The Makropoulos Secret/Act 1
THE
MAKROPOULOS SECRET
ACT I
[The outer office of Dr. Kolonaty, Attorney at Law in a provincial city of the old Austro-Hungarian empire.
The musty furniture, the accumulation of books and papers and, in particular, the tall document file at the back of the room, whose many pigeonholes are stuffed with the briefs of long-forgotten cases, plainly show that Dr. Kolonaty’s is a comfortably established practice which has passed through several generations of the same family. In the rear is a door o from the outer hallway and, on the left, is another door leading presumably to the inner offices. The clerk, Vitek, whom Dr. Kolonaty inherited along with the furniture and the clientele, has a small, flat-topped desk at the left. On it is a confused mass of maps, proclamations, law briefs; and a telephone. In the center of the room is a double desk and, on the right are several chairs.
At the rise of the curtain Vitek is seated on the top of a step-ladder, beside the file. His hands are full of these ancient papers which he is busily rearranging. At last they are all put away except one large group, tied together. He pauses in his work and turns round.]
Vitek
Gregor vs. Prus.—The case of Gregor vs. Prus—you’re finished. [He sighs] Ah, well. [Thumbing the briefs] Eighteen twenty-seven—eighteen thirty-two—thirty-two—eighteen forty—forty—forty—forty-seven—and so on. Why, in three years we could have had a centennial jubilee! Finished. Such a good case, too! [He pushes them into one of the pigeonholes] Here lies Gregor vs. Prus. Oh, nothing lives forever—vanitas. Dust and ashes! Baron Prus—the old nobility! The old scoundrel! [He rises, inflamed by his thoughts, and orates in his best revolutionary manner] Citoyen—citizens. Will you tolerate forever these privileged ones, this old nobility protected by the kings of France? This class whose rights spring from neither nature nor reason but from tyranny—this class of courtiers—these usurpers of free lands by might, not right. Oh.
Gregor
Good day, Citizen Marat.
Vitek
[Still in the full heat of his oratory]
No, no. That’s not Marat; that’s Danton: the oration of the twenty-third of October, seventeen ninety-two. [Suddenly realizing who is present, he again becomes Vitek, the clerk] I beg a thousand pardons, Sir.
Gregor
Isn’t the Doctor here?
Vitek
[Hastily climbing down the ladder]
No, Sir, he hasn’t come back yet, Sir.
Gregor
And the verdict?
Vitek
I don’t know, Sir. It’s a shame—such a good case, Sir.
Gregor
Is it lost?
Vitek
That I don’t know; the Doctor has been in court all morning, but—I—should
Gregor
[Throwing himself into the armchair]
Telephone the court! Ask for Dr. Kolonaty. Hurry!
Vitek
[Running to the telephone]
Yes. Sir. Right away. Sir. Hello? I shouldn’t have carried it to the Supreme Court. Sir.
Gregor
Why?
Vitek
Because—Hello? Two-two-three-five—yes—three-five—yes. [He turns round] Because it means the end, Sir!
Gregor
The end?
Vitek
[Forgetting the telephone]
The end of the case of Gregor vs. Prus. Why. Sir, it wasn’t any longer just a case. It had become an historical monument Just think, it has lasted for over ninety [Into the telephone] Hello. Yes. Miss. This is Dr. Kolonaty’s office. I’d like to speak with the Doctor. Yes, this is his office. [He turns round] Gregor vs. Prus. Yes indeed—that’s a piece of history. Almost one hundred years—[Into the telephone] Hello? Has he gone? Oh, thank you. [He hangs up the receiver] He’s already left. He’s probably on his way over here.
Gregor
And the verdict?
Vitek
I wish I could tell you. Sir, but I don’t know. I wish there weren’t going to be one! I can’t help it, Mr. Gregor. But when I think that this is the last day of the case of Gregor vs. Prus—Why, I’ve been writing on it for thirty-four years, that was when your deceased father—God rest his soul—used to come here. Ah, he and the deceased Dr. Kolonaty, this one’s father—that was a great generation. Sir.
[The old clerk sighs as he recalls past glories]
Gregor
Indeed.
