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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/75247-0.txt b/75247-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bc6dfdf --- /dev/null +++ b/75247-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4674 @@ + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75247 *** + + + + + + + MODERN + PLAYS + + EDITED BY + R. BRIMLEY JOHNSON + + AND + N. ERICHSEN + + _Authorised Translation_ + + _All Rights Reserved_ + + + + + THE COMING OF PEACE + + (_A FAMILY CATASTROPHE_) + + BY GERHART HAUPTMANN + + TRANSLATED BY + JANET ACHURCH + AND + C. E. WHEELER + + [Illustration] + + LONDON + DUCKWORTH & CO. + 3 HENRIETTA STREET, W.C. + MDCCCC + + + + +PREFACE + + +A few words about the author of “Friedensfest,” which is here translated +as “The Coming of Peace,” will possibly be of interest to readers. +Gerhart Hauptmann, who is still a comparatively young man, is as +yet little known to English readers, and wholly unknown to English +play-goers, except for the performance of this play under the auspices +of the Stage Society on the 10th of June 1900, which has given occasion +for this translation. In German-speaking countries he is recognised by +many as the greatest modern dramatist with the single exception of Henrik +Ibsen. + +He is certainly the only dramatist who, writing under the inspiration of +the great Norwegian poet, can by any remotest possibility be considered +to have advanced a step beyond his master in dramatic treatment of the +inner social forces of modern life. + +It is not my intention here to do more than draw attention to the place +Friedensfest occupies chronologically among its author’s works, and to +point out its probable source of inspiration. Those who wish to trace the +author’s career up to three years ago—he is now only thirty-eight—may +be recommended to read “Gerhart Hauptmann, sein Lebensgang und seine +Dichtung,” written just after the publication of “Die Versunkene Glocke,” +by Dr Paul Schlenther, the gifted critic, now manager of the Vienna +Court Theatre. I may, perhaps, be allowed to quote the final sentences of +that book to show the high hopes entertained in Germany of Hauptmann’s +future. “At thirty-five years old,” writes Dr Schlenther, “he is a famous +man. He stands at life’s zenith. Half the Scriptural age lies behind him. +The best years of the strength and ripeness of manhood lie close ahead of +him. We wait for what shall come.” + +“Friedensfest” was played in 1890, when Hauptmann was twenty-seven, +eight years before these lines were penned. It was preceded by “Vor +Sonnenaufgang” in 1889—the first utterance which gave more than local +fame to its author—and was succeeded by “Einsame Menschen” in 1891. Of +his later works “Die Weber” and “Hannele” have already been translated +into English. + +In “Friedensfest” and “Einsame Menschen” the influence of Ibsen can +be traced more distinctly than in any of Hauptmann’s other works. +“Friedensfest” recalls in many respects Ibsen’s “Ghosts,” without any +servile copying on the part of the younger author—who has presented his +characters with a power and originality, a truth and subtlety peculiarly +his own. Moreover he has not been so relentless as Ibsen. Although the +“Family Catastrophe,” as he calls it, is gloomy enough, in a sense +the play ends more hopefully; the doom has not fallen on the younger +members of the Scholz family, with whose hereditary qualities the play +chiefly deals, and we are permitted to hope, if we choose, that it may +never fall. Hauptmann’s genius shows itself here of a softer and less +uncompromising mould than Ibsen’s. We feel that in as far as the play has +any tendency, it leans rather towards meliorism than pessimism. Like +Ibsen’s later works, however, it is more objective in treatment than +“Ghosts”—more a “family document” pure and simple, than a “tendency” +drama. + +But it is not my business here to tell the story of the play or to +attempt any interpretation. I have merely helped to render it into +English. + +In translating, we have tried to give the broken, elliptical language +in which Hauptmann’s characters express themselves, as faithfully +as possible—to keep the half-finished sentences and interjaculatory +outbursts without losing anything of the meaning of the play. Here and +there, the rude colloquialism of the speakers, especially of Mrs Scholz +and Friebe, have rendered our task almost impossible. We can only plead +that we have done our best. + + JANET ACHURCH. + + + + +THE COMING OF PEACE + + + + +PERSONS + + + DR FRITZ SCHOLZ, aged 68. + MINNA SCHOLZ, _his wife_, aged 46. + AUGUSTA, } aged 29. + ROBERT, } _their children_, aged 28. + WILLIAM, } aged 26. + _So far as possible the above should show a family likeness._ + MRS BUCHNER, aged 42. + IDA, _her daughter_, aged 20. + FRIEBE, _servant to the Scholzs_, aged 50. + +The Play takes place on Christmas Eve 188—, in a lonely country house, +near Erkner, in Brandenburg. + + + + +SCENE. + + + A high, roomy, white-washed Hall—hung with old-fashioned + pictures—horns and heads of different animals. A chandelier of + stag’s horns hanging from the middle of the roof-tree is filled + with fresh candles. At the back, in the middle of the wall, + is a porch, which projects into the hall, with a glass door, + through which is seen the heavy carved oaken door of the house. + On the top of the porch is a stuffed moorcock: right and left + above the level of the porch are windows—frozen and partly dim + with snow. + + To the left is an open arch, built like a gateway—which leads + by the staircase to the upper stories. Two low doors in the + same wall lead—one to the cellar, the other to the kitchen. + + Two other doors in the opposite wall both open into one room; + between these stands an old grandfather’s clock, on the top of + which squats a stuffed screech-owl. The furniture of the room + consists of heavy old oak chairs and tables: parallel to the + left wall is a table covered with a white cloth. Down the stage + to the left is a small iron stove, the flue of which runs along + the wall. All the doors are gaily coloured, the panels filled + with old-fashioned paintings of parrots, etc. + + + + +ACT I + + + The hall is decorated with green branches. A Christmas tree + is lying on the stone flags. Friebe, sitting on the top of + the cellar steps, is making a socket for it; Mrs Buchner and + Mrs Scholz, standing on either side of the table, are busy + fastening gay coloured wax candles into their holders. Mrs + Buchner is a healthy looking, well nourished, friendly faced + woman, simple, genuine and very neatly dressed: wears her hair + smooth: her movements are decided and she is entirely at her + ease. Her whole appearance expresses an unusual cordiality + which is thoroughly sincere, even if at times her manner + suggests affectation. Her way of speaking is fluent and clear, + and in moments of excitement declamatory; an atmosphere of + peace and well-being seems to emanate from her. Mrs Scholz, on + the contrary, is a woman who looks older than she is, showing + signs of premature old age. She is unhealthily fat, with a + sallow skin. Her dress is untidy, her hair grey and unkempt; + she wears spectacles. Mrs Scholz is fidgety in her movements, + restless, has generally a tearful or whining way of speaking + and is evidently in a continual state of excitement. Whilst Mrs + Buchner seems only to live for others, Mrs Scholz is completely + occupied with herself. + + On the table stand two five-branched candlesticks, fitted with + candles; but neither these nor the candles in the chandelier + are lighted. There is a lamp burning. + +FRIEBE (_striking a blow with his hatchet_). + +Not a stroke fails me! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ffff!!! But I can’t stand it, Friebe! How often have I told you.... You +might easily break the hatchet. The idea! chopping wood on stone! + +FRIEBE. + +You leave that to me! What! wasn’t I ten years in the regiment? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +In the regiment? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +He was head man in the royal forests. + +FRIEBE. + +Not—(_he strikes again_) a blessed—(_strikes_) stroke! + + [_He stands up, looks at his work by the lamp, and then fastens + the Christmas tree so that it stands upright. Friebe is small, + already a little bent, bandy-legged, and has a bald head. His + small, mobile, little monkey face is unshaven. His hair and + stubble beard are yellowish grey. He is a jack-of-all-trades. + His coat, stiff with a mixture of plate powder, oil, + boot-blacking and dust, was cut for a man twice his size, + so that the sleeves are tucked up and the skirts overlap + considerably. His brown servant’s apron is no cleaner than his + coat: from under it from time to time he brings out a snuff-box + and takes snuff with intense satisfaction. The tree made firm, + he puts it on the table, stands in front and gazes at it._ + +FRIEBE. + +A real—bonny—well-set-up—little fir tree! (_with condescending +superiority to the women_) you don’t think so—eh? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +As an old forester, you should be the best judge of that. + +FRIEBE. + +Well, certainly, that would be rather too much; as to what a fir tree is— + +MRS SCHOLZ (_interrupting him impatiently_). + +We really mustn’t keep you here, Friebe; my daughter expressly said, +“send Friebe for me.” + +FRIEBE. + +H’m—tch—for all I care! + + [_Goes out through the kitchen door, making a contemptuous + gesture._ + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Are you vexed with him? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +I should think so. Tiresome idiot! If it hadn’t been for my +husband—there, you see, that’s my husband all over.—This old +snuffler—Nothing else would do, he must have _him_ about the whole day, +or else he wasn’t content. Did you ever know such a man? + + [_Enter Augusta from outside in haste and alarm: once inside, + she shuts the glass door violently and throws herself against + it as though to prevent some one from coming in._] + +MRS SCHOLZ (_most violently startled_). + +Oh God-oh-God-oh-God!!! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Why?—what—? + + [_Augusta is tall, lanky, and noticeably thin: she is dressed + in the height of fashion but without any taste. Fur jacket, + fur cap and muff. The face and the feet are long: the face + is sharply cut and bitter featured, with thin lips tightly + pressed together. She wears a lorgnette. Her nature unites + with her mother’s excitability, something of a pathologically + disagreeable character. Her personality diffuses round it an + atmosphere of discontent, dissatisfaction and comfortlessness._] + +AUGUSTA. + +Out there!—as true as I’m here—someone—was following me. + +MRS BUCHNER (_pointing to the clock_). + +William, perhaps.—No! not yet. The train can’t be in yet. (_To Augusta_) +Wait a moment! + + [_She puts out her hand to open the door._ + +AUGUSTA. + +No! No!—No! No! + +MRS BUCHNER (_in a cooing manner_). + +You’re nervous, dear child. (_She goes into the porch and opens the outer +door, a little timidly._) Is anyone there?—(_Resolutely_) Is anybody +there? (_Pause—no answer._) + +MRS SCHOLZ (_irritated_). + +Fine doings! As if I hadn’t had enough excitement—it’s enough to kill +one. You’re always complaining of _something_. + +AUGUSTA (_snappishly_). + +Complaining! Complaining!—Haven’t I got enough to complain about? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +You behave charmingly to your mother, I must say. + +AUGUSTA. + +Oh! what do you expect? Who could help being frightened—in pitch +darkness—absolutely alone— + +MRS BUCHNER (_putting her arms round Augusta’s waist from +behind—soothingly_). + +Madcap! Madcap! to flare up like that for nothing! Come now. (_Helping +her to take off her jacket, etc._) There!—you see?— + +AUGUSTA. + +Ah! but it is _true_, Mrs Buchner! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Now my dear people, listen! Four long days already since we came +to stay with you. I’ve been thinking—sha’n’t we drop all these +formalities?—Mayn’t I call you Augusta? Eh?—Good—then—(_embraces her and +kisses Mrs Scholz_). + +MRS SCHOLZ (_before she responds to the embrace_). + +Wait! wait! My hands are all greasy. + +MRS BUCHNER (_to Augusta, who is warming herself at the stove_). + +There now! Aren’t you better already?—Was the Christmas party nice? + +AUGUSTA. + +Nothing will take me there again!—Stuffy—no air—hot enough to make you +faint! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Did the minister speak well? + +AUGUSTA. + +I know one thing; if _I_ were poor, I’d have been off after the great +man’s speech.—I’d have flung all their beggarly trash back in their faces. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +O—o—h! but it’s a great blessing for the poor people. + + [_A fresh, clear woman’s voice is heard singing._ + + “When beneath the linden leaves + The blossom clings, + Memory in my spirit weaves + Dreams of bygone springs.” + + [_Ida comes through the stairway. She is twenty years old, + and wears a close-clinging black woollen dress. She has a + fine, fully matured figure, a very small head, and, on this + first entrance, her long yellow hair is loose. She has an air + of quiet contentment about her, a subdued cheerfulness and + confident expectation of happiness. Although the expression of + her clever face is generally bright, it deepens at times into + a sudden seriousness, showing that she is unaffectedly lost in + her own thoughts._] + +IDA (_a towel laid over her shoulders and some cardboard boxes under her +arm_). + +Has anybody come? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Augusta has given us a fine fright. + +IDA (_pointing back up the stairs_). + +It’s not so very comfortable upstairs, either. I hurried (_laughing_) so +that I could come down. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +But, child! Robert has the room over you now. + +IDA (_putting the boxes on the table, opens them and takes out various +things_). + +Well, if he has, the place is always empty. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Your hair should be nearly dry by now, eh? + +IDA (_turning her head lovingly, and throwing back her hair_). + +Just feel! + +MRS BUCHNER (_doing so_). + +Oh dear—you should have washed it earlier, child! + +IDA. + +What a bother the old mane is; I’ve been scorching myself at the stove +for the last half hour (_taking from one of the boxes a yellow silk purse +and holding it out to Augusta_). Pretty colour, eh?—It’s only just a +little joke; has he had many purses? + +AUGUSTA (_busy with her jacket, which she is brushing; shrugs her +shoulders_). + +Don’t know (_she looks critically with her short-sighted eyes at the +purse_). H’m, h’m, rather loosely knitted (_immediately returning to her +jacket_). The plush is done for. + +IDA (_displaying a little box of cigars_). + +I—_am_ pleased—to think you have never dressed a Christmas tree! + +AUGUSTA. + +If you come to think of it—it’s really not the sort of thing for grown-up +people! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +No indeed! If ever I’d suggested one, my husband would have never let +me hear the end of it. With my dear parents—Ah! when I remember—what +a beautiful family life that was. Never a Christmas without a tree! +(_Imitating her father’s gait and manner._) And then in the evening when +father came from the office and brought the beau—u—tiful gingerbread +with him (_joining thumb and fore-finger as if she held a piece of the +famous cake between them—she puts them to her mouth_). Ah yes—those days +are gone. My husband—he wouldn’t even eat his dinner with us—he lived +upstairs—we down—a perfect hermit. If one wanted anything from him—good +Lord—the only way was to get hold of Friebe. + +AUGUSTA (_feeding the stove_). + +Oh don’t go on like that everlastingly! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Don’t pile up the stove in that senseless fashion! + +AUGUSTA. + +Can’t we even have the room warm then? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +All the heat flies up the chimney to-day. + +AUGUSTA (_demurring crossly_). + +Is that a reason for letting it go quite out? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Leave me in peace! + +AUGUSTA (_throwing the shovel noisily back into the box_). + +Have it your own way! + + [_Exit Augusta in a rage._] + +IDA. + +Ah, Gussie! stay with us!—Just wait—I’ll soon bring her round. + + [_Goes out after her._ + +MRS SCHOLZ (_with resignation_). + +All my children are like that!—ah—what a girl! There’s no holding her! +First she wants one thing, then another:—all of a sudden—she takes it +into her head—she must study. She’ll stick upstairs and not say a word +for weeks; and the next thing is—she’s no use—nobody wants her.—Oh, +good Heavens, yes—you’re to be envied—a sweet little thing like _your_ +daughter—— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Oh, but Gussie too!— + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +How charmingly she plays the piano, and that delicious voice—How I love +to listen to a voice like that! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Why don’t you ever play now? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh that would be a fine thing. The little peace I have would be done for. +Augusta is so nervous—just like her father—he’d run away from the piano +as if he were hunted. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +You should hear your William play now; he has improved!—What would Ida be +without him! She’s learnt all she knows from him. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah yes! so you told me. Oh, he’s full of talent, there’s no doubt of +that! It was a pleasure to teach him. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Yes! and he looks back with such affection on the time when his little +mother gave him his first lessons. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Does he?—Good Lord, yes! those were pleasant times. Then I used to +think—every thing turns out differently—Oh! I’m so agitated! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +So agitated?—What about? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Why—about his coming—how does he look now—really? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Well—strong—healthy. You’ll be proud of your son. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +I’m really surprised that the boy’s coming. It’s gone to my heart +many a time. And the notepaper he’s cost me—and never once answered +his old mother: how have you brought him to it? That’s what I can’t +understand—that I _can’t_ understand. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +I?—Oh! no! it was Ida who persuaded him. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Robert doesn’t trouble himself much about us either, but at least he +comes once a year at Christmas time for a few days: that’s not much to be +grateful for—but William—six whole years he’s not been here—neither he +nor my husband—for six whole years. Does she get on with him? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Ida?—Very well in every way. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Well, that’s extraordinary. You simply can’t imagine _how_ reserved +the boy always was—just like his father. No playfellows, no school +friends,—nothing. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Yes, yes, that’s how he was with us at first. He never would come near +the house, except for the music-lesson. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Later, though, he came? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Well,—yes. He said we mustn’t worry him, and when he felt able he’d come +of his own accord. We had the sense to let him have his own way, and +sure enough, after waiting for him half a year, in fact,—when we’d given +up waiting, he came—and afterwards, day after day, little by little, he +became quite different. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +You must have bewitched him—his engagement alone—that’s what I can’t get +over. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +You must know how to manage with artists. I’ve learnt that—my dear +husband was one. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +And that—business—with his father? Has he confided that to you, too? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +N-n-o, dear friend. You see that’s the one, only, point—the one thing he +can’t yet bring himself to—but you may believe me, the remembrance is +terribly painful to him—is still—to this very day. And certainly not less +so because he _has_ kept it to himself. At all costs he must get over +that, even in this matter too. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh, God forbid!—no, no—right is right! “Honour thy father and thy +mother.” A hand that you raise against your own father—that’s an +inhuman hand! We’ve had our quarrels—oh yes! we’ve both our faults, my +husband and I, but that’s _our_ business, no human being has a right to +interfere, least of all one’s own son. And who had to suffer for it? I, +of course. An old woman like me has broad shoulders; my husband left the +house the very same day, and half an hour later, William too. There was +no good talking; first I thought they would come back, but whoever else +did they didn’t! And William alone is to blame for it, no one else—no one. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +William may have been _much_ to blame—I’m convinced of that. But think, +to have repented for years, and— + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +No—no! Good heavens, what can you be thinking of! It’s not so easily got +over; that would be worse still. It’s very good of you to have taken so +to the boy, and it’s nice too that he’s coming—as indeed why shouldn’t +he? But, after all, what’s the good of it? It’s not so easy to fill up +a gulf—yes, yes, there _are_ gulfs—that’s what they are, gulfs—deep +gulfs—in our family. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Still I can’t help thinking that we—that those of us with firm, honest +intentions— + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Intentions, intentions! don’t talk to me! I know better! One can intend, +and intend, and intend, hundreds of things, and nothing gets any further. +No, no!—it’s quite another thing with your daughter. She is so—and +William is so—and both are what they are.—Much too good a sort for one of +us—much, much too good.—Oh, Lord, yes!—intentions!—Ah yes! all these good +intentions—Your intentions are all very well, but whether they lead to +anything—I doubt it! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +But I hope it—all the more. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Well, it may be. I’ll say nothing to spoil it. In spite of everything, my +heart goes out to the boy; only it excites me so, I’m frightened; and, +mind you, it won’t be all as easy as you think. + +IDA (_enters right; to Mrs Scholz, sweetly_). + +Little mother-in-law, she’s gilding the nuts. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Time’s getting on, Ida! You must make yourself beautiful, he may be here +at any moment. + +IDA (_startled_). + +What? Already! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh, don’t trouble! She’s much too beautiful for him as it is. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +I’ve put the blue out for you (_calling after Ida_), and put on the +brooch; don’t forget. + + [_Exit Ida._ + +MRS BUCHNER (_continuing, to Mrs Scholz_). + +She doesn’t care a bit for jewellery. + + [_The outer door of the house opens and shuts._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Wait—who—(_to Mrs Buchner_) please will you—I can’t see him yet—I— + +MRS BUCHNER (_calling up the stairs_). + +Ida! your William is here. + + [_Dr Scholz enters through the glass door. He is unusually + tall, broad-shouldered, very bloated. The face is fat, + complexion muddy, the eyes sometimes glittering, with wandering + glances, but usually dull and lack-lustre. He has a grey, + stubbly beard, partially covering his cheeks; his movements + are clumsy and tremulous; he speaks brokenly, as if with his + mouth full; stumbles over syllables, and is interrupted by + gasping inspirations. He is slovenly dressed: a velvet vest, + coat and trousers of nondescript colour, once brown—cap with a + large peak, stone-grey in colour, peculiar in shape; red silk + neckerchief, linen creased. He uses a large Turkish pocket + handkerchief. On entering he carries a malacca cane with a + staghorn crook in his right hand, and has flung about him a + large military cloak, over his left arm a fur foot-bag._ + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Servus! servus! + +MRS SCHOLZ (_staring at him as if at an apparition_). + +Fritz!— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +As you see. + +MRS SCHOLZ (_throwing her arms about him with a scream_). + +Fritz!! + +AUGUSTA (_opens the door L., starts back_). + +Father! + + [_Mrs Buchner goes off backwards through the left door, her + eyes fixed on Dr Scholz._ + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Yes, yes, yes, it’s I. But first of all—is Friebe there? + +FRIEBE (_peeping through kitchen door, starts—coming forward_). + +The doctor! (_He rushes to him and seizes and kisses both his hands._) +Now, would anyone have believed it! + +DR SCHOLZ. + +St!—Just go and see—see that the house door is shut. + + [_Friebe nods and obeys with joyful alacrity._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +But Fritz, tell me—only tell me, my mind’s all confused (_weeping, +embraces him_). Ah Fritz! what grief you’ve caused me all this long, long +time. + +DR SCHOLZ (_putting his wife gently from him_). + +Ah well, my life too—we’d better not begin with reproaches. You’re just +the same doleful old thing (_with gentle bitterness_). Anyhow I should +certainly not have troubled you—if it hadn’t been for—(_Friebe takes his +cloak, etc._) There are times in life, dear Minna—if one has powerful +enemies as I have— + + [_Friebe goes out through the stairway with the Dr’s + belongings._ + +MRS SCHOLZ (_pretending to be cross_). + +Nobody _made_ you come, Fritz. Here there has always been a safe, cosy +home;—you could have lived so comfortably here. + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Don’t be cross—you don’t understand. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah yes! I’m only a simpleton, I suppose,—but really, you weren’t +answerable to anyone; it wasn’t at all necessary for you— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +—St! It was very necessary (_half mysteriously_). After guilt, atonement; +after sin, chastisement. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Yes, yes, Fritz,—it is true—you too had much to answer for. (_From here +to the end of the conversation, she continually looks with anxiety +towards the front door, as though she feared every moment to see William +come in._) We might have been so peaceful, so contented, if you had only +let us. + +DR SCHOLZ. + +It was all my fault, all of it. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +There, now you are unjust again. + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Well, I won’t argue with you; many have banded together against me, +that’s certain—for instance, in the hotels, the waiters—not one night +could I sleep in peace—up and down, up and down, in the corridors—and +always just in front of _my_ door. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +But come now, they wouldn’t have disturbed you on purpose! + +DR SCHOLZ. + +No—? oh you!—you don’t understand! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Well, well, it may be, waiters are sometimes very mean. + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Mean!—I should think they are.—However, we can speak of that later. I +have rather a headache—(_puts his hand on the back of his head_). There! +that’s another disgraceful thing! I know well enough whom I have to +thank for that! I’ll just see whether I can’t drive it away with a sound +sleep—I am very tired. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +But there’s no fire upstairs, Fritz! + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Think of that. From Vienna without stopping and no fire!—Never mind; +Friebe will have seen to that. Tell me about Friebe—I mean—is he still as +trustworthy? