Hella (as before). Don't become furious, Paul! There's no occasion at all for that! I am not reproaching you in the least! On the contrary, I am of the opinion that you were quite right!
Paul (comes nearer, plants himself before her). What are you trying to say? What does all this mean?
Hella (with a very superior air). We had quarreled, you were furious, wanted to revenge yourself, looked about for a fitting object and naturally hit upon ... whom?
Paul (turns away). Why it's simply idiotic to continue answering such questions! (He walks through the hall excitedly.)
Hella. Hit upon whom?... With the kind of taste that you do seem to have ...
Paul. Hella, I object to that!
Hella. Why, I am absolutely serious, Paul! You can't expect me to question your taste! I should compromise my own position. No, no, I really agree with you, of all those present she was decidedly the most piquant. The typical beauty that appeals to men! Of course you hit upon her, probably courted her, lavished compliments upon her, all the things that you men do when you suppose that you are in the presence of an inferior woman ...
Paul. Hella, now restrain yourself! Or I may tell you something ...
Hella. Very well, let us even suppose that you fell in love with her for the time and she with you, that you went into ecstasy over each other and turned each other's heads, then you parted and the next day the intoxication passed off, and, if not on the next day, then on the following one ... Am I not right? Do you expect me to be jealous of such a thing as that? No, Paul!
Paul (in supreme excitement, struggling with himself). You are a demon! A demon!