Maia.
I only wanted to say this: you may do whatever you please, but I am not going with you on that disgusting steamboat.
Professor Rubek.
Why not?
Maia.
Because I want to go up on the mountains and into the forests—that's what I want. [Coaxingly.] Oh, you must let me do it, Rubek.—I shall be so good, so good afterwards!
Professor Rubek.
Who is it that has put these ideas into your head?
Maia.
Why he—that horrid bear-killer. Oh you cannot conceive all the marvellous things he has to tell about the mountains. And about life up there! They're ugly, horrid, repulsive, most of the yarns he spins—for I almost believe he's lying—but wonderfully alluring all the same. Oh, won't you let me go with him? Only to see if what he says is true, you understand. May I, Rubek?
Professor Rubek.
Yes, I have not the slightest objection. Off you go to the mountains—as far and as long as you please. I shall perhaps be going the same way myself.
