Oh, you might have seen her name in a Visitor's List—in one of the newspapers.

But I had no idea of the name she now goes by. I had never heard of any Herr von Satow.

[Affecting weariness.] Oh well then, I suppose it must have been for some other reason that you were so set upon this journey.

[Seriously.] Yes, Maia—it was for another reason. A quite different reason. And that is what we must sooner or later have a clear explanation about.

[In a fit of suppressed laughter.] Heavens, how solemn you look!

[Suspiciously scrutinising her.] Yes, perhaps a little more solemn than necessary.

How so—?

And that is a very good thing for us both.

You begin to make me feel curious, Rubek.

Only curious? Not a little bit uneasy.