When We Dead Awaken Part 21

Yes. Off to kill a brown-boy.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Have you found the tracks of any?

MAIA.

[With superiority.] You don't suppose that bears are to be found in the naked mountains, do you?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Where, then?

MAIA.

Far beneath. On the lower slopes; in the thickest parts of the forest.

Places your ordinary town-folk could never get through--

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

And you two are going down there to-morrow?

MAIA.

[Throwing herself down among the heather.] Yes, so we have arranged.--Or perhaps we may start this evening.--If you have no objection, that's to say?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I? Far be it from me to--

MAIA.

[Quickly.] Of course Lars goes with us--with the dogs.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I feel no curiosity as to the movements of Mr. Lars and his dogs.

[Changing the subject.] Would you not rather sit properly on the seat?

MAIA.

[Drowsily.] No, thank you. I'm lying so delightfully in the soft heather.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I can see that you are tired.

MAIA.

[Yawning.] I almost think I'm beginning to feel tired.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

You don't notice it till afterwards--when the excitement is over--

MAIA.

[In a drowsy tone.] Just so. I will lie and close my eyes.

[A short pause.

MAIA.

[With sudden impatience.] Ugh, Rubek--how can you endure to sit there listening to these children's screams! And to watch all the capers they are cutting, too!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

There is something harmonious--almost like music--in their movements, now and then; amid all the clumsiness. And it amuses me to sit and watch for these isolated moments--when they come.

MAIA.

[With a somewhat scornful laugh.] Yes, you are always, always an artist.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

And I propose to remain one.

MAIA.

[Lying on her side, so that her back is turned to him.] There's not a bit of the artist about him.