REUMANN
Have you just got away from the Academy, Professor?
WEGRAT
Yes. Now, when I am also the president of it, there is a whole lot to do—and all of it is not pleasant or grateful. But I seem to be made for it, as they have insisted. And I suppose it will have to go on this way. (With a smile) As somebody once called me—an art-official.
SALA
Don't be so unjust to yourself, Professor.
MRS. WEGRAT
You must have been walking all that long way home again?
WEGRAT
I even went out of my way some distance—to pass across the old Turkish fort.[2 ] I am awfully fond of that road. On evenings like this the whole city lies beneath you as if bathed in a silvery mist.—By the by, Gabrielle, I have some greetings to deliver. I met Irene Herms.