Vitek
Great lawyers. Sir—Why, for thirty years they kept up this case, Sir—appeals and such clever tricks. But you—boom—straight to the highest court—and that ends it! It’s too bad. Such a beautiful case. And to kill a hundred-year case—like that.
Gregor
Don’t, Vitek. I want to win it.
Vitek
Or lose it, Sir?
Gregor
I’d rather lose it than—be this way. Listen. Vitek. It’s maddening! To have a hundred and fifty million under your nose all the time, almost to have your hands on it. To hear of nothing else all your life. [He stands up] Do you think I shall lose?
Vitek
I don’t know. Mr. Gregor. Very doubtful case, Sir.
Gregor
Very well. If I lose, then
Vitek
You will shoot yourself, Sir? Your deceased father used to talk just the same way.
Gregor
And he shot himself.
Vitek
But not because of the case—his debts. When one lives that way—on his prospects—
Gregor
[Dropping back into the chair]
Oh, be quiet. I beg of you.
Vitek
Oh, you haven’t nerve enough for a big case. And such beautiful material, too. [He climbs up the ladder and takes out the Gregor papers] Just look at these briefs, Mr. Gregor. Eighteen twenty-seven, the oldest number in our office. Unique, Sir. It ought to be in a museum. And look at the beautiful handwriting of eighteen forty. Lord, that man had a hand! Why, Sir, I tell you it’s a pleasure to look at it.
Gregor
Oh, you are a fool—let me alone.
Vitek
[Putting back the papers piously]
Well, well. Perhaps the Supreme Court will still put it off.
Kristina
Papa, aren’t you coming home?
Vitek
[Climbing down the ladder]
Right away. Right away. As soon as the Doctor gets back.
Gregor
[Standing up]
Your daughter?
Vitek
Oh, yes. Stay outside. Kristina. Wait for me in the corridor.
Gregor
Oh, please don’t, that is, not on my account. [To Kristina.] Are you coming from school?
Kristina
No, from a rehearsal.
Vitek
My daughter sings in the theater. Now run along, Kristina. There’s nothing you can do here.
Kristina
Papa, she is mar-vel-ous!
Gregor
Who?
Kristina
Why, Mademoiselle Marty, of course. Emilia Marty.
Gregor
Emilia Marty?
Kristina
She is the greatest singer in the world. You know she’s singing tonight, and this morning she rehearsed with us. [A thought comes to her and she runs over to Vitek] Oh. Papa!
Vitek
Yes?
Kristina
Papa. I—I—’m going to leave the theater. I don’t want to keep on—not for anything. Not for anything.
[She sobs and turns her back]
Vitek
Why, Kristina, what have they done to you?
Kristina
Oh, it isn’t that, it’s because—I know so little. Oh, Papa, Mademoiselle Marty—I—if you could hear her, you’d understand. I don’t ever want to sing again.
Vitek
Will you listen to that! And she has a lovely voice, too. Silly girl! There, there!
Gregor
Who knows, perhaps the famous Marty would envy you.
Kristina
Envy me. What for?
Gregor
Your youth.
Vitek
Of course. Of course, so you see, Krista—this is Mr. Gregor, you know—wait till you’re as old as she. How old is this Marty?
Kristina
I don’t know. It’s hard to tell. About thirty.
Vitek
You see, thirty. She’s old.
Kristina
But she’s beautiful. You can’t imagine how beautiful she is!
Vitek
Well, thirty years! Just wait. When you’re—
Gregor
This evening I shall go to the theater, but not to see Marty—I shall go to see you.
Kristina
You’ll be foolish not to look at Marty all the time—and blind, too. [Realizing her audacity she stops. Then, to cover her confusion, she curtseys] But I thank you, just the same.
Vitek
That’s enough. [To Gregor] Oh, she’s such a silly little goose.
Kristina
Well, he ought not to talk about Marty if he hasn’t seen her. Everyone’s crazy about her. Everyone!
Kolonaty
[Entering briskly]
Why, here’s Kristina. How do you do, Kristina. Ah, and my client. How are you?
Gregor
How did we come out?
