THE HUSBAND AND THE SWEET YOUNG MISS
A private dining-room in the Riedhof, comfortably furnished with moderately good taste. A gas-grate is burning. The Husband and the Sweet Young Miss are disclosed. The remains of dinner are on the table, cream-cakes, fruit, cheese. In the wine-glasses is a Hungarian white wine.
Husband
(Is smoking a Havana cigar, and leaning against the corner of a sofa)
Miss
(Sits beside him in an armchair, eating the cream out of a cake with a spoon, and tasting it with satisfaction)
Husband
Is it good?
Miss
(Without stopping) Oh!
Husband
Do you want another?
Miss
No. I’ve eaten too much already.
Husband
Your wine is all gone.
(He fills her glass)
Miss
No … stop. I’ll leave it anyway.
Husband
Why are you so shy?
Miss
Am I?—Well, it takes time to get acquainted.
Husband
Come and sit here with me.
Miss
Right away… I’m not ready yet.
Husband
(Rises and stands behind her chair, and puts his arms around her, turning her face toward him)
Miss
What’s the matter?
Husband
I want a kiss.
Miss
(Kissing him) You are … excuse me, you have a lot of nerve.
Husband
You’re just finding that out?
Miss
Oh, no, I knew that long ago … from the first, in the street.—You must—
Husband
What?
Miss
You must have a nice opinion of me.
Husband
Why?
Miss
Because I went right away with you to a private dining room.
Husband
Well, you can hardly say “right away.”
Miss
But you asked in such a nice way.
Husband
Do you think so?
Miss
And, after all, what is the harm?
Husband
Of course.
Miss
Whether we go walking or—
Husband
Besides, it’s much too cold for walking.
Miss
Yes, it was too cold.
Husband
But here it’s nice and warm, isn’t it?
(He sits down again, puts his arms around the girl, and draws her to his side)
Miss
(Weakly) Don’t.
Husband
Tell me… You noticed me before, didn’t you?
Miss
Certainly. Several blocks before you spoke to me.
Husband
I don’t mean to-day. I mean yesterday and the day before, when I was following you.
Miss
A lot of people follow me.
Husband
I don’t doubt that. But did you notice me?
Miss
Guess … do you know what happened to me the other day? My cousin’s husband followed me in the dark, and didn’t recognize me.
Husband
Did he speak to you?
Miss
What do you suppose? Do you imagine every one is as bold as you?
Husband
But they sometimes do, don’t they?
Miss
Of course, they do.
Husband
Well, and what do you do?
Miss
Why nothing—I just don’t answer.
Husband
Hm-m … but you answered me.
Miss
Are you sorry?
Husband
(Kisses her violently) Your lips taste like cream-cakes.
Miss
Oh, they are sweet by nature.
Husband
I suppose many have told you that?
Miss
Many! What are you dreaming of?
Husband
Now, be honest. How many have kissed this mouth before?
Miss
Why do you ask? You wouldn’t believe me anyhow, if I told you.
Husband
Why not?
Miss
Guess, then.
Husband
All right, I’ll guess—but you mustn’t get angry!
Miss
Why should I get angry?
Husband
Well, then, I’ll guess … twenty.
Miss
(Slipping away from him) So—why not make it a hundred?
Husband
Oh, I was just guessing.
Miss
You guessed badly.
Husband
Say—ten.
Miss
(Offended) Oh, of course. A girl who lets a man talk to her on the street, and goes right away with him to a private dining-room!
Husband
Don’t be childish. Whether we walk about in the streets or sit in a room… We are in a restaurant. The waiter may come in at any moment—it doesn’t signify anything at all…
Miss
That’s just what I thought.
Husband
Have you ever been in a private dining-room before?
Miss
If I must tell the truth—yes.
Husband
I am glad that you are honest with me at least.
Miss
But it wasn’t—no it wasn’t the way you imagine. I was in a private dining-room with a friend and her fiancé, once during the carnival.
Husband
It wouldn’t have been anything tragic, if you had ever gone—with your sweetheart—
Miss
Of course, it wouldn’t have been anything serious. But I haven’t any sweetheart.
Husband
Oh, come now.
Miss
I swear, I haven’t.
Husband
But you don’t expect to make me believe that I…
Miss
Make you believe what?… I haven’t any—at least, haven’t had for six months.
Husband
I see… But before then? Who was he?
Miss
Why are you so curious?
Husband
I am curious because I love you.
Miss
Really?
Husband
Of course! You should have noticed that. Tell me about him.
(Presses her tightly to him)
Miss
What do you want me to tell?
Husband
Don’t keep me in suspense so long. Who was he, that’s what I want to know.
Miss
(Laughing) Just a man.
Husband
Well—well—who?
Miss
He looked something like you.
Husband
No!
Miss
If you hadn’t looked so much like him—
Husband
Well, what then?
