Page:Poet Lore, volume 25, 1914.djvu/583

 Theresa.—Well, young men must take an interest in life.

Iustus.—They should be like me. My life is in my law books and cases. The other things are superfluous.

Theresa.—Unfortunately so for you.

Iustus.—Fortunately, you ought to say. If you’d follow my ways, you would not be so nervous. But people who have no cares of their own, make everything their business. And so they get themselves into no end of trouble. Now I have made my little speech and I can go.

Theresa.—When are you coming back?

lustus.—I don’t know. Hardly to this place. We’ll see each other in the new flat.

Theresa.—And you say that so indifferently.

Iustus (in the doorway).—Should I cry about it? Some people move every half a year. If they were like you, they’d have no tears left for the regulation family funeral. Good-bye.

Theresa.—Good-bye, dear. ( remains alone for some time, continuing her work.) To America—to America. He, the only witness (going to the window) except these high mute walls. (She shivers nervously.) Away from these witnesses—to America.

( enters. He is dressed for travel.)

Gustav.—Good evening.

Theresa (surprised).—You? (Collecting herself.) Yes—Good evening.

Gustav.—I see that I should not have come here at all. Forgive me, and farewell!

Theresa.—Good luck to you, Cernik.

Gustav (looking around).—So you are really going away.

Theresa.—It is best to end all at once.

Gustav.—Just as I am doing.

Theresa.—Yes, Korber told me that you are going to America.

Gustav.—The only solution to our problem, Theresa.

Theresa.—Pardon me—our problem