Hella. Why, you are to be present.
Paul. But you must be present! I desire it, Hella!
Hella. And what if I simply cannot?
Paul (plants himself before her). Why not?
Hella. Because I cannot. Because I hate these feeds!
Paul (more calmly). That is correct. So do I! But what can we do about it? It is the custom.
Hella. Custom, Paul, custom!... Have we founded our life upon old customs?
Paul (embittered). If we only had!
Hella (looks at him sharply). Do you think so?
Paul. Yes, possibly we should have fared better.