Miss
Now, don’t ask, don’t you see that…
Husband
(Understanding) That’s why you let me speak to you.
Miss
Yes, that’s it.
Husband
I really don’t know whether I ought to be pleased or angry.
Miss
If I were you, I’d be pleased.
Husband
All right.
Miss
You also remind me of him the way you speak … and the way you look at one…
Husband
What was he?
Miss
And then, the eyes—
Husband
What was his name?
Miss
Please don’t look at me that way; please don’t.
Husband
(Embraces her. A long, burning kiss)
Miss
(Trembles, and tries to get up)
Husband
Why do you want to leave me?
Miss
It’s time to go home.
Husband
Later.
Miss
No, I really have to get home. What do you think mother will say.
Husband
You live with your mother?
Miss
Of course, I live with my mother. What did you imagine?
Husband
So—with your mother. Do you live alone with her?
Miss
Oh, yes, alone! There are five of us! Two boys and two more girls.
Husband
Don’t sit so far away from me. Are you the oldest?
Miss
No, I’m the second. First comes Kitty. She’s working in a flower store. Then come I.
Husband
Where do you work?
Miss
I stay at home.
Husband
Always?
Miss
One of us has to stay home.
Husband
Of course,—and what do you tell your mother, when you—come home so late?
Miss
That happens so seldom.
Husband
Well, to-day, for example. Your mother will ask you, won’t she?
Miss
Of course, she’ll ask. It doesn’t matter how careful I am when I come home, she always wakes up.
Husband
And what do you tell her?
Miss
Oh—that I’ve been to the theater.
Husband
Does she believe that?
Miss
Why shouldn’t she believe it? I often go to the theater. I saw an opera on Sunday with my friend and her fiancé, and my oldest brother.
Husband
Where did you get the tickets?
Miss
My brother is a hairdresser.
Husband
Oh, yes, a hairdresser … at the theater, I suppose?
Miss
Why are you asking so many questions?
Husband
Because I am interested. What does your other brother do?
Miss
He’s still going to school. He wants to become a teacher. Just imagine!
Husband
And you also have a little sister?
Miss
Yes, she is a mere child, but you have to keep an eye on her all the time already. You have no idea how girls are spoiled at school. Just imagine! The other day I caught her keeping a date.
Husband
Really?
Miss
Yes! She was out walking one evening at half-past seven with a boy from the school across the way. A mere child like her!
Husband
And what did you do?
Miss
I gave her a spanking.
Husband
Are you as strict as all that?
Miss
Well, who would be if I wasn’t? My older sister is working and mother does nothing but grumble—everything always depends on me.
Husband
You are a dear, sweet girl! (Kisses her, and grows more tender) You also remind me of some one.
Miss
So—of whom?
Husband
Of no one in particular … of bygone days … of my youth. Come, drink, child!
Miss
How old are you?… You … why … I don’t even know your name.
Husband
Karl.
Miss
Is it possible? Your name is Karl?
Husband
Was his name also Karl?
Miss
No, but that’s the queer thing … that is … the eyes … (shaking her head) the way you look at me…
Husband
And who was he?—You haven’t told me yet.
Miss
Oh, he was a bad man—that’s sure, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone away.
Husband
Did you love him very much?
Miss
Of course, I loved him.
Husband
I know what he was—a lieutenant.
Miss
No, he wasn’t in the army. He couldn’t pass the examinations. His father owns a house in … but why do you have to know?
Husband
(Kisses her) You have gray eyes. I thought, at first, they were black.
Miss
Well aren’t they pretty enough?
Husband
(Kisses her eyes)
Miss
Don’t please—I can’t bear it… O, please don’t … let me get up … only for a moment—please.
Husband
(More tenderly still) No, indeed.
Miss
But, please, Karl…
Husband
How old are you?—eighteen—isn’t it?
Miss
Just past nineteen.
Husband
Nineteen … and I—
Miss
You are thirty…
Husband
And a little more—Don’t let’s talk about it.
Miss
He was thirty-two, when I first met him.
Husband
How long ago was that?
Miss
I don’t remember… Listen, there must have been something in the wine.
Husband
What makes you think so?
Miss
I am quite … see—everything is turning round about me.
Husband
Then hold tight to me. So… (He holds her close to him, and becomes more and more tender. She hardly resists) I’ll tell you something, dear, we might go now.
Miss
Yes … home.
Husband
Well, not exactly home…
Miss
What do you mean?… O, no—no… I won’t go anywhere else. What do you think I am?
Husband
But listen to me, child—the next time we meet, you know, we will arrange it so that … (He has slipped to the floor with his head in her lap) This is so comfy, oh, so comfy!
Miss
What are you doing? (She kisses his hair) Something must have been in that wine—I’m so sleepy … what would happen, if I couldn’t get up again? But, but—look, but Karl … if some one should come in … please … the waiter.