Kolonaty
[Handing his hat and coat to Vitek]
We didn’t. The Supreme Court adjourned.
Gregor
For another conference?
Kolonaty
No, for dinner.
Gregor
And the verdict?
Kolonaty
Not till this afternoon. My dear Sir, you must have patience. Have you had your dinner?
Vitek
Oh, Lord, Lord!
Kolonaty
What is it?
Vitek
Too bad! Such a beautiful case!
Gregor
[Sitting down]
To wait again. Oh!
Kristina
Come on, Papa.
Kolonaty
Well, Kristina, and how are you getting along? It’s nice to see you again.
Gregor
Tell me frankly, what are our chances?
Kolonaty
La, la.
Gregor
But?
Kolonaty
Listen, my friend. Did I ever give you any hopes?
Gregor
Then why are you?
Kolonaty
Why am I carrying on this case for you? Why? Because I inherited you, my friend. You, Vitek, and that desk over there. What do you expect? Gregor vs. Prus is a family inheritance—like a disease. And it doesn’t cost you a cent.
Gregor
You’ll get paid after I win the case.
Kolonaty
Oh, yes, how nice that will be.
Gregor
You think, then, we will lose?
Kolonaty
Of course.
Gregor
[Crushed for the moment]
All right.
Kolonaty
Well, you don’t have to shoot yourself yet.
Kristina
Papa!
Gregor
[Mastering himself]
Oh, no. Tonight I am going to the theater to see you, Miss Kristina.
Kristina
Not me.
[The bell rings]
Vitek
What, someone else? I’ll say you’re not here.
[He goes out]
Kolonaty
My, my, Kristina, how you have grown! In a very short time, you will be a great lady.
Kristina
[Who has been watching Gregor all the time]
Look!
Kolonaty
What?
Kristina
Mr. Gregor. How pale he looks.
Gregor
I beg your pardon. I’m not feeling well.
Vitek
[Behind the door]
In here, Madam. Yes, please. Enter, please. This way
Kristina
It’s Marty!
Emilia
[Standing in the doorway]
Dr. Kolonaty?
Kolonaty
Yes. What can I do for you?
Emilia
I am Emilia Marty. I came to see you about
Kolonaty
[With a deep bow he shows her a seat]
Won’t you, please?
Emilia
Thank you. [She advances into the room] I came to see you about—the Gregor case.
Gregor
What’s that, Madam Marty?
Emilia
I am not married.
Kolonaty
Mademoiselle Marty, this is Mr. Gregor, my client.
Emilia
This one? [She looks intently at him] Very well. He can stay if he wants to.
[She sits down]
Vitek
[Pushing Kristina out through the doorway]
Now, come along, Kristina.
[He leaves on tip-toe, bowing]
Emilia
I’ve seen that girl somewhere.
Kolonaty
[Closing the door]
Mademoiselle Marty, this is a great honor.
Emilia
Not at all. So you are the lawyer?
Kolonaty
At your service.
Emilia
And you represent this Mr. Gregor?
Gregor
Why, of course.
Emilia
In the case concerning the inheritance of Pepi Prus.
Kolonaty
That is, of Baron Joseph Ferdinand Prus, deceased eighteen hundred and twenty-seven.
Emilia
What! Is he dead?
Kolonaty
I’m sorry to say, almost a hundred years ago.
Emilia
Oh, the poor thing. I didn’t know that.
Kolonaty
Oh, is that so? [Sharply] And is there anything else I can do for you?
Emilia
[She rises to leave]
I don’t want to take up your time.
Kolonaty
[Also rising]
I beg your pardon. I hardly think you’d come here without some reason.
Emilia
No. [She sits down again] There is something I wanted to tell you.
Kolonaty
[Sitting down]
Concerning the Gregor case?
Emilia
Yes.
Kolonaty
But aren’t you a stranger?
Emilia
Yes, of course. I only learned this morning about your—about this gentleman’s case. Purely by chance.
Kolonaty
Really!
Emilia
Only from the newspapers. I was reading what they had written about me and all at once I saw: “The last day of the case: Gregor vs.Prus.” Coincidence, wasn’t it?
Kolonaty
Well, it was in all the newspapers.
