ff). A pleasant journey. _You_ will be able to find
comfort.

GLYSZINSKI. I shall be alone, Hella!

HELLA (straightening up). All of us are!

GLYSZINSKI. May I ever see you again, Hella?

HELLA. Possibly later! And now go! I do not care to have my husband
find you here when he comes. Why here he is now. (She pushes him over
toward the right, the door has been opened and the singing has ceased
in the meantime.)

PAUL (has entered, sees Glyszinski, frigidly). Are you still here? If
you wish to talk together, I'll go out.

HELLA (comes over to PAUL). Please stay, Paul!

GLYSZINSKI has just been telling me that he is going to take the night
train back to Berlin and he is asking you for a sleigh. Isn't that it,
Doctor? (GLYSZINSKI nods silently, passes by PAUL and goes out at the
right.)

PAUL (frigidly). What's the use of this farce?

HELLA (places her hand on his shoulder). Not a farce, Paul! It is
really true! When we get to Berlin tomorrow evening, you will no longer
find Glyszinski at our rooms! Are you satisfied now? Have I finally
succeeded in pleasing you, you grumbler!

PAUL (turns away, clenching his fists nervously). Oh, well!

HELLA. Look into my face, Paul, old comrade! Tell me if you are pleased
with your comrade. (PAUL is silent.)

HELLA (frowning). Now isn't that a proof to you of my fidelity and
sincerity?

PAUL. Do not torment me, Hella. My decision is final!

HELLA (worried). I don't know what you mean! Surely the matter is
settled. We are going, aren't we? (She looks at him anxiously.)

PAUL (frees himself from her). That is not settled! I shall _remain_!
[A moment of silence.]

HELLA (furiously). You are going to remain?

PAUL (curtly). I shall remain ... And no power on earth will swerve me
from my purpose! Not even you, Hella!

HELLA (plants herself before him). Are you trying to play the part of
the stronger sex? Eye to eye, Paul! No evasions now! Are you playing
the farce of the stronger sex?

PAUL. I do what I must do!

HELLA. What you must?... Well so must _I_.

PAUL (bows his head). I know that, and I am not hindering you!

HELLA (reflects a moment, then). And do you realize that that
practically means separation for us?

PAUL. I have already told you, Hella, I am prepared for anything.

HELLA (looks at him sharply; with quick decision). And what if I stay
also, Paul, what then?

PAUL. (is startled). If you also ...? You are not serious about that!

HELLA.