Part 6

PAULA—[_Rises._] I beg pardon, your excellency.... I have had the strangest feeling ... since ... since he went away from here.... I don’t know how to describe it.... I don’t know what it is. [_Her voice is restrained, embarrassed._] But I really believe ... [_bursts out angrily_] I’ve fallen in love with this Juhasz. [_She hurries out at right. The COUNT stares after her a moment thoughtfully, lights a cigarette, and as he flicks the ashes from it,_

THE CURTAIN FALLS

ACT THREE

ACT THREE

SCENE—_The shop again. It is a sunny autumn morning. When the curtain rises JUHASZ is escorting the Insignificant Lady to the door, which PHILIP holds open for her._

UNASSUMING LADY—[_As she goes._] Thank you. I will telephone you on Wednesday about noon, and if the materials have arrived I will come in during the afternoon some time. Good day.

JUHASZ—Good day, madame.

PHILIP—Good day.

UNASSUMING LADY—[_To PHILIP._] Good day. [_She exits. PHILIP closes the door. JUHASZ returns to the counter down right and begins clearing away._]

JUHASZ—[_Gloomily._] This place gets more like a graveyard every day.

PHILIP—I don’t see how you can say that, Mr. Juhasz. You’ve only been back two weeks, and in those two weeks you have done more business than you used to do in two months.

JUHASZ—[_Morosely._] Not enough to suit me.

PHILIP—It has become the fashion to buy here. Everybody in Budapest seems anxious to help you.

JUHASZ—Because they are sorry for me. I don’t want them to be sorry for me.

PHILIP—Nonsense! It’s because they like you. You ought to be very happy.

JUHASZ—I’m not happy. Do you understand? And I won’t be happy until I have paid him back every heller he laid out for me.

PHILIP—At this rate it won’t take long.

JUHASZ—I haven’t slept in two weeks, and I shan’t sleep while I remain under obligation to him.

PHILIP—I really don’t see why you are so angry with the Count. After all, he did it for your good.

JUHASZ—He did it for his own good. And now he laughs at me ... he and ... Paula.... [_The door opens. OSCAR stands irresolutely on the threshold. He is shabby and crestfallen._]

OSCAR—Good morning.

JUHASZ—Good morning.

OSCAR—Good morning, Philip.

PHILIP—How do you do? [_Turns his back on OSCAR and, with ostentatious delicacy, exits through the archway. There is a pause._]

OSCAR—He’s angry with me. [_A pause._] I hope ... you are not.

JUHASZ—No. [_He continues to clear away._]

OSCAR—I hope you don’t mind my coming here. I have several reasons for coming. First, I consider it my duty....

JUHASZ—Please! You have no more duties where I am concerned.

OSCAR—Oh, but I have!

JUHASZ—Yes, I know. You can’t pay me.

OSCAR—Not at present. Unfortunately!... In the second place, I owe Philip three kronen ... [_fumbles in his pocket_] that I want to pay him.... In the third place, knowing what a kind heart you have——

JUHASZ—[_Impatiently._] Say what you have to say, and make it short. I am busy.

OSCAR—[_With an ironic glance around the empty shop._] One would never think it.

JUHASZ—Well, if it interests you, business is fine. I’ve done more in the past two weeks than I used to do in two months. Yes!

OSCAR—Really? Really? I am very glad to hear it.

JUHASZ—[_Impatiently._] Well? Say what you have to say, and get it over with.

OSCAR—Why, er ... to be brief ... I want a job.

JUHASZ—Where?

OSCAR—Here.

JUHASZ—With me? You want a job here?

OSCAR—Yes.

JUHASZ—[_Almost speechless with astonishment._] Well!... My dear man.... [_He comes around to the front of the counter, trying vainly to find words to express his feelings._]

OSCAR—If you knew how poor we are——

JUHASZ—So ... so ... you take me for an utter idiot!

OSCAR—Please don’t say that ... please!

JUHASZ—You must. To ask me that.

OSCAR—I’ve been everywhere. I’ve been at Laszlo and Barna’s, at Chellis’s, at Semlinger and Weiss’s, at Stein’s, at Brunner’s, at Kramer’s, at Gold’s, at Reedo’s, at Kelamen’s ... every shop in town ... and they all know that I am the most competent man in the business ... but they all gave me the cold shoulder ... [_points accusingly at JUHASZ_] ... on your account!

