Professor Rubek.

I believe I am the only one that can divine your meaning.

Irene.

Surely you ought to be the only one.

Professor Rubek.

[Rests his hands on the table and looks intently at her.] Some of the strings of your nature have broken.

Irene.

[Gently.] Does not that always happen when a young warm-blooded woman dies?

Professor Rubek.

Oh Irene, have done with these wild imaginings—! You are living! Living—living!