FullReads

JULIA.
Splendid, splendid!

JEAN.
Yes, in Roumania the title of count can be had for cash, and so you’ll be a countess after all. My countess!

JULIA.
What do I care about all I now cast behind me! Tell me that you love me: otherwise–yes, what am I otherwise?

JEAN.
I will tell you so a thousand times–later. But not here. And above all, no sentimentality, or everything will be lost. We must look at the matter in cold blood, like sensible people.

[Takes out a cigar, cuts of the point, and lights it]
Sit down there now, and I’ll sit here, and then we’ll talk as if nothing had happened.

JULIA.
[In despair]

Good Lord! Have you then no feelings at all?

JEAN.
I? No one is more full of feeling than I am. But I know how to control myself.

JULIA.
A while ago you kissed my shoe–and now!

JEAN.
[Severely]

Yes, that was then. Now we have other things to think of.

JULIA.
Don’t speak harshly to me!

JEAN.
No, but sensibly. One folly has been committed–don’t let us commit any more! The count may be here at any moment, and before he comes our fate must be settled. What do you think of my plans for the future? Do you approve of them?

JULIA.
They seem acceptable, on the whole. But there is one question: a big undertaking of that kind will require a big capital have you got it?

JEAN.
[Chewing his cigar]

I? Of course! I have my expert knowledge, my vast experience, my familiarity with several languages. That’s the very best kind of capital, I should say.

JULIA.
But it won’t buy you a railroad ticket even.

JEAN.
That’s true enough. And that is just why I am looking for a backer to advance the needful cash.

JULIA.
Where could you get one all of a sudden?

JEAN.
It’s for you to find him if you want to become my partner.

JULIA.
I cannot do it, and I have nothing myself.

[Pause.]

JEAN.
Well, then that’s off–

JULIA.
And—

JEAN.
Everything remains as before.

JULIA.
Do you think I am going to stay under this roof as your concubine? Do you think I’ll let the people point their fingers at me? Do you think I can look my father in the face after this? No, take me away from here, from all this humiliation and disgrace!– Oh, what have I done? My God, my God!

[Breaks into tears.]

JEAN.
So we have got around to that tune now!–What you have done? Nothing but what many others have done before you.

JULIA.
[Crying hysterically]

And now you’re despising me!–I’m falling, I’m falling!

JEAN.
Fall down to me, and I’ll lift you up again afterwards.

JULIA.
What horrible power drew me to you? Was it the attraction which the strong exercises on the weak–the one who is rising on one who is falling? Or was it love? This love! Do you know what love is?

JEAN.
I? Well, I should say so! Don’t you think I have been there before?

JULIA.
Oh, the language you use, and the thoughts you think!

JEAN.
Well, that’s the way I was brought up, and that’s the way I am. Don’t get nerves now and play the exquisite, for now one of us is just as good as the other. Look here, my girl, let me treat you to a glass of something superfine.