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THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET

Well, I mean by years, for a certain sum—ten years of life. Three hundred years is quite long and someone might not want it. But every-one would buy ten years, wouldn’t they?

We could establish a wholesale commerce in “years.” A good idea! I can see the orders now: “Send us by mail twelve hundred years of life (prepared for people), Kohn & Co.” “Express two million years, class A, well wrapped up. Viden Brothers.” Hauk, that’s not bad at all.

Pardon, but I—I am no merchant, see? But when a person is old, he would like—a little life—but three hundred years is too much, isn’t it?

[Entering]

If you please, here is the prescription from the drug store.

Thank you. How long would you like to live?

Hihi, about thirty years more.