Page:The Makropoulos Secret (1925).pdf/57

THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET

Ah, don’t start that.

But I must speak. You are cold tome. That hurts. The moment you came in, you scorched me like a hot flame. What is it? You bring something terrible; has anyone ever told you that?—Emilia, do you know how beautiful you are?

[In a tired way]

Beautiful? No. Look!

Oh, God! What are you doing? What are you doing to your face? [He steps back] Emilia, don’t do it! Stop! Now—you look old. [Covering his eyes with his hands, he sinks back into a chair] Terrible!

Now you see. Go, Berti. Leave me.

[There is a pause]

Excuse me. I was a—oh, I don’t know what I am doing.

Berti, do I really look very old?