Emilia
And because—by accident—I remembered something—but first, won’t you tell me some of the particulars of the case?
Kolonaty
Certainly. Ask me any questions you like.
Emilia
I don’t know anything about it.
Kolonaty
Nothing at all? Not a word?
Emilia
It’s the first time I have heard of it—really.
Kolonaty
But then—pardon me—I don’t understand—why you are interested.
Gregor
Tell her the story, Doctor.
Kolonaty
Well, it’s a very old case.
Emilia
Gregor’s in the right, isn’t he?
Kolonaty
Probably, but even so, that won’t help him.
Gregor
Tell her about it.
Emilia
Please do.
Kolonaty
Well, if it interests you. [He leans back in his armchair and talks rapidly] Now, from eighteen hundred and twenty on, in the baronial estate of Prus; that is, in the estates of Semonix, Loukov, Nova, Ves, Konigsdord and so on, a feeble-minded baron, Joseph Ferdinand Prus—
Emilia
Pepi—feeble-minded? No, no!
Kolonaty
Well, then, let us say eccentric.
Emilia
[Strangely insistent]
No Say unfortunate.
Kolonaty
Pardon me. You can’t be certain.
Emilia
You, even less.
Kolonaty
Well, anyway—Joseph Ferdinand Prus died childless and without will, in the year eighteen hundred and twenty-seven.
Emilia
What did he die of?
Kolonaty
Inflammation of the brain, or something like that. His cousin, the Polish Baron Emmerich Prus, came into the inheritance. And a certain Ferdinand Karel Gregor, otherwise great-grand-father of my client, entered a claim on the property of Loukov.
Emilia
When?
Kolonaty
Just after his death in eighteen twenty-seven.
Emilia
But at that time Ferdinand must still have been a little boy.
Kolonaty
Quite right. At that time he was a pupil in the Teresan Academy. He was represented by a Viennese lawyer. His claim on the property of Loukov was based on these facts: That the deceased, one year before his death, came to the director of the Teresan Academy and declared that he was giving to Ferdinand Karel Gregor the aforesaid estate, along with the castle, farms, dairies and inventory. The income from the aforesaid property to be used for the education of the aforesaid minor, Gregor, which aforesaid must, as soon as he becomes of age, take over the full ownership of the aforesaid property, item of fact pro secundo. The aforesaid minor received from the owner during the lifetime of the deceased the income and reports from the aforesaid property with the title of owner and possessor of the property of Loukov. Of which proof is given by possession.
Emilia
Well, that seems to order, doesn’t it?
Kolonaty
[Again warming to his subject]
Wait. Against that, Baron Emmerich Prus protested that the donation of the aforesaid property was not recorded in the land record, that the deceased did not leave behind any written will, but, that in eighteen twenty-seven, at his country estate, made an oral “last will ” for the benefit of another person.
Emilia
It isn’t possible. What other person?
Kolonaty
There’s the hitch, Madam. Wait, I’ll read the whole thing. [He climbs up the ladder by the pigeonhole file] It is very amusing, you’ll see. Here it is. [He takes out the Gregor papers, sits down on the bottom step and quickly fingers them] B-z-z-z. Here, “The record of the life of the high-born city councilor nobleman: Prus, Joseph Ferdinand von Semonitz.” Will: the record at death-bed which was signed by a priest, a doctor and a notary. Here—“The dying—in high fever—asked by the undersigned if he had some last wish, declared several times that the property of Loukov should go to Mr. Mach Gregor.” To Mr. Mach, comma, Gregor. [He puts back the papers]—To some Mr. Mach, Madam —to some Gregor Mach—to a person then unknown and undiscoverable.
[He remains seated on the ladder]
Emilia
That is a mistake. Pepi certainly meant Gregor, Ferdi Gregor.
Kolonaty
Apparently. But what is written is written. At that time the above-named Gregor protested that the word “Mach” appeared in the oral will only by some mistake of hearing or slip of the pen; that “Gregor” should have been the last name, not the first name, and so on; but litera scripta valet. And Emmerich Prus kept Loukov and the whole inheritance.
Emilia
And Gregor?
