Maia.
[Quietly.] Does that mean, in plain language, that you have grown tired of me?
Professor Rubek.
[Bursts forth.]. Yes, that is what it means! I have grown tired—intolerably tired and fretted and unstrung—in this life with you! Now you know it. [Controlling himself.] These are hard, ugly words I am using. I know that very well. And you are not all to blame in this matter;—that I willingly admit. It is simply and solely I myself, who have once more undergone a revolution—[Half to himself]—an awakening to my real life.
Maia.
[Involuntarily folding her hands.] Why in all the world should we not part then?
Professor Rubek.
[Looks at her in astonishment.] Should you be willing to?
Maia.
[Shrugging her shoulders.] Oh yes—if there's nothing else for it, then
Professor Rubek.
[Eagerly.] But there is something else for it. There is an alternative
Maia.
[Holding up her forefinger.] Now you are thinking of the pale lady again!
