Hella. I have a feeling that I am not quite suited to this place.
Paul (bitterly). Aha! That is at the bottom of this insistence about the new number of Women's Rights, which is all but complete even now.
Hella (unswervingly). I have a feeling that I am not adapted to this environment, and my feelings have rarely deceived me.
Paul. Oh, your feelings, Hella! Your feelings! If you had only followed them solely, many matters would stand better today! Believe me.
Hella. I follow my feelings entirely too much, or I should have remained in Berlin and should not sit here in the presence of peasants where I have nothing at stake.
Paul. But I have, Hella! I have very much at stake here. After all a man does not abandon his inheritance point blank. Do not forget that.
Hella (straightening up). Of what concern is that to me! Sell it, why don't you! It's nothing but a dead weight to you anyhow.
Paul. Why, I agree with you, Hella. And I am in favor of selling the estate. But not today nor tomorrow. Such things call for deliberation.
Hella. But I simply cannot wait that long. Just confess it, Paul, my place is in the world. You surely don't expect me to desert my post. Our whole cause is hazarded, if I throw up the game now. Particularly at this moment. You are demanding too much!... Do you expect me to give up my life work, simply because you cannot break away from your clod, on account of a stupid loyalty?
Paul (controlling himself). It seems to me, Hella, that we have a career in common. You are acting as if you alone had a career.