business with this
fellow?

MAIA. No. He's good and always was; but he'd a terrible wife.

TEMPTER (to the STRANGER). Listen! You've not heard that yet, have you?
Rather the opposite. She was the good angel, whom you ruined... we've
all been told that! Now, old Maia, what kind of story is it he prattles
of? He says he was plagued with remorse for seven years because he owed
you money.

MAIA. He owed me a small sum once; but I got it back from him--and with
good interest--much better than the savings bank would have given me. It
was very good of him--very kind.

STRANGER (starting up). What's that you said? Is it possible I've
forgotten?

TEMPTER. Have you the receipt, Maia? If so, give it me.

MAIA. The gentleman must have the receipt; but I've got the savings bank
book here. He paid the money into it in my name. (She produces a savings
bank book, and hands it to the STRANGER, who looks at it.)

STRANGER. Yes, that's quite right. Now I remember. Then why this
seven-year torment, shame and disgrace? Those reproaches during
sleepless nights? Why? Why? Why?

TEMPTER. Old Maia, you can go now. But first say something nice about
this self-tormentor. Can't you remember any human quality in this wild
beast, whom human beings have baited for years?

STRANGER (to MAIA). Quiet, don't answer him! (He stops his ears with his
fingers.)

TEMPTER. Well, Maia?

MAIA. I know well enough what they say about him, but that refers to
what he writes--and I've not read it for I can't read. Still, no one
need read it, if they don't want to. Anyhow the gentleman's been very
kind. Now he's stopping his ears. I don't know how to flatter; but I can
say this in a whisper.... (She whispers some thing to the TEMPTER.)

TEMPTER. Yes. All human beings who are easily moved are baited like wild
beasts! It's the rule. Good bye, old Maia!

MAIA. Good-bye, kind gentlemen. (She goes out.)

STRANGER. Why did I suffer innocently for seven years?

TEMPTER (pointing upwards with one finger). Ask up there!

STRANGER. Where I never get an answer!

TEMPTER. Well, that may be. (Pause.) Do you think _I_ look good?

STRANGER. I can't say I do.

TEMPTER. You look extremely wicked, too! Do you know why we look like
that?

STRANGER. No.

TEMPTER. The hate and malice of our fellow human beings have fastened
themselves on us. Up there, you know, there are real saints, who've
never done anything wicked themselves, but who suffer for others, for