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Friebe is—what he always was. + +DR SCHOLZ. + +I was sure of it—well for the present—(_after he has pressed his wife’s +hand, he turns with a deep thoughtful expression and goes towards +the staircase. Noticing the Christmas tree, he stops and looks at it +forlornly._) What is that? + +MRS SCHOLZ (_disturbed, shamefaced, and a little frightened_). + +We’re keeping Christmas. + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Keeping Christmas!—(_after a long pause, lost in memories_) It’s a +long—long—time (_turning and speaking with real emotion_). And you—you’ve +grown quite white! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Yes, Fritz—both of us! + + [_Dr Scholz nodding turns away and goes off through stairway L._ + +MRS BUCHNER (_entering quickly from R._). + +So your husband has come back? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +It’s as though—as if—I don’t know—Christ! what am I to think! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +That it is a gift, dear friend, for which we must all be thankful. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah! what he looks like! How he has lived! What an existence!—from one +country to another, from one town to—ah! he’s gone through something! + + [_Mrs Buchner is going to stairway._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +What are you going to do? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Tell Ida of the joyful event. + + [_Goes off through stairway._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh yes!—no, no,—what are you thinking of! We mustn’t let that out. If my +husband finds out that anyone but himself lives up there, I should get +into nice trouble. + +MRS BUCHNER (_from the stairs_). + +I’ll go very gently. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Yes, quite gently.—That would be dreadful! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +I’m going quite gently. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh God-oh-God-oh-God!—Well—very, very gently! + +AUGUSTA (_hastily entering from R._). + +Father is here? + +MRS SCHOLZ (_beside herself_). + +Why, of course! And now what’s to be done! The next thing will be +William—Oh! the deadly fear I’ve been in! if he and his father were to +meet! Any minute he may come in! What an experience to go through for an +old woman like me! + +AUGUSTA. + +What an extraordinary sensation, mamma, extraordinary!—We were so used +to—It’s like a man risen from the dead after long years.—I’m frightened, +mamma. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Do you suppose he’s come to the end of his money? + +AUGUSTA. + +Now—that would be—Well! I—that would be the last straw! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Well, in that case, how should we manage at all! We might as well go and +beg at once. + + [_Ida fully dressed enters from stairway, presses Augusta’s + hand joyfully._ + +IDA. + +Gussie! (_winningly_) It’s really true! Oh! I am so glad. + + [_Mrs Scholz and Augusta show a certain painful emotion._ + + [_Robert enters from one of the doors R.; he is of middle + height, slender, pale-faced, and haggard-looking. His eyes + are sunken, and at times glitter feverishly; moustache and + imperial. He smokes Turkish tobacco out of a noticeably + short-stemmed pipe._ + +ROBERT (_lightly_). + +You’re going to have it warm here, mother. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Now _he’s_ beginning! + +AUGUSTA. + +For all I care! + + [_Steals sidelong glances at Ida’s dress._ + +ROBERT (_to Ida, who has looked at him reproachfully_). + +Yes, that’s how I’m made, Miss Ida! + +IDA (_shaking her head at him incredulously_). + +No! no! + +AUGUSTA (_exploding_). + +You’re too maddening, Robert! + +ROBERT. + +Not intentionally! Don’t _get_ mad! + + [_Augusta makes a contemptuous gesture._ + +ROBERT. + +And then——? + +AUGUSTA. + +And then!—And then!—Bosh! + +ROBERT (_with simulated astonishment_). + +I beg your pardon—I thought—but you no longer depend on mere outward +charms! + +IDA (_soothingly_). + +Oh! Mr Robert! + +ROBERT. + +H’m, mustn’t I defend myself? + +AUGUSTA (_half choked with tears_). + +Just like you! Just like you. Your whole—my age—it’s infamous of you! +Mrs Buchner! isn’t it too mean of him? To me! I—I who have stuck to +mother—through the best—most beautiful time of my young life!—whilst all +of you—I—just as if I’d been a servant-girl! + +ROBERT. + +On my word!—that has the true ring—try the stage! (_with an altered +manner: roughly_) Don’t play the fool; just think! you with a martyr’s +halo, that would be too funny! You’d have come off even worse anywhere +else than you have at home, that’s the truth of it! + +AUGUSTA. + +Mother! you can bear witness—haven’t I refused three proposals? + +ROBERT. + +Pff! If mother had only forked out the necessary money the gentlemen +would no doubt have included you in the bargain. + +MRS SCHOLZ (_stepping up to Robert, holding her hand out_). + +There, take a knife—cut it out of me—cut the money out of my hand! + +AUGUSTA. + +Listen to me! Would you like to see the letters of refusal? + +MRS SCHOLZ (_interrupting_). + +Children! (_She makes a movement as if to bare her breast for a +death-stroke._) Here—rather kill me at once! Haven’t you so much pity for +me? Not so much? What? Ah! good Lord! Not five minutes! I never saw such +children; not five minutes can you keep peace! + +ROBERT. + +Exactly, that’s what I said: things are warming up again. + + [_Friebe comes importantly from the stairway; he whispers to + Mrs Scholz, whereupon she gives him a key. Friebe goes out + through cellar door. Robert has stood watching this proceeding._ + +ROBERT (_as Friebe disappears down the cellar steps_). + +Aha! + +AUGUSTA (_who has kept her eye on Robert: breaking out furiously_). + +You haven’t a shred of filial feeling!—not one shred! + +ROBERT. + +And then——? + +AUGUSTA. + +But you’re a good hand at acting—you lie abominably; and that’s the most +disgusting part of it. + +ROBERT. + +About father, do you mean? + +AUGUSTA. + +Especially about father. + +ROBERT (_shrugging his shoulders_). + +If you mean—— + +AUGUSTA. + +Yes—yes—that—_that_! Yes—for—if it were _not_ so, then, yes _then_ you +would be a scoundrel—— + +MRS SCHOLZ (_interrupting_). + +Will you two be quiet or—— + +ROBERT (_without noticing her_). + +Then I am a scoundrel—well and then?—— + + [_Ida, who for a long time has shown restless expectation goes + out through glass door._ + +AUGUSTA. + +Pfui! shameless! + +ROBERT. + +Shameless—just so. So I am. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Mr Robert! I don’t believe you—you are better than you would have us +believe—better than you yourself believe! + +ROBERT (_with slight but increasing sarcasm, coldly_). + +My dear Mrs Buchner! it is no doubt very kind of you—but as I said—I +hardly know—to what this honour—indeed I can lay no claim to your +indulgence. My self-esteem is at the present moment by no means so slight +that I feel the need of anyone to—— + +MRS BUCHNER (_slightly bewildered_). + +That isn’t at all what I mean—only—your _father_? + +ROBERT. + +My father for me is a certain Fritz Scholz, doctor of medicine. + +AUGUSTA. + +Oh yes—go on! + +ROBERT. + +And if I cannot feel towards this man quite so indifferent as towards any +other tomfool, it is because I—and then—(_he smokes_) because I—well just +this—I am myself to a certain extent the product of his folly. + +MRS BUCHNER (_hardly believing her ears_). + +Excuse me! I can’t follow you so far. How can you say such a thing?—It +really quite upsets me. + +MRS SCHOLZ (_to Mrs Buchner_). + +There, there!—You’ll see things in this house—— + +AUGUSTA. + +Now what do you mean by that, mother? We are—_what_ we are. Other people +who do—Lord knows what—they’re no better! + +ROBERT. + +As a matter of fact there are always simple souls to be found who are +never happy unless they can potter about tinkering their neighbours’ +affairs—exploded ideas!—Rubbish! + +MRS BUCHNER (_seizing Robert by both hands, with feeling_). + +Mr Robert! I feel under a distinct obligation to you. I’m quite charmed. +Honestly, you haven’t offended me in the least! + +ROBERT (_a little taken aback_). + +You are an extraordinary woman! + + [_Friebe comes from the cellar; he carries in his left + hand three bottles of red wine, the bottle necks between + his fingers, a bottle of cognac under his left arm. In his + right hand he has the cellar key. Advancing to Mrs Scholz, + importantly._]— + +FRIEBE. + +Now then—the cigars. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Good gracious, Friebe, I really don’t know— + +ROBERT. + +In the writing-table, mother. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah—yes!— + + [_She takes a bunch of keys and fumbles nervously for the right + one._ + +AUGUSTA. + +Why! you know the key of the desk! + +ROBERT. + +The one with the straight ward. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh yes! wait a minute! + +ROBERT. + +Give it to me. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Wait—wait—here—ah!—no!—I’m quite confused! (_handing Robert the bunch_). +There! + +ROBERT (_detaching the right key and passing it to Friebe_). + +There, I trust my father’s cigars may meet with your approval. + +FRIEBE. + +There you are! We shan’t get him away from them all day! (_bell rings +loudly_) Coming—coming! (_goes off upstairs_). + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Now the wine will soon come to an end!—Good heavens! What are we coming +to! All that wine. Always those strong, expensive cigars! I tell you he +will ruin himself! + +ROBERT. + +Well, it’s a free country! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +What do you mean? + +ROBERT. + +Everyone has a right to amuse himself in his own way. I, at any rate, +would not have my right interfered with, not even by law. H’m, it’s +extraordinary! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +What! + +ROBERT. + +Extraordinary! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Why do you look at me so critically? Is it something about me that is +_extraordinary_? + +ROBERT. + +Depends how you look at it! You’ve been with us several days, and you’ve +not yet thought of going—! + +AUGUSTA. + +What a way to talk! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +They _won’t_ stop! + + [_She shakes her head despairingly._ + +ROBERT (_with brutal candour_). + +Well mother, isn’t it true? Have any strangers ever been able to stand +us more than half a day? Haven’t they all cleared out?—The Schulzes—the +Lehmanns? + +AUGUSTA. + +As if we were dependent on strangers—for my part we’re enough for +ourselves. + +ROBERT. + +Oh _more_ than enough! (_Brutally_) I tell you, Mrs Buchner, they +would fly at each other’s throats before perfect strangers—like +wild beasts. Mother would tear off the tablecloth, father smash the +water-bottle—cheerful, eh?—Pretty scenes!—Charming impressions for +children! + +AUGUSTA. + +You ought to crawl out of sight for shame, you mean wretch, you! + + [_Goes off quickly._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +You see? _This_ is what I’ve endured for years—_years_! + + [_Goes out in great agitation._ + +ROBERT (_going on, quite unmoved_). + +And no wonder. A man of forty marries a girl of sixteen and carries her +off to this godforsaken corner. A man who has served as surgeon in the +Turkish army, and travelled through Japan. A cultivated, enterprising +spirit, who works out the most daring projects—joins himself to a +woman who a few years before was firmly convinced, that America was +one of the stars in the sky. Truly I don’t exaggerate! Well, the +result—a stagnant, corrupt, fermenting swamp—out of which we have had +the doubtful advantage of growing—Horrible!—Love?—not a trace. Mutual +understanding?—respect?—not a touch—and this is the soil from which we +children have grown. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Mr Robert!—I want to beg you— + +ROBERT. + +All right! I don’t want to talk of it. Besides the story is— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +No, no!—I want to ask you for something—pressing. + +ROBERT. + +Ask me—what? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Couldn’t you—to please me—couldn’t you?—wouldn’t it be possible—just this +one evening—couldn’t you put off your mask? + +ROBERT. + +That’s good! Put off my mask? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Yes, for it’s not really you—it’s not really your own face that you show +us. + +ROBERT. + +What an idea! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Promise me—Mr Robert!— + +ROBERT. + +But I really don’t know— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +William—your brother William may come at any moment—and— + +ROBERT (_interrupting_). + +Mrs Buchner, if you would only—Believe me!—your efforts, I assure you, +are quite useless—all this will lead to nothing—absolutely nothing—it’s +all been spoilt for us—ruined—bungled from the very beginning—bungled +through every year of our lives. There’s nothing more to be done. +It all looks very—promising—Christmas tree—candles—presents—family +gathering—That’s only on top: a downright damnable lie—nothing else! And +now—Father!—If I didn’t know how unmanageable he is—on my honour I should +believe—that it was you—who brought him here— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Indeed no! That is just what has quickened my hopes. It is not chance, +it’s providence—and so from my heart I beg you to be kind and brotherly +to William. If you only knew how highly he speaks of you, with what love +and what respect— + +ROBERT (_interrupting_). + +H’m!—and what use will it be? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +What? + +ROBERT. + +Why should I be kind and brotherly to him? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +You ask that! + +ROBERT. + +Yes. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Well—at least not to spoil his return home for him. + +ROBERT. + +Oh, we don’t affect each other as you seem to think, and, besides, if you +imagine he is going to be overcome by a subtle emotion on first entering +here— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Your brother is so good—a really fine character!—He must have fought a +great fight before bringing himself to this point. He is coming with an +intense desire for reconciliation, that I can _assure_ you! + +ROBERT. + +I can’t understand all that. Reconciled—to what?—That’s what I can’t +see. As a rule, we understand one another fairly well in this family. +But this is quite beyond me! I’ve nothing to say against him, but on the +other hand there’s no disguising facts.—I ask you—do you imagine that +I have any exaggerated respect for my father?—Of course not.—Or that I +have any—love—for him?—Or any childlike feeling of gratitude?—You see, +I haven’t the slightest reason for any such feeling. In all our lives, +the most that we have ever been to each other, has been a source of +amusement. At moments, when we have blamed each other for our common +unhappiness, we have actually hated each other. Well, between father +and William this same hatred grew. That I understand well enough. That I +haven’t done what William did is perhaps an accident. So I have nothing +against him—_nota bene_, so long as I don’t see him. But if I see him, +then all my logic goes to the devil, for I am rather,—rather—h’m, what +shall I say?—Well, _then_ I only see the man who has struck my father, +not his, but _my_ father, struck him in the face! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Oh my God!— + +ROBERT. + +And then I can answer for nothing—you see?—absolutely for nothing. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +My God!—Was that it!—Struck him, you say?—In—the—f—, in the face? His own +father?— + +ROBERT. + +Just that. + +MRS BUCHNER (_half beside herself_). + +Oh my God!—But then—then I can indeed!—Ah! then I must speak to him at +once.—Your good old father—for— + +ROBERT (_quite startled_). + +To whom?— + +MRS BUCHNER (_bursting into tears_). + +To your poor dear old ill-treated father! + +ROBERT (_trying to restrain her_). + +For heaven’s sake what can you— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Let me go—I must—I must—! + + [_Goes through stairway._ + +ROBERT (_calling after her_). + +Mrs Buchner! (_Turning back_) Damned hysteria!— + + [_He shrugs his shoulders, and paces the room more than once; + he makes a movement as if to hurry after her, but finally + gives up the idea, and forces himself into a state of apparent + indifference; he first occupies himself with his pipe; knocks + it out, fills it with new tobacco from his pouch, lights it, + and seems for some minutes lost in the enjoyment of smoking. + Presently his interest is roused by the Christmas tree, and + turning to the presents on the table, he plants himself before + them; while surveying them, pipe in mouth, he laughs bitterly + more than once. Suddenly he starts, takes his pipe in his hand, + and bends low over the table: straightening himself, he seems + for the first time to discover that he is alone; looking round + as cautiously as a thief, he bends forward again, hastily + seizes the yellow silk purse, looks at it more closely, and + presses it with a sudden passionate movement to his lips. In + this movement he shows, as by a lightning flash, an eerie, + feverish passion. A noise startles him. Instantly the purse + lies where it was. On tiptoe he tries to slip away. Just as he + is disappearing through the door down R., he sees his mother + enter by the adjoining door, and on his part stands still. + Mrs Scholz goes heavily but quickly across the room to the + stairway, where she stands and listens._] + +ROBERT (_turning back_). + +I say, mother, what does that woman want? + +MRS SCHOLZ (_frightened_). + +Oh God-oh-God-oh-God-oh-God!!! How you startle one! + +ROBERT. + +What! (_puffs_) wh—(_puffs again_), what does Mrs—Mrs Buchner really want +here, I should like to know? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +What _I_ want to know is, what your father—what _he_ really wants? Ah, +just tell me! what is it? + +ROBERT. + +Well, you’ll scarcely refuse him a roof over his head? + +MRS SCHOLZ (_perversely, almost in tears_). + +I really don’t see. It’s so long since he wanted me; one was at any rate +one’s own master; now it will begin all over again. The old worry!—now in +one’s old days, one will be ordered about like a little child! + +ROBERT. + +Oh! how you exaggerate! It’s always the same, you will exaggerate so. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Just you wait till he sees the empty greenhouse to-morrow. There’s waste +enough without my keeping another gardener; the bee-hives, they’re +gone too. No flowers need trouble themselves to grow for anything I +care, they only give you headaches; and then the insects——I don’t know +what he gets out of it; and for that, one must be ordered about like a +good-for-nothing! The first “hallo!” startles me out of my wits. Oh, this +world is no longer any good. + +ROBERT (_while Mrs Scholz speaks, shrugs his shoulders and turns to go, +then stops and answers_). + +Was it ever better, then? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Better! I should think so!! + +ROBERT. + +Really! that must have been before my time! + + [_Goes out through lower door._ + +MRS SCHOLZ (_listening again on stairway_). + +When I remember—they’re talking upstairs (_she looks up, sees she is +alone, listens again uneasily, and finally goes out through stairway, one +hand up to her ear, her face expressing fright and curiosity_). + + [_Ida and William enter through the glass door: William is of + middle height, strong, healthy-looking; fair hair, cut short; + his clothes fit well without being foppish; overcoat, hat, + satchel. His left arm is laid round Ida’s shoulders. She has + her right arm thrown around him, and with gentle force is + pushing him on._] + +IDA. + +You see now, you’re inside! The worst is over already. + +WILLIAM. + +Ah no! + + [_Sighs heavily._ + +IDA. + +You may believe me how very glad your mother is—and Gussie too. (_She +pulls off his winter gloves_) Where did you get these from! + +WILLIAM. + +So you know my—mother now? + +IDA. + +All of them, dearest; we’re sworn friends already. + +WILLIAM. + +And how do you—like them? + +IDA. + +_Dear_ people, as you know very well. + +WILLIAM (_growing each moment more constrained and depressed, speaks as +though to himself_). + +Extraordinary! (_his eyes catch sight of the Christmas tree, he +immediately lowers them; starting involuntarily_). + +IDA. + +But, dearest, surely that’s not the first Christmas tree which you— + +WILLIAM. + +Yes, _here_, and you cannot possibly feel with me how—how—extraordinary—— + +IDA (_taking off his coat; he remains passive_). + +Please, please, Willy (_standing in front of him, his coat over her arm, +his hat and satchel in her hand_), Willy, look at me! (_encouragingly_) +straight—(_stands a moment drawn up to her full height, then puts the +things quickly to one side, and comes back to William_). You have +promised me! + +WILLIAM. + +Have you ever,—Ida,—have you ever seen a vaulted tomb hung with wreaths +and— + +IDA (_shocked_). + +Oh William! (_quite beside herself, throws her arms about him_) that _is_ +bad of you!—that is too bad! that is really too, _too_ bad of you! + +WILLIAM (_putting her gently from him with suppressed emotion_). + +All that means nothing, nothing at all. (_Coldly repelling her._) Be +reasonable, be reasonable! + +IDA. + +Oh! what _is_ the matter with you! + +WILLIAM (_looking through the tree_). + +Everything else is as it used to be. Ida, you must really, really +remember what this all means to me. + +IDA. + +I’m getting so frightened, Willy! Perhaps, after all, it would have been +better to——Mother certainly did not know that it would be _so_ hard for +you,—and I—I only thought—because mother said—it wasn’t that _I_ wished +it—! But now, now that you’ve got so far, do—will you?—for my sake! Ah! +(_putting her arms round him_). + +WILLIAM (_drawn a little further into the room by Ida’s embrace, with +sighs of deep inward disturbance_). + +Every step forwards—what I have lived through in this very place! + +IDA. + +Only don’t stir that up! Don’t stir all that up! + +WILLIAM. + +See! now it’s getting clear to me—your mother should not have persuaded +me to this. She’s always so confident,—so—I knew—I told her—but that +simple absolute confidence! If only I hadn’t allowed myself to be blinded— + +IDA. + +Ah! how seriously you take everything, William! Believe me, you will +speak differently to-morrow,—as soon as you’ve once seen them all again. +Then you’ll at any rate have done your part; you will have proved that +you were in earnest in your wish to live at peace with your family. + +WILLIAM. + +To see it all again! all the old places! Everything comes back—so +vividly, you know—the past comes so close to me—so oppressively close—one +can—one is quite helpless— + +IDA (_embracing him with tears_). + +When I see you like this, William—ah, don’t think—for pity’s sake don’t +think I would have urged you. I am so frightfully sorry for you! + +WILLIAM. + +Ida, I can tell _you_!—I assure you—I must get away from here! That’s +evident.—I’m not equal to this struggle evidently; it might wreck me +altogether! You are such a child, Ida! a sweet, innocent child—how should +you know! Thank God indeed that you cannot even dream what I—what this +man whom you know—I can tell _you_—Hatred!—Bitterness!—the very moment I +came in— + +IDA. + +Shall we go? shall we go away? this minute? + +WILLIAM. + +Yes! For in these surroundings you—even you—I can scarcely separate you +in my mind from the rest! I’m losing you! It’s criminal in me the mere +fact that you should be here! + +IDA. + +If you could only explain, William, there must be—something terrible must +have happened here that— + +WILLIAM. + +Here! A crime—all the more terrible because it did not count as one. +Here my life was given to me, and here that same life—I can tell _you_, +was—I had almost said systematically destroyed, till it grew loathsome +to me—till I dragged it—bowed down like a beast of burden—crept about +with it—buried myself, hid myself.—What can I say—one suffers beyond +words!—Fury—hate—revenge—despair without ceasing, day and night; the same +gnawing devouring pain (_pointing to his forehead_) _here_ (_pointing to +his heart_) and _there_! + +IDA. + +Only—what can I do, William? I dare not trust myself to advise you in any +way, I am so— + +WILLIAM. + +You should have been contented to leave me with at least the happiness +that I had gained. It had all grown so mercifully dim, I realise now +_how_ dim! (_overcome with excitement, he sinks on to a chair_). + +IDA (_with a suppressed cry_). + +William! + +MRS BUCHNER (_rushing in through the stairway to William_). + +William! listen to me! Only remember now what has been said between us. +Now that I am so much to you—I implore you—now show your—yes, I demand +it—I demand it from you, as the mother of my child! William, it rests +with _you_ now—with you only, William! you have been terribly, terribly +to blame; you have a terrible debt to pay—you shall be happy again; I +have done it, I have spoken to your father—he— + +WILLIAM (_springs up, straight and stiff, with fixed eyes, stammering_):— + +F—F—father!—what—t—to my f—father (_he staggers and stumbles like one out +of his mind, and catches at his overcoat_) I— + +IDA (_frightened_). + +Willy! Willy! + +WILLIAM (_makes signs that he must not be stopped_). + +IDA. + +Ah, mother! William! you—you shouldn’t have told him so suddenly. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +William! are you a man! you cannot have deceived us. If you have still a +spark of love for us—for Ida, I demand it of you. I—a woman— + +IDA (_intercepts William, who has seized his outdoor things, flings her +arms round and holds him fast_). + +You shall not go—or else I—mother, if he goes, I go with him! + +WILLIAM. + +Why have you concealed this from me? + +IDA. + +Never! don’t think so badly of us! We have concealed nothing from you! +All of us, your mother, your sister, we had not an idea, any more than +you had; he only came a few minutes ago,—without letting anyone know +beforehand, and so, you see—I thought immediately— + +WILLIAM. + +Who has told you that? + +MRS BUCHNER (_in tears, seizing his hands_). + +You were terribly, terribly to blame. + +WILLIAM. + +So you know? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Yes, now. + +WILLIAM. + +Everything? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Yes, everything, and you see I was right: you were still dragging a load, +that was the secret. + +WILLIAM. + +You know that I—? + +MRS BUCHNER (_nods affirmatively_). + +WILLIAM. + +And Ida, is she to be sacrificed to a man like—like me? Does she know +it—do you know it, Ida, too? + +IDA. + +No, William, but whether I know it or not, that really does not matter. + +WILLIAM. + +No?—This hand, that you, that you have often,—this hand (_to Mrs +Buchner_), it _was_ that? + +MRS BUCHNER (_nods as before_). + +WILLIAM (_to Ida_). + +How shamefully I have deceived you! No, I can’t tell you—another time! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +William, I know what I am asking, but I—you _must_ humble yourself before +your poor father; till then you will never feel quite free! Call to him, +pray to him. Ah! William! you _must_! You must cling to his knees, and +if he spurns you with his foot, you must not defend yourself! You must +not speak a word! patient as a lamb! Believe me, a woman who wishes the +_best_ for you! + +WILLIAM. + +You _don’t_ know, you cannot know, what you are asking of me! Ah! you may +thank God, Mrs Buchner, that he has hidden the extent of your cruelty +from you! Infamous it may have been what I did! Sacrilegious!