Maia.

And you never took me up with you to any high mountain, or showed me——

Professor Rubek.

[With irritation]—all the glory of the world? No, I did not. For, let me tell you something: you are not really born to be a mountain-climber, little Maia.

Maia.

[Trying to control herself.] Yet at one time you seemed to think I was.

Professor Rubek.

Four or five years ago, yes. [Stretching himself in his chair.] Four or five years—it’s a long, long time, Maia.

Maia.

[Looking at him with a bitter expression.] Has the time seemed so very long to you, Rubek?