noticed anything?

ASTROFF. No, nothing.

HELENA. [Taking his hand] You do not love her. I see that in your
eyes. She is suffering. You must realise that, and not come here
any more.

ASTROFF. My sun has set, yes, and then I haven't the time.
[Shrugging his shoulders] Where shall I find time for such
things? [He is embarrassed.

HELENA. Bah! What an unpleasant conversation! I am as out of
breath as if I had been running three miles uphill. Thank heaven,
that is over! Now let us forget everything as if nothing had been
said. You are sensible. You understand. [A pause] I am actually
blushing.

ASTROFF. If you had spoken a month ago I might perhaps have
considered it, but now--[He shrugs his shoulders] Of course, if
she is suffering--but I cannot understand why you had to put me
through this examination. [He searches her face with his eyes,
and shakes his finger at her] Oho, you are wily!

HELENA. What does this mean?

ASTROFF. [Laughing] You are a wily one! I admit that Sonia is
suffering, but what does this examination of yours mean? [He
prevents her from retorting, and goes on quickly] Please don't
put on such a look of surprise; you know perfectly well why I