—But +what I have gone through, here—fought through, suffered—those fearful +tortures—he laid the full burden, all the burden on me, and at the end +of all, that accursed sin! But in spite of all (_after a long deep look +into Ida’s eyes, bracing himself as if to a firm resolution_), perhaps I +shall succeed—in spite of all! + + + + +ACT II + + + The room is empty. It is lighted partly by a lamp, with a red + shade, placed in the arch of the stairway, but principally from + the open doors of the side room. Here the company is seated at + table, as is evident from the ringing of glasses and clatter of + plates, knives and forks. + + [_Ida, followed at once by William, comes out of the side room._ + +IDA. + +At last! (_Coaxingly._) And now, you _must_ think of your father, Willy. +Don’t be angry with me, but since you have a favour to ask your father, +you mustn’t wait till he comes down to you. + +WILLIAM. + +Did father think of coming down to dinner? + +IDA. + +Of course! Mamma has— + + [_William seizes Ida suddenly in his arms and presses her to + him impulsively with passionate strength._ + +IDA. + +Oh—oh—you—If anyone—my hair will be all— + + [_William lets his arms fall nervelessly from round her, folds + his hands, hangs his head, and stands before her suddenly + sobered, like an arrested criminal._ + +(_Smoothing her hair._) Oh, what a rough boy you are, sometimes! + +WILLIAM. + +Rough you call it—I should call it something quite different. + +IDA. + +Oh, Willy! why are you so depressed again? All in a minute! Really, +you’re incorrigible! + +WILLIAM (_gripping her hand, puts his arm round her shoulders, makes her +walk with him quickly through the hall_). + +Incorrigible? Yes—you see—that’s just it; I’m afraid of nothing so much +as that I—as that—all your trouble with me will be thrown away, I’m so +terribly changeable! (_Touching his forehead._) There’s no peace here. +Any second might decide my fate! I’m afraid of myself! To be always +running away from one’s self. Have you any idea of what that means? Well, +that’s what I am, what I have been all my life. + +IDA. + +After all—but no, that won’t do— + +WILLIAM. + +But do say— + +IDA. + +I’ve often thought—really—it has seemed to me so often that—don’t be +angry—but that really there is nothing from which you need fly. I myself +sometimes think— + +WILLIAM. + +Ah, my dearest! You mustn’t—Did you notice Robert—did you see? + +IDA. + +No—what? + +WILLIAM. + +Did you see how he met me? He—you see—he _knows_ that I have to fly from +myself, he knows me. Just ask him, he will make it clear to you, that is +to say, he threatens to—Ah, I know better! Only just watch how he always +looks at me. He means me to be anxious, to be frightened—Ha! ha! ha! No, +my dear brother, we’re not so pitiful as all that yet! And now you _do_ +see, don’t you, Ida, that I daren’t let you—I mean, you mustn’t have any +illusions about me. There is only one way. I must be frank with you—I +must manage _that_ somehow—I fight for that. When you know me through +and through, then—I mean if you can bear with me, if you can still—love +me—then—that would be—then I think something might arise in me, something +brave, even proud—then I should _really_ live, and if they were all to +despise me—(_Ida nestles against him devotedly._) And now, before I go up +to father, I’ll tell you too—you know what I mean? + + [_Ida nods._ + +WILLIAM. + +Now you shall—I must force myself to tell you what this—between me and my +father—yes, Ida, I _will_ do it—(_They walk arm in arm._) Just imagine! +I was here on a visit.—No, I can’t begin like that, I must go farther +back. You know before that I had been making my own way for a long time. +I suppose I hadn’t told you that? + +IDA. + +No—But quietly, only not so much—Don’t excite yourself so, Willy! + +WILLIAM. + +You see—there again! I am a coward. I’ve never yet dared to tell you what +my life has been. In any case it’s a risk—it’s a risk—even to one’s self. +Ah! well, if I can’t even bring myself to that point, how shall I ever +manage to go up to father? + +IDA. + +Ah, don’t—don’t torture yourself so! just now, when you have so much to +bear! + +WILLIAM. + +Ah! you are afraid? You’re afraid of what you may hear? + +IDA. + +Sh! you must not speak like that. + +WILLIAM. + +Well then, just picture it. Father spent his life up there. He had always +lived alone till he met mother, and he soon fell back into the old +lonely, fantastic way of life. All of a sudden he descended on us—Robert +and me,—he never troubled his head about Augusta.... Ten solid hours a +day we pored over books; when I look at our prison—even to-day—it was +next his study—you must have seen it? + +IDA. + +The great room upstairs? + +WILLIAM. + +Yes, that one. Once we had entered that room, the sun might shine as +brightly as it liked through the windows, it was night for us inside. +Well, then, you see, we used to take refuge with mother; we simply ran +away from him; and then there used to be scenes—mother pulling me by one +arm, father by the other. It came to this, that Friebe had to carry us +upstairs. We defended ourselves: we used to bite his hands. Of course, +nothing was any use; our life only became more unendurable—but we +remained obstinate and—I know now—father began to hate us. We drove him +to such a point that one day he hunted us downstairs; he couldn’t endure +us any more, the very sight of us was hateful to him. + +IDA. + +But your father—you’ll admit he meant well—he wanted you to learn a great +deal, and so— + +WILLIAM. + +Up to a certain point he may have meant well—may have—but at that time +we were only boys of nine or ten and afterwards the good intentions +disappeared. On the contrary, his intention then was to let us go utterly +to ruin. Yes, yes, mother was a cipher. For five years we were left +to ourselves in the most reckless way: we were scamps and loafers. I +had one thing left—my music; Robert had nothing. But we took to other +things besides. We shall scarcely ever get over the effects of some +of _them_.—At last I suppose father’s conscience pricked him; there +were frightful scenes with mother. In the end we were packed off to an +Institution, and when I could not stand the slavery of that any more and +ran away, he had me stopped and sent to Hamburg. The good-for-nothing +should go to America. The good-for-nothing naturally ran away again. I +let my parents alone and starved and fought my own way through the world. +Robert has much the same experience to look back upon. Nevertheless, in +father’s eyes we have remained good-for-nothings: later on I was simple +enough to ask him for some help—as a right, not as charity; I wanted +to go to the Conservatoire. Then he wrote to me, on a postcard, “Be a +cobbler.” And so you see, Ida, we are in a way self-made men, but we’re +not particularly proud of it. + +IDA (_smiling_). + +Really, Willy, I can’t help it! I do sympathise with you so, but at this +moment I can’t help—Oh, don’t look so strangely at me, please—please— + +WILLIAM. + +Ah, Ida, it’s bitter, not a thing to laugh at. + +IDA (_breaking out_). + +It’s a feeling of _joy_, William! I must tell you! It may be selfish, +but I am so inexpressibly glad that you—that you can be so much in need +of—Ah, I will be so good to you, Willy. I see clearly what I have to +do. Ah! I am quite confused! I pity you so, but the more I pity you, +the more glad I am. Do you understand? I mean, I am thinking how I may +perhaps—everything—all the love that you have had to go without—I may +perhaps more than— + +WILLIAM. + +If I’m only worth it—for now something is coming for which I alone am to +blame—Years ago—no! it’s—I used to come afterwards on a sort of visit to +mother. Picture to yourself, Ida, when I saw all that misery again, just +imagine how I used to feel. + +IDA. + +Your mother—suffered very much? + +WILLIAM. + +I think differently now in many ways about mother. In any case, father +was most to blame. In those days it used to seem to me as if he kept +mother here against her will. I even wanted her to separate from him. + +IDA. + +But, your mother surely couldn’t— + +WILLIAM. + +She didn’t see it as I did. She hadn’t the courage. Well, what father +used to look like in my eyes, you can perhaps imagine. + +IDA. + +But William! Perhaps you too, were not quite just to your father—a man— + +WILLIAM (_without noticing Ida’s interruption._) + +Once I committed the folly of bringing a friend—nonsense! not a friend, a +chance acquaintance, a musical fellow. I brought him here with me. That +was quite refreshing for mother; she played duets with him every day for +a whole week, and then—frightful!—as true as I’m here he—not the shadow +of a possibility! Yet at the end of the week even the servants flung it +in her face! + +IDA. + +Forgive me! I don’t—I—flung what? + +WILLIAM. + +Mother—mother was supposed to—my mother—supposed to—just think, they +actually dared to accuse her of it openly, she—a secret understanding +with—that she—I taxed her with it—the girl who said it—insolent—the +coachman had told her. I went to the coachman, and he—he stuck to it—had +it from the master, from the master himself—, naturally I—was it possible +I could believe such a thing! At least I tried not to—until I myself +overheard—in the stables—father and the stable boy—you may believe my +very hands tingled when I heard him—about my mother. + +IDA. + +Only do be—try—don’t excite yourself so _fearfully_. You are quite— + +WILLIAM. + +I don’t know any more—I only know there is something in a man—his will is +a mere wisp of straw. One must go through it to—It swept over me like a +flood. A state like—and in this state I found myself suddenly in father’s +room. I saw him. He was doing something—I can’t remember what. And then +I—literally—I thrashed him—with these hands. + + [_He can scarcely hold himself up._ + + [_Ida dries the tears from her eyes. Pale and trembling she + stands some moments looking at William, then, crying quietly, + kisses him on the forehead._ + +WILLIAM. + +You angel of pity! (_The Doctor’s voice is heard on the stair._) And +now—if ever— + + [_He braces himself, Ida kisses him again. He has gripped her + hand. As the voice of the Doctor ceases, merry laughter is + heard from room R._ + +WILLIAM (_alluding to the laughter, as well as to the Doctor’s step, +heard descending the stairs_). + +You have a wonderful power. + + [_Another hand grip between them, and before Ida goes out she + turns round._ + +IDA (_again seizing William’s hand at door_). + +Be brave. + + [_Exit._ + +DR SCHOLZ (_still on the stairs_). + +Eh! Nonsense! To the right, Friebe. Eh! My elbow! leave go, leave go! +Confound you. + + [_During the Doctor’s approach William shows more and more + excitement. His colour changes quickly, he thrusts his hands + through his hair, breathes deeply, makes movements with his + right hand as though playing the piano. It is quite evident + that he is torn by different emotions, that his resolution is + shaken. He seems about to rush away, but is stopped by the + Doctor’s entrance. He has caught hold of the back of a chair + to support himself and stands there white and trembling. The + Doctor, drawn up to his full imposing height, measures his son + with a look in which terror, hate and contempt are expressed. + There is a silence. Friebe, who has entered with the Doctor, + whom he has led and lighted down the stairs, makes use of the + pause to slink away into the kitchen. William shows marked + signs of his mental conflict. He tries to speak, his voice + fails him, only his lips move noiselessly. He takes his hand + from the chair back and steps up to the old man. He stumbles, + staggers, and almost falls; stops and tries to speak again, and + cannot; drags himself nearer, and clasping his hands, sinks + at the old man’s feet. In Doctor Scholz’s face the expression + has changed from hate to astonishment, growing sympathy and + confusion._ + +DR SCHOLZ. + +My boy—my dear boy! My—(_he tries to raise him by his hands_.) Only get +up! (_He takes William’s head, which has sunk between both hands, and +turns it towards him._) My boy—only look at me! Ah! what is the matter? + + [_William moves his lips._ + +DR SCHOLZ (_with trembling voice_). + +What—what are you saying to me? + +WILLIAM. + +Father—I— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +What?—Do you mean? + +WILLIAM. + +I have—I h—ha—have— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Nonsense, nonsense. No more of such— + +WILLIAM. + +I have sinned against you— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Nonsense, nonsense. I don’t know what you are talking about! Bygones are +bygones! For my sake—my boy! + +WILLIAM. + +Only take it from me! Take this burden from me! + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Forgiven and forgotten, boy! Forgiven and forgotten! + +WILLIAM. + +Thank— + + [_He draws a deep breath and loses consciousness._ + +DR SCHOLZ. + +My boy! What are you doing—what— + + [_He lifts William, quite unconscious, drags and puts him + in a large armchair near R. table. Whilst he does so, Ida, + Robert, Augusta, Mrs Scholz and Mrs Buchner come hastily out of + dining-room, Friebe out of the kitchen._ + +Some wine—quick, some wine. + + [_Ida in a moment goes and returns with wine._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh God-oh-God-oh-God!!! water! sprinkle him with water! + + [_Dr Scholz puts wine to his mouth._ + +AUGUSTA. + +What was it? + +IDA (_pale and in tears, laying one cheek against William’s arm_). + +How icy cold he is. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +But what has the boy got into such a state of excitement for? that’s what +I should like to know. That is completely— + +ROBERT (_seizes her hand and stops her_). + +Mother! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Sprinkle more water, more water, Doctor! + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Tch! Tch! have none of you any Eau-de-Cologne? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Yes (_giving him small bottle_). Please— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Thanks. + + [_He wets the fainting man’s brow._ + +IDA (_to Doctor_). + +It is only—isn’t it? but (_she bursts into tears_) he looks so—just as if +he were—he looks like death. + + [_Robert comforts Ida._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Why, the poor boy’s in a cold sweat. + + [_Wipes his brow; William yawns._ + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Sh! + + [_He and the rest watch William in suspense. William clears his + throat, stretches himself, opens and shuts his eyes like one + overcome with sleep, lays his head back as if to sleep._ + +DR SCHOLZ (_audibly_). + +Thank God! + + [_He straightens himself, wipes his forehead with his + handkerchief, and half touched, half embarrassed, surveys the + others. Ida has fallen on her mother’s neck between laughter + and tears. Robert, hardly master of his emotion, stands with + clasped hands and glances at the others alternately. Augusta + goes hastily up and down, her handkerchief pressed to her + mouth, and every time she passes William pauses a moment to + look at him searchingly. Friebe goes out on tiptoe. The + Doctor’s eyes meet his wife’s; touched, she ventures timidly to + approach him, gently seizes his hand and pats his back._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Dear old man! + +AUGUSTA (_following her mother, embraces and kisses her father, who +suffers it without removing his hand from his wife’s_). + +My dearest father! + + [_Robert with sudden resolution steps up to his father and + shakes his hand. Mrs Scholz lets go of the Doctor’s hand + and leads Ida to him. Dr Scholz looks first at Ida, then at + William, and then at Mrs Buchner. Mrs Buchner nods assent. Dr + Scholz makes a grimace which expresses “I will say nothing + against it, I may be mistaken,” and then stretches out his + hand to the girl. Ida comes to him, takes his hand, bends over + it and kisses it. Dr Scholz immediately draws his hand back, + startled. William sighs deeply; all look at him. Augusta goes + off to the adjoining room, beckoning Mrs Scholz. Mrs Scholz + makes a sign to the Doctor that they should all go into the + next room because of William. Dr Scholz nods assentingly and + goes off quietly hand in hand with Mrs Scholz. Mrs Buchner, who + has signed to Ida to remain with William, also goes._ + +ROBERT (_in a low voice_). + +Miss Ida, would you—would you leave me to watch him? + +IDA (_with joyful surprise_). + +Yes, indeed. + + [_Presses his hand and goes off after the others. Robert draws + a chair near to William and sits down, watching him. After a + time he takes his pipe from his pocket, is about to light it, + then suddenly remembers the presence of his brother and puts it + back. William sighs and stretches his limbs._ + +ROBERT (_quickly, cautiously_). + +William! + +WILLIAM (_clears his throat, opens his eyes, not realising at first where +he is, and then as though Robert had only just spoken_). + +Yes. + +ROBERT. + +How do you feel now? + +WILLIAM (_after looking thoughtfully at Robert, in a weak voice_). + +Robert? Eh? + +ROBERT. + +Yes, it’s I, Robert. How do you feel? + +WILLIAM. + +Well, (_clears his throat_) quite well, now. + + [_He laughs constrainedly, makes a faint attempt to get up, but + fails._ + +ROBERT. + +Oh, that’s a little bit too soon, eh? + + [_William nods, sighs and shuts his eyes again as if exhausted. + Pause. William re-opens his eyes fully and speaks low but + clearly._ + +WILLIAM. + +What has been going on here? + +ROBERT. + +I think, Willy, it will be best if we let that be for the present. I’ll +assure you of _one thing_, it’s something that I, for one, would never +have believed possible. + +WILLIAM (_with emotion_). + +Nor I. + +ROBERT. + +How on earth should a fellow—ah, rubbish! It was absolutely impossible to +foresee it. All the same it happened. + +WILLIAM. + +It comes back to me now, little by little; it was pleasant. + + [_His eyes fill with tears._ + +ROBERT (_with a slight quiver in his voice_). + +Sentimental! Just like a woman! There’s one thing certain, our judgment +was pretty wide of the mark; we haven’t known the old man really; it’s no +use thinking we have. + +WILLIAM. + +Father? No, we were all so blind! so blind! + +ROBERT. + +Yes, God knows, we were. + +WILLIAM. + +How strange it seems. The old fellow really cares for us; he’s a real +good sort. + +ROBERT. + +He can be, and till now I never knew it. + +WILLIAM. + +A good deal is beginning to dawn on me. + +ROBERT. + +With my brain and so on, you know, I have grasped it long enough. +Everything that happened had to be; I never held father responsible—at +least, I haven’t for years. Certainly not for me—not for any of us. But +to-day I have really _felt_ it; and that, you know, is quite another +thing—Frankly, it’s taken me right off my balance. When I saw him so—so +anxious over you, it was like a blow to me; and now I shall always be +thinking:—That was there, living, in us.—Why on earth didn’t it show +itself before? In father—in you—and, by God! in me too. It was there in +us! And there he has been stifling it in himself—father, I mean—yes, and +we too, for years and years— + +WILLIAM. + +I see one thing: we not only show a different self to every one of our +fellow-creatures, but we _are_ fundamentally different to each. + +ROBERT. + +But why must it be so with us? Why must we for ever keep each other at +such a distance? + +WILLIAM. + +I’ll tell you why; because we have no natural goodness of heart. Take Ida +for instance: what you have got at by hard thinking is natural to her. +She never sits in judgment, she treats everything so gently, with such +sympathy, and that spares people so much—you understand—and I believe it +is that— + +ROBERT (_abruptly, rises_). + +How do you feel now? + +WILLIAM. + +I feel relieved—free. + +ROBERT. + +Ah! what’s the use of all that—H’m! what was I going to say—Perhaps it +will turn out all right for you. + +WILLIAM. + +What do you mean? + +ROBERT. + +What should I mean? For you and—for Ida, of course. + +WILLIAM. + +Perhaps! Those two have such a power—Mrs Buchner too—but particularly +Ida. I have thought that might save me—At first I checked myself— + +ROBERT (_thoughtfully_). + +Yes they have! they have a power, and just because of that—at first—I—to +be frank, I blamed you. + +WILLIAM. + +I felt it. + +ROBERT. + +Well just think. I heard something about an engagement, and then I saw +Ida; she was so merry, singing, up and down stairs, without the least +thought of— + +WILLIAM (_rising_). + +Well I understood you, I even felt you were right. What would you have! + +ROBERT. + +Well—I too am—I must admit it’s quite a different matter now—As I—as I +said—it was chiefly—Quite jolly again? + +WILLIAM. + +Perfectly. + +ROBERT. + +Then you’ll come along soon? + +WILLIAM. + +I’ll only just—you go first. + +ROBERT. + +Right. (_Going, stops._) I can’t help it—I’ve got to tell you. Your whole +conduct—about father, and—altogether—it’s something to admire. With my +cursed prejudices—I too—downright accused you. One—devil take it! It’s +a long time since I’ve had such a desire to spit at myself. You’re glad +to hear that, eh? Well, perhaps you’ll do me the favour to—if I—I’ve +certainly done my level best to vex you since you’ve been home, so—I’m +sorry for it—there! + +WILLIAM. + +Brother! + + [_They shake hands warmly._ + +ROBERT (_takes his hand quietly out of William’s, brings out his pipe, +lights it and puffs smoke, then says as if to himself_). + +Acrobatic soul! (_Puff, puff._) Well, well! (_He turns to go; before +opening the door R. he speaks over his shoulder to William._) I’ll send +her out to you. + +WILLIAM. + +Ah, never mind!—Well, if you really— + + [_Robert nods and disappears through the doorway. William draws + a deep breath, deep joy at what has happened possesses him._ + +IDA (_comes from the adjoining room, flies into his arms_.) + +Willy!!! + +WILLIAM. + +Now—you—you two golden hearts have set me free. A new life! You can’t +think how that inspires me. I seem quite great in my own eyes!—Ah, Ida, I +can only now realise—how frightfully that weighed upon me, and now I feel +such strength—such strength, Ida! You may rely on me, I will show him +what the “good-for-nothing” can do. I’ll give father proofs. I will show +him there is something in me: strength, living power as an artist, before +which all shall bow—the stiffest necks shall bend—I feel it! Only that +has crippled me. Now my fingers are twitching! I could compose, create— + +IDA. + +Ah you see! Now it’s all right! Now I have your own old self +again—Dearest, I could sob—I could—shout for joy. Wasn’t I right? Nothing +was dead in you, it only slept. It will all wake anew, as I always told +you. It _has_ awaked— + + [_She embraces and kisses him. Still embracing they pace the + room in silent happiness._ + +WILLIAM (_stopping, and looking with happy bewilderment first into her +eyes, then round the room_). + +In these cold dreary walls—what joy—like blooming spring! + + [_They kiss each other, closely entwined in silent happiness. + They continue walking._ + +IDA (_sings softly to the same tune as her song in Act I. roguishly_). + +Now you see how right I was. + + [_Mrs Scholz comes a step into the room, sees the lovers and is + going quickly out._ + +IDA (_noticing her, breaks off her song, and runs up to her_). + +You’re not to run away, little mother-in-law! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah, why not! You don’t need me. (_William embraces and kisses his mother +and helps to pull her into the room._) (_Crossly_) You are so awkward! +You are—you are pulling me to pieces. + +WILLIAM. + +Oh, mother! what does that matter to-day—Mother! You see quite another +man before you! (_Between his mother and Ida, holding a hand of each._) +Come, little old mother, look at one another in the eyes, give each other +your hands. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Silly fellow! + +WILLIAM. + +Kiss each other! + +MRS SCHOLZ (_after wiping her mouth with her apron_). + +There, stupid boy, if nothing else will do.—You needn’t use force to +us.—There, Ida! + + [_They kiss each other laughing._ + +WILLIAM. + +And now—peace! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +_Unberufen_, my boy! + + [_Friebe comes out of the kitchen carrying a steaming + punch-bowl, goes towards the next room._ + +WILLIAM. + +Oho! What have we here? Is it good, Friebe? + +FRIEBE (_crossing room_). + +Ay, if you was to set thirty such like in front of me, not a gulp would I +let down my throat. + +WILLIAM. + +Really not, Friebe? + +FRIEBE. + +There was a time—ay, yes—but now I’ve sworn off, ages ago. Now I drink +only—mostly bitters. + + [_Goes out._ + +IDA (_who has been tying William’s necktie and pulling his coat +straight_). + +There! now— + +WILLIAM. + +Thank you, darling.—Is father in good spirits? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +He’s telling his tales. Often one can’t understand a word. + +WILLIAM. + +My heart is beginning to beat again. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +If only Robert would not drink so much! + +WILLIAM. + +Ah, mother, to-day!—to-day nothing matters! To-day— + +IDA. + +Now come along quickly, before you— + +WILLIAM (to _Mrs Scholz_). + +You’re coming too? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Only be off with you! Be off! + + [_Ida and William go into the next room. Mrs Scholz stands + thinking, draws her hand over her brow, and moved by a sudden + idea, goes to the door of the adjoining room where she listens._ + +FRIEBE (_steps in through the same door. He is evidently excited_). + +Missis! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +What do you want? + +FRIEBE (_whispering mysteriously_). + +I’ve got a—surprise, Mrs Sch—olz— + +MRS SCHOLZ (_shrinking back_). + +You’ve been drinking! You— + +FRIEBE. + +I’ve been on the look out, all sorts of ways, and I’ve—got something to +tell you. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Well? yes, yes! Only say quickly what you’ve got to say. + +FRIEBE. + +H’m, I only mean— + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Well, speak then, Friebe. + +FRIEBE. + +I only mean—that’s not the way. In my position there are many things I +mustn’t talk about. I only mean your husband—he can’t possibly keep it up +much longer— + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh Jesus! Jesus! Friebe! has he—has he—complained? then, O Jesus! is he +ill? + +FRIEBE. + +Ah, as to that, what should I know? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +But what has he complained of? + +FRIEBE. + +That—I wasn’t to—tell— + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Is it true though? (_Friebe nods._) But he can’t have spoken of his death? + +FRIEBE. + +Ah, more than that,—he’s said pretty things! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Now for goodness sake do try and speak clearly. Drunken creature! + +FRIEBE (_angry_). + +Yes, I’m—neither the gardener nor the boot boy; and as to what may +happen—I shouldn’t need—in every position what I want most—in my +position, but no!—Now you have the whole thing clear! + + [_He wheels round, goes off into the kitchen._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +The man’s gone crazy. + + [_Ida enters through door of the adjoining room, shuts it + behind her; opening it a little again she calls into the room._ + +IDA. + +Wait, good people. Quiet! No impatience! + +WILLIAM (_pressing into the room_). + +But I want to help. + +IDA. + +No one else, then. + + [_Ida and William light Christmas Tree candles._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +But, William, listen a minute. + +WILLIAM (_busy_). + +Directly, little mother.—Just ready. + + [_The Christmas Tree, the candelabra and the chandelier are + lighted. Ida removes a large table cover which has been thrown + over presents on the table. William goes to his mother._ + +IDA (_calls through door R_). + +Now! + + [_Mrs Scholz, who is just going to speak to William, is + interrupted by the entrance of Dr Scholz, who is followed by + Augusta, Robert and Mrs Buchner. Dr Scholz, his face reddened + with drinking._ + +DR SCHOLZ (_with affected astonishment_). + +Ah! Ah! + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Fairylike! + + [_Augusta smiles constrainedly; Robert goes about pipe in mouth + at first embarrassed, then smiling more and more ironically. + William notices this with great annoyance._ + +IDA (_draws William to the table where the presents lie_). + +Don’t laugh at me, Willy. + + [_Gives him his purse._ + +WILLIAM. + +But—Ida—I begged you— + +IDA. + +I crocheted it once for father. The year before his death he used it +often, and so I thought— + +WILLIAM (_with increasing embarrassment under Robert’s eyes_). + +Yes—yes.—Ever so many thanks, Ida! + +ROBERT. + +Things only want to be more practical. + +MRS SCHOLZ (_who has been led to the table by Mrs Buchner_). + +But what have you been doing! You cannot—I have nothing for you. (_Seeing +a crocheted shawl._) No, no! Only think!—You crocheted that for me—an old +woman like me? Well then, I do thank you, many, many times. + + [_They kiss one another._ + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Ah! I’m only too glad if it pleases you. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Beautiful—wonderful—lovely. The time and the trouble! I never! + +IDA. + +I’ve something for you too, Mr Robert, but you mustn’t laugh at me! + +ROBERT (_getting scarlet_). + +Ah! what now? + +IDA. + +I thought—your pipe—the next thing it will be burning your nose and +so I’ve had pity on you, and yesterday I—(_Shows a new pipe which she +has hitherto held behind her back and gives it to him._) Here is the +masterpiece! + + [_All amused._ + +ROBERT (_without taking the pipe_). + +You’re joking, Miss Ida! + +IDA. + +Ah well!