[Looking at the door.] Pardon me--I can hardly accustom myself again to the affectionate terms. And if any one should hear us-- Would it not be better--
MAGDA.
[Sadly.] Let them hear us.
VON KELLER.
[At the door.] Good Heavens! Well [sitting down again], as I was saying, if you knew with what real longing I look back from this height at my gay, discarded youth--
MAGDA.
[Half to herself.] So gay,-- yes, so gay.
VON KELLER.
Well, I felt myself called to higher things. I thought-- Why should I undervalue my position? I have become Councillor, and that comparatively young. An ordinary ambition might take satisfaction in that. But one sits and waits at home, while others are called to the ministry. And this environment, conventionality, and narrowness, all is so gray,--gray! And the ladies here--for one who cares at all about elegance--I assure you something rejoiced within me when I read this morning that you were the famous singer,--you to whom I was tied by so many dear memories and--