Miss Herms, so that you could have seen
it in full sunlight.

IRENE

Why, I was here two hours ago. But it was like an enchanted castle. It
was impossible to get in. The bell didn't ring at all.

SALA

Oh, of course! I hope you pardon. If I had had the slightest idea....

IRENE

Well, it doesn't matter. I have made good use of my time. I went on
through the woods as far as Neustift and Salmansdorf.[6] And then I got
out and followed a road that I remembered since many years ago. (_She
looks at Julian_) I rested on a bench where I sat once many, many years
ago, with a close friend. (_Smilingly_) Can you guess, Mr. Fichtner?
The outlook is wonderful. Beyond the fields you have a perfect view of
the whole city as far as the Danube.

[6] Former villages, now suburbs of Vienna, lying still nearer
the city limits than Dornbach, where Sala is living.

SALA (_pointing to the stone seat_)

Won't you sit down here for a while, Miss Herms?

IRENE

Thanks. (_She raises her lorgnette to study the busts of the two
emperors_) It makes one feel quite Roman.... But I hope, gentlemen, I
haven't interrupted any conference.

SALA

Not at all.

IRENE

I have that feeling, however. All of you look so serious.--I think I'll
rather leave.

SALA

Oh, you mustn't, Miss Herms.--Is there anything more you want to ask me
about that affair of ours, Felix?

FELIX

If Miss Herms would pardon me for a minute....

IRENE

Oh, certainly--please!

SALA

You'll excuse me, Miss Herms....

FELIX

It is a question of what I should do in regard to my present
commission.--(_He is still speaking as he goes out with Sala_)

IRENE

What kind of secrets have those two together? What's going on here
anyhow?

JULIAN

Nothing that can be called a secret. That young fellow is also going to
join the expedition, I hear. And so they have a lot of things to talk
over, of course.

IRENE (_who has been following Felix and Sala with her eyes_)
Julian--it's he.

JULIAN (_remains silent_)

IRENE

You don't need to answer me. The matter has been in my mind all the
time.... The only thing I can't understand is why I haven't discovered
it before. It is he.--And he is twenty-three.--And I who actually
thought when you drove me away: if only he doesn't kill himself!... And
there goes his son.

JULIAN

What does that help me? He doesn't belong to me.

IRENE

But look at him! He is there--he's alive, and young, and