Steppenwolf

Hermine and Haller return to Haller’s apartment and practice the fox trot. Haller performs poorly, but Hermine assures him he will do better the next day. Haller does not believe her, but the dancing lesson the next day shows great improvement. Hermine says they must go out dancing, and they go to the Balance Hotel the following evening. Hermine and Haller dance to jazz music, and Hermine introduces Haller to the saxophonist, Pablo. Hermine encourages Haller to ask another woman to dance, and Haller is shocked when the woman he asks agrees. They dance, and Haller feels free and comfortable dancing for two songs with the other woman. Afterward, Haller sits with Hermine and Pablo, though Haller does not like Pablo. Hermine tells Haller that Pablo said Haller looks sad. Haller expresses his shock that Hermine is such an intelligent woman, and Hermine says that, like Haller, she dislikes everyone and recognized that Haller feels the same when they met. Hermine thinks they will teach each other their talents, but neither of them will be happy. Haller tells Hermine about the treatise saying each person has many souls, and Hermine loves the concept. Hermine suggests that Haller try to sleep with the woman with whom he danced,