Maia.
[With a little sigh.] Yes, I have always thought so, certainly.
Professor Rubek.
And then I had become rich enough to live in luxury and in indolent, quivering sunshine. I was able to build myself the villa on the Lake of Taunitz, and the palazzo in the capital,—and all the rest of it.
Maia.
[Taking up his tone.] And last but not least, you could afford to treat yourself to me, too. And you gave me leave to share in all your treasures.
Professor Rubek.
[Jesting, so as to turn the conversation.] Did I not promise to take you up with me to a high mountain and show you all the glory of the world?
Maia.
[With a gentle expression.] You have perhaps taken me up with you to a high enough mountain, Rubek—but you have not shown me all the glory of the world.
Professor Rubek.
[With a laugh of irritation.] How insatiable you are, Maia! Absolutely insatiable! [With a vehement outburst.] But do you know what is the most hopeless thing of all, Maia? Can you guess that?
