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THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET

Prus, you are such a strong man. Are you, too, afraid to live for three hundred years?

Yes.

God, then no one wants it? Are you here, Kristina? You haven’t said a word. Poor girl, I took your sweetheart from you. You take it. You are beautiful; you’ll live for three hundred years. You’ll sing like Emilia Marty. You’ll be famous. Remember, in a few years you’ll begin to grow old, and then you’ll repent—take it, girl!

[Taking the paper]

Thank you.

What are you going to do with it, Krista?

[Opening the envelope]

I don’t know.

Are you going to try it?

Isn’t she afraid?—Give it back!

Return it!