P.M.
Clemens valks in - a little strange - very cool and
ghty). Ah, Mr.Gilbert, if I am not mistaken?
SILBERT: You are right, Baron. I am on a trip to the
th, and I could not deny myself the pleasure of paying
respects to this dear lady.
Levens: So? (Pause). I seem to have inturrupted a
nversation - I am sorry. Please do not let me disturb
GILBERT: Of what were we speaking?
CLEMENS: perhaps I can help you to remember. In Munich
by always spoke of their books.
GILBERT: very good! I was actually speaking of my new
vel.
CLEMENS: Please go ahead. One can speak to me about
terature now; is it not so, Margaret? Is it a natural-
tic novel - symbolical? Does it contain your own
periences, or i. it an exaggeration?
GILBERT: Well, in a certain sense, we all write of our own
periences.
CLEMENS: Ah, that is interesting.
GILBERT: Just as when one writes of a Nero, it is essen-
al that one should, in his soul, have set fire to Rome.
CLIMMENS: Naturally.
GILBERT: Where else could one get hispiration, except
om within? Where get character except from life?