Husband
No … waiter … will ever come in … here…
Miss
(Leaning with closed eyes in the corner of the sofa)
Husband
(Pacing up and down the little room, after having lighted a cigarette)
(Long silence)
Husband
(Looking for a long time at the girl; speaking to himself) Who knows what sort of a person she really is—Confound it … so quickly … that wasn’t very cautious of me … hm-m…
Miss
(Without opening her eyes) There must have been something in the wine.
Husband
Why?
Miss
Otherwise…
Husband
Why do you blame everything on the wine?…
Miss
Where are you? Why do you stay so far away? Come to me.
Husband
(Sits beside her)
Miss
Now tell me if you really love me.
Husband
But you know that… (He interrupts himself quickly) Of course.
Miss
Listen… There must have … come, tell me the truth, what was in the wine.
Husband
Well, do you think I … I would drug your wine?
Miss
Well, see, I can’t understand it. I’m really not that kind… We’ve known each other only since… Dear, I’m not that kind … honestly, I’m not—if you think that of me—
Husband
Well—why worry about that? I don’t think anything bad of you. I only think that you love me.
Miss
Yes…
Husband
After all, when two young people are alone in a room, and have dinner, and drink wine … there doesn’t need to be anything in the wine.
Miss
I merely said it to say something.
Husband
But, why?
Miss
(Almost defiantly) Because I was ashamed.
Husband
How absurd! There is no reason to be. Especially, since I made you think of your first sweetheart.
Miss
Yes.
Husband
Your first sweetheart.
Miss
Yes, yes…
Husband
Now I should like to know who the others were.
Miss
There weren’t any.
Husband
That is not true, it can’t be true.
Miss
Oh, please, don’t tease me.
Husband
Would you like a cigarette?
Miss
No, thanks.
Husband
Do you know how late it is?
Miss
Well?
Husband
Half-past eleven.
Miss
Really?
Husband
Well … and your mother? She’s used to this, is she?
Miss
Do you really want to send me home?
Husband
But earlier in the evening you yourself wanted—
Miss
You are quite changed. What have I done to you?
Husband
But, child, what is the matter with you, what do you imagine?
Miss
And it was only your looks, believe me, or you would have had to wait … many men have asked me to go with them to a private dining-room.
Husband
Well, would you like … to come here again with me soon … or rather somewhere else?
Miss
I don’t know.
Husband
What do you mean by, “I don’t know”?
Miss
Well, why don’t you make a date?
Husband
When? First of all, I must explain that I do not live in Vienna. I am only here for a few days’ visit now and then.
Miss
Oh, you’re not a Viennese?
Husband
Yes, I am a Viennese. But I am living out of town now…
Miss
Where?
Husband
Oh, well, that doesn’t matter.
Miss
Oh, don’t be frightened, I won’t come to see you.
Husband
If it would give you any pleasure you may come. I live in Graz.
Miss
Honestly?
Husband
Yes, why does that surprise you?
Miss
You are married, aren’t you?
Husband
(Greatly surprised) What makes you think that?
Miss
I just got the impression.
Husband
And you wouldn’t mind that at all?
Miss
Well, I would rather that you were single.—So you are married!—
Husband
But, tell me first what made you think of that?
Miss
If a man says he doesn’t live in Vienna, and he doesn’t always have time—
Husband
But that’s not so improbable.
Miss
I don’t believe it.
Husband
And wouldn’t it hurt your conscience to have caused a married man to become unfaithful?
Miss
Oh, my, no doubt your wife acts just like you.
Husband
(Very indignant) That will do. No more of such remarks.
Miss
I thought you didn’t have a wife.
Husband
Whether I have one or not—such remarks are uncalled for.
(He has risen)
Miss
But Karl, Karl, what is the matter? Are you angry? I really didn’t know that you were married. I was just talking. Come, don’t be angry.
Husband
(Comes back to her after a few minutes) You are strange creatures, you … women.
(He becomes tender again)
Miss
Stop … don’t … it’s too late now.
Husband
Well, listen to me a minute. Let’s talk seriously. I would like to see you again, to see you often.
Miss
Would you?
Husband
But one thing is necessary … that I can depend upon you. I can’t look out for you.
Miss
Oh, I can look out for myself.
Husband
You are … well, I can’t just say inexperienced—but, you are young—and—men in general are pretty unscrupulous.
Miss
Oh, my!
Husband
I don’t mean on the moral side only.—Well, you know what I mean—
Miss
Tell me, what do you think I am?
Husband
Look here—if you want me—me only—we can easily arrange it—even if I do generally live in Graz. In a place like this where some one may come in at any moment, it isn’t very comfortable.
Miss
(Snuggles up to him)
Husband
Next time … we shall go somewhere else, won’t we?
Miss
Yes.
Husband
Where we may be entirely alone.
Miss
Yes.
Husband
(Embracing her passionately) We’ll discuss the rest on the way home. (He rises, and opens the door) Waiter … the bill!