Aunt Clara (petrified). And you are going to desert Ellernhof!
Hella. It will be a long time before the estate sees us again. Prepare for that. As for the rest, we shall see later.
Aunt Clara (turns away). Then I might as well order my grave at once, the sooner the better.
Hella (with an air of superiority). Don't worry! You will be cared for.
Aunt Clara (straightening up). Not a soul needs to care for me henceforth, madam! My way is quite clear to me. It will not be very long. Look at the men and women on these walls, they all followed this course. Now I shall emulate their example. What is coming now is no longer suitable for me. (She slowly steps to the door with head bowed).
Hella (partly to herself). No, what is coming now is the new world and new men and women! (She stands and reflects for a moment, then resolutely.) New men and women! Yes! Yes, we are ready to fight for that! (She clasps her hands vigorously, suggesting inflexible resolution.)
Paul (enters from the right, comes upon Aunt Clara, who is going out). What ails you, Auntie? How you do look!
Aunt Clara (shakes her head). Don't ask me, my boy. I have lived my life! (She goes out slowly and closes the door.)
Paul (steps to the fireplace pondering deeply and drops down in a chair). What did she say?... Lived my life?... A soothing phrase! A cradle-song! No more pain, no more care! All over!... Lived my life! (Supports his head on his hand.)
[Short pause.]