HELENA. I know so little about such things!

ASTROFF. There is nothing to know. It simply isn't interesting, that's all.

HELENA. Frankly, my thoughts were elsewhere. Forgive me! I want to submit you to a little examination, but I am embarrassed and don't know how to begin.

ASTROFF. An examination?

HELENA. Yes, but quite an innocent one. Sit down. (They sit down) It is about a certain young girl I know. Let us discuss it like honest people, like friends, and then forget what has passed between us, shall we?

ASTROFF. Very well.

HELENA. It is about my step-daughter, Sonia. Do you like her?

ASTROFF. Yes, I respect her.

HELENA. Do you like her—as a woman?

ASTROFF. (Slowly) No.

HELENA. One more word, and that will be the last. You have not noticed anything?

ASTROFF. No, nothing.

HELENA. (Taking his hand) You do not love her. I see that in your eyes. She is suffering. You must realise that, and not come here any more.

ASTROFF. My sun has set, yes, and then I haven't the time. (Shrugging his shoulders) Where shall I find time for such things? (He is embarrassed).

HELENA. Bah! What an unpleasant conversation! I am as out of breath as if I had been running three miles uphill. Thank heaven, that is over! Now let us forget everything as if nothing had been said. You are sensible. You understand. (A pause) I am actually blushing.

ASTROFF. If you had spoken a month ago I might perhaps have considered it, but now—(He shrugs his shoulders) Of course, if she is suffering—but I cannot understand why you had to put me through this examination. (He searches her face with his eyes, and shakes his finger at her) Oho, you are wily!

HELENA. What does this mean?

ASTROFF. (Laughing) You are a wily one! I admit that Sonia is suffering, but what does this examination of yours mean? (He prevents her from retorting, and goes on quickly) Please don't put on such a look of surprise; you know perfectly well why I come here every day. Yes, you know perfectly why and for whose sake I come! Oh, my sweet tigress! don't look at me in that way; I am an old bird!

HELENA. (Perplexed) A tigress? I don't understand you.

ASTROFF. Beautiful, sleek tigress, you must have your victims! For a whole month I have done nothing but seek you eagerly. I have thrown over everything for you, and you love to see it. Now then, I am sure you knew all this without putting me through your examination. (Crossing his arms and bowing his head) I surrender. Here you have me—now, eat me.

HELENA. You have gone mad!

ASTROFF. You are afraid!

HELENA. I am a better and stronger woman than you think me. Good-bye. (She tries to leave the room.)

ASTROFF. Why good-bye? Don't say good-bye, don't waste words. Oh, how lovely you are—what hands! (He kisses her hands.)

HELENA. Enough of this! (She frees her hands) Leave the room! You have forgotten yourself.