[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.
[Trying to control herself.] Yet at one time you seemed to think I was.
Four or five years ago, yes. [Stretching himself in his chair.] Four or five years—it's a long, long time, Maia.
[Looking at him with a bitter expression.] Has the time seemed so very long to you, Rubek?
I am beginning now to find it a trifle long. [Yawning.] Now and then, you know.
[Returning to her place.] I shall not bore you any longer.
[She resumes her seat, takes up the newspaper, and begins turning
over the leaves. Silence on both sides.
[Leaning on his elbows across the table, and looking at her teasingly.] Is the Frau Professor offended?
[Coldly, without looking up.] No, not at all.
[Visitors to the baths, most of them ladies, begin to pass,
singly and in groups, through the park from the right, and
out to the left.
[Waiters bring refreshments from the hotel, and go off behind
the pavilion.
[The INSPECTOR, wearing gloves and carrying a stick, comes from
his rounds in the park, meets visitors, bows politely, and
exchanges a few words with some of them.