[Interrupting vehemently.] Do not speak of her now! It makes me tingle with shame.

Irene.

Where are you thinking of going with her?

Professor Rubek.

[Slack and weary.] Oh, on a tedious coasting-voyage to the North, I suppose.

Irene.

[Looks at him, smiles almost imperceptibly, and whispers.] You should rather go high up into the mountains. As high as ever you can. Higher, higher,—always higher, Arnold.

Professor Rubek.

[With eager expectation.] Are you going up there?

Irene.