Irene.

Then they are not flamingoes. They are sea-gulls.

Professor Rubek.

They may be sea-gulls with red bills, yes. [Plucks broad green leaves and throws them into the brook.] Now I send out my ships after them.

Irene.

But there must be no harpoon-men on board.

Professor Rubek.

No, there shall be no harpoon-men. [Smiles to her.] Can you remember the summer when we used to sit like this outside the little peasant hut on the Lake of Taunitz?

Irene.

[Nods.] On Saturday evenings, yes,—when we had finished our week’s work——