are you?

DEVIL

I am one who always comes at the right moment—I come from Nowhere.

[Very bitingly.

I am here—

[Touching OLGA'S forehead.

OLGA

What do you want with me? You turn everything to evil. I have scarcely known you five minutes, and I seem to feel your fingers at my throat.

DEVIL

That's because I like you. With most pretty women I take longer.

KARL, furiously, starts towards him

Look here: this has gone far enough!

[Makes a few steps towards the DEVIL, who stands erect without moving. At the same time, HEINRICH comes to the door, which he opens, and starts speaking at once.

HEINRICH

The tailor has sent an evening suit, but it is not yours, sir.

DEVIL

Put it on the chair in the bedroom.

KARL

But it's not mine.

DEVIL, gives a sign to HEINRICH to go out and do as he was told. Speaking to KARL

It's mine.

KARL

Yours?

DEVIL, makes motion to HEINRICH, who goes out

[During speech OLGA goes up and gets her hat. KARL walks back and forth L. C.

I had to have it pressed. I told the tailor to send it here. I must dress for tonight. I'm going to a ball the prettiest woman in Vienna is giving at the house of the Duke of Maranse.

OLGA, coming down R., frightened

But the Duke does not live there now—he's Ambassador in Madrid; he has sold his house—to us.

DEVIL

I know. I met him in Paris. He told me—

OLGA

We are living there now—we are giving the ball.

DEVIL

Am I mistaken? Am I not invited?

OLGA, in a very low voice, dropping her head

Yes—yes, you are.

DEVIL, very polite

Madame, you asked me a little while ago what I wanted. That's what I wanted. Thank you.

[Bows and turns towards C. Silence.

OLGA

But my husband—

DEVIL, turning to her

Will be delighted. I've just come from Odessa. I have good news. Wheat is rising—this year's crop turned out worse than they thought it would.

OLGA, greatly pleased

Yes? The crop is bad?

[The DEVIL goes to big chair and kneels on it L.

DEVIL

So you do love your husband? You're glad the crop is a failure?

OLGA

Of course I am.

[As if she was somewhat ashamed about her husband's speculations.

We want the wheat to be bad because that will drive the price up.

KARL