JUHASZ—On my account? That’s very likely!

OSCAR—It’s true. They all say they won’t have an employe who could abuse the confidence of a man like you. Yes ... you can stare ... but it’s true. You are keeping me out of a job.

JUHASZ—_I_ am?

OSCAR—If you were a plain, ordinary man ... like everyone else, nobody would care what had happened between us....

JUHASZ—Now, really, this is——

OSCAR—I am practically boycotted, that’s what I am! Can I help it if you are a saint? Wouldn’t I have fallen in love with your wife just the same if you had been a scoundrel? Why should I be held answerable for your virtues?

JUHASZ—No, that’s not fair.

OSCAR—I acted honestly and fairly toward you.

JUHASZ—Let us say you did.

OSCAR—And certainly Adele did.

JUHASZ—That’s true.

OSCAR—And _now_ look at me.... I had no supper last night, if you want to know it.... Neither I nor your wife.

JUHASZ—When you can’t buy her supper, then she’s _my_ wife, eh?

OSCAR—Go on and joke about it.... But we went to bed without supper.

JUHASZ—But then ... she was _your_ wife.

OSCAR—Your jokes don’t alter the facts. You are responsible for this.

JUHASZ—For what?

OSCAR—For the fact that we are starving. For the fact that I am shabby. And for ... [_raises his trousers leg_] the fact that my socks are in holes.... And for the boycott against me.... But if you don’t care whether your former wife starves or not—— [_JUHASZ reaches for his purse. OSCAR puts out a firm, protesting hand._] No, my friend, no! [_Heroically._] We don’t accept alms.... Believe me, you’d be the last I’d come to for a job if I had only myself to consider. You can imagine what I went through before I brought myself to the point of crossing your threshold. And now if, after all, _you_ send me away too——

JUHASZ—[_Touched, but refitting his impulse._] Will it always be like this?... Why can’t they let me be? [_Turns, comes down right, passes behind the counter. PHILIP enters through the archway._]

OSCAR—[_Follows JUHASZ._] Well ... what do you say?

JUHASZ—[_Through his clenched teeth._] I can’t.... You mustn’t ask it of me. I’ll do anything but that.... My dear fellow, you must see I can’t do that....

OSCAR—[_Bends over the counter toward him._] Then, at least, will you give me six pair of black socks? [_Raises his trousers leg._] Mine are in tatters.

JUHASZ—Oh!

OSCAR—You won’t even do that for me?

JUHASZ—[_Impatiently._] Certainly I will.... [_Takes a box from the shelves, throws it on the counter._]

OSCAR—You are not going to offer me those HBs.

JUHASZ—What kind do you want then?

OSCAR—You might at least give me KMs.

JUHASZ—I have no more KMs. They are all gone. [_Puts out another box._] Here are some AWs. [_Opens the box._] They are very good. [_Shows him a pair._]

OSCAR—Are you trying to tell _me_ these are good? [_Fingers them._] Cobweb?

JUHASZ—Not at all. [_He feels them too._]

OSCAR—[_Feels them again._] Why, if I put these flimsy things on now they’d be in holes before I got home.

JUHASZ—They don’t knit socks of steel wire, you know. [_The THOROUGH YOUNG LADY enters._]

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Good morning. [_PHILIP, JUHASZ and OSCAR return her greeting simultaneously. OSCAR, socks in hand, even bows and smiles to her. She addresses OSCAR._] I’d like a dozen very fine men’s handkerchiefs.

OSCAR—[_Sadly, pointing to PHILIP._] There, please.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Yes. [_She goes to PHILIP at the back counter._]

OSCAR—It’s enough to break your heart. [_He looks back at them enviously, dangling the socks from his hand._]

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—[_To PHILIP._] Now I don’t want the kind that fade when they are washed.

PHILIP—All our handkerchiefs are absolutely fast colors, madame. [_Puts out a box full._] Won’t you sit down?

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Thanks. [_She sits and examines the handkerchiefs._]

PHILIP—These are batiste, madame, and these are French linen.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Haven’t you got these in a bigger size?