—But I’m in deadly earnest over the present! + +ROBERT. + +No, no, I can’t believe that. + +MRS SCHOLZ (_aside to William_). + +Robert is unbearable! + +IDA. + +Ah, but no—really— + +ROBERT. + +You see, this thing here—I’ve got used to it—and of course you don’t +really mean it! + +IDA (_her eyes full of tears, conquering her hurt feelings; with +trembling voice_). + +Well, then, if you’d rather— + + [_Puts the present back on the table._ + +MRS BUCHNER (_who during the foregoing has several times spoken to Ida, +now hurries to her_). + +Ida, darling, have you forgotten? + +IDA. + +What, mamma? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +You know! (_To the others_) You’re all going to hear something. + + [_Ida, glad to hide her emotion in this way, goes hand in hand + with her mother into the next room._ + +MRS SCHOLZ (_to Robert_). + +Why did you spoil her pleasure for her? + +WILLIAM (_twisting the ends of his moustache nervously; walks up and down +casting threatening glances at Robert_). + +ROBERT. + +What now? How do you mean? I don’t know what you want. + +AUGUSTA. + +Well, it certainly wasn’t exactly friendly. + +ROBERT. + +Do leave me alone. Besides, what should I do with it? + + [_Song and piano accompaniment from next room interrupt + speakers. All look at one another, startled._ + +IDA’S VOICE. + + Oh, come little children, + Oh, come one and all, + Come here to the manger + In Bethlehem’s stall. + Behold all the gladness + This wonderful night, + Our Father in Heaven + Has wrought in his might. + + [_Dr Scholz, noticing Robert’s behaviour, has grown steadily + gloomier. At the beginning of the song he looks nervously round + like someone who dreads being attacked and seeks as far as + possible without being noticed to establish a certain distance + between himself and the others._ + +MRS SCHOLZ (_at the beginning of the song_). + +Ah! how beautiful! + + [_She listens for a moment with devotion, then breaks into + sobs. Robert moves slowly about; as the song continues makes a + grimace, as if to say, “Well, this is the last straw”; walks + further on, smiles ironically and several times shakes his + head. Passing Augusta, he says something to her half audibly. + Augusta, partly touched by the song, now breaks out. William + has been standing by the table, nervously drumming with his + fingers, a prey to conflicting emotions; now his face reddens + with resentment. Robert towards the end of the song appears + to suffer physically. The impossibility of escaping from the + impression of Ida’s tones appears to torture and embitter him + more and more. Just at the end of the verse, a word escapes him + involuntarily like the fragment of a soliloquy._ + +ROBERT. + +Child’s play! (_in a biting contemptuous tone_). + + [_All, including the Doctor, have heard him, and turn to him + with a shocked expression._ + +MRS SCHOLZ and AUGUSTA. + +Robert! + + [_Dr Scholz suppresses an explosion of violent anger. William, + white with rage, steps up to Robert._ + +MRS SCHOLZ (_rushing towards him, embraces him_). + +William—for my sake! + +WILLIAM. + +All right, mother! + + [_He goes up and down controlling himself with difficulty. At + this moment the second verse begins; scarcely are the first + tones heard when with sudden resolution he goes to the door of + the adjoining room._ + +IDA. + + There lies he, oh children, + On hay and on straw, + And Joseph and Mary + Look on him with awe. + The honest souled shepherds + Kneel praying for love; + The choir of the angels + Sweeps singing above. + +MRS SCHOLZ (_standing in his way_). + +William, what are you going to do? + +WILLIAM (_breaking out_). + +She sha’n’t sing any more. + +AUGUSTA. + +You must be out of your mind! + +WILLIAM. + +Let me alone. I say she shall stop. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah, but do—you really are—Well then, you won’t see me any more this +evening. + +ROBERT. + +Stop, mother, let him see to it. It’s his affair. + +WILLIAM. + +Robert, don’t you go too far. Take my advice; you’ve already made one +touching scene; it only leaves you more unbearable. + +ROBERT. + +Quite true; made a touching scene! That’s just what I should call it. + + [_William goes again towards the side room._ + +MRS SCHOLZ (_again restraining him_). + +Oh God-oh-God-oh-God! My boy, why must you stop her? + + [_The second verse comes to an end._ + +WILLIAM. + +Because you’re none of you worthy of it, not one of you! + +ROBERT (_stepping close to William with an insolently expressive look in +his eyes_). + +You are, I suppose? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh Lord! you’re beginning again! + + [_The third verse begins._ + + The children are bringing + With joy and good cheer, + Milk, butter and honey + To Bethlehem here; + A basket of apples + All yellow and red, + A snowy white lambkin + With flower-crowned head. + +WILLIAM. + +She _shall_ stop! + +MRS SCHOLZ (_once more restraining him_). + +My boy!!! + +WILLIAM. + +Simply beneath contempt! It is blasphemy! It is a crime against these +people if we—I—yes, on my honour, I’m ashamed of you all. + +AUGUSTA (_piqued_). + +No, after all we are not so very specially bad and contemptible. + +WILLIAM. + +Aug—it makes me sick. + +AUGUSTA. + +Well, let it!—Yes, yes, of course _I’m_ to be shoved into the background; +you must always find fault with your sister. Whatever _she_ does is +wrong. It’s not a bit fair. But your Miss Ida— + +WILLIAM (_beside himself, interrupting_). + +Don’t dare to speak her name!! + +AUGUSTA. + +The idea! I shall talk about Ida if— + +WILLIAM. + +Leave her name out of it, I tell you. + +AUGUSTA. + +You’ve gone mad, I think. I _shall_—after all she’s not an angel from +heaven. + +WILLIAM (_screaming at her_). + +Silence, I say! + +AUGUSTA (_turning her back_). + +Pah! you’re just in love! + +WILLIAM (_seizing her roughly by the shoulder_). + +You creature! I— + +ROBERT (_seizing William’s arm, speaks slowly, emphasising each word_). + +Perhaps, William, you intend again—? + +WILLIAM. + +Devil! + +AUGUSTA. + +_You_ say that—_you_, who lifted your hand against your own father! + +DR SCHOLZ (_his voice trembling with rage, in a tone of absolute +command_). + +Augusta!—leave the room—this instant!!! + +AUGUSTA. + +Well!—I should like to know— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Leave the room this minute. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh, dear God, why can’t I die? Augusta, do you hear? (_crying_) Obey your +father! + +ROBERT. + +H’m—mother I should blame her if she did. She’s not a little child any +longer. Times have changed a bit, God knows. + +DR SCHOLZ. + +But I—_I_ have not changed. I am the master in this house—I’ll prove it +to you. + +ROBERT. + +Ridiculous! + +DR SCHOLZ (_screaming_). + +Scoundrels!—Wretches!—I disinherit you—I’ll throw you on the streets. + +ROBERT. + +That’s downright funny. + +DR SCHOLZ (_masters a frightful outburst of rage and speaks with ominous +quietness and firmness_). + +You or I—one of us leaves this house this moment. + +ROBERT. + +I, of course, with the greatest of pleasure. + +MRS SCHOLZ (_half commanding, half entreating_). + +Robert—stay! + +DR SCHOLZ. + +He shall go. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Fritz, listen to me. He is the only one—all these long lonely years, who +didn’t forget us. He— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +He or I!— + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah, give way, Fritz—for my sake! + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Leave me alone—_He or I!_ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah, I won’t ask you to meet each other—it can be arranged quite +easily—but— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Very well, I give way—I give way to you and your brood. You and your +brood—from to-day you have won the victory! + +WILLIAM. + +Stay, dear father—or if you go, let me go with you this time. + +DR SCHOLZ (_involuntarily stepping back between anger and terror_). + +Leave me alone! Good-for-nothing! (_fumbling among his things_) +Scoundrels and loafers!—Good-for-nothings! + +WILLIAM (_boiling over_). + +Father, you call us that—when it’s your doing that—Ah, Father dear, no, +no, I will say nothing. Let me go with you. I will stay with you. Let me +atone for all that I—(_Laying his hand on his father’s arm._) + +DR SCHOLZ (_as though paralysed with fright and horror, draws back_). + +Let go! I tell you—The army of the oppressors shall insuredly—shall +assuredly be brought to shame! Are they these people—these mighty ones +and these mighty ones—are they men? A man like me, who has his faults, +but still for all that is through and through—and up and down—and short +and sweet. + +WILLIAM. + +Father! father! dear father, come to yourself. Be your own self. + +DR SCHOLZ (_swaying with the rhythm of the words, half aloud_). + +And short and sweet—and through and through— + +WILLIAM (_embracing him, instinctively seeking to control his gestures_). + +Control yourself, pull yourself together! + +DR SCHOLZ (_defending himself; imploring like a little child_). + +Ah! don’t beat me! Don’t punish me! + +WILLIAM. + +But for God’s sake— + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Don’t beat me!—don’t beat me—again! + + [_He makes cramped efforts to free himself from William’s arms._ + +WILLIAM. + +May my hand perish!—Father dear, don’t think such a thing—dear father, +don’t dream it— + + [_Dr Scholz frees himself, flies from William calling for help._ + +WILLIAM. + +Father, you strike _me_, you beat _me_! + +DR SCHOLZ. + +Please! please, please help me. + + [_Ida appears at the door of the room, deathly white._ + +WILLIAM (_rushes to his father, puts his arms round him again_). + +Strike _me_! + +DR SCHOLZ (_sinking on a chair with William’s arms still round him_). + +I—ah—ah—a—ah! I think—it’s—all over—with me. + +WILLIAM. + +Father! + + [_Mrs Scholz and Augusta seize one another in terror. Robert, + deathly white, has not moved. His face has an expression of + unshakable determination._ + + + + +ACT III + + + Twilight. All lights are extinguished except a few on the + chandelier, and one on the Christmas tree. In front, near + the stove, William sits at the table, his back towards the + adjoining room, sunk in dreary hopeless meditation. Robert and + Mrs Scholz enter together from next room. + +MRS SCHOLZ (_looking worn out, in lowered tones_). + +No, my boy, don’t tell me! Now there’s no knowing what next. As soon as +trouble comes—Then, ah well! + +ROBERT. + +You’re not alone now, mother. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah, just listen to you! You know better. It’s too absurd. Where can you +be off to in the middle of the night! + +ROBERT. + +Oh, there are always trains and I _must_ go. I really can’t stand it any +longer; besides, it’s best for all of us! + +MRS SCHOLZ (_whimpering_). + +These last years it has always been pleasant. And now they’ve come +back!—Since those Buchners came, everything’s turned upside down. + +ROBERT. + +Be glad that you have them, mother. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh, I could have managed quite well by myself. + +ROBERT. + +Father seems able to bear none of us about him—? + +MRS SCHOLZ (_crying_). + +Just as if I had done him any harm! Surely I have always been the same—I +have always done my best—Do be just, Robert!—I have cooked him his hot +dinners, he’s had his warm stockings— + +ROBERT. + +Ah, leave it alone, mother! What good is this everlasting lamentation? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Yes, that’s what you say. It’s all very well for you! But if you have +worried yourself sick all your life—if one has beaten one’s brain to +know:—Have I done _this_ right? have I done _that_ right?—and then +strange people come, and one sees them preferred! + +ROBERT. + +Ida is with him still? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +A perfect stranger!—Ah, I might as well be dead—and that lump!—that +Friebe!—Creature!—The airs he gives himself!—But Gussie’s let him have +it!—Gussie talked to him pretty straight! The fellow’s as impudent—he +wanted to push her out of the room. The girl was beside herself!—His own +daughter! No—You children! What my life has been!—I wouldn’t wish a dog +to lead it. + +ROBERT _(with a little sigh, involuntarily_). + +Father too! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +What? + +ROBERT. + +Oh, nothing. I only said, father too. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +What about him? + +ROBERT. + +Well, father too has had a good deal to bear. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Well not from me, anyhow. I haven’t troubled him much. I’ve made no very +great claims. + +ROBERT (_sceptically_). + +Hja—tja—tja! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Just wait till I’m in my grave, then he’ll begin to see— + +ROBERT. + +Ah, leave it alone, mother! I’ve heard that hundreds of times. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Maybe! You’ll see too, and before very long either. + +ROBERT. + +Ah, mother, I don’t deny that you’ve had a lot to bear with through +father. You’ve both suffered. But I don’t see why you— + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Stuff and nonsense. I should like to know what has _he_ ever wanted for? + +ROBERT (_incautiously_). + +To be understood, if you will insist on knowing. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +I can’t make myself cleverer than I am. + +ROBERT. + +Nobody asked you to try. Besides—it’s the merest folly to talk of it so +much. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Now there’s an end of everything—(_Crying._) After all, it’s not my doing +that he lies there ill, and— + +ROBERT. + +I never said it was. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +You did. That’s what you _did_ say. + +ROBERT. + +Ah, mother—I’d better go. I—mother, I really can’t stand any more. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +No! I should just like to know what I have to reproach myself with. I +have a good conscience. + +ROBERT. + +Then keep it, in God’s name keep it! (_With a movement of self-defence_) +Only, _leave off_. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +You mean that money business, I suppose? + +ROBERT. + +I mean nothing. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +My parents earned it hardly enough, no woman would have put up with it! +Your father just pitched it out of window. + +ROBERT. + +But your uncle lied to you about it. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +You can’t be sure of that. + +ROBERT. + +And father earned the whole over again. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +He might as well have gambled with it. + + [_Robert laughs bitterly._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +I’m only a poor ignorant woman. Your father was always above me. His +mother was quite a lady too. But my father was once as poor as a rat. +I’ll never get the chill of poverty out of my blood! I can’t alter +myself. Well, it’s all the same!—for the year or two of life that’s left +me!—The Lord will deliver me in his own good time. + +ROBERT. + +I would rather be delivered _from_ the Lord. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +For shame! What a scoundrelly speech! Delivered from the Lord.—I might as +well take a dagger and stab myself here in the heart—Frightful!—Delivered +from the Lord!—Where should I have been if it had not been for the +Lord?—Are you really going away, Robert? + +ROBERT (_already on the stairs_). + +Oh, be quiet, mother! It’s peace I want, peace!— + + [_Goes up the stairs._ + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh dear, dear—yes—amongst you all, it isn’t an easy life! (_To William +who has remained the whole time at the table without paying attention to +them_) Just think!—You!—Robert’s going! + +WILLIAM. + +All the same to me! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +What are you sitting there for?—That’s no use. Do be sensible. + +WILLIAM (_sighing_). + +Ah, yes! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +And sighing’s no use! Look at me, at my age—and if I were to squat myself +down like you!—What’s done is done! There’s no changing it now. Look +here! Read something! Get up, take a book and amuse yourself! + +WILLIAM (_sighing_). + +Oh mother, do let me alone—I’m troubling nobody!—Has Friebe come back +from the Doctor’s? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +No, that he hasn’t. It’s what I always say, as sure as one wants a +doctor, there isn’t one to be found. + +WILLIAM. + +It is serious, isn’t it, especially if—_that_ were to happen again? + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Ah God! Who knows! + + [_William stares at his mother, then with sudden passionate + sobs lets his head fall in his hands._ + +Yes, yes, my boy, who would have thought it! I’m not saying—I +blame no one, but just to-day you surely might have kept from +quarrelling.—However, we must just hope for the best.—At least his mind’s +not wandering any more. If Ida only doesn’t overlook anything! Any one of +us would have a hundred times more experience. Why he should have taken +so to Ida!—I don’t bite!—Though I will say in other ways—Ida—she’s really +a good girl—and you of all people! (_patting him on his shoulders_) You +may thank the Lord! You might wait long enough before you’d find another +one like Ida! (_Cautiously, confidentially_) Tell me,—are the Buchners +well off? + +WILLIAM (_roused_). + +Oh leave me alone! How should I know!—What do I care! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +What now!—I suppose I’ve a right to ask!—You’re a perfect bear! + +WILLIAM. + +Ah mother, let me alone.—If you have a spark of pity for me, let me +alone.—Don’t trouble about me, let me alone. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh yes, of course, I’m always in the way. An old woman—good for nothing +but to snap at. + + [_Augusta and Mrs Buchner come hastily out of Room R._ + +AUGUSTA. + +Mother! + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Oh Lord! What now? + +AUGUSTA. + +Friebe has just come. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Friebe has brought no doctor with him. + +AUGUSTA. + +Father asked him, and he said— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +He won’t _have any_ doctor! + +AUGUSTA. + +He’s furious, he’ll throw him out of the room. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Friebe won’t go again. + +AUGUSTA. + +You come and speak to Friebe. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +Yes, _you_ speak to him. It is so necessary! + +AUGUSTA. + +A doctor _must_ come—or I’ll go myself; I’m not afraid, not if I have to +run all the way to Friedrichshafen. + +MRS SCHOLZ. + +Well, why not?—But it’s the middle of the night, won’t—just let me come. + + [_Mrs Buchner, Mrs Scholz and Augusta go off hastily. Mrs + Buchner is scarcely out before she returns. Whilst speaking + she has looked several times furtively and with a grieved + expression at William, who is still in the same place, silent + and gloomy. Mrs Buchner looks round to make sure that William + and she are quite alone. At first quickly, then with hesitation + she approaches him._ + +WILLIAM (_raising his head as she goes to him_). + +What do you want?—I told you everything before. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +But I wouldn’t believe you; I couldn’t picture it to myself. + +WILLIAM. + +And now you believe it? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +I—don’t—know. + +WILLIAM. + +Why do you lie to me?—Say straight out, yes. It was perfectly natural +that it would all turn out like this; so ridiculously natural. How in the +world I could have been so blind! + +MRS BUCHNER (_with feverish eagerness_). + +William, I take you to-day as I always have, for an honest, honourable +man. I assure you that not for one moment have I doubted you—even +now—when all at once I’m so afraid and anxious. + +WILLIAM (_lifts himself up, draws a deep breath as though oppressed_). + +It’s only what I—I’ve known it all along. + +MRS BUCHNER. + +I come to you, William, I speak to you frankly;—it has all come upon me +so suddenly. All at once I am so terribly anxious about Ida. + +WILLIAM. + +I must confess—only just now— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +I know well you love the child. Nobody could love her more truly! I know +that with all your strength you will try to make my daughter happy;—it +won’t be your _will_ that will fail, but now I have—I have seen and +discovered so many things. It’s only now that I really understand +much—much of what you told me. I _didn’t_ understand you; I took you +for a pessimist—in some things I scarcely took you seriously!—I came +here with a firm, happy faith. I’m really ashamed! The confidence I had +in myself!—I, to fancy I could influence such natures!—a weak, simple +creature like me! But now I’m uneasy about it all—now all at once I feel +my heavy responsibility. I am responsible for my child—for my Ida. Every +mother is responsible for her child! Only tell me, William, tell me +yourself, that it will all come right—Say to me, “we shall be happy,” +you and Ida. Convince me that my fear, my dread, is needless—_William_— + + [_A pause._ + +WILLIAM. + +Why did you let it go so far?—I warned you—and warned you. What did +I say to you? I said, all of us, every one in this family, are sick, +incurables—I most of all. That we all drag with us—“Don’t give your +daughter to a maimed creature,” I said to you—Why wouldn’t you believe? + +MRS BUCHNER. + +I don’t know. I myself don’t know. + +WILLIAM. + +Now you have lulled me to rest, weakened my conscience—and now I have +been half mad with happiness—I have tasted—lived through moments! and +others besides. The most frightful battle of my life, and _now_ you +demand—now one must consider—perhaps, yes, perhaps— + +MRS BUCHNER. + +William! I honour you!—I know that you would make any sacrifice. But +Ida!—If it should be too late for her—if it were to be her ruin! + +WILLIAM. + +Why couldn’t you believe me? You don’t know what that cost me; now I have +built it up by painful steps—step by step—so painfully! This place lay +far behind me—I was almost saved. Now to pull it all down. Why need you +have let it go so far? _Why?_— + +MRS BUCHNER (_with tears_). + +I don’t know! I myself don’t know! I brought the child up. She was all +in all to me; to work for her happiness has been all I have lived for. +Then—_you_ came into our house. I grew fond of you—I thought of your +happiness too, I—perhaps I ought not to have done that. I thought perhaps +just as much of _your_ happiness—and—who knows?—In the end, most of +all—of—_your_ happiness! + + [_During a minute she and William look startled into each + other’s eyes._ + +WILLIAM. + +Mrs Buchner!!! + + [_Mrs Buchner, hiding her face in her hands, as if in shame, + goes off crying through the stairway. William follows her + mechanically a few steps, stops, tries to master his inward + excitement, then suddenly, shaken with weeping, leans for + support against the wall. Ida enters, her face pale, looking + serious and careworn, comes with gentle steps to William, + embraces him, pressing her cheek to his._ + +IDA. + +Ah, Willy, sad days are coming, and, and, yes, Willy, bright days will +come again. You mustn’t give way like that—so hopelessly. + +WILLIAM (_stammering passionately_). + +Ida!—You only! Dearest, sweetest! Only say how I can—how could I bear my +life now without you! Your voice, your words, your whole sweet wondrous +presence, your hands—your gentle, faithful hands. + +IDA. + +And what of _me_?—What do you think of my life without _you_? No, +love!—we will cling to each other and never let go, close, close, and +however long it lasts— + +WILLIAM. + +Yes, yes! but supposing anything were to happen? + +IDA. + +Oh, don’t speak like that! + +WILLIAM. + +I only mean—one can never tell—one of us might die. + +IDA. + +Ah, we are young. + +WILLIAM. + +Even then!—One day it must happen, some day, and I, at any rate, shall +never live to be old. + +IDA (_passionately_). + +Then I shall fasten my arms round you—press myself to you—Then I shall go +with you. + +WILLIAM. + +Ida! That is what one _says_. But you would never really do it. + +IDA. + +I would do it! + +WILLIAM. + +You think so now. You don’t know how quickly one forgets. + +IDA. + +I could not breathe without you. + +WILLIAM. + +That is what one fancies— + +IDA. + +No, no, no, William!— + +WILLIAM. + +But to love like that, would be a kind of madness. One shouldn’t put +everything on the turn of one card. + +IDA. + +I—don’t quite understand you. + +WILLIAM. + +Why—I—you see (_in irritable tones_). Ugh! Darling, it’s not an +enlivening subject!—How’s Father? + +IDA. + +He’s asleep now! but what _is_ the matter with you? + +WILLIAM (_walking about_). + +The feeling will come, no one knows how. (_Suddenly grinding his teeth_) +I tell you, there are moments—when that rage of despair seizes you, those +are the moments—I can well understand—in those moments a man might throw +himself head first from five stories high on to the pavement.—The idea +becomes positively alluring. + +IDA. + +God forbid! You mustn’t give way to such ideas, Willy! + +WILLIAM. + +Why not, I should like to know? What should such fellows as I do, +crawling between heaven and earth?—Useless creatures! Exterminate +themselves! That would be something. They would at least have done _one_ +useful thing. + +IDA. + +After all, it is not a thing to admire. You are overwrought and exhausted. + +WILLIAM (_in sharp, unyielding tones_). + +Leave me in peace, can’t you? What do you understand of all +that.—(_Shocked at himself, adds_) Ah, love! You must forgive me. You had +better leave me now—I can not bear to wound you. And in this mood, as I +feel now, I can’t answer for myself. + + [_Ida kisses him silently on the mouth, then goes into the + next room. William looks after her, stands still, shows fright + and astonishment in his face, and strikes his forehead, like + one who has detected himself on the track of an evil thought. + Meantime, Robert has come downstairs. Robert, his hat in his + right hand, overcoat and rug over his arm, rug straps in his + left hand, goes to the table and lays his things down on it._ + +WILLIAM (_after he has watched him a moment or two_). + +Where are you going? + +ROBERT. + +Away. + +WILLIAM. + +Now? + +ROBERT. + +Why not? (_spreading out his straps_) I’ve had enough of this and to +spare. In future mother—mother will celebrate Christmas without me! +(_Looks round at stove_) It’s cold here. + +WILLIAM. + +It’s freezing outside. + +ROBERT (_rolling up his rug_). + +There!—Is it? It was thawing about ten o’clock. + +WILLIAM. + +There’s a change. + +ROBERT. + +How’s one to get down the mountain and keep one’s footing? + +WILLIAM. + +There’s a fine moon. + +ROBERT. + +Yes, but still— + +WILLIAM. + +He’s not delirious any longer. + +ROBERT. + +H’m, h’m! + +WILLIAM. + +He won’t have a doctor. + +ROBERT. + +H’m, h’m! + +WILLIAM. + +It’s all come so suddenly, one hardly— + +ROBERT. + +H’m, yes! + +WILLIAM. + +It must have been latent in him. + +ROBERT. + +Of course, or he would not have come home. + +WILLIAM. + +I dread to think what’ll come of it. + +ROBERT. + +What’s one to do? + +WILLIAM. + +On my soul, I don’t know what _I_ should do if he died. Conscious as I +am, knowing what I now know!—I really did not know, and _now_ the added +remorse, the gnawing of conscience! Ah! well, what’s the use of it all? + +ROBERT. + +Eh! as to that! one would have enough to do. The old fellow is different, +not what we imagined, that’s true enough! But that doesn’t change +matters. + +WILLIAM. + +I tell you, it is sacred earnest to me—I would lay down this pitiful life +of mine gladly, if it would do him any good. + +ROBERT. + +To my thinking, there’s no sense in that. Now just look here! I go back +to my hot little den of an office, sit with my back to the fire, cross +my legs under the table, light this same old pipe, and write—in peace +and quietness of mind, I hope—the same old jokes, you know them,—the old +chestnuts—African traveller—nearly spent—h’m, and then I generally bring +along a caravan, which takes the article along with it.—My chief is well +satisfied, it gets copied in as many papers as possible—and, the main +thing is that—! Well, I sit there, and the gas jet hisses over my head +all day—a glance now and then into the court—the courtyard of a warehouse +like that has something marvellous about it—something even romantic, I +can tell you—in a word I’m not troubled with any bees in _my_ bonnet. + +WILLIAM. + +Rather be dead once for all. + +ROBERT. + +Matter of taste!