or five years--it's a long, long time, Maia.


MAIA.

[Looking at him with a bitter expression.] Has the time seemed so
very long to you, Rubek?


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I am beginning now to find it a trifle long. [Yawning.] Now and
then, you know.


MAIA.

[Returning to her place.] I shall not bore you any longer.

[She resumes her seat, takes up the newspaper, and begins turning
over the leaves. Silence on both sides.


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Leaning on his elbows across the table, and looking at her teasingly.]
Is the Frau Professor offended?


MAIA.