The Lonely Way-Intermezzo-Countess Mizzie Part 47

There is a blue-greenish glitter on the water, and besides, the shadow of the beech tree falls right across it early in the morning. And by a strange coincidence Johanna said yesterday: "The water can no more hold my image...." That was, in a way, like challenging fate.... And as I pa.s.sed by the pool, it was as if ... the water had retained her image just the same.

JULIAN

Is that true?

SALA

True ... or untrue ... what is that to me? It could be of interest to me only if I were to remain in this world another year--or another hour at least.

JULIAN

You mean to...?

SALA

Of course, I do. Would you expect me to wait for it? That would be rather painful, I think. (_To Julian, with a smile_) From whom are you now going to get your cues, my dear friend? Yes, it's all over now....

And what has become of it?... Where are the _thermae_ of Caracalla?

Where is the park at Lugano?... Where is my nice little house?... No nearer to me, and no farther away, than those marble steps leading down to mysterious depths.... Veils in front of everything.... Perhaps your son will discover if the three-hundred and twelfth be the last one--and if not, it won't give him much concern anyhow.... Don't you think he has been acting rather nicely?... I have somehow the impression that a better generation is growing up--with more poise and less brilliancy.--Send your regards to heaven, Julian.

JULIAN (_makes a movement to accompany him_)

SALA (_gently but firmly_)

You stay here, Julian. This is the end of our dialogue. Farewell.

(_He goes out quickly_)

FELIX (_entering rapidly_)

Is Mr. von Sala gone? My father wanted to talk to him.--And you are still here?... Why did Mr. von Sala go? What did he tell you?--Johanna...! Johanna...?

JULIAN

She is dead ... she has drowned herself in the pool.

FELIX (_with a cry of dismay_)

Where did he go?

JULIAN

I don't think you can find him.

FELIX

What is he doing?

JULIAN

He is paying ... while it's time....

WEGRAT (_enters from the veranda_)

FELIX (_runs to meet him_)

Father....

WEGRAT

Felix! What has happened?

FELIX

We must go to Sala's house, father.

WEGRAT

Dead...?

FELIX

Father! (_He takes hold of Wegrat's hand and kisses it_) My father!

JULIAN (_has left the room slowly in the meantime_)

WEGRAT

Must things of this kind happen to make that word sound as if I had heard it for the first time...?

CURTAIN

INTERMEZZO

(_Zwischenspiel_)

A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS

1904

PERSONS

AMADEUS ADAMS } A musical conductor