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THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET

And the verdict?

I wish I could tell you. Sir, but I don’t know. I wish there weren’t going to be one! I can’t help it, Mr. Gregor. But when I think that this is the last day of the case of Gregor vs. Prus—Why, I’ve been writing on it for thirty-four years, that was when your deceased father—God rest his soul—used to come here. Ah, he and the deceased Dr. Kolonaty, this one’s father—that was a great generation. Sir.

[The old clerk sighs as he recalls past glories]

Indeed.

Great lawyers. Sir—Why, for thirty years they kept up this case, Sir—appeals and such clever tricks. But you—boom—straight to the highest court—and that ends it! It’s too bad. Such a beautiful case. And to kill a hundred-year case—like that.

Don’t, Vitek. I want to win it.

Or lose it, Sir?

I’d rather lose it than—be this way. Listen. Vitek. It’s maddening! To have a hun-