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?
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?