PHILIP—Yes, ma’am. [_Puts out another box._] These are bigger.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Are these the very largest?

PHILIP—[_Indicating others in the same box._] Those are larger.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Are these the largest you carry?

PHILIP—There is no larger handkerchief made, ma’am. [_He opens an enormous handkerchief._]

JUHASZ—[_Impatiently._] Do you want these socks or not?

OSCAR—It’s enough to break your heart! Why doesn’t he show her the Rumbergers?

JUHASZ—He knows what he’s doing. [_Impatiently._] Please don’t take up any more of my time. You can have these if you want them.

OSCAR—These shoddy things!

JUHASZ—I can’t be bothered with you any longer.

OSCAR—You can’t palm them off on any customer, yet you expect me to take them. Why, they are the worst quality in the shop! [_The DISSATISFIED LADY enters._]

JUHASZ—Good morning. [_Leaving OSCAR, he goes to the back counter._]

DISSATISFIED LADY—[_Joins JUHASZ._] Good morning, Mr. Juhasz. I want to look at some nice neckties. To-morrow is my husband’s birthday, and I want to get him some for a surprise.

JUHASZ—Will you step this way, please?

DISSATISFIED LADY—He told me exactly the kind he wanted, and said I could go as high as a hundred kronen.

JUHASZ—I see. A real surprise.

DISSATISFIED LADY—Yes.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—No, no, no ... not lilac.

JUHASZ—Instead of buying ready-made ones, why not select your patterns and have them made up?

PHILIP—This is the newest color, Jerusalem blue.

DISSATISFIED LADY—You are sure you could get them out for me in time.

JUHASZ—Oh, yes. That would give you the choice of some very nice silks in restricted patterns.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—This straw color is very attractive.

DISSATISFIED LADY—I might look at them.

JUHASZ—We never cut more than one tie of each pattern. Would you step in here? [_He indicates the archway. The NERVOUS GENTLEMAN enters._]

PHILIP—Good day, sir.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Good day.

JUHASZ—[_To the NERVOUS GENTLEMAN._] Good day. Just a moment, sir.

PHILIP—[_To the THOROUGH YOUNG LADY._] These are Rumbergers. A very well-known brand.

JUHASZ—[_Flashes OSCAR a look of triumph._] After you, madame. [_Follows the DISSATISFIED LADY off through the archway._]

PHILIP—Will you have a seat, sir? I’ll be with you in just a moment.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Thank you. [_He remains standing at the counter, right._]

PHILIP—Pastel green, pastel brown, pastel blue, pastel yellow.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—I don’t know what pastel is.

PHILIP—Pastel is four kronen fifty, madame.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—You haven’t got something about half pastel, have you.

PHILIP—Yes, we have. [_Puts out still another box. To the NERVOUS GENTLEMAN._] Won’t you sit down, sir? Mr. Juhasz will be there in a moment.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—That’s all right.

PHILIP—These are lighter ... two kronen apiece lighter. [_The NERVOUS GENTLEMAN comes down to the end of the counter where OSCAR stands disconsolately before the open box of socks, one pair still held in his hand._]

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—And what about these darker shades? [_The NERVOUS GENTLEMAN pokes in the box of socks._]

PHILIP—They are one krone fifty darker.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—I’d like something between the two.

PHILIP—[_Pulls down another box._] Between the two.

OSCAR—[_Deferentially._] Those are socks, sir.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—I see they are.

OSCAR—[_Very deferentially._] Would you like to look at some, sir?

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Yes.

OSCAR—[_Shows the pair he is holding in his hand._] Black. Fil d’Ecosse.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—I’m afraid they are too expensive. Let me look at the first ones again.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Looks at his watch._] I’m afraid I can’t wait.

PHILIP—One moment more, sir. Mr. Juhasz will be right in.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—I know what your moments mean. [_Picks up a sock._]

OSCAR—[_Ingratiatingly._] Mr. Juhasz will be right in, sir. Now here is an exceptionally fine stocking, sir. [_Shows him the pair he has been holding._]

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Compares it with the one he is holding._] Just the same as this, isn’t it?

OSCAR—Just the same. Genuine Fil d’Ecosse.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Is it really good?

