Robert. And when you asked her?
Frau Heinecke. Why should I ask? That would only be wasting breath. A girl ought to know herself what"s good for her.
Robert. Oh!
Frau Heinecke. But that she--oh, who"d have thought it! Lord, how you tremble. I must get this room warm for you. (_Goes to stove_)
Robert. (_To himself_) No way out! No way to save things! Shame!--a life of shame!
Frau Heinecke. (_Into the kitchen_) Father, bring in some c.o.ke!
(_Kneels and shakes down the fire_)
Robert. (_To himself_) What sort of satisfaction can he have meant?
Marriage? (_He laughs_) And if it came to that, I"m not sure whether I should want marriage for her. At least there is the chance of a duel.
If he shoots me down, then I"m saved. But--what will become of these?
(_Gesture_)
(_Enter_ Heinecke _in a torn dressing-gown, and large felt slippers, he carries a basket of c.o.ke._)
Heinecke. (_Gruffly_) Good-morning.
Robert. Good-morning, Father.
Heinecke. (_Muttering_) Yes, yes----
Frau Heinecke. Quit grumbling, Father. Help me make a fire.
Heinecke. Yes--Yes, we"ll make a fire, (_They both kneel before the stove_)
Robert. (_To himself_) And if I kill him? I"ll admit that would be a relief! But the question remains: what will become of them? (_Looking toward his parents_) I"m afraid that I can"t afford the luxury of a sense of honor. (_Crying out_) Oh, how vile I am!
Heinecke. Something wrong, my boy?
Frau Heinecke. It"s because of Alma. He hasn"t even been to bed.
Heinecke. Yes, Alma! That"s what a man grows gray in honor for. But I always said it: the Avenue"ll bring us trouble some day.
Frau Heinecke. (_To_ Heinecke) Father, don"t cry! (_They embrace_)
Robert. (_To himself_) But someone"s heart must break!
Heinecke. Oh, I"m not crying! I"m master of this house! I know what I"ve got to do! Poor cripple has his honor, too. Think I"ll stand for it! My daughter! She"ll see! (_Swinging the poker_) I"ll give her my curse! My paternal curse!
Frau Heinecke. (_Arranging the bed_) Now, now, now----
Heinecke. Yes, you! You don"t understand anything about honor.
(_Strikes his breast_) There lies honor! Out into the streets she"ll go! Out into the night and the storm!
Robert. Do you want her to be absolutely ruined?
Frau Heinecke. Let him talk, he don"t mean anything.
Robert. Won"t you see where she is? I suppose she"s ashamed to show herself.
Frau Heinecke. She wanted to sleep.
Robert. Oh!
Frau Heinecke. (_She goes to the bed-room door_) Alma! (_No answer_)
Robert. Oh, she never should have been left alone.
Frau Heinecke. (_Opens the door_) Just as I said, she"s asleep.
Robert. She can sleep!
Frau Heinecke. Will you get up, you worthless girl?
Heinecke. Come, get up, or there"ll be trouble.
Robert. Father, Mother, quick, before she comes! Don"t be too hard with her. It will only make her more stubborn.
Frau Heinecke. You are a good deal more clever than your old mother, but just the same I know how to take care of my children. I"ll keep her like in a reform-school if it breaks my heart:--cleaning boots, peeling potatoes, cleaning floors, scrubbing steps, she"s got to do it all.
Robert. And suppose she runs away some night?
Heinecke. Pah, she"ll be locked up. I"ll have the key in my pocket.
How"ll she run away then?
Robert. But think, she is only a child! And the rest are more to blame than she. Her own sister--Ah, if you want to be severe you ought to be severe with that d.a.m.ned procuress!--I hope I can demand once for all that Alma be taken absolutely away from under the influence of her sister and that you"ll show Auguste and her husband the door!
Heinecke. Certainly, we"ll make a clean sweep of that outfit. I"ve had enough of Michalski. Now you see. Mother, Robert has to come all the way from India to say it! You haven"t any respect for me, poor old man!
Robert. I beg your pardon. Father--this doesn"t concern you.
Heinecke. Just the same----
Frau Heinecke. (_Her ap.r.o.n over her face_) But she is my child, too!
And I love all my children the same!
Robert. Even if they aren"t worthy of your love?
Frau Heinecke. Then all the more.
Robert. Shh!