IRENE.

[Laughing.] And all your ships have run ashore.


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Throwing more leaves into the brook.] I have ships enough in reserve.
[Follows the leaves with his eyes, throws more into the brook, and says
after a pause.] Irene,--I have bought the little peasant hut beside
the Lake of Taunitz.


IRENE.

Have you bought it? You often said you would, if you could afford it.


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

The day came when I could afford it easily enough; and so I bought it.


IRENE.

[With a sidelong look at him.] Then do you live out there now--in
our old house?


PROFESSOR RUBEK.