Professor Rubek.
[Trying to take a lighter tone.] Yes, Irene. —I can assure you "our child" has become famous all the wide world over. I suppose you have read about it.
Irene.
[Nods.] And has made its father famous too. —That was your dream.
Professor Rubek.
[More softly, with emotion.] It is to you I owe everything, everything, Irene—and I thank you.
Irene.
[Lost in thought for a moment.] If I had then done what I had a right to do, Arnold
Professor Rubek.
Well? What then?
Irene.
I should have killed that child.
Professor Rubek.
Killed it, you say?
Irene.
[Whispering.] Killed it—before I went away from you. Crushed it—crushed it to dust.
Professor Rubek.
[Shakes his head reproachfully.] You would never have been able to, Irene. You had not the heart to do it.