OSCAR—Absolutely. [_He is at the end of the counter now._]

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—It looks good.

OSCAR—You wouldn’t want a better sock, sir.

PHILIP—[_Who has been watching them; angrily._] Coming right away, sir. One second more!

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Looks at him, then at OSCAR._] You ... work here?

OSCAR—Well ... not exactly, sir.... I ... I ... I’m a relation of Mr. Juhasz’s.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Because I can’t wait any longer.

OSCAR—[_Goes swiftly behind the counter._] Then just let me wait on you, sir ... until Mr. Juhasz comes. This is a fine quality, sir, absolutely first class.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Will these tear easily?

OSCAR—[_Laughs._] These? These are the strongest Fil d’Ecosse made. [_Pulls at the hose._] They’re like steel.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—They look good.

OSCAR—And they will feel good on the foot.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—I want a good quality.

OSCAR—[_Spluttering in his eagerness._] We sell nothing but first-class goods, sir. You won’t find a more durable Fil d’Ecosse anywhere. My ... my brother-in-law imports it direct from England.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—I’ll take some. Then I want some with colored clocks.

OSCAR—How many of these, sir?

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Well, if they are really so good, give me a dozen pair.

OSCAR—Yes, sir. Twelve. [_Counts them briskly._]

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Do you mind letting me look at those first ones again? [_The DISSATISFIED LADY and JUHASZ re-enter._]

DISSATISFIED LADY—[_Speaking as she enters._] ... and my husband is very fond of bow ties, those gay ones they are wearing now. [_Comes down left._]

JUHASZ—[_Without noticing OSCAR, he comes down to the table at left._] The bow ties are here, madame. Considered very smart just now. Restricted pattern, too. We only make up two or three of each. A man doesn’t like to see the tie he is wearing ... [_Now he sees OSCAR, who has just climbed up on a stool to reach some boxes on the top shelves. They look into each other’s eyes across the shop. JUHASZ’S mouth remains open, the word sticks in his throat, his hand, holding a necktie, remains poised in the air._]

OSCAR—[_Quickly._] The gentleman couldn’t wait. He was about to walk out. I didn’t want to see a customer walk out of the shop, so I just showed him one or two things in a hurry.... I’d like to know about what size. Will you show me your hand, please? [_The NERVOUS GENTLEMAN extends his hand. OSCAR, looks at JUHASZ again, greatly flustered, takes the NERVOUS GENTLEMAN’S hand, shakes it cordially._] How do you do? [_He stares at JUHASZ anxiously._]

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—What do you say?

OSCAR—Oh, pardon me! ... Will you close your hand, sir? [_The NERVOUS GENTLEMAN extends his fist. OSCAR measures a sock over it._] These are just right.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—[_To PHILIP._] Let me see? Will they wear?

JUHASZ—[_To the DISSATISFIED LADY._] A man doesn’t like to see the same tie he is wearing on somebody else. [_He is still staring at OSCAR._]

OSCAR—[_Rapidly._] Three pair.... Yes, sir. And a dozen of these ... and now—— [_Scans the shelves._] Long black Fil d’Ecosse with clocks. [_Takes down a box and throws it on the counter._] These are really excellent. [_Opens the box in feverish haste, shows the socks._] We are the only ones in the city who carry them.... You can do almost anything to this stocking without harming it ... boil it, bake it, soak it in lye, in alcohol, in vitriol.... May I see your hand again?

DISSATISFIED LADY—[_Who has been rummaging in the box, now has several neckties in her hand._] These aren’t bad.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Extends his fist._] It’s socks I want, you know, not gloves.

OSCAR—Ha, ha, ha! That’s good! [_Measures._] These are exactly right.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Sure they won’t be too small?

OSCAR—Perhaps just a half size larger. [_Turns to the shelves again._]

PHILIP—The color won’t run if they are washed in lukewarm water.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Are you quite sure? [_The NERVOUS GENTLEMAN takes the socks from OSCAR and inspects them._]

DISSATISFIED LADY—These aren’t exactly what I wanted either, but I’ll take them. How much does it all come to?

JUHASZ—[_Still watching OSCAR. His voice trembles._] Seven kronen.... And these are five-fifty ... these long ones ... nine kronen eleven.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—What did you say these were?

