I've painted this meeting to myself a thousand times, and have been prepared for it for years. Something warned me, too, when I undertook this journey home--though I must say I hardly expected just here to-- Yes, how is it that, after what has passed between us, you came into this house? It seems to me a little--
VON KELLER.
I tried to avoid it until quite recently; but since we belong to the same circles, and since I agree with the views of this family--that is, at least in theory--
MAGDA.
Yes, yes. Let me look at you, my poor friend. How you have changed!
VON KELLER.
[Laughing nervously.] I seem to have the misfortune to make a rather absurd figure in your eyes.
MAGDA.
No, oh, no! I can see it all. The effort to keep worthy of respect under such difficulties, with a bad conscience, is awkward. You look down from the height of your pure atmosphere on your sinful youth,--for you are called a pillar, my dear friend.