Maia.
[Indifferently.] All the dear domestic animals, in fact.
Professor Rubek.
Simply the dear domestic animals, Maia. All the animals which men have bedevilled in their own image—and which have bedevilled men in return. [Empties his champagne-glass and laughs.] And it is these double-faced works of art that our excellent plutocrats come and order -----File: 367.png--------------------------------------------------------- of me. And pay for in all good faith—and in good round figures too—almost their weight in gold, as the saying goes.
Maia.
[Fills his glass.] Come, Rubek! Drink and be happy.
Professor Rubek.
[Passes his hand several times across his forehead and leans back in his chair.] I am happy, Maia. Really happy—in a way. [Short silence.] For after all there is a certain happiness in feeling oneself free and independent on every hand—in having at one’s command everything one can possibly wish for—all outward things, that is to say. Do you not agree with me, Maia?
Maia.
Oh yes, I agree. All that is well enough in its way. [Looking at him.] But do you remember what you promised me the day we came to an understanding on—on that troublesome point——