Thekla. You’ve robbed me of my soul.
Gustav.[Comes forward.] And I give you mine in exchange for it. Besides, you haven’t got any soul at all. It’s only an optical illusion.
Thekla. You’ve got a knack of being rude in such a way that one can’t be angry with you.
Gustav. That’s because you know very well that I am designated for the place of honor—tell me now when— and where?
Thekla.[Coming toward him.] No. I can’t hurt him by doing a thing like that. I’m sure he still loves me, and I don’t want to wound him a second time.
Gustav. He doesn’t love you. Do you want to have proofs?
Thekla. How can you give me them?
Gustav.[Takes up from the floor the fragments of photograph behind the circular table on the right.] Here, look at yourself! [He gives them to her.]
Thekla. Oh, that is shameful!
Gustav. There, you can see for yourself—well, when and where?