they all stand and gape at in astonishment--[Lowers his voice]--but
at bottom they are all respectable, pompous horse-faces, and self-
opinionated donkey-muzzles, and lop-eared, low-browed dog-skulls, and
fatted swine-snouts--and sometimes dull, brutal bull-fronts as well---


MAIA.

[Indifferently.] All the dear domestic animals, in fact.


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Simply the dear domestic animals, Maia. All the animals which men have
bedevilled in their own image--and which have bedevilled men in return.
[Empties his champagne-glass and laughs.] And it is these double-faced
works of art that our excellent plutocrats come and order of me. And
pay for in all good faith--and in good round figures too--almost their
weight in gold, as the saying goes.


MAIA.

[Fills his glass.] Come, Rubek! Drink and be happy.


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Passes his hand several times across his forehead and leans back
in his chair.] I am happy, Maia. Really happy--in a way. [Short