Yes, she who is always hanging at our heels. Yesterday evening she made her appearance up here too.
But what in all the world—!
Oh, I know you knew her very well indeed—long before you knew me.
And had forgotten her, too—long before I knew you.
[Sitting upright.] Can you forget so easily, Rubek?
[Curtly.] Yes, very easily indeed. [Adds harshly.] When I want to forget.
Even a woman who has been a model to you?
When I have no more use for her—
One who has stood to you undressed?
That means nothing—nothing for us artists. [With a change of tone.] And then—may I venture to ask—how was I to guess that she was in this country?