DISSATISFIED LADY—I’m sure my husband won’t like them.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—[_Rises._] Yes, perhaps I had better look at them too.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—And now I want a couple of pair with some sort of design, not clocks.

OSCAR—Stars, circles, dots, triangles, squares, circles, stars, squares, dots——

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Some very quiet design.

OSCAR—[_Contemplates the shelves._] Quiet, quiet ... Just a moment, sir. I’ll bring it right here. [_He hurries off through the archway._]

DISSATISFIED LADY—These are rather good. But I only see one.

JUHASZ—There must be more. [_He rummages in the box._]

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Now, if you don’t mind, we will go over the lot from the beginning. Seeing so many kinds gets one all confused.

PHILIP—Just as you say, madame.

OSCAR—[_Re-enters with a box._] How do you like these, sir? [_Puts it on the counter._]

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Too loud. Much too loud. I want something very quiet.

OSCAR—[_Greatly perturbed._] If I only knew where they were. [_In perplexity._] Quiet, quiet, quiet ... [_Looks at PHILIP._] If I only knew where those ... [_As PHILIP ignores him, he raises his voice._] They used to be kept here on the third shelf.

JUHASZ—[_Grudgingly, angrily._] Fourth shelf ... on the end. [_PHILIP angrily bangs a box down on the counter._]

OSCAR—My God! [_Startled, puts his hand over his heart._] Thank you, thank you, sir! ... On the end ... [_Transported with joy._] Very kind of you, sir! [_He is almost weeping._] Fourth shelf ... on the end. Thank you, sir!

DISSATISFIED LADY—[_Who has by this time accumulated a handful of neckties._] That will be all. ... Just these ten.

JUHASZ—[_Going to the cashier’s desk._] We will send them this afternoon, madame.

DISSATISFIED LADY—How much do I owe?

JUHASZ—Five times seven ... and five times five fifty.... Sixty-two fifty.

DISSATISFIED LADY—[_Gives him a hundred krone note._] If you please.

JUHASZ—[_Has gone behind the cashier’s desk._] Sixty-two fifty. [_Rings the cash register, makes change._] And fifty are sixty-three, ninety, one hundred. Thank you.

DISSATISFIED LADY—This afternoon without fail.

OSCAR—[_Raises his head._] 16 Nador Street, Fourth Floor, Apartment 1.

DISSATISFIED LADY—That’s right. Good day. [_She exits. JUHASZ escorts her to the door, closes it after her, turns, glares at OSCAR and comes toward him slowly._]

OSCAR—[_Watches him come, fearfully, as if he expected to have his ears boxed._] One with blue stars, these with the white squares, and would you like these violet dots, and these with the very dainty circles, and these....

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Hold on. I only want three. Let me see. [_He examines the socks. JUHASZ passes them slowly, and goes to the THOROUGH YOUNG LADY whom PHILIP is showing a bath-robe._]

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—It looks like a night-gown.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Put these three aside.

JUHASZ—[_Who is standing now between the two counters._] Show the lady those hooded robes.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Rises._] And now quickly, for I am late, a white cap, please.

OSCAR—[_Looks at JUHASZ._] A white cap.

JUHASZ—[_Looks at OSCAR sternly._] _I’ll_ get it for the gentleman. [_He exits through the archway._]

OSCAR—[_Crestfallen._] The chief will bring it right in, sir. [_There is a pause. OSCAR rubs his hands._] We have some very nice neckwear.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—I don’t need any, thanks.

OSCAR—Tennis shoes?

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Thank you, no.

OSCAR—Sport shirts?

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Nervously._] Don’t need any. I need a white cap. Nothing else. [_A brief pause._]

OSCAR—Belts?

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—No.

OSCAR—[_With a furtive glance at PHILIP._] Bathrobes? [_The NERVOUS GENTLEMAN shakes his head._] White gaiters?

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Sharply._] Thank you, no! [_Rises._] I asked for a white cap. [_A brief pause._]

OSCAR—Nice walking stick?

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Crossly._] No ... A cap is what I asked for.