Kolonaty
Gregor got nothing.
Gregor
You see, Madam, this is called justice.
Emilia
But why didn’t Gregor get it?
Kolonaty
Well, dear lady, for various technical reasons and chiefly because neither Gregor Mach nor Ferdinand Karel Gregor was a blood relation of the deceased.
Emilia
But wait. He was his son.
Kolonaty
Whose son?
Emilia
Ferdinand Gregor was Pepi’s son.
Gregor
[Jumping up]
His son! How do you know that?
Kolonaty
[Coming hastily down the ladder]
His son? And who was the mother, please?
Emilia
The mother was—her name was Ellian MacGregor, a singer at the Viennese court opera.
Gregor
[Excitedly]
What did you say her name was?
Emilia
MacGregor. You know, it is a Scotch name.
Gregor
MacGregor, do you hear, Doctor? Mac. Mac. Not Mach. Do you understand?
Kolonaty
[Still doubtful]
Of course. But why, Madam, wasn’t her son’s name also MacGregor?
Emilia
Well, because of his mother—Ferdi never knew his own mother.
Kolonaty
Ah, is that so? [Coming closer to her] And have you any proof of this?
Emilia
I’m not sure. Please go on.
Kolonaty
Well, from that time the Loukov case has been going on, with some intervals, up to the present date. It has been carried on continuously for a hundred years between generations of the Pruses and the Gregors and with the excellent legal assistance of the Doctors Kolonaty. Thanks to their help, the last of the Gregors will lose it for good. Oddly enough, this very afternoon. So—that is all.
Emilia
And is Loukov worth so much trouble?
Gregor
I should say so.
Kolonaty
In the sixties coal was found on the Loukov property. The price cannot be estimated, even approximately—but let us say one hundred and fifty millions.
Emilia
Anything more?
Gregor
No, nothing more. That would be quite enough for me.
Kolonaty
Now, my dear lady, have you any more questions?
Emilia
Yes. What do you need to win the case?
Kolonaty
[With a touch of sarcastic humor]
Well, of course, I should like best of all to have the true, written will.
Emilia
And do you know of one?
Kolonaty
We found none.
Emilia
That was careless.
Kolonaty
Unquestionably. [He gets up] Any more questions?
Emilia
Yes. To whom does the old Prus house belong?
Gregor
To my opponent, Jaroslav Prus.
Emilia
And what are those cabinets where you put wills called?
Gregor
Archives.
Kolonaty
Files.
Emilia
Then listen. [They approach her. She speaks rapidly in a low voice] In the Prus house there used to be such a cabinet. Every drawer had a date and there Pepi used to put bills and other old papers. Do you follow me?
Kolonaty
Yes.
Emilia
And on one of the drawers there was the date, eighteen hundred and sixteen. In that year Pepi met Ellian MacGregor during the Congress at Vienna.
Kolonaty
I see.
Emilia
And in one of the drawers he hid all his letters from Ellian.
Kolonaty
[Coming closer to her]
And how do you know that?
Emilia
You must not ask me.
Kolonaty
[With an over-elaborate bow]
Pardon me.
Emilia
There are also letters from the managers and people like that, you know. In short, a lot of old papers.
Kolonaty
Yes.
Emilia
Do you think they’ve been burned?
Kolonaty
Perhaps. It is quite possible.
Emilia
Well, will you find out?
Kolonaty
Of course, provided Mr. Prus will allow me.
Emilia
And if he doesn’t?
Kolonaty
What can we do?
Emilia
You will have to get the drawer open some other way. [She stands close to him, looking him straight in the eyes] Do you understand?
Kolonaty
Oh, yes, I suppose, at midnight with a rope ladder and a skeleton key and all that. My dear lady, you certainly have queer ideas about us lawyers.
Emilia
But you must get it.
Kolonaty
Well, we shall see. Anything else?
Emilia
If those letters are there you will find among them a big, yellow envelope.
Kolonaty
And in it?
Emilia
The last will of Prus, written in his own hand and sealed.
Kolonaty
My God!
Gregor
Are you sure?
Kolonaty
What’s in it? What does it say?