—For me, that’s just an ideal nook—Is one to be always +getting shaken off one’s balance, always letting oneself be driven +crazy?—It’ll take me a good two or three days now to pick up my scattered +philosophy. + +WILLIAM. + +Say what you will, I call that cowardly. + +ROBERT. + +And then—If it is! Sooner or later, you will come to think as I do. +Father himself had at last got to that standpoint. Father and you, you +are as alike as two peas. You are both idealists of the same sort. In ’38 +father started on the barricades, and he finishes up as a hypochondriacal +hermit—One must get accustomed to the world and to oneself _in time_, +that’s the thing; before one has finished sowing one’s wild oats. + +WILLIAM. + +Or else work at oneself, to become something different. + +ROBERT. + +I think I see myself! What I am, I am. I have the right to _be_, whatever +I am. + +WILLIAM. + +Then claim your right openly. + +ROBERT. + +Not I, for I mean to _have_ it. The Philistine morality-mongers are in +the majority at present. Anyhow it’s time for me to be off. And if I +were to offer you a bit of advice, it would be, beware of so-called good +intentions! + +WILLIAM (_coldly_). + +How do you mean? + +ROBERT. + +Simply that; it’s no use to think of accomplishing something which +entirely contradicts one’s whole natural bent. + +WILLIAM. + +As, for instance? + +ROBERT. + +Oh!—for instance, fellows come to me sometimes, who babble ideals to me +till my head swims. Fight for the ideals of humanity, and—God knows what +all! I—fight for other people!—Childish!—Why, and what for? But _you_, +that just suits you. You would rush round like a runaway thief. “What a +wretch I have been,” you would keep on telling yourself! Aren’t I right? +Well, and then on the top would come the good intentions, and they get +hold of you, I know. _I_ used to go about hung round with hundreds of +those good intentions—for years together—and it’s not pleasant, I can +tell you. + +WILLIAM. + +I don’t really know what you are driving at. + +ROBERT. + +Nothing very definite. This unrest, from which you are suffering now, +has no doubt other causes—At least I—if I once noticed—there was a time +when I went through something of the sort, but once I noticed that the +business was likely to be stronger than I—I generally made short work of +it, and turned my back. + +WILLIAM. + +Is that a hint? + +ROBERT. + +Hint? I didn’t know—well, once more—good luck to you and— + +WILLIAM. + +But just tell me—it has a certain objective interest for me—only because— + +ROBERT. + +Pray, what do you want to know? + +WILLIAM. + +Just now you said something. + +ROBERT. + +How—just now? + +WILLIAM. + +When we were speaking of father. + +ROBERT. + +Ah, true, yes;—what did I say? + +WILLIAM. + +You said, it might perhaps turn out well for Ida and me. + +ROBERT. + +Ah, yes, your engagement;—was that what I said? + +WILLIAM. + +That’s what you said. + +ROBERT. + +H’m, I said many things. + +WILLIAM. + +That is to say, you have changed your mind about a good deal of what you +said. + +ROBERT. + +Quite true, so I have. + +WILLIAM. + +And even—about that—very thing— + +ROBERT. + +Your engagement? + +WILLIAM. + +Yes. + +ROBERT. + +It’s important to you? + +WILLIAM. + +Yes, perhaps. + +ROBERT. + +Yes. + +WILLIAM. + +You no longer think—that we— + +ROBERT. + +No. + +WILLIAM. + +Good—Thanks—You are candid—I thank you—But let us suppose,—say that I +_did_ turn my back on the whole affair—leave on one side all thought of +what it would cost _me_, say I were to go straight off with you—then +what—about—Ida? + +ROBERT. + +H’m, Ida—Ida?—(_Shrugs his shoulders._) H’m, yes. That’s not so +quickly—at least—that wouldn’t trouble me over much. + +WILLIAM. + +Ah! That’s your old selfishness!!! Now I recognise you. + +ROBERT. + +Selfish? How? No, that’s just your mistake! I am not deeply enough +interested to be selfish—interested in this particular matter, I mean. I +really don’t believe— + +WILLIAM. + +I know better. You don’t suppose _you_ can teach me how to understand +this girl? Once for all, it _is_ so. Depend upon it—she has that sort +of feeling for me, which—well, I can’t alter it. You needn’t think me +conceited—But, you see, what’s to become of her, if I should go? + +ROBERT. + +H’m, you really ask yourself—that—seriously— + +WILLIAM. + +Most seriously—I do—indeed. + +ROBERT. + +Just oblige me by answering this one question first. If you were to +_marry_, what would Ida become then? + +WILLIAM. + +That no one can know. + +ROBERT. + +Oh yes, but one can:—mother! + +WILLIAM. + +As if mother is to be compared with Ida! + +ROBERT. + +But you with father. + +WILLIAM. + +Every man is a _new_ man. + +ROBERT. + +That’s what you’d _like_ to believe! Let it alone. You’re asking too much +of yourself. You yourself are the embodied argument against it. + +WILLIAM. + +I don’t believe it. + +ROBERT. + +You _know_ it well enough. + +WILLIAM. + +After all one can make oneself into something. + +ROBERT. + +If one is brought up that way. + +WILLIAM. + +Tch! There’s no sense in talking about it. + +ROBERT. + +Entirely my opinion. + +WILLIAM. + +It leads to nothing! (_Breaking out, quite beside himself_) You all want +to ruin me—I’m the victim of a conspiracy! You’re all in league against +me; you want to destroy me—you all want to destroy me—utterly! + +ROBERT. + +Father’s very words. + +WILLIAM. + +Ridiculous—Your remarks are simply ridiculous—Haven’t I reason enough +for what I’m saying? Don’t you want to part me from Ida? It is—simply!—I +haven’t words enough!—The absurdity of it! The brutality beyond +belief!—_I_ am to have pity on Ida! Who has pity on _me_!—Tell me that! +Name me any one person—who? + +ROBERT. + +Naturally!—When that’s the way you speak, naturally! + +WILLIAM. + +The sacrifices demanded of me!—The most senseless outrageous sacrifices! +I’m— + +ROBERT. + +You can spare yourself the trouble of talking; if that’s the case—You are +in your rights, keep the girl. + +WILLIAM. + +If that’s the case! If what’s the case, pray? Just tell me! + +ROBERT. + +You spoke of—Ida a while ago—if I remember— + +WILLIAM. + +Well—what then? + +ROBERT. + +Now it seems you’re speaking of yourself—H’m, plainly—if you are +indifferent as to what becomes of the girl, if you have the desirable +dose of—well call it recklessness—if you take her, as you would a new +coat or hat or something— + +WILLIAM. + +Robert!—Heartless through and through as you are—you’re right this time. +I’m with you, out of this place—That is, I’ll go with you a little +way, not far, and now, now I’ve done with all of you—Yes, yes, now +I’m—don’t speak!—now I’ve really done—absolutely—(_Robert looks at him +astonished, and shrugs his shoulders. With increasing vehemence_) Don’t, +don’t trouble yourself—it’s no good! You can’t do it—you can’t take me +in with your harmless quiet. You’re in the right, but what has put you +in the right, what has made you so clear-sighted? Shall I tell you? +Jealousy—miserable _jealousy_—nothing else—simply pitiful malice!—You +know very well that I should fight honestly—try to be a little worthier +of her. You know very well that with her purity, this girl has power +to purify me!—But you don’t want that! You don’t want to see me +cleansed!—Why not?—Because you—you yourself must always be what you +have been—because it is _me_ she loves, and never you! And so the whole +evening you have shadowed me with your detective looks—for ever there to +remind me you know me for what I am! Yes! You are right!—I am sin-stained +through and through!—Nothing left of me is pure. Tainted, I have nothing +in common with her innocence—and I am determined not to commit this +crime. But you, Robert!—That makes you none the purer; give thanks that +you no longer can feel shame! + + [_Robert during the last part of William’s speech has taken his + things and gone towards the door. He stands, hand on the latch, + as if going to speak. Thinks better of it, shrugs his shoulders + resignedly, and goes out very quietly._ + +WILLIAM (_calling after him_). + +Robert! Robert! + +IDA (_coming from next room_). + +Whom are you calling? + +WILLIAM. + +Ah, it’s you. + +IDA. + +The doctor’s there, William, he says it is very serious, it— + + [_Voice of Mrs Scholz heard wailing, “My dear good husband. + Ah!—ah, my dear kind husband!”_ + +WILLIAM. + +What have I done! What have I done now? + +IDA. + +It crushes my heart. I would like not to ask you—but something +must—something’s the matter, Willy! + +WILLIAM. + +Nothing. I want to be out there in solitude again. That is where I should +be. Our place is there, Ida. + +IDA. + +Why?—I can’t understand. + +WILLIAM (_hastily and violently_). + +Yes, yes, yes—the old story—: I don’t understand, I don’t +understand!—Mother and father have spoken different languages all +their lives; you don’t understand, you don’t _know_ me! You have stale +schoolgirl illusions and I have nothing more to do with all that, only to +hide away from you, hide—hide away, until there’s nothing of me but the +miserable traitor and scoundrel— + + [_Ida, after looking dazed at William, bursts into tears._ + +WILLIAM. + +There, you see, this is my real self. I need only for one moment to +forget my part, the part I play before you and my true self appears. You +can’t bear me as I really am. You cry, and you _would_ cry, year out, +year in, if I did not have pity on you.—No, Ida, it must come to an end +between us. I’ve come to that fixed resolve. + +IDA (_throwing herself on his neck_). + +That’s not true! That is not, that never _shall_ be true. + +WILLIAM. + +Think what you have seen here to-day; shall we start the game +afresh?—Shall we build this home again? + +IDA. + +It would be different! It would be better, William. + +WILLIAM. + +How can you say that? + +IDA. + +I _feel_ it. + +WILLIAM. + +But you are throwing yourself to destruction, Ida! I am dragging you to +your ruin. + +IDA. + +I’m not afraid of that, William, not the least afraid! Only have +faith again! Only give me your hand again! Then I can be something to +you.—Don’t push me away. + +WILLIAM. + +Let me go!—You are in love for the first time!—You love an illusion. +I have thrown myself in the gutter time after time. I have degraded +womanhood with other women.—I am an outcast— + +IDA (_sobbing and crying, embraces him_). + +You are _mine_, you are _mine_! + +WILLIAM. + +I am not fit for you! + +IDA. + +Oh, _don’t_ say that! I am so small before you, so small!—Like a little, +little moth. William, I am nothing without you—everything through +you;—don’t take your hand away from me.—I am so lost without you. + +WILLIAM. + +IDA!!! I—? _I_— + + [_They embrace and kiss between laughing and crying._ + +I am not to take—my hand from you—what are you saying—what—why, you—bad— + +IDA. + +Now—promise me—now— + +WILLIAM. + +I _swear_ to you now— + + [_A piercing scream from the next room cuts his words short. + Startled and terrified they stand looking into each other’s + eyes. Voice of Mrs Scholz:—“My husband’s dying, my dear good + Fritz is dying, my husband!”—Loud crying._] + +WILLIAM. + +My God!—What?—Father!!! Father!!! + + [_Is about to rush into next room, Ida stops him._ + +IDA. + +William!—Control yourself, and—don’t go without me. + + [_Friebe comes shaking with sobs out of the next room and + disappears into the kitchen._] + +AUGUSTA (_follows Friebe in; stopping in front of William, she moans at +him_). + +Who—is to blame now, who—who? + + [_She sinks with head and arms on a table, a muffled moaning is + wrung from her. Mrs Scholz is still heard crying loudly in next + room._ + +WILLIAM (_breaking out_). + +Augusta! + +IDA (_her hands on William’s breast, in trembling tones_:) + +William—I think—your father—is dead. + + [_William is again near an outbreak, but Ida calms him; he + controls his emotion, possesses himself of Ida’s hand, which he + grips in his own, and hand in hand they go with firm and quiet + steps out into the next room._] + + + + +NOTES + + +Title-page. _The Coming of Peace._ This is a somewhat free translation +of the title of Hauptmann’s play. Friedensfest means literally the Feast +or Festival of Peace, but the English title we have chosen seemed more +euphonious and has besides a bearing on the end of the play, when the old +man at any-rate enters into his rest. + +P. 6. _O Gottogottogott!_ The effect of this exclamation, which Mrs +Scholz uses all through the play, cannot be reproduced in English. We +have tried, in the translation, by joining the words with a hyphen, to +give as far as might be the look of one word. Oh Godohgodohgod! would +only have puzzled readers. Even in speaking, the change from the _t_ to +_d_ makes the attempt to pronounce the exclamation as one word almost +impossible. Moreover to English eyes and ears “Oh God” of course carries +a weight quite incongruous in Mrs Scholz’s chatter. Here, as in many +other places, we were unable to arrive at an entirely satisfactory +equivalent for the German. + +P. 16. _That’s an inhuman hand!_ This cannot be called a _translation_. +Mrs Scholz says: “Aus dem Grabe wachsen solche Hände!” She here alludes +to an old German saying still quoted among the peasantry, which declares +that the hand of anyone guilty of striking a parent would, after death, +point upward from the grave in ceaseless self-accusation. We have been +unable to find any similar superstition in English folk-lore. + + + + +MODERN PLAYS + +EDITED BY + +R. BRIMLEY JOHNSON AND N. ERICHSEN. + + +_=NOW READY=_ + +HENRIK IBSEN + + “Love’s Comedy” (_Kjærlighedens Komedie_).—Professor C. H. + HERFORD + +EMILE VERHAEREN + + “The Dawn” (_Les Aubes_).—ARTHUR SYMONS + +AUGUST STRINDBERG + + “The Father” (_Fadren_).—N. ERICHSEN + +OSTROVSKY + + “The Storm.”—CONSTANCE GARNETT + +MAURICE MAETERLINCK + + “Intérieur.”—WILLIAM ARCHER + “La Mort de Tintagiles.” } + “Alladine et Palomides.” }—ALFRED SUTRO + 1 vol. + +GERHART HAUPTMANN + + “The Coming of Peace” (_Das Friedensfest_).—JANET ACHURCH and + C. E. WHEELER + + +_=EARLY VOLUMES=_ + +VILLIERS DE L’ISLE ADAM + + “La Révolte.” } + “L’Evasion.” }—THERESA BARCLAY + +SERGIUS STEPNIAK + + “The Convert.”—CONSTANCE GARNETT + +BRIEUX + + “Les Bienfaiteurs.”—LUCAS MALET + +Arrangements are also in progress with representative dramatists of +Spain, Italy, and other countries. Further translations have been +promised by Dr GARNETT, Messrs WALTER LEAF, G. A. GREENE, EDGAR PRESTAGE, +etc. + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75247 *** diff --git a/75247-h/75247-h.htm b/75247-h/75247-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1f464e0 --- /dev/null +++ b/75247-h/75247-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5652 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + The Coming of Peace | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +a { + text-decoration: none; +} + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +h1,h2 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; +} + +h2.nobreak { + page-break-before: avoid; +} + +hr.chap { + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + clear: both; + width: 65%; + margin-left: 17.5%; + margin-right: 17.5%; +} + +img.w100 { + width: 100%; +} + +div.chapter { + page-break-before: always; +} + +p { + margin-top: 0.5em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: 0.5em; + text-indent: 1em; +} + +table { + margin: 1em auto 1em auto; + max-width: 40em; + border-collapse: collapse; +} + +td { + padding-left: 0.25em; + padding-right: 0.25em; + vertical-align: top; +} + +.tdr { + text-align: right; +} + +.blockquote { + margin: 1.5em 10%; +} + +.center { + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0em; +} + +.direction { + margin-left: 7em; + text-indent: -2em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; +} + +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + +.figright { + float: right; + clear: right; + margin-left: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-right: 0; + padding: 0; + text-align: center; +} + +.hanging { + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} + +.larger { + font-size: 150%; +} + +.mt2 { + margin-top: 2em; +} + +.noindent { + text-indent: 0em; +} + +.pagenum { + position: absolute; + right: 4%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; +} + +.poetry-container { + text-align: center; +} + +.poetry { + display: inline-block; + text-align: left; +} + +.poetry .stanza { + margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; +} + +.poetry .verse { + padding-left: 3em; +} + +.poetry .indent0 { + text-indent: -3em; +} + +.poetry .indent2 { + text-indent: -2em; +} + +.poetry .indent4 { + text-indent: -1em; +} + +.right { + text-align: right; +} + +.smaller { + font-size: 80%; +} + +.smcap { + font-variant: small-caps; + font-style: normal; +} + +.speaker { + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; + margin-top: 1em; +} + +.speech { + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} + +.titlepage { + text-align: center; + margin-top: 3em; + text-indent: 0em; +} + +.tp { + margin: auto; + max-width: 30em; +} + +.u { + text-decoration: underline; +} + +.valign { + vertical-align: middle; +} + +.x-ebookmaker img { + max-width: 100%; + width: auto; + height: auto; +} + +.x-ebookmaker .poetry { + display: block; + margin-left: 1.5em; +} + +.x-ebookmaker .blockquote { + margin: 1.5em 5%; +} + +/* Illustration classes */ +.illowp100 {width: 100%;} +.illowp66 {width: 66%;} +.x-ebookmaker .illowp66 {width: 100%;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75247 ***</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a>[i]</span></p> + +<div class="tp"> + +<p class="noindent larger">MODERN<br> +PLAYS</p> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="smaller">EDITED BY</span><br> +R. BRIMLEY JOHNSON</p> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="smaller">AND</span><br> +N. ERICHSEN</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span></p> + +<p class="titlepage smaller"><i>Authorised Translation</i></p> + +<p class="center smaller"><i>All Rights Reserved</i></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[iii]</span></p> + +<div class="tp"> + +<p class="noindent larger">THE COMING OF PEACE</p> + +<p class="noindent">(<i>A FAMILY CATASTROPHE</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent mt2">BY GERHART HAUPTMANN</p> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="smaller">TRANSLATED BY</span><br> +JANET ACHURCH<br> +<span class="smaller">AND</span><br> +C. E. WHEELER</p> + +<figure class="figright titlepage illowp66" id="desormais" style="max-width: 12.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/desormais.jpg" alt=""> +</figure> + +<p class="noindent" style="clear: both;">LONDON<br> +DUCKWORTH & CO.<br> +3 HENRIETTA STREET, W.C.<br> +<span class="smaller">MDCCCC</span></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v"></a>[v]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE</h2> + +</div> + +<p>A few words about the author of “Friedensfest,” which +is here translated as “The Coming of Peace,” will possibly +be of interest to readers. Gerhart Hauptmann, who is +still a comparatively young man, is as yet little known +to English readers, and wholly unknown to English play-goers, +except for the performance of this play under the +auspices of the Stage Society on the 10th of June 1900, +which has given occasion for this translation. In German-speaking +countries he is recognised by many as the +greatest modern dramatist with the single exception of +Henrik Ibsen.</p> + +<p>He is certainly the only dramatist who, writing under +the inspiration of the great Norwegian poet, can by any +remotest possibility be considered to have advanced a +step beyond his master in dramatic treatment of the +inner social forces of modern life.</p> + +<p>It is not my intention here to do more than draw +attention to the place Friedensfest occupies chronologically +among its author’s works, and to point out +its probable source of inspiration. Those who wish +to trace the author’s career up to three years ago—he is +now only thirty-eight—may be recommended to read +“Gerhart Hauptmann, sein Lebensgang und seine Dichtung,” +written just after the publication of “Die Versunkene +Glocke,” by Dr Paul Schlenther, the gifted<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi"></a>[vi]</span> +critic, now manager of the Vienna Court Theatre. I +may, perhaps, be allowed to quote the final sentences +of that book to show the high hopes entertained in +Germany of Hauptmann’s future. “At thirty-five years +old,” writes Dr Schlenther, “he is a famous man. He +stands at life’s zenith. Half the Scriptural age lies behind +him. The best years of the strength and ripeness of manhood +lie close ahead of him. We wait for what shall +come.”</p> + +<p>“Friedensfest” was played in 1890, when Hauptmann +was twenty-seven, eight years before these lines were +penned. It was preceded by “Vor Sonnenaufgang” in +1889—the first utterance which gave more than local +fame to its author—and was succeeded by “Einsame +Menschen” in 1891. Of his later works “Die Weber” and +“Hannele” have already been translated into English.</p> + +<p>In “Friedensfest” and “Einsame Menschen” the +influence of Ibsen can be traced more distinctly than in +any of Hauptmann’s other works. “Friedensfest” recalls +in many respects Ibsen’s “Ghosts,” without any servile +copying on the part of the younger author—who has +presented his characters with a power and originality, a +truth and subtlety peculiarly his own. Moreover he has +not been so relentless as Ibsen. Although the “Family +Catastrophe,” as he calls it, is gloomy enough, in a sense +the play ends more hopefully; the doom has not fallen +on the younger members of the Scholz family, with whose +hereditary qualities the play chiefly deals, and we are +permitted to hope, if we choose, that it may never fall. +Hauptmann’s genius shows itself here of a softer and +less uncompromising mould than Ibsen’s. We feel that +in as far as the play has any tendency, it leans rather<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii"></a>[vii]</span> +towards meliorism than pessimism. Like Ibsen’s later +works, however, it is more objective in treatment than +“Ghosts”—more a “family document” pure and simple, +than a “tendency” drama.</p> + +<p>But it is not my business here to tell the story of the +play or to attempt any interpretation. I have merely +helped to render it into English.</p> + +<p>In translating, we have tried to give the broken, +elliptical language in which Hauptmann’s characters +express themselves, as faithfully as possible—to keep +the half-finished sentences and interjaculatory outbursts +without losing anything of the meaning of the play. +Here and there, the rude colloquialism of the speakers, +especially of Mrs Scholz and Friebe, have rendered our +task almost impossible. We can only plead that we +have done our best.</p> + +<p class="right">JANET ACHURCH.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[1]</span></p> + +<h1>THE COMING OF PEACE</h1> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="PERSONS">PERSONS</h2> + +</div> + +<table> + <tr> + <td colspan="4"><span class="smcap">Dr Fritz Scholz</span>, aged 68.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="4"><span class="smcap">Minna Scholz</span>, <i>his wife</i>, aged 46.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Augusta</span>,</td> + <td class="tdr">}</td> + <td rowspan="3" class="valign"><i>their children</i>,</td> + <td>aged 29.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Robert</span>,</td> + <td class="tdr">}</td> + <td>aged 28.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">William</span>,</td> + <td class="tdr">}</td> + <td>aged 26.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="4"><i>So far as possible the above should show a family likeness.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="4"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span>, aged 42.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="4"><span class="smcap">Ida</span>, <i>her daughter</i>, aged 20.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="4"><span class="smcap">Friebe</span>, <i>servant to the Scholzs</i>, aged 50.</td> + </tr> +</table> + +<p>The Play takes place on Christmas Eve 188—, in a lonely +country house, near Erkner, in Brandenburg.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="SCENE">SCENE.</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="hanging">A high, roomy, white-washed Hall—hung with old-fashioned +pictures—horns and heads of different animals. A +chandelier of stag’s horns hanging from the middle of the +roof-tree is filled with fresh candles. At the back, in the +middle of the wall, is a porch, which projects into the +hall, with a glass door, through which is seen the heavy +carved oaken door of the house. On the top of the porch +is a stuffed moorcock: right and left above the level of +the porch are windows—frozen and partly dim with snow.</p> + +<p class="hanging">To the left is an open arch, built like a gateway—which leads +by the staircase to the upper stories. Two low doors in +the same wall lead—one to the cellar, the other to the +kitchen.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Two other doors in the opposite wall both open into one room; +between these stands an old grandfather’s clock, on the +top of which squats a stuffed screech-owl. The furniture +of the room consists of heavy old oak chairs and tables: +parallel to the left wall is a table covered with a white +cloth. Down the stage to the left is a small iron stove, +the flue of which runs along the wall. All the doors are +gaily coloured, the panels filled with old-fashioned paintings +of parrots, etc.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_I">ACT I</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="hanging">The hall is decorated with green branches. A Christmas tree +is lying on the stone flags. Friebe, sitting on the top of +the cellar steps, is making a socket for it; Mrs Buchner +and Mrs Scholz, standing on either side of the table, are +busy fastening gay coloured wax candles into their holders. +Mrs Buchner is a healthy looking, well nourished, friendly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span> +faced woman, simple, genuine and very neatly dressed: +wears her hair smooth: her movements are decided and +she is entirely at her ease. Her whole appearance expresses +an unusual cordiality which is thoroughly sincere, even if +at times her manner suggests affectation. Her way of +speaking is fluent and clear, and in moments of excitement +declamatory; an atmosphere of peace and well-being +seems to emanate from her. Mrs Scholz, on the contrary, +is a woman who looks older than she is, showing signs of +premature old age. She is unhealthily fat, with a sallow +skin. Her dress is untidy, her hair grey and unkempt; +she wears spectacles. Mrs Scholz is fidgety in her movements, +restless, has generally a tearful or whining way of +speaking and is evidently in a continual state of excitement. +Whilst Mrs Buchner seems only to live for others, +Mrs Scholz is completely occupied with herself.</p> + +<p class="hanging">On the table stand two five-branched candlesticks, fitted with +candles; but neither these nor the candles in the chandelier +are lighted. There is a lamp burning.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe</span> (<i>striking a blow with his hatchet</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Not a stroke fails me!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ffff!!! But I can’t stand it, Friebe! How often have +I told you.... You might easily break the hatchet. +The idea! chopping wood on stone!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You leave that to me! What! wasn’t I ten years in the +regiment?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">In the regiment?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He was head man in the royal forests.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Not—(<i>he strikes again</i>) a blessed—(<i>strikes</i>) stroke!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He stands up, looks at his work by the lamp, and +then fastens the Christmas tree so that it stands +upright. Friebe is small, already a little bent, +bandy-legged, and has a bald head. His small, +mobile, little monkey face is unshaven. His hair +and stubble beard are yellowish grey. He is a +jack-of-all-trades. His coat, stiff with a mixture +of plate powder, oil, boot-blacking and dust, was +cut for a man twice his size, so that the sleeves +are tucked up and the skirts overlap considerably. +His brown servant’s apron is no cleaner than his +coat: from under it from time to time he brings +out a snuff-box and takes snuff with intense satisfaction. +The tree made firm, he puts it on the +table, stands in front and gazes at it.