think of degrading yourself consciously!
Nobody can do that, you least of all! I tell you once more, you are too
good for these rubes!

PAUL, (frees himself from her). Give me time till this evening, Hella!
Then I will give you a full explanation!

HELLA (seizes his hand). Not thirty minutes, Paul! You are to decide at
once! As I have you at this moment, I shall possibly never have you
again. Pack your trunk and come with me! Have some one manage the
estate. We will go back tomorrow morning and begin the new life with
the new year. Thank your stars when you are once more out of this
stuffy air. It induces thoughts in you that can never make you happy.
Say _yes_, Paul, say that we are going!

PAUL (has not listened to the last words, listens to what is going on
outside). Do you hear, Hella? (He frees himself and goes to the
foreground. One can hear people singing outside, accompanied by a
deep-toned instrument.)

HELLA (impatiently). What in the world is that!

PAUL. I have an idea, the people of the estate, coming to proclaim
Saint Sylvester, (The door at the right is opened.)

GLYSZINSKI (enters, makes a sign suggesting silence, points toward the
outside). Do you hear that instrument, madam? That's what they call a
pot harp, very interesting!

HELLA (as before). Interesting or not. Why must you disturb us just
now?

GLYSZINSKI (offended). If I had known this, I should not have come!
(About to go out.)

PAUL (quite cold again). Stay right here, dear Glyszinski! You haven't
disturbed us up to the present! I do not see that you are disturbing us
now!

INSPECTOR (comes in through the open door). Sir, the people are outside
with the pot harp and want to sing their song.

HELLA (annoyed). Oh, tell them to go and be done with it!

PAUL (quickly). No, please, Hella, that won't do. That is an old custom
here on New Year's eve. Let them sing their song. Besides, I like to
hear it. I heard it many a time in my boyhood days.

INSPECTOR. Shall I leave the door open, sir?

PAUL. Please! (He sits down at the fireplace.)

HELLA (steps up to him, with a voice that betrays excitement). Paul, do
not listen to that nonsense out there! Don't let them muddle your head!

PAUL. My head is clearer than ever, Hella! Don't go to any further
trouble! I can see my way quite plainly now.

HELLA (retreats to the sofa, embittered). And now that old trumpery
must interfere too!

[INSPECTOR stands at the door with GLYSZINS