Emilia
Well, in it Pepi leaves the estate of Loukov to his illegitimate son Ferdinand, born in Loukov at such and such a time. I have forgotten the date.
Kolonaty
In those very words?
Emilia
In those very words.
Kolonaty
And is the envelope sealed?
Emilia
Yes.
Kolonaty
With the original seal of Joseph Prus?
Emilia
Yes.
Kolonaty
Ah [He looks at Emilia and laughs] Thank you. [He sits down] Would you mind telling me, my dear lady, why you’re making such fools of us?
Emilia
Oh—you don’t believe me?
Kolonaty
I should say not. Not a word.
Gregor
I believe her. How can you tell?
Kolonaty
Be sensible. If the envelope is sealed how can anyone tell what is in it?
Gregor
But
Kolonaty
In an envelope sealed for a hundred years.
Gregor
Just the same
Kolonaty
And in a strange house. [Losing his patience] Don’t be an idiot!
Gregor
But I do believe her, and that’s all.
Kolonaty
As you wish. My dear Miss Marty, you have an extraordinary weakness for telling stories. Do you suffer from it often?
Gregor
Oh, stop.
Kolonaty
Very well. I won’t say another word. Absolute secrecy, my dear lady.
Gregor
[Now quite enraged at the Doctor]
And if you want to know, Doctor, I believe every word she said.
Emilia
At least you are a gentleman.
Gregor
And, therefore, either you go to his house and ask for the papers of eighteen-sixteen
Kolonaty
Or?
Gregor
Or I am going to get the services of the first lawyer I find in the telephone book and shall hand over the case to him.
Kolonaty
[Completely taken aback]
For my sake!
Gregor
All right.
Kolonaty
Stop this foolishness! We’re friends, aren’t we? I used to be your guardian.
Gregor
Dr. Abeles, Alfred, two-seven-six-one.
Kolonaty
Man, don’t take that fellow. That’s my last advice, unless you want to be absolutely ruined.
Gregor
[At the telephone]
Hello-two-seven-six-one?
Kolonaty
Don’t disgrace us. You’re not going to give our hereditary case to such?
Gregor
Dr. Abeles? This is Albert Gregor speaking
Kolonaty
[Snatching the receiver from his ear]
Wait. I’ll go.
Gregor
To Prus?
Kolonaty
To the devil if you like, but you stay here.
Gregor
Doctor, if you’re not back in one hour I am going to call
Kolonaty
Shut up! I beg your pardon, my dear lady. And, if you please, don’t make him entirely crazy.
[Runs out]
Gregor
At last.
Emilia
Is he really such a fool?
Gregor
No. He’s only practical. He doesn’t know what to do with miracles. I always waited for a miracle, and you came. Oh, how can I thank you?
Emilia
It isn’t worth the words.
Gregor
[He sits down]
You know, I’m almost certain that the will will be found. I don’t know why I have such faith now [he gazes up at her a moment in silence] perhaps because you are so beautiful.
Emilia
How old are you?
Gregor
Thirty-four, Mademoiselle Marty. From my childhood I lived only to get those millions. You can’t imagine what it was. I lived like a fool. I didn’t know any better. If you hadn’ t come—
Emilia
Debts?
Gregor
Yes. [He rises] Tonight I would have shot myself, probably.
Emilia
Nonsense!
Gregor
[More and more under her spell]
I won’t hide anything from you, dear lady. There was no help for me and all at once you came. Lord knows from where. Famous singer—a mysterious woman—to save me. [She laughs] Why do you laugh at me?
Emilia
[Pushing him back]
You talk such rubbish!
Gregor
But? Dear lady, we are alone now. You’re fascinating. Speak! Tell me everything!
Emilia
What more? I’ve said enough.
Gregor
This is a family matter. There are some family secrets. You know about them in some extraordinary way. In God’s name, tell me everything.
Emilia
[Shaking her head]
No.
Gregor
You can’t?
Emilia
[Walking away from him]
I don’t want to.
Gregor
[Following her]
How do you know about those letters? How do you know about the last will? Where from? How long ago? Who told you all this? Don’t you see, I’ve got to know what’s behind it. Who are you? What does it all mean?