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">A real—bonny—well-set-up—little fir tree! (<i>with condescending +superiority to the women</i>) you don’t think +so—eh?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">As an old forester, you should be the best judge of +that.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, certainly, that would be rather too much; as to +what a fir tree is—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>interrupting him impatiently</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">We really mustn’t keep you here, Friebe; my daughter +expressly said, “send Friebe for me.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m—tch—for all I care!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes out through the kitchen door, making a contemptuous +gesture.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Are you vexed with him?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I should think so. Tiresome idiot! If it hadn’t been for +my husband—there, you see, that’s my husband all +over.—This old snuffler—Nothing else would do, +he must have <i>him</i> about the whole day, or else he +wasn’t content. Did you ever know such a man?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Enter Augusta from outside in haste and alarm: +once inside, she shuts the glass door violently +and throws herself against it as though to prevent +some one from coming in.</i>]</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>most violently startled</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh God-oh-God-oh-God!!!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why?—what—?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Augusta is tall, lanky, and noticeably thin: she +is dressed in the height of fashion but without +any taste. Fur jacket, fur cap and muff. +The face and the feet are long: the face is +sharply cut and bitter featured, with thin lips +tightly pressed together. She wears a lorgnette. +Her nature unites with her mother’s excitability, +something of a pathologically disagreeable<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span> +character. Her personality diffuses round it an +atmosphere of discontent, dissatisfaction and comfortlessness.</i>]</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Out there!—as true as I’m here—someone—was following +me.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>pointing to the clock</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">William, perhaps.—No! not yet. The train can’t be in +yet. (<i>To Augusta</i>) Wait a moment!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She puts out her hand to open the door.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No! No!—No! No!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>in a cooing manner</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You’re nervous, dear child. (<i>She goes into the porch and +opens the outer door, a little timidly.</i>) Is anyone +there?—(<i>Resolutely</i>) Is anybody there? (<i>Pause—no +answer.</i>)</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>irritated</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Fine doings! As if I hadn’t had enough excitement—it’s +enough to kill one. You’re always complaining +of <i>something</i>.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>snappishly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Complaining! Complaining!—Haven’t I got enough to +complain about?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You behave charmingly to your mother, I must say.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh! what do you expect? Who could help being +frightened—in pitch darkness—absolutely alone—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>putting her arms round Augusta’s waist +from behind—soothingly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Madcap! Madcap! to flare up like that for nothing! +Come now. (<i>Helping her to take off her jacket, etc.</i>) +There!—you see?—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! but it is <i>true</i>, Mrs Buchner!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now my dear people, listen! Four long days already +since we came to stay with you. I’ve been thinking—sha’n’t +we drop all these formalities?—Mayn’t I +call you Augusta? Eh?—Good—then—(<i>embraces +her and kisses Mrs Scholz</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>before she responds to the embrace</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Wait! wait! My hands are all greasy.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>to Augusta, who is warming herself at +the stove</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">There now! Aren’t you better already?—Was the +Christmas party nice?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Nothing will take me there again!—Stuffy—no air—hot +enough to make you faint!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Did the minister speak well?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I know one thing; if <i>I</i> were poor, I’d have been off +after the great man’s speech.—I’d have flung all +their beggarly trash back in their faces.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">O—o—h! but it’s a great blessing for the poor people.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A fresh, clear woman’s voice is heard singing.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“When beneath the linden leaves</div> + <div class="verse indent4">The blossom clings,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Memory in my spirit weaves</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Dreams of bygone springs.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida comes through the stairway. She is twenty +years old, and wears a close-clinging black woollen +dress. She has a fine, fully matured figure, a +very small head, and, on this first entrance, her +long yellow hair is loose. She has an air of quiet +contentment about her, a subdued cheerfulness and +confident expectation of happiness. Although +the expression of her clever face is generally +bright, it deepens at times into a sudden seriousness, +showing that she is unaffectedly lost in her +own thoughts.</i>]</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>a towel laid over her shoulders and some +cardboard boxes under her arm</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Has anybody come?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Augusta has given us a fine fright.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>pointing back up the stairs</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">It’s not so very comfortable upstairs, either. I hurried +(<i>laughing</i>) so that I could come down.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But, child! Robert has the room over you now.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>putting the boxes on the table, opens them and +takes out various things</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Well, if he has, the place is always empty.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Your hair should be nearly dry by now, eh?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>turning her head lovingly, and throwing back +her hair</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Just feel!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>doing so</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh dear—you should have washed it earlier, child!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What a bother the old mane is; I’ve been scorching myself +at the stove for the last half hour (<i>taking from +one of the boxes a yellow silk purse and holding it +out to Augusta</i>). Pretty colour, eh?—It’s only just +a little joke; has he had many purses?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>busy with her jacket, which she is brushing; +shrugs her shoulders</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Don’t know (<i>she looks critically with her short-sighted +eyes at the purse</i>). H’m, h’m, rather loosely knitted +(<i>immediately returning to her jacket</i>). The plush is +done for.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>displaying a little box of cigars</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">I—<i>am</i> pleased—to think you have never dressed a +Christmas tree!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">If you come to think of it—it’s really not the sort of thing +for grown-up people!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No indeed! If ever I’d suggested one, my husband would +have never let me hear the end of it. With my dear +parents—Ah! when I remember—what a beautiful +family life that was. Never a Christmas without a +tree! (<i>Imitating her father’s gait and manner.</i>) And +then in the evening when father came from the office +and brought the beau—u—tiful gingerbread with +him (<i>joining thumb and fore-finger as if she held a +piece of the famous cake between them—she puts them +to her mouth</i>). Ah yes—those days are gone. My +husband—he wouldn’t even eat his dinner with us—he +lived upstairs—we down—a perfect hermit. If +one wanted anything from him—good Lord—the +only way was to get hold of Friebe.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>feeding the stove</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh don’t go on like that everlastingly!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Don’t pile up the stove in that senseless fashion!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Can’t we even have the room warm then?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">All the heat flies up the chimney to-day.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>demurring crossly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Is that a reason for letting it go quite out?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Leave me in peace!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>throwing the shovel noisily back into the box</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Have it your own way!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit Augusta in a rage.</i>]</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, Gussie! stay with us!—Just wait—I’ll soon bring her +round.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes out after her.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>with resignation</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">All my children are like that!—ah—what a girl! +There’s no holding her! First she wants one thing, +then another:—all of a sudden—she takes it into her +head—she must study. She’ll stick upstairs and not +say a word for weeks; and the next thing is—she’s no +use—nobody wants her.—Oh, good Heavens, yes—you’re +to be envied—a sweet little thing like <i>your</i> +daughter——</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, but Gussie too!—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">How charmingly she plays the piano, and that delicious +voice—How I love to listen to a voice like that!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why don’t you ever play now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh that would be a fine thing. The little peace I have +would be done for. Augusta is so nervous—just like +her father—he’d run away from the piano as if he +were hunted.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You should hear your William play now; he has improved!—What +would Ida be without him! She’s +learnt all she knows from him.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah yes! so you told me. Oh, he’s full of talent, there’s +no doubt of that! It was a pleasure to teach +him.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes! and he looks back with such affection on the time +when his little mother gave him his first lessons.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Does he?—Good Lord, yes! those were pleasant times. +Then I used to think—every thing turns out differently—Oh! +I’m so agitated!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">So agitated?—What about?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why—about his coming—how does he look now—really?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well—strong—healthy. You’ll be proud of your son.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’m really surprised that the boy’s coming. It’s gone +to my heart many a time. And the notepaper he’s +cost me—and never once answered his old mother: +how have you brought him to it? That’s what I +can’t understand—that I <i>can’t</i> understand.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I?—Oh! no! it was Ida who persuaded him.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Robert doesn’t trouble himself much about us either, but at +least he comes once a year at Christmas time for a few +days: that’s not much to be grateful for—but William—six +whole years he’s not been here—neither he nor +my husband—for six whole years. Does she get on +with him?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ida?—Very well in every way.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, that’s extraordinary. You simply can’t imagine +<i>how</i> reserved the boy always was—just like his father. +No playfellows, no school friends,—nothing.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, yes, that’s how he was with us at first. He never +would come near the house, except for the music-lesson.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Later, though, he came?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well,—yes. He said we mustn’t worry him, and when he +felt able he’d come of his own accord. We had the +sense to let him have his own way, and sure enough, +after waiting for him half a year, in fact,—when we’d +given up waiting, he came—and afterwards, day +after day, little by little, he became quite different.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You must have bewitched him—his engagement alone—that’s +what I can’t get over.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You must know how to manage with artists. I’ve learnt +that—my dear husband was one.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And that—business—with his father? Has he confided +that to you, too?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">N-n-o, dear friend. You see that’s the one, only, point—the +one thing he can’t yet bring himself to—but you +may believe me, the remembrance is terribly painful +to him—is still—to this very day. And certainly not +less so because he <i>has</i> kept it to himself. At all +costs he must get over that, even in this matter too.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, God forbid!—no, no—right is right! “Honour thy +father and thy mother.” A hand that you raise +against your own father—that’s an inhuman hand! +We’ve had our quarrels—oh yes! we’ve both our +faults, my husband and I, but that’s <i>our</i> business, no +human being has a right to interfere, least of all +one’s own son. And who had to suffer for it? I, +of course. An old woman like me has broad +shoulders; my husband left the house the very same +day, and half an hour later, William too. There +was no good talking; first I thought they would +come back, but whoever else did they didn’t! And +William alone is to blame for it, no one else—no one.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">William may have been <i>much</i> to blame—I’m convinced +of that. But think, to have repented for years, +and—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No—no! Good heavens, what can you be thinking of! +It’s not so easily got over; that would be worse +still. It’s very good of you to have taken so to the +boy, and it’s nice too that he’s coming—as indeed +why shouldn’t he? But, after all, what’s the good +of it? It’s not so easy to fill up a gulf—yes, yes, +there <i>are</i> gulfs—that’s what they are, gulfs—deep +gulfs—in our family.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Still I can’t help thinking that we—that those of us with +firm, honest intentions—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Intentions, intentions! don’t talk to me! I know better! +One can intend, and intend, and intend, hundreds of +things, and nothing gets any further. No, no!—it’s +quite another thing with your daughter. She is so—and +William is so—and both are what they are.—Much +too good a sort for one of us—much, much +too good.—Oh, Lord, yes!—intentions!—Ah yes! +all these good intentions—Your intentions are all +very well, but whether they lead to anything—I +doubt it!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But I hope it—all the more.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, it may be. I’ll say nothing to spoil it. In spite of +everything, my heart goes out to the boy; only it +excites me so, I’m frightened; and, mind you, it +won’t be all as easy as you think.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>enters right; to Mrs Scholz, sweetly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Little mother-in-law, she’s gilding the nuts.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Time’s getting on, Ida! You must make yourself beautiful, +he may be here at any moment.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>startled</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">What? Already!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, don’t trouble! She’s much too beautiful for him as +it is.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’ve put the blue out for you (<i>calling after Ida</i>), and put +on the brooch; don’t forget.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit Ida.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>continuing, to Mrs Scholz</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">She doesn’t care a bit for jewellery.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The outer door of the house opens and shuts.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Wait—who—(<i>to Mrs Buchner</i>) please will you—I can’t +see him yet—I—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>calling up the stairs</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ida! your William is here.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Dr Scholz enters through the glass door. He is unusually +tall, broad-shouldered, very bloated. The +face is fat, complexion muddy, the eyes sometimes +glittering, with wandering glances, but usually +dull and lack-lustre. He has a grey, stubbly +beard, partially covering his cheeks; his movements +are clumsy and tremulous; he speaks brokenly, as +if with his mouth full; stumbles over syllables, +and is interrupted by gasping inspirations. He +is slovenly dressed: a velvet vest, coat and trousers +of nondescript colour, once brown—cap with a +large peak, stone-grey in colour, peculiar in shape; +red silk neckerchief, linen creased. He uses a +large Turkish pocket handkerchief. On entering +he carries a malacca cane with a staghorn crook +in his right hand, and has flung about him a +large military cloak, over his left arm a fur +foot-bag.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Servus! servus!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>staring at him as if at an apparition</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Fritz!—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">As you see.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>throwing her arms about him with a +scream</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Fritz!!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>opens the door L., starts back</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Father!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mrs Buchner goes off backwards through the left +door, her eyes fixed on Dr Scholz.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, yes, yes, it’s I. But first of all—is Friebe there?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe</span> (<i>peeping through kitchen door, starts—coming +forward</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">The doctor! (<i>He rushes to him and seizes and kisses both +his hands.</i>) Now, would anyone have believed it!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">St!—Just go and see—see that the house door is shut.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Friebe nods and obeys with joyful alacrity.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But Fritz, tell me—only tell me, my mind’s all confused +(<i>weeping, embraces him</i>). Ah Fritz! what grief +you’ve caused me all this long, long time.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>putting his wife gently from him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ah well, my life too—we’d better not begin with reproaches. +You’re just the same doleful old thing +(<i>with gentle bitterness</i>). Anyhow I should certainly +not have troubled you—if it hadn’t been for—(<i>Friebe +takes his cloak, etc.</i>) There are times in life, dear +Minna—if one has powerful enemies as I have—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Friebe goes out through the stairway with +the Dr’s belongings.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>pretending to be cross</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Nobody <i>made</i> you come, Fritz. Here there has always +been a safe, cosy home;—you could have lived so +comfortably here.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Don’t be cross—you don’t understand.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah yes! I’m only a simpleton, I suppose,—but really, +you weren’t answerable to anyone; it wasn’t at all +necessary for you—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">—St! It was very necessary (<i>half mysteriously</i>). After +guilt, atonement; after sin, chastisement.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, yes, Fritz,—it is true—you too had much to answer +for. (<i>From here to the end of the conversation, she +continually looks with anxiety towards the front +door, as though she feared every moment to see<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span> +William come in.</i>) We might have been so peaceful, +so contented, if you had only let us.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It was all my fault, all of it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">There, now you are unjust again.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, I won’t argue with you; many have banded +together against me, that’s certain—for instance, in +the hotels, the waiters—not one night could I sleep +in peace—up and down, up and down, in the +corridors—and always just in front of <i>my</i> door.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But come now, they wouldn’t have disturbed you on +purpose!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No—? oh you!—you don’t understand!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, well, it may be, waiters are sometimes very mean.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Mean!—I should think they are.—However, we can speak +of that later. I have rather a headache—(<i>puts his +hand on the back of his head</i>). There! that’s another +disgraceful thing! I know well enough whom I +have to thank for that! I’ll just see whether I can’t +drive it away with a sound sleep—I am very tired.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But there’s no fire upstairs, Fritz!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Think of that. From Vienna without stopping and no fire!—Never +mind; Friebe will have seen to that. Tell +me about Friebe—I mean—is he still as trustworthy?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Friebe is—what he always was.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I was sure of it—well for the present—(<i>after he has +pressed his wife’s hand, he turns with a deep thoughtful +expression and goes towards the staircase. Noticing +the Christmas tree, he stops and looks at it +forlornly.</i>) What is that?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>disturbed, shamefaced, and a little +frightened</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">We’re keeping Christmas.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Keeping Christmas!—(<i>after a long pause, lost in memories</i>) +It’s a long—long—time (<i>turning and speaking with +real emotion</i>). And you—you’ve grown quite white!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, Fritz—both of us!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Dr Scholz nodding turns away and goes off through +stairway L.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>entering quickly from R.</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">So your husband has come back?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It’s as though—as if—I don’t know—Christ! what am I +to think!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That it is a gift, dear friend, for which we must all be +thankful.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! what he looks like! How he has lived! What an +existence!—from one country to another, from one +town to—ah! he’s gone through something!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mrs Buchner is going to stairway.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What are you going to do?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Tell Ida of the joyful event.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes off through stairway.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh yes!—no, no,—what are you thinking of! We +mustn’t let that out. If my husband finds out that +anyone but himself lives up there, I should get into +nice trouble.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>from the stairs</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">I’ll go very gently.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, quite gently.—That would be dreadful!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’m going quite gently.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh God-oh-God-oh-God!—Well—very, very gently!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>hastily entering from R.</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Father is here?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>beside herself</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Why, of course! And now what’s to be done! The next +thing will be William—Oh! the deadly fear I’ve been +in! if he and his father were to meet! Any minute +he may come in! What an experience to go through +for an old woman like me!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What an extraordinary sensation, mamma, extraordinary!—We +were so used to—It’s like a man risen from +the dead after long years.—I’m frightened, mamma.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Do you suppose he’s come to the end of his money?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now—that would be—Well! I—that would be the last +straw!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, in that case, how should we manage at all! We +might as well go and beg at once.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida fully dressed enters from stairway, presses +Augusta’s hand joyfully.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Gussie! (<i>winningly</i>) It’s really true! Oh! I am so +glad.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mrs Scholz and Augusta show a certain painful +emotion.</i></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Robert enters from one of the doors R.; he is of +middle height, slender, pale-faced, and haggard-looking. +His eyes are sunken, and at times +glitter feverishly; moustache and imperial. He +smokes Turkish tobacco out of a noticeably short-stemmed +pipe.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>lightly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You’re going to have it warm here, mother.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now <i>he’s</i> beginning!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">For all I care!