FullReads

JULIE.
Beautiful, beautiful!

JEAN.
Oh, in Roumania, one can buy a title cheap–and so you can be a countess just the same–my countess!

JULIE.
What do I care for all that–which I now cast behind me. Say that you love me–else, what am I, without it?

JEAN.
I’ll say it a thousand times afterwards, but not here. Above all, let us have no sentimentality now or everything will fall through. We must look at this matter coldly like sensible people. [Takes out a cigar and lights it.] Now sit down there and I’ll sit here and we’ll take it over as if nothing had happened.

JULIE
[Staggered].

Oh, my God, have you no feeling?

JEAN.
I? No one living has more feeling than I but I can restrain myself.

JULIE.
A moment ago you could kiss my slipper and now–

JEAN
[Harshly].

That was–then. Now we have other things to think about.

JULIE.
Don’t speak harshly to me.

JEAN.
Not harshly, but wisely. One folly has been committed–commit no more. The Count may be here at any moment, and before he comes, our fate must be settled. How do my plans for the future strike you? Do you approve of them?

JULIE.
They seem acceptable enough. But one question. For such a great undertaking a large capital is necessary, have you that?

JEAN
[Chewing his cigar].

I? To be sure. I have my regular occupation, my unusual experience, my knowledge of different languages–that is capital that counts, I should say.

JULIE.
But with all that you could not buy a railway ticket.

JEAN.
That’s true, and for that reason I’m looking for a backer who can furnish the funds.

JULIE.
How can that be done at a moment’s notice?

JEAN.
That is for you to say, if you wish to be my companion.

JULIE.
I can’t–as I have nothing myself.

[A pause.]

JEAN.
Then the whole matter drops– —

JULIE.
And– —

JEAN.
Things remain as they are.

JULIE.
Do you think I could remain under this roof after—-Do you think I will allow the people to point at me in scorn, or that I can ever look my father in the face again? Never! Take me away from this humiliation and dishonor. Oh, what have I done! Oh, my God, what have I done! [Weeping.]

JEAN.
So, you are beginning in that tune now. What have you done? The same as many before you.

JULIE.
And now you despise me. I am falling! I am falling!

JEAN.
Fall down to my level, I’ll lift you up afterwards.

JULIE.
What strange power drew me to you–the weak to the strong–the falling to the rising, or is this love! This–love! Do you know what love is?

JEAN.
I? Yes! Do you think it’s the first time?

JULIE.
What language, what thoughts.

JEAN.
I am what life has made me. Don’t be nervous and play the high and mighty, for now we are on the same level. Look here, my little girl, let me offer you a glass of something extra fine. [Opens drawer of table and takes out wine bottle, then fills two glasses that have been already used.]

JULIE.
Where did you get that wine?

JEAN
.
From the cellar.