m.] Ah! There is little Maia, going out with the
bear-hunter.

IRENE.

Your lady, yes.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Or the other's.

MAIA.

[Looks around as she is crossing the upland, sees the two sitting by
the brook, and calls out.] Good-night, Professor! Dream of me. Now I am
going off on my adventures!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Calls back to her.] What sort of an adventure is this to be?

MAIA.

[Approaching.] I am going to let life take the place of all the rest.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Mockingly.] Aha! So you too are going to do that, little Maia?

MAIA.

Yes. And I've made a verse about it, and this is how it goes:

[Sings triumphantly.]

I am free! I am free! I am free!
No more life in the prison for me!
I am free as a bird! I am free!
For I believe I have awakened now--at last.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

It almost seems so.

MAIA.

[Drawing a deep breath.] Oh--how divinely light one feels on waking!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Good-night, Frau Maia--and good luck to--

ULFHEIM.

[Calls out, interposing.] Hush, hush!--for the devil's sake let's have
none of your wizard wishes. Don't you see that we are going out to
shoot--

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

What will you bring me home from the hunting, Maia?

MAIA.

You shall have a bird of prey to model. I shall wing one for you.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Laughs mockingly and bitterly.] Yes, to wing things--without knowing
what you are doing--that has long been quite in your way.

MAIA.

[Tossing her head.] Oh, just let me take care of myself for the future,
and I wish you then--! [Nods and laughs roguishly.] Good-bye--and a
good, peaceful summer night on the upland!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Jestingly.] Thanks! And all the ill-luck in the world over you and your
hunting!

ULFHEIM.

[Roaring with laughter.] There now, that is a wish worth having!

MAIA.

[Laughing.] Thanks, thanks, thanks, Professor!

[They have both crossed the visible portion of the upland, and go
out through the bushes to the right.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[After a short pause.] A summer night on the upland! Yes, that would
have been life!

IRENE.

[Suddenly, with a wild expression in her eyes.] Will you spend a summer
night on the upland--with me?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Stretching his arms wide.] Yes, yes,--come!

IRENE.

My adored lord and master!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

O