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Steals sidelong glances at Ida’s dress.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>to Ida, who has looked at him reproachfully</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, that’s how I’m made, Miss Ida!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>shaking her head at him incredulously</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">No! no!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>exploding</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You’re too maddening, Robert!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Not intentionally! Don’t <i>get</i> mad!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Augusta makes a contemptuous gesture.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And then——?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And then!—And then!—Bosh!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>with simulated astonishment</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">I beg your pardon—I thought—but you no longer depend +on mere outward charms!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>soothingly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh! Mr Robert!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m, mustn’t I defend myself?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>half choked with tears</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Just like you! Just like you. Your whole—my age—it’s +infamous of you! Mrs Buchner! isn’t it too +mean of him? To me! I—I who have stuck to +mother—through the best—most beautiful time of +my young life!—whilst all of you—I—just as if I’d +been a servant-girl!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">On my word!—that has the true ring—try the stage! +(<i>with an altered manner: roughly</i>) Don’t play the +fool; just think! you with a martyr’s halo, that +would be too funny! You’d have come off even +worse anywhere else than you have at home, that’s +the truth of it!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Mother! you can bear witness—haven’t I refused three +proposals?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Pff! If mother had only forked out the necessary money +the gentlemen would no doubt have included you in +the bargain.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>stepping up to Robert, holding her +hand out</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">There, take a knife—cut it out of me—cut the money out +of my hand!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Listen to me! Would you like to see the letters of +refusal?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>interrupting</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Children! (<i>She makes a movement as if to bare her +breast for a death-stroke.</i>) Here—rather kill me at +once! Haven’t you so much pity for me? Not so +much? What? Ah! good Lord! Not five minutes! +I never saw such children; not five minutes can you +keep peace!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Exactly, that’s what I said: things are warming up again.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Friebe comes importantly from the stairway; he +whispers to Mrs Scholz, whereupon she gives him +a key. Friebe goes out through cellar door. +Robert has stood watching this proceeding.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>as Friebe disappears down the cellar steps</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Aha!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>who has kept her eye on Robert: breaking out +furiously</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You haven’t a shred of filial feeling!—not one shred!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And then——?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But you’re a good hand at acting—you lie abominably; +and that’s the most disgusting part of it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">About father, do you mean?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Especially about father.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>shrugging his shoulders</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">If you mean——</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes—yes—that—<i>that</i>! Yes—for—if it were <i>not</i> so, then, +yes <i>then</i> you would be a scoundrel——</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>interrupting</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Will you two be quiet or——</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>without noticing her</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Then I am a scoundrel—well and then?——</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida, who for a long time has shown restless expectation +goes out through glass door.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Pfui! shameless!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Shameless—just so. So I am.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Mr Robert! I don’t believe you—you are better than you +would have us believe—better than you yourself +believe!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>with slight but increasing sarcasm, coldly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">My dear Mrs Buchner! it is no doubt very kind of you—but +as I said—I hardly know—to what this honour—indeed +I can lay no claim to your indulgence. My +self-esteem is at the present moment by no means so +slight that I feel the need of anyone to——</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>slightly bewildered</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">That isn’t at all what I mean—only—your <i>father</i>?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">My father for me is a certain Fritz Scholz, doctor of +medicine.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh yes—go on!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And if I cannot feel towards this man quite so indifferent +as towards any other tomfool, it is because I—and +then—(<i>he smokes</i>) because I—well just this—I am +myself to a certain extent the product of his folly.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>hardly believing her ears</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Excuse me! I can’t follow you so far. How can you +say such a thing?—It really quite upsets me.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>to Mrs Buchner</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">There, there!—You’ll see things in this house——</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now what do you mean by that, mother? We are—<i>what</i> +we are. Other people who do—Lord knows +what—they’re no better!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">As a matter of fact there are always simple souls to be +found who are never happy unless they can potter +about tinkering their neighbours’ affairs—exploded +ideas!—Rubbish!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>seizing Robert by both hands, with +feeling</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Mr Robert! I feel under a distinct obligation to you. +I’m quite charmed. Honestly, you haven’t offended +me in the least!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>a little taken aback</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You are an extraordinary woman!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Friebe comes from the cellar; he carries in his +left hand three bottles of red wine, the bottle +necks between his fingers, a bottle of cognac +under his left arm. In his right hand he has +the cellar key. Advancing to Mrs Scholz, importantly.</i>]—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now then—the cigars.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Good gracious, Friebe, I really don’t know—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">In the writing-table, mother.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah—yes!—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She takes a bunch of keys and fumbles +nervously for the right one.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why! you know the key of the desk!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">The one with the straight ward.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh yes! wait a minute!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Give it to me.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Wait—wait—here—ah!—no!—I’m quite confused! (<i>handing +Robert the bunch</i>). There!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>detaching the right key and passing it to Friebe</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">There, I trust my father’s cigars may meet with your +approval.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">There you are! We shan’t get him away from them +all day! (<i>bell rings loudly</i>) Coming—coming! (<i>goes +off upstairs</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now the wine will soon come to an end!—Good heavens! +What are we coming to! All that wine. Always +those strong, expensive cigars! I tell you he will +ruin himself!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, it’s a free country!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What do you mean?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Everyone has a right to amuse himself in his own way. +I, at any rate, would not have my right interfered +with, not even by law. H’m, it’s extraordinary!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Extraordinary!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why do you look at me so critically? Is it something +about me that is <i>extraordinary</i>?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Depends how you look at it! You’ve been with us +several days, and you’ve not yet thought of going—!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What a way to talk!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">They <i>won’t</i> stop!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She shakes her head despairingly.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>with brutal candour</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Well mother, isn’t it true? Have any strangers ever been +able to stand us more than half a day? Haven’t they +all cleared out?—The Schulzes—the Lehmanns?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">As if we were dependent on strangers—for my part we’re +enough for ourselves.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh <i>more</i> than enough! (<i>Brutally</i>) I tell you, Mrs Buchner, +they would fly at each other’s throats before perfect +strangers—like wild beasts. Mother would tear off +the tablecloth, father smash the water-bottle—cheerful, +eh?—Pretty scenes!—Charming impressions +for children!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You ought to crawl out of sight for shame, you mean +wretch, you!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes off quickly.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You see? <i>This</i> is what I’ve endured for years—<i>years</i>!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes out in great agitation.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>going on, quite unmoved</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">And no wonder. A man of forty marries a girl of sixteen +and carries her off to this godforsaken corner. A +man who has served as surgeon in the Turkish army, +and travelled through Japan. A cultivated, enterprising +spirit, who works out the most daring projects—joins +himself to a woman who a few years +before was firmly convinced, that America was one of +the stars in the sky. Truly I don’t exaggerate! +Well, the result—a stagnant, corrupt, fermenting +swamp—out of which we have had the doubtful +advantage of growing—Horrible!—Love?—not a +trace. Mutual understanding?—respect?—not a touch—and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span> +this is the soil from which we children have +grown.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Mr Robert!—I want to beg you—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">All right! I don’t want to talk of it. Besides the story is—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No, no!—I want to ask you for something—pressing.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ask me—what?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Couldn’t you—to please me—couldn’t you?—wouldn’t it +be possible—just this one evening—couldn’t you put +off your mask?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That’s good! Put off my mask?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, for it’s not really you—it’s not really your own face +that you show us.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What an idea!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Promise me—Mr Robert!—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But I really don’t know—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">William—your brother William may come at any moment—and—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>interrupting</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Mrs Buchner, if you would only—Believe me!—your +efforts, I assure you, are quite useless—all this will +lead to nothing—absolutely nothing—it’s all been +spoilt for us—ruined—bungled from the very beginning—bungled +through every year of our lives. There’s +nothing more to be done. It all looks very—promising—Christmas +tree—candles—presents—family gathering—That’s +only on top: a downright damnable lie—nothing +else! And now—Father!—If I didn’t know +how unmanageable he is—on my honour I should +believe—that it was you—who brought him here—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Indeed no! That is just what has quickened my hopes. +It is not chance, it’s providence—and so from my +heart I beg you to be kind and brotherly to William. +If you only knew how highly he speaks of you, with +what love and what respect—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>interrupting</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">H’m!—and what use will it be?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why should I be kind and brotherly to him?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You ask that!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well—at least not to spoil his return home for him.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, we don’t affect each other as you seem to think, and, +besides, if you imagine he is going to be overcome by +a subtle emotion on first entering here—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Your brother is so good—a really fine character!—He +must have fought a great fight before bringing himself +to this point. He is coming with an intense +desire for reconciliation, that I can <i>assure</i> you!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I can’t understand all that. Reconciled—to what?—That’s +what I can’t see. As a rule, we understand +one another fairly well in this family. But this is +quite beyond me! I’ve nothing to say against him, +but on the other hand there’s no disguising facts.—I +ask you—do you imagine that I have any exaggerated +respect for my father?—Of course not.—Or that I +have any—love—for him?—Or any childlike feeling +of gratitude?—You see, I haven’t the slightest reason +for any such feeling. In all our lives, the most that +we have ever been to each other, has been a source +of amusement. At moments, when we have blamed +each other for our common unhappiness, we have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span> +actually hated each other. Well, between father +and William this same hatred grew. That I understand +well enough. That I haven’t done what William +did is perhaps an accident. So I have nothing against +him—<i>nota bene</i>, so long as I don’t see him. But if +I see him, then all my logic goes to the devil, for I +am rather,—rather—h’m, what shall I say?—Well, +<i>then</i> I only see the man who has struck my father, +not his, but <i>my</i> father, struck him in the face!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh my God!—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And then I can answer for nothing—you see?—absolutely +for nothing.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">My God!—Was that it!—Struck him, you say?—In—the—f—, +in the face? His own father?—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Just that.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>half beside herself</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh my God!—But then—then I can indeed!—Ah! then +I must speak to him at once.—Your good old father—for—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>quite startled</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">To whom?—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>bursting into tears</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">To your poor dear old ill-treated father!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>trying to restrain her</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">For heaven’s sake what can you—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Let me go—I must—I must—!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes through stairway.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>calling after her</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Mrs Buchner! (<i>Turning back</i>) Damned hysteria!—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He shrugs his shoulders, and paces the room more +than once; he makes a movement as if to hurry +after her, but finally gives up the idea, and forces +himself into a state of apparent indifference; he +first occupies himself with his pipe; knocks it +out, fills it with new tobacco from his pouch, +lights it, and seems for some minutes lost in the +enjoyment of smoking. Presently his interest is +roused by the Christmas tree, and turning to the +presents on the table, he plants himself before +them; while surveying them, pipe in mouth, he +laughs bitterly more than once. Suddenly he +starts, takes his pipe in his hand, and bends low +over the table: straightening himself, he seems +for the first time to discover that he is alone; +looking round as cautiously as a thief, he bends +forward again, hastily seizes the yellow silk +purse, looks at it more closely, and presses it +with a sudden passionate movement to his lips. +In this movement he shows, as by a lightning +flash, an eerie, feverish passion. A noise startles +him. Instantly the purse lies where it was. On +tiptoe he tries to slip away. Just as he is disappearing +through the door down R., he sees<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span> +his mother enter by the adjoining door, and on +his part stands still. Mrs Scholz goes heavily +but quickly across the room to the stairway, +where she stands and listens.</i>]</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>turning back</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">I say, mother, what does that woman want?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>frightened</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh God-oh-God-oh-God-oh-God!!! How you startle one!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What! (<i>puffs</i>) wh—(<i>puffs again</i>), what does Mrs—Mrs +Buchner really want here, I should like to know?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What <i>I</i> want to know is, what your father—what <i>he</i> +really wants? Ah, just tell me! what is it?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, you’ll scarcely refuse him a roof over his head?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>perversely, almost in tears</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">I really don’t see. It’s so long since he wanted me; one +was at any rate one’s own master; now it will begin +all over again. The old worry!—now in one’s old +days, one will be ordered about like a little child!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh! how you exaggerate! It’s always the same, you will +exaggerate so.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Just you wait till he sees the empty greenhouse to-morrow. +There’s waste enough without my keeping +another gardener; the bee-hives, they’re gone too. +No flowers need trouble themselves to grow for anything +I care, they only give you headaches; and then +the insects——I don’t know what he gets out of it; +and for that, one must be ordered about like a good-for-nothing! +The first “hallo!” startles me out of +my wits. Oh, this world is no longer any good.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>while Mrs Scholz speaks, shrugs his shoulders +and turns to go, then stops and answers</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Was it ever better, then?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Better! I should think so!!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Really! that must have been before my time!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes out through lower door.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>listening again on stairway</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">When I remember—they’re talking upstairs (<i>she looks up, +sees she is alone, listens again uneasily, and finally +goes out through stairway, one hand up to her ear, +her face expressing fright and curiosity</i>).</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida and William enter through the glass door: +William is of middle height, strong, healthy-looking; +fair hair, cut short; his clothes fit well +without being foppish; overcoat, hat, satchel. +His left arm is laid round Ida’s shoulders. She<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span> +has her right arm thrown around him, and with +gentle force is pushing him on.</i>]</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You see now, you’re inside! The worst is over already.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah no!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sighs heavily.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You may believe me how very glad your mother is—and +Gussie too. (<i>She pulls off his winter gloves</i>) Where +did you get these from!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">So you know my—mother now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">All of them, dearest; we’re sworn friends already.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And how do you—like them?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech"><i>Dear</i> people, as you know very well.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>growing each moment more constrained +and depressed, speaks as though to himself</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Extraordinary! (<i>his eyes catch sight of the Christmas tree, +he immediately lowers them; starting involuntarily</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But, dearest, surely that’s not the first Christmas tree +which you—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, <i>here</i>, and you cannot possibly feel with me how—how—extraordinary——</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>taking off his coat; he remains passive</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Please, please, Willy (<i>standing in front of him, his coat +over her arm, his hat and satchel in her hand</i>), Willy, +look at me! (<i>encouragingly</i>) straight—(<i>stands a +moment drawn up to her full height, then puts the +things quickly to one side, and comes back to +William</i>). You have promised me!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Have you ever,—Ida,—have you ever seen a vaulted +tomb hung with wreaths and—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>shocked</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh William! (<i>quite beside herself, throws her arms about +him</i>) that <i>is</i> bad of you!—that is too bad! that is +really too, <i>too</i> bad of you!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>putting her gently from him with +suppressed emotion</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">All that means nothing, nothing at all. (<i>Coldly repelling +her.</i>) Be reasonable, be reasonable!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh! what <i>is</i> the matter with you!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>looking through the tree</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Everything else is as it used to be. Ida, you must really, +really remember what this all means to me.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’m getting so frightened, Willy! Perhaps, after all, it +would have been better to——Mother certainly did +not know that it would be <i>so</i> hard for you,—and I—I +only thought—because mother said—it wasn’t +that <i>I</i> wished it—! But now, now that you’ve got +so far, do—will you?—for my sake! Ah! (<i>putting +her arms round him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>drawn a little further into the room by Ida’s +embrace, with sighs of deep inward disturbance</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Every step forwards—what I have lived through in this +very place!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Only don’t stir that up! Don’t stir all that up!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">See! now it’s getting clear to me—your mother should +not have persuaded me to this. She’s always so +confident,—so—I knew—I told her—but that simple +absolute confidence! If only I hadn’t allowed myself +to be blinded—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! how seriously you take everything, William! Believe +me, you will speak differently to-morrow,—as +soon as you’ve once seen them all again. Then you’ll +at any rate have done your part; you will have proved +that you were in earnest in your wish to live at peace +with your family.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">To see it all again! all the old places! Everything comes +back—so vividly, you know—the past comes so close +to me—so oppressively close—one can—one is quite +helpless—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>embracing him with tears</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">When I see you like this, William—ah, don’t think—for +pity’s sake don’t think I would have urged you. I +am so frightfully sorry for you!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ida, I can tell <i>you</i>!—I assure you—I must get away from +here! That’s evident.—I’m not equal to this struggle +evidently; it might wreck me altogether! You are +such a child, Ida! a sweet, innocent child—how +should you know! Thank God indeed that you +cannot even dream what I—what this man whom +you know—I can tell <i>you</i>—Hatred!—Bitterness!—the +very moment I came in—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Shall we go? shall we go away? this minute?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes! For in these surroundings you—even you—I can +scarcely separate you in my mind from the rest! +I’m losing you! It’s criminal in me the mere fact +that you should be here!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">If you could only explain, William, there must be—something +terrible must have happened here that—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Here! A crime—all the more terrible because it did not +count as one. Here my life was given to me, and +here that same life—I can tell <i>you</i>, was—I had almost +said systematically destroyed, till it grew loathsome +to me—till I dragged it—bowed down like a beast +of burden—crept about with it—buried myself, hid +myself.—What can I say—one suffers beyond words!—Fury—hate—revenge—despair +without ceasing, +day and night; the same gnawing devouring pain +(<i>pointing to his forehead</i>) <i>here</i> (<i>pointing to his +heart</i>) and <i>there</i>!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Only—what can I do, William? I dare not trust myself +to advise you in any way, I am so—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You should have been contented to leave me with at +least the happiness that I had gained. It had all +grown so mercifully dim, I realise now <i>how</i> dim! (<i>overcome +with excitement, he sinks on to a chair</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>with a suppressed cry</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">William!