t life of mine, not cold, not warm, not happy, not
unhappy! I should never have found out what I have really missed and
yet can never find. Possibly it would have been better. [Short pause.]

LENE (opens the door at the right and stands in the door). The
inspector is here, sir. Shall he come in? He is lunching just now.

PAUL (gets up). No, never mind. One moment, Auntie! (He nods to her and
goes out with LENE.)

[AUNT CLARA shakes her head apprehensively as she follows him
with her eyes, heaves a deep sigh, occupies herself with this and
that in the room, then seems to be listening to a noise on the
left. She straightens up energetically. Presently the door on the
left is opened.]

HELLA (enters, dressed in black. She looks solemn and rather pale. She
slowly approaches AUNT CLARA. The two face each other and eye each
other for a moment). I thought Paul was here.

AUNT CLARA. Paul will surely be back any minute.

HELLA. Will he? Then I shall wait. (She turns around and starts for the
window.)

AUNT CLARA (hesitates a moment, then with a sudden effort). Madam ...
Doctor ...? (Takes a step in the direction of HELLA.)

HELLA (looks around surprised). Were you saying something?

AUNT CLARA (erect). Keep an eye on Paul, madam!... That's all I have to
say!

HELLA (approaches). How so?

AUNT CLARA. I am simply saying, keep an eye on Paul!

HELLA (steps up to her, with a searching look). _What_ is going
on?...

AUNT CLARA, Talk to him yourself. I can't fathom it.

HELLA. Then I will tell you. Do you think I am blind? Do you suppose
that I am unable to see through the situation here? I know Paul and I
know you, all of you who are turning Paul's head!

AUNT CLARA (angered). Mercy me! _I_, turn Paul's head!

HELLA. Yes, you, and all of you around here! I will tell you to your
face! You are trying to set Paul against me!

AUNT CLARA (with increasing excitement). I never set nobody against no
one! Nobody ever said such a thing about me! God knows! You are the
first person to do that! And on top of it all, I have the best
intentions! I even want to help you! Well, I do say ...! (Takes several
steps through the hall.)

HELLA (with contemptuous laughter). You help me?... H'm! You wanted to
get rid of me, and that is why you started all this about the estate,
and staying here, and who knows _what_ else. But I declare to you, once
and for all! Don't go to any trouble! You will not succ