OSCAR—[_Offended._] It will be here right away. [_Crosses to the table down left, takes a stick from the rack which stands there, flourishes it._] This is a very unusual stick, sir.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—I said I didn’t want one.

OSCAR—Yes, sir. [_He flourishes the stick, demonstrating its lightness. The NERVOUS GENTLEMAN sullenly watches him balancing it, bending it, testing its suppleness._]

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Let me see.

OSCAR—[_Gives it to him._] Light as a feather.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Balances and bends it._] I don’t need it. [_Returns it to OSCAR._] I have more sticks now than I can use.

OSCAR—Just as you say, sir. [_JUHASZ re-enters with the cap._]

JUHASZ—Here you are, sir. White flannel.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—That’s right. [_Puts it with his other purchases._] A dozen black socks, a dozen with clocks, these three figured ones, and the cap.

JUHASZ—Shall we send them?

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—4 Sas Street ... Lissauer.... With the bill.

JUHASZ—[_Makes a note of it._] Yes, sir.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—[_Pulls the stick out of OSCAR’S hand._] What does this stick cost?

OSCAR—Twenty-four kronen.

NERVOUS GENTLEMAN—Oh, put it on the bill too. Good day. [_He exits with the stick._]

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—No monogram. Just two letters.

PHILIP—[_Writing._] What letters? } } THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—R. S. } } PHILIP—R. S. } } THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—In white, please. } [_Simultaneously._] } PHILIP—White letters. } } OSCAR—[_Rushes off through the archway, calling } to the bookkeeper._] Charge Lissauer with } twenty-four kronen more for a cane. }

[_JUHASZ begins to replace the boxes on the shelves down right. PAULA enters from the street. She is very beautifully dressed._]

PAULA—Good morning. [_She comes slowly down to JUHASZ. PHILIP looks up, stares at her in blank amazement._]

JUHASZ—[_Pauses in the act of lifting a big box._] Good morning. [_There is a pause._]

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—And now let us go over them once more to see if they are all here. How many should there be?

PHILIP—[_Confused._] Just as you say.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—How many?

PHILIP—Oh! How many? Forty-eight.

THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—Let us count them over. [_They count._]

PAULA—[_Extends her hand to JUHASZ._] How are you, Mr. Juhasz?

JUHASZ—[_Puts down the box._] Thank you ... very well. [_Extends his hand to her over the counter._] Won’t you sit down?

PAULA—[_After a pause._] I can hardly believe it is only two weeks since I saw you.

JUHASZ—That’s not a very long time.

PAULA—No. [_She looks at him._] I’ve come ... I’ve come to buy a few things.

JUHASZ—How odd!

PAULA—Odd?

JUHASZ—For you to come here ... as a customer.

PAULA—Yes, as a customer. [_A pause._]

JUHASZ—I shall be happy to give you satisfaction ... as a customer. Perhaps ... I ought to make things a bit cheaper for you.

PAULA—I don’t want things cheaper, thank you. ... Why do you look at me like that?

JUHASZ—You came in so ... unexpectedly.... Have you got leave of absence?

PAULA—Oh, I’m not at Gerelypuszta any more. I’m back in town again. So is the Count. That is, he’s at Monte Carlo just now.

JUHASZ—Monte Carlo. Great railway junction. Gambling casinos.

PAULA—No. He has gone there to shoot pigeons.

JUHASZ—He never used to like that kind of sport.

PAULA—He is passionately fond of it now.... Ever since you went away. When he hears that there is to be a slaughter of pigeons somewhere he rushes to the spot.... I was supposed to have gone to Monte Carlo with him, but I didn’t.

JUHASZ—You didn’t go.

PAULA—No. I had too many things to attend to at home first. [_Takes off her gloves, produces a list._] There are so many things I want, and they are so hard to get here.

JUHASZ—Hard ... here ... Yes.... Very hard. [_There is a pause._] And what is it you wish, Miss Paula?

PAULA—[_Sits, consults her list._] You used to have some very fine French pajamas for ladies. How well I remember them! They are a hundred kronen the pair, aren’t they?

JUHASZ—Yes.

PAULA—How many have you left?

JUHASZ—I still have them all. Eight pair.

PAULA—I’ll take them all.

JUHASZ—[_Astounded._] You?