ttle nap, and so I permitted
myself to come out here in the meantime.

JOHANNA

Felix just got here.

SALA

Well? Have they already granted him another furlough? In my days they
were stricter in that regiment. However, we were then stationed near
the border--somewhere in Galicia.

JOHANNA

I can never keep in mind that you have gone through that kind of thing
too.

SALA

Yes, it's long ago now. And it didn't last more than a couple of years.
But it was good fun as I look back at it now.

JOHANNA

Like almost everything else you have experienced.

SALA

Like much of it.

JOHANNA

Won't you sit down?

SALA

Thank you. (_He seats himself on the support of the armchair_) Am I
permitted? (_Johanna having nodded assent, he takes a cigarette from
his case and lights it_)

JOHANNA

Are you already settled in your new place, Mr. von Sala?

SALA

I move in to-morrow.

JOHANNA

And it gives you a great deal of pleasure, doesn't it?

SALA

That would be a little premature.

JOHANNA

Are you superstitious?

SALA

Well, for that matter--yes.--But that was not what I had in mind. I
only take possession temporarily, not for good.

JOHANNA

Why not?

SALA

I'm going abroad--for a prolonged stay.

JOHANNA

Oh? You are to be envied. I wish I could do the same--go here and there
in the world, and not bother myself about a single human being.

SALA

Still at it?

JOHANNA

Still at it.... What do you mean?

SALA

Oh, I recall how the same kind of schemes for traveling used to occupy
your mind when you were nothing but a little girl. What was it you
wanted to become?--A ballet dancer, I think. Wasn't that it? A very
famous one, of course.

JOHANNA

Why do you say that as if it were nothing at all to be a ballet dancer?
(_Without looking at him_) You, in particular, Mr. von Sala, should not
be talking like that.

SALA

Why not I, in particular?

JOHANNA (_glances up calmly at him_)

SALA

I don't quite make out what you mean, Miss Johanna.... Unless I
must.... (_Simply_) Johanna, did you know at the time that I was
looking at you?

JOHANNA

When?

SALA

Last year, when you were in the country, and I came out once and stayed
over night in your attic. It was bright moonlight, and I thought I
could see a fairy gliding back and forth in the meadow.

JOHANNA (_nods with a smile_)

SALA

And it was for me?

JOHANNA

Oh, I saw you very well, where you stood b