Gustav. Quite right, we must part—but before that, we’ll say good-bye to each other, won’t we?
Thekla.[Uneasily.] No.
Gustav.[Dogging her.] Yes, we will; yes, we will. We’ll say good-bye; we will drown our memories in an ecstasy which will be so violent that when we wake up the past will have vanished from our recollection forever. There are ecstasies like that, you know. [He puts his arm round her waist.] You’re being dragged down by a sick spirit, who’s infecting you with his own consumption. I will breathe new life into you. I will fertilize your genius, so that it will bloom in the autumn like a rose in the spring, I will [Two lady visitors appear on the right behind the central door.]
SCENE IV
The previous characters; the Two LADIES. [The ladies appear surprised, point, laugh, and exeunt on the left.]
SCENE V
Thekla.[Disengaging herself.] Who was that?
Gustav.[Casually, while he closes the central door.] Oh, some visitors who were passing through.
Thekla. Go away! I’m afraid of you. [She goes behind the sofa on the left.]
Gustav. Why?