Maia.
[Smiles scornfully.] Only draw away from each other a little, you mean?
Professor Rubek.
[Shakes his head.] Even that is not necessary.
Maia.
Well then? Come out with what you want to do with me.
Professor Rubek.
[With some hesitation.] What I now feel so keenly—and so painfully—that I require, is to have some one about me who really and truly stands close to me
Maia.
[Interrupts him anxiously.] Don't I do that, Rubek?
Professor Rubek.
[Waving her aside.] Not in that sense. What I need is the companionship of another person who can, as it were, complete me—supply what is wanting in me—be one with me in all my striving.
Maia.
[Slowly.] It's true that things like that are a great deal too hard for me.
Professor Rubek. Oh no, they are not at all in your line, Maia.