Emilia
A miracle.
Gregor
Yes, a miracle. But even a miracle has to be explained, or it’s unbearable. Why did you come?
Emilia
To help you, as you see.
Gregor
Why do you want to help me? Why me? What is there in it for you?
Emilia
That’s my affair.
Gregor
Mine, also, Mademoiselle Marty. If I am to owe this property—even my life—to you, what may I lay at your feet?
Emilia
What do you mean?
Gregor
What may I offer you, Miss Marty?
Emilia
[Playing with him]
Oh, I see. You want to pay me—what do you call it?—a percentage.
Gregor
Now, please. Use some other word. Call it gratitude. How could I spend?
Emilia
I have enough myself.
Gregor
Excuse me. Only a beggar could have enough. The rich, never.
Emilia
Look here! You good-for-nothing boy, stop offering me money!
Gregor
Excuse me. I’m afraid I don’t know how to offer gifts. [He gets down on his knees] Lady, they call you the divine Marty, but in this world of ours, even a divinity would ask for a share. It’s only right. Understand, I speak of millions.
Emilia
You’re giving it away already. Oh, you little fool!
[She goes to the window and looks out]
Gregor
Why do you speak to me as though I were a boy? I’d give half my inheritance if
Emilia
Well?
Gregor
It’s unbearable how small I feel beside you!
[Pause]
Emilia
[Turning round]
What is your name?
Gregor
I beg your pardon?
Emilia
What is your name?
Gregor
Gregor.
Emilia
The rest?
Gregor
MacGregor.
Emilia
But your first name, idiot?
Gregor
Albert.
Emilia
Your mother calls you Berti, doesn’t she?
Gregor
Yes, but my mother is dead.
Emilia
Bah! [She turns away in disgust] Everyone is just dying.
[There is a pause]
Gregor
What was Ellian MacGregor like?
Emilia
At last, it has occurred to you to ask about her.
Gregor
Do you know something about her? Who was she?
Emilia
A great singer.
Gregor
Was she beautiful?
Emilia
She was.
Gregor
Did she love my great-grandfather?
Emilia
Yes, in her way.
Gregor
Where did she die?
Emilia
I don’t know. Enough of this. One more thing
[Pause]
Gregor
[Coming near her]
Emilia.
Emilia
I am not Emilia to you.
Gregor
[In a sudden burst of passion]
What am I to you? For God’s sake, don’t torture me. Don’t play with me. You’re a beautiful, fascinating woman. [He takes her by the shoulders and gazes down into her face] Listen, I understand you. [She laughs] No, don’t laugh at me. Oh, you’re wonderful—superb.
Emilia
I’m not laughing, Berti. But don’t be a fool!
Gregor
I am a fool! And I’m glad! You’ve stirred me to the soul. Have you ever seen blood—running blood? The sight of it makes one savage—wild—drives a man to madness. Men must have gone mad that way over you. Listen—[His hands slip up round her throat. There is menace in his voice] I can’t understand—I can’t understand why someone hasn’t taken hold of you—and strangled you!
Emilia
Ah, don’t start that.
Gregor
But I must speak. You are cold tome. That hurts. The moment you came in, you scorched me like a hot flame. What is it? You bring something terrible; has anyone ever told you that?—Emilia, do you know how beautiful you are?
Emilia
[In a tired way]
Beautiful? No. Look!
Gregor
Oh, God! What are you doing? What are you doing to your face? [He steps back] Emilia, don’t do it! Stop! Now—you look old. [Covering his eyes with his hands, he sinks back into a chair] Terrible!
Emilia
Now you see. Go, Berti. Leave me.
[There is a pause]
Gregor
Excuse me. I was a—oh, I don’t know what I am doing.
Emilia
Berti, do I really look very old?
Gregor
[Lifting his head to look at her]
No, not now. No, you are terribly beautiful.
Emilia
Do you know what you could give me?
Gregor
What?
Emilia
You offered me yourself. Do you know what I want?
Gregor
Everything I have is yours.
Emilia
Listen, Berti. Do you know Greek?
Gregor
No.
