The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann - novelonlinefull.com
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LOTH
Yes, it came all at once ...
HELEN
Listen, I feel this way: all the days of my life are like one day; but yesterday and to-day are like a year--a whole year!
LOTH
Didn't I come till yesterday?
HELEN
Of course not! Naturally! That's just it!... Oh, and you don't even know it!
LOTH
And surely it seems to me ...
HELEN
Doesn't it? Like a whole, long year! Doesn't it? [_Half jumping up._]
Wait...! Don't you hear ... [_They move away from each other._] Oh, but I don't care one bit! I am so full of courage now.
[_She remains seated and invites LOTH with her eyes to move nearer, which he does._
HELEN
[_In LOTH'S arms._] Dear, what are we going to do first?
LOTH
Your step-mother, I suppose, would send me packing.
HELEN
Oh, my step-mother ... that won't matter ... it doesn't even concern her!
I do as I please! I have my mother's fortune, you must know.
LOTH
Did you think on that account ...
HELEN
I am of age; father will have to give me my share.
LOTH
You are not, then, on good terms with everyone here?--Where has your father gone to?
HELEN
Gone? You have?... Oh, you haven't seen my father yet?
LOTH
No; Hoffmann told me....
HELEN
Surely, you saw him once.
LOTH
Not that I know of. Where, dearest?
HELEN
I.... [_She bursts into tears._] No, I can't. I can't tell you ... it's too, too fearful!
LOTH
So fearful? But, Helen, is anything wrong with your father?
HELEN
Oh, don't ask me! Not now, at least! Some time...!
LOTH
I will not urge you to tell me anything, dear, that you don't voluntarily speak of. And, look, as far as the money is concerned ... if the worst came ... though I don't exactly earn superfluous cash with my articles--still, in the end, we could both manage to exist on it.
HELEN
And I wouldn't be idle either, would I? But the other way is better. My inheritance Is more than enough.--And there's your life work ... no, you're not to give that up under any circ.u.mstances ... now less than ever ...! Now you're to have your real chance to pursue it!
LOTH
[_Kissing her tenderly._] Dearest, best ...
HELEN
Oh, do you truly care...? Truly? Truly?
LOTH
Truly.
