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[Does so.] And you? Steadfast? [ shakes his head.] Lord, when I think of our wild nights long ago—talks by the hour, plans, carouses, revelry

In our house.

It is mine now. I have kept it ever since though I don't go there often. Whenever you like to come let me know. You must come some night. It will be old times again. [He lifts his glass and drinks.] Prosit!

It was not only a house of revelry; it was to be the hearth of a new life. [Musing.] And in that name all our sins were committed.

Sins! Drinking and blasphemy [he points] by me. And drinking and heresy, much worse, [he points again] by you—are those the sins you mean?

And some others.

[Lightly, uneasily.] You mean the women. I have no remorse of conscience. Maybe you have. We had two keys on those occasions. [Maliciously.] Have you?

[Irritated.] For you it was all quite natural?

For me it is quite natural to kiss a woman whom I like. Why not? She is beautiful for me.