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>rushing in through the stairway to +William</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">William! listen to me! Only remember now what has +been said between us. Now that I am so much<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span> +to you—I implore you—now show your—yes, I demand +it—I demand it from you, as the mother of +my child! William, it rests with <i>you</i> now—with +you only, William! you have been terribly, terribly +to blame; you have a terrible debt to pay—you shall +be happy again; I have done it, I have spoken to +your father—he—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>springs up, straight and stiff, with fixed +eyes, stammering</i>):—</p> + +<p class="speech">F—F—father!—what—t—to my f—father (<i>he +staggers and stumbles like one out of his mind, +and catches at his overcoat</i>) I—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>frightened</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Willy! Willy!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>makes signs that he must not be stopped</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, mother! William! you—you shouldn’t have told him +so suddenly.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">William! are you a man! you cannot have deceived us. +If you have still a spark of love for us—for Ida, I +demand it of you. I—a woman—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>intercepts William, who has seized his outdoor things, +flings her arms round and holds him fast</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You shall not go—or else I—mother, if he goes, I go with +him!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why have you concealed this from me?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Never! don’t think so badly of us! We have concealed +nothing from you! All of us, your mother, your +sister, we had not an idea, any more than you had; +he only came a few minutes ago,—without letting +anyone know beforehand, and so, you see—I thought +immediately—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Who has told you that?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>in tears, seizing his hands</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You were terribly, terribly to blame.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">So you know?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, now.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Everything?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, everything, and you see I was right: you were still +dragging a load, that was the secret.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You know that I—?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>nods affirmatively</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And Ida, is she to be sacrificed to a man like—like me? +Does she know it—do you know it, Ida, too?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No, William, but whether I know it or not, that really +does not matter.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No?—This hand, that you, that you have often,—this +hand (<i>to Mrs Buchner</i>), it <i>was</i> that?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>nods as before</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>to Ida</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">How shamefully I have deceived you! No, I can’t tell +you—another time!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">William, I know what I am asking, but I—you <i>must</i> +humble yourself before your poor father; till then +you will never feel quite free! Call to him, pray +to him. Ah! William! you <i>must</i>! You must cling +to his knees, and if he spurns you with his foot, you +must not defend yourself! You must not speak a +word! patient as a lamb! Believe me, a woman +who wishes the <i>best</i> for you!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You <i>don’t</i> know, you cannot know, what you are asking +of me! Ah! you may thank God, Mrs Buchner, that +he has hidden the extent of your cruelty from you! +Infamous it may have been what I did! Sacrilegious!—But +what I have gone through, here—fought +through, suffered—those fearful tortures—he laid the +full burden, all the burden on me, and at the end<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span> +of all, that accursed sin! But in spite of all (<i>after a +long deep look into Ida’s eyes, bracing himself as if +to a firm resolution</i>), perhaps I shall succeed—in +spite of all!</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_II">ACT II</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="hanging">The room is empty. It is lighted partly by a lamp, with a red +shade, placed in the arch of the stairway, but principally +from the open doors of the side room. Here the company +is seated at table, as is evident from the ringing of glasses +and clatter of plates, knives and forks.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida, followed at once by William, comes out of the +side room.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">At last! (<i>Coaxingly.</i>) And now, you <i>must</i> think of +your father, Willy. Don’t be angry with me, but +since you have a favour to ask your father, you +mustn’t wait till he comes down to you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Did father think of coming down to dinner?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Of course! Mamma has—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>William seizes Ida suddenly in his arms and +presses her to him impulsively with passionate +strength.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh—oh—you—If anyone—my hair will be all—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>William lets his arms fall nervelessly from round +her, folds his hands, hangs his head, and stands +before her suddenly sobered, like an arrested +criminal.</i></p> + +<p class="speech">(<i>Smoothing her hair.</i>) Oh, what a rough boy you are, +sometimes!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Rough you call it—I should call it something quite +different.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, Willy! why are you so depressed again? All in a +minute! Really, you’re incorrigible!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>gripping her hand, puts his arm round her +shoulders, makes her walk with him quickly through +the hall</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Incorrigible? Yes—you see—that’s just it; I’m afraid +of nothing so much as that I—as that—all your +trouble with me will be thrown away, I’m so terribly +changeable! (<i>Touching his forehead.</i>) There’s no +peace here. Any second might decide my fate! +I’m afraid of myself! To be always running away +from one’s self. Have you any idea of what that +means? Well, that’s what I am, what I have been +all my life.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">After all—but no, that won’t do—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But do say—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’ve often thought—really—it has seemed to me so often +that—don’t be angry—but that really there is nothing +from which you need fly. I myself sometimes +think—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, my dearest! You mustn’t—Did you notice Robert—did +you see?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No—what?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Did you see how he met me? He—you see—he <i>knows</i> +that I have to fly from myself, he knows me. Just +ask him, he will make it clear to you, that is to say, +he threatens to—Ah, I know better! Only just watch +how he always looks at me. He means me to be +anxious, to be frightened—Ha! ha! ha! No, my +dear brother, we’re not so pitiful as all that yet! +And now you <i>do</i> see, don’t you, Ida, that I daren’t +let you—I mean, you mustn’t have any illusions +about me. There is only one way. I must be frank +with you—I must manage <i>that</i> somehow—I fight for +that. When you know me through and through, +then—I mean if you can bear with me, if you +can still—love me—then—that would be—then I +think something might arise in me, something brave, +even proud—then I should <i>really</i> live, and if they +were all to despise me—(<i>Ida nestles against him devotedly.</i>) +And now, before I go up to father, I’ll +tell you too—you know what I mean?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida nods.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now you shall—I must force myself to tell you what +this—between me and my father—yes, Ida, I <i>will</i> +do it—(<i>They walk arm in arm.</i>) Just imagine! +I was here on a visit.—No, I can’t begin like that, +I must go farther back. You know before that I +had been making my own way for a long time. I +suppose I hadn’t told you that?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No—But quietly, only not so much—Don’t excite yourself +so, Willy!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You see—there again! I am a coward. I’ve never yet +dared to tell you what my life has been. In any +case it’s a risk—it’s a risk—even to one’s self. Ah! +well, if I can’t even bring myself to that point, how +shall I ever manage to go up to father?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, don’t—don’t torture yourself so! just now, when you +have so much to bear!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! you are afraid? You’re afraid of what you may +hear?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Sh! you must not speak like that.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well then, just picture it. Father spent his life up there. +He had always lived alone till he met mother, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> +he soon fell back into the old lonely, fantastic way +of life. All of a sudden he descended on us—Robert +and me,—he never troubled his head about Augusta.... +Ten solid hours a day we pored over books; +when I look at our prison—even to-day—it was next +his study—you must have seen it?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">The great room upstairs?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, that one. Once we had entered that room, the sun +might shine as brightly as it liked through the +windows, it was night for us inside. Well, then, +you see, we used to take refuge with mother; +we simply ran away from him; and then there used +to be scenes—mother pulling me by one arm, father +by the other. It came to this, that Friebe had to +carry us upstairs. We defended ourselves: we used +to bite his hands. Of course, nothing was any use; +our life only became more unendurable—but we +remained obstinate and—I know now—father began +to hate us. We drove him to such a point that one +day he hunted us downstairs; he couldn’t endure us +any more, the very sight of us was hateful to him.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But your father—you’ll admit he meant well—he wanted +you to learn a great deal, and so—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Up to a certain point he may have meant well—may have—but +at that time we were only boys of nine or ten<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> +and afterwards the good intentions disappeared. On +the contrary, his intention then was to let us go +utterly to ruin. Yes, yes, mother was a cipher. +For five years we were left to ourselves in the +most reckless way: we were scamps and loafers. +I had one thing left—my music; Robert had nothing. +But we took to other things besides. We shall +scarcely ever get over the effects of some of <i>them</i>.—At +last I suppose father’s conscience pricked him; +there were frightful scenes with mother. In the end +we were packed off to an Institution, and when I +could not stand the slavery of that any more and +ran away, he had me stopped and sent to Hamburg. +The good-for-nothing should go to America. The +good-for-nothing naturally ran away again. I let +my parents alone and starved and fought my own +way through the world. Robert has much the same +experience to look back upon. Nevertheless, in +father’s eyes we have remained good-for-nothings: +later on I was simple enough to ask him for some +help—as a right, not as charity; I wanted to go to +the Conservatoire. Then he wrote to me, on a +postcard, “Be a cobbler.” And so you see, Ida, +we are in a way self-made men, but we’re not +particularly proud of it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>smiling</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Really, Willy, I can’t help it! I do sympathise with you +so, but at this moment I can’t help—Oh, don’t look +so strangely at me, please—please—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, Ida, it’s bitter, not a thing to laugh at.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>breaking out</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">It’s a feeling of <i>joy</i>, William! I must tell you! It may +be selfish, but I am so inexpressibly glad that you—that +you can be so much in need of—Ah, I will be so +good to you, Willy. I see clearly what I have to do. +Ah! I am quite confused! I pity you so, but the +more I pity you, the more glad I am. Do you +understand? I mean, I am thinking how I may +perhaps—everything—all the love that you have had +to go without—I may perhaps more than—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">If I’m only worth it—for now something is coming for +which I alone am to blame—Years ago—no! it’s—I +used to come afterwards on a sort of visit to mother. +Picture to yourself, Ida, when I saw all that misery +again, just imagine how I used to feel.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Your mother—suffered very much?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I think differently now in many ways about mother. In +any case, father was most to blame. In those days it +used to seem to me as if he kept mother here against +her will. I even wanted her to separate from him.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But, your mother surely couldn’t—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">She didn’t see it as I did. She hadn’t the courage. +Well, what father used to look like in my eyes, you +can perhaps imagine.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But William! Perhaps you too, were not quite just to +your father—a man—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>without noticing Ida’s interruption.</i>)</p> + +<p class="speech">Once I committed the folly of bringing a friend—nonsense! +not a friend, a chance acquaintance, a musical fellow. +I brought him here with me. That was quite refreshing +for mother; she played duets with him +every day for a whole week, and then—frightful!—as +true as I’m here he—not the shadow of a +possibility! Yet at the end of the week even the +servants flung it in her face!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Forgive me! I don’t—I—flung what?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Mother—mother was supposed to—my mother—supposed +to—just think, they actually dared to accuse her of +it openly, she—a secret understanding with—that she—I +taxed her with it—the girl who said it—insolent—the +coachman had told her. I went to the coachman, +and he—he stuck to it—had it from the master, +from the master himself—, naturally I—was it possible +I could believe such a thing! At least I tried not to—until +I myself overheard—in the stables—father +and the stable boy—you may believe my very hands +tingled when I heard him—about my mother.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Only do be—try—don’t excite yourself so <i>fearfully</i>. You +are quite—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I don’t know any more—I only know there is something +in a man—his will is a mere wisp of straw. One +must go through it to—It swept over me like a +flood. A state like—and in this state I found myself +suddenly in father’s room. I saw him. He was +doing something—I can’t remember what. And then +I—literally—I thrashed him—with these hands.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He can scarcely hold himself up.</i></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida dries the tears from her eyes. Pale and +trembling she stands some moments looking at +William, then, crying quietly, kisses him on the +forehead.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You angel of pity! (<i>The Doctor’s voice is heard on the +stair.</i>) And now—if ever—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He braces himself, Ida kisses him again. He has +gripped her hand. As the voice of the Doctor +ceases, merry laughter is heard from room R.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>alluding to the laughter, as well as to the +Doctor’s step, heard descending the stairs</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You have a wonderful power.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Another hand grip between them, and before Ida +goes out she turns round.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>again seizing William’s hand at door</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Be brave.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>still on the stairs</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Eh! Nonsense! To the right, Friebe. Eh! My elbow! +leave go, leave go! Confound you.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>During the Doctor’s approach William shows more +and more excitement. His colour changes quickly, +he thrusts his hands through his hair, breathes +deeply, makes movements with his right hand as +though playing the piano. It is quite evident +that he is torn by different emotions, that his +resolution is shaken. He seems about to rush +away, but is stopped by the Doctor’s entrance. +He has caught hold of the back of a chair to +support himself and stands there white and +trembling. The Doctor, drawn up to his full +imposing height, measures his son with a look +in which terror, hate and contempt are expressed. +There is a silence. Friebe, who has entered with +the Doctor, whom he has led and lighted down the +stairs, makes use of the pause to slink away into +the kitchen. William shows marked signs of his +mental conflict. He tries to speak, his voice fails +him, only his lips move noiselessly. He takes his +hand from the chair back and steps up to the old +man. He stumbles, staggers, and almost falls; +stops and tries to speak again, and cannot; drags +himself nearer, and clasping his hands, sinks at +the old man’s feet. In Doctor Scholz’s face the +expression has changed from hate to astonishment, +growing sympathy and confusion.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">My boy—my dear boy! My—(<i>he tries to raise him by +his hands</i>.) Only get up! (<i>He takes William’s head, +which has sunk between both hands, and turns it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> +towards him.</i>) My boy—only look at me! Ah! +what is the matter?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>William moves his lips.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>with trembling voice</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">What—what are you saying to me?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Father—I—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What?—Do you mean?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I have—I h—ha—have—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz. +</span> +Nonsense, nonsense. No more of such—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I have sinned against you—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Nonsense, nonsense. I don’t know what you are talking +about! Bygones are bygones! For my sake—my +boy!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Only take it from me! Take this burden from me!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Forgiven and forgotten, boy! Forgiven and forgotten!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Thank—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He draws a deep breath and loses consciousness.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">My boy! What are you doing—what—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He lifts William, quite unconscious, drags and puts +him in a large armchair near R. table. Whilst +he does so, Ida, Robert, Augusta, Mrs Scholz and +Mrs Buchner come hastily out of dining-room, +Friebe out of the kitchen.</i></p> + +<p class="speech">Some wine—quick, some wine.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida in a moment goes and returns with wine.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh God-oh-God-oh-God!!! water! sprinkle him with +water!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Dr Scholz puts wine to his mouth.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What was it?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>pale and in tears, laying one cheek against +William’s arm</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">How icy cold he is.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But what has the boy got into such a state of excitement +for? that’s what I should like to know. That is completely—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>seizes her hand and stops her</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Mother!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Sprinkle more water, more water, Doctor!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Tch! Tch! have none of you any Eau-de-Cologne?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes (<i>giving him small bottle</i>). Please—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Thanks.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He wets the fainting man’s brow.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>to Doctor</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">It is only—isn’t it? but (<i>she bursts into tears</i>) he looks so—just +as if he were—he looks like death.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Robert comforts Ida.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why, the poor boy’s in a cold sweat.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Wipes his brow; William yawns.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Sh!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He and the rest watch William in suspense. +William clears his throat, stretches himself, opens +and shuts his eyes like one overcome with sleep, +lays his head back as if to sleep.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>audibly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Thank God!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He straightens himself, wipes his forehead with his +handkerchief, and half touched, half embarrassed, +surveys the others. Ida has fallen on her mother’s +neck between laughter and tears. Robert, hardly +master of his emotion, stands with clasped hands +and glances at the others alternately. Augusta +goes hastily up and down, her handkerchief +pressed to her mouth, and every time she passes +William pauses a moment to look at him searchingly.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span> +Friebe goes out on tiptoe. The Doctor’s +eyes meet his wife’s; touched, she ventures timidly +to approach him, gently seizes his hand and pats +his back.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Dear old man!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>following her mother, embraces and kisses her +father, who suffers it without removing his hand from +his wife’s</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">My dearest father!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Robert with sudden resolution steps up to his father +and shakes his hand. Mrs Scholz lets go of the +Doctor’s hand and leads Ida to him. Dr Scholz +looks first at Ida, then at William, and then at +Mrs Buchner. Mrs Buchner nods assent. Dr +Scholz makes a grimace which expresses “I will +say nothing against it, I may be mistaken,” and +then stretches out his hand to the girl. Ida comes +to him, takes his hand, bends over it and kisses +it. Dr Scholz immediately draws his hand back, +startled. William sighs deeply; all look at him. +Augusta goes off to the adjoining room, beckoning +Mrs Scholz. Mrs Scholz makes a sign to the +Doctor that they should all go into the next room +because of William. Dr Scholz nods assentingly +and goes off quietly hand in hand with Mrs +Scholz. Mrs Buchner, who has signed to Ida +to remain with William, also goes.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>in a low voice</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Miss Ida, would you—would you leave me to watch +him?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>with joyful surprise</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, indeed.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Presses his hand and goes off after the others. +Robert draws a chair near to William and sits +down, watching him. After a time he takes his +pipe from his pocket, is about to light it, then +suddenly remembers the presence of his brother and +puts it back. William sighs and stretches his limbs.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>quickly, cautiously</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">William!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>clears his throat, opens his eyes, not realising +at first where he is, and then as though Robert had +only just spoken</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Yes.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">How do you feel now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>after looking thoughtfully at Robert, +in a weak voice</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Robert? Eh?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, it’s I, Robert. How do you feel?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, (<i>clears his throat</i>) quite well, now.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He laughs constrainedly, makes a faint attempt to +get up, but fails.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, that’s a little bit too soon, eh?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>William nods, sighs and shuts his eyes again as if +exhausted. Pause. William re-opens his eyes +fully and speaks low but clearly.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What has been going on here?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I think, Willy, it will be best if we let that be for the +present. I’ll assure you of <i>one thing</i>, it’s something +that I, for one, would never have believed possible.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>with emotion</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Nor I.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">How on earth should a fellow—ah, rubbish! It was +absolutely impossible to foresee it. All the same it +happened.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It comes back to me now, little by little; it was pleasant.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>His eyes fill with tears.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>with a slight quiver in his voice</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Sentimental! Just like a woman! There’s one thing +certain, our judgment was pretty wide of the +mark; we haven’t known the old man really; it’s no +use thinking we have.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Father? No, we were all so blind! so blind!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, God knows, we were.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">How strange it seems. The old fellow really cares for +us; he’s a real good sort.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He can be, and till now I never knew it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">A good deal is beginning to dawn on me.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">With my brain and so on, you know, I have grasped it +long enough. Everything that happened had to be; +I never held father responsible—at least, I haven’t +for years. Certainly not for me—not for any of +us. But to-day I have really <i>felt</i> it; and that, you +know, is quite another thing—Frankly, it’s taken +me right off my balance. When I saw him so—so +anxious over you, it was