[Shaking her head.] Not in the least.
Good. Then listen.—You said that day down at the Baths that it seemed to you I had become very nervous of late—
Yes, and you really have.
And what do you think can be the reason of that?
How can I tell—? [Quickly.] Perhaps you have grown weary of this constant companionship with me.
Constant—? Why not say "everlasting"?
Daily companionship, then. Here have we two solitary people lived down there for four or five mortal years, and scarcely have an hour away from each other.—We two all by ourselves.
[With interest.] Well? And then—?
[A little oppressed.] You are not a particularly sociable man, Rubek. You like to keep to yourself and think your own thoughts. And of course I can't talk properly to you about your affairs. I know nothing about art and that sort of thing— [With an impatient gesture.] And care very little either, for that matter!
Well, well; and that's why we generally sit by the fireside, and chat about your affairs.