[Nods with a touch of scorn.] The work of art first—then the human being.
Professor Rubek.
You must judge me as you will; but at that time I was utterly dominated by my great task—and exultantly happy in it.
Irene.
And you achieved your great task, Arnold.
Professor Rubek.
Thanks and praise be to you, I achieved my great task. I wanted to embody the pure woman as I saw her awakening on the Resurrection Day. Not marvelling at anything new and unknown and undivined; but filled with a sacred joy at finding herself unchanged—she, the woman of earth—in the higher, freer, happier region—after the long, dreamless sleep of death. [More softly.] Thus did I fashion her.—I fashioned her in your image, Irene.
Irene.
[Laying her hands flat upon the table and leaning against the back of her chair.] And then you were done with me——
Professor Rubek.