Emilia
Well, then, give me the Greek papers. They’re no use to you.
Gregor
Greek papers?
Emilia
The ones Ferdi got. You know, Berti. From your great-grandfather, Pepi Prus. They were just a remembrance Will you give them to me?
Gregor
I don’t know of any Greek papers.
Emilia
Nonsense! You must have them. Pepi promised that he would give them to him. For the love of God, Berti, tell me you have them!
Gregor
But I haven’t them!
Emilia
[Turning sharply on him]
Don’t lie. You must have them.
Gregor
[Rising]
I have not.
Emilia
Fool! I want them. I have to have them, do you hear? You must find them!
Gregor
Where are they?
Emilia
How do I know? Look for them! Bring them here! Why, that is why I came here today, Berti.
Gregor
Yes?
Emilia
Where are they? For God’s sake, think!
Gregor
Hasn’t Prus got them?
Emilia
Take them away from him. Help me! Help me!
[The telephone rings]
Gregor
Just a minute.
[He answers the telephone]
Emilia
[Sinking into a chair]
Find them! Find them!
Gregor
[At the telephone]
Hello. This is Dr. Kolonaty’s office. He isn’t here. Is there any message? This is Gregor speaking. Yes. All right. Good. Thank you very much. [He hangs up the receiver] That’s over.
Emilia
What?
Gregor
The case of Gregor vs. Prus. The Supreme Court has brought in a verdict.
Emilia
And?
Gregor
I lost.
[Pause]
Emilia
Couldn’t your fool of a lawyer have held it up for a while?
[Gregor shrugs his shoulders]
But you can still appeal, can’t you?
Gregor
I don’t know. I don’t think so.
Emilia
That’s absurd! [She goes over to him and speaks in a motherly way] Listen, Berti, I’m going to pay your debts. Do you understand?
Gregor
Why should you? I don’t want you to.
Emilia
Be quiet! I’m going to pay them and that is all there is to it. But you must help me find those Greek papers.
Gregor
[Again caught up by his desire]
Emilia
Emilia
[Starting for the door]
Call my car, please.
Kolonaty
We found it! We found it! [He throws himself before Emilia on his knees] Gracious lady, accept my apologies. I am a stupid old fool and you know everything.
Prus
[Shaking hands with Gregor]
I congratulate you on finding the true will.
Gregor
Please don’t. You’ve just won the case yourself.
Prus
But you are going to appeal?
Kolonaty
[Rising]
Of course, we will appeal.
Prus
Will you introduce me, please?
Kolonaty
Pardon. Mademoiselle Marty—Baron Prus, my client’s enemy.
Emilia
I am very pleased to meet you. Where are the letters?
Prus
[As though he did not understand]
Letters?
Emilia
From Ellian.
Prus
Oh, I have them. Mr. Gregor need not trouble himself about them.
Emilia
Will they come to him?
Prus
If he inherits the property. As a remembrance of Miss [He smirks at his intentional slip]—er—his great-grandmother.
Emilia
Listen, you will return those letters to me, won’t you?
Prus
Return? Have they ever been yours?
Emilia
Oh, no. But Berti was going to give them to me.
Prus
I see. [And the Baron undoubtedly does see many things which have not been spoken] And, now, for showing me what I have in my house, I should like to offer you this beautiful bouquet.
Emilia
You are not very generous. Berti offered me
Prus
A wagon-load?
Emilia
No, but I don’t know how many millions.
Prus
And you took them?
Emilia
Hardly.
Prus
You did well. [He looks at her intently] Don’t ever take anything you can’t be sure of.
Emilia
Ah—is there anything the matter?
Prus
Well, perhaps just a little trifle. Is his great-grandfather Gregor the Ferdinand Gregor of the will? You know these lawyers are really very exact.
Emilia
You need another little document?
Prus
Just that.
Emilia
[Turning to Kolonaty]
All right, Doctor, I shaļl send you something like that tomorrow morning.
Kolonaty
What? You have it? Gregor! We will win our case after all!
Prus
Mademoiselle Marty, I think you had better take my gift.
Emilia
[Looking first at Gregor, then at Prus]
Why?
Prus
It’s surer.