way, Miss, is that detailed statement finished?
Paula—Your excellency, my eyes have been troubling me . . . and . . . I have only finished with the summaries. [Hands him a sheaf of closely written documents.]
Count—[Affecting severity.] You must manage to get more work done, Miss Paula. Please be sure to have the detailed statements ready for me by this evening. [Juhasz exits at left.]
Paula—He heard you as he came in. I'm sure he heard you!. . . Oh, I'm so sorry!
Count—You needn't be. It doesn't matter any more. I shan't let him hinder me any longer. I can't afford to. I'm too old. The only thing left to do is pay the fifty-one thousand kronen, give him back his shop and be rid of him.
