Maia.
[With quiet defiance.] Yes, I suppose it is that you have gone and tied yourself to me—for life.
Professor Rubek.
I would not have expressed myself so heartlessly.
Maia.
But you would have meant it just as heartlessly.
Professor Rubek.
You have no clear idea of the inner workings of an artist's nature.
Maia.
[Smiling and shaking her head.] Good heavens, I haven't even a clear idea of the inner workings of my own nature.
Professor Rubek.
[Continuing undisturbed.] I live at such high speed, Maia. We live so, we artists. I, for my part, have lived through a whole lifetime in the few years we two have known each other. I have come to realise that I am not at all adapted for seeking happiness in indolent enjoyment. Life does not shape itself that way for me and those like me. I must go on working—producing one work after another—right up to my dying day. [Forcing himself to continue.] That is why I cannot get on with you any longer, Maia—not with you alone.
