MASTER. It wasn't yesterday you had a look at these rooms, Mr. Starck.
STARCK. I should say not—it's just ten years ago now——
MASTER. When you brought the wedding-cake.—Does the place look changed?
STARCK. It is just as it was—the palms have grown, of course—but the rest is just as it was.
MASTER. And will remain so until you bring the funeral cake. When you have passed a certain age, nothing changes, nothing progresses—all the movement is downward like that of a sleigh going down-hill.
STARCK. Yes, that's the way it is.
MASTER. And it is peaceful, the way I have it here. No love, no friends, only a little company to break up the solitude. Then human beings are just human beings, without any claims on your feelings and sympathies. Then you come loose like an old tooth, and drop out without pain or regrets. Take Louise, for instance—a pretty young girl, the sight of whom pleases me like a work of art that I don't wish to possess—there is nothing to disturb our relationship. My brother and I meet like two old gentlemen who never get too close to each other and never exact any confidences. By taking up a neutral position toward one's fellow-men, one attains a certain distance—and as a rule we look better at a distance. In a word, I am pleased with my old age and its quiet peace—[Calling out] Louise!
LOUISE. [Appearing in the doorway at the left and speaking pleasantly as always] The laundry has come home, and I have to check it off. [She disappears again.
MASTER. Well, Mr. Starck, won't you sit down and chat a little—or perhaps you play chess?
STARCK. I can't stay away from my pots, and the oven has to be heated up at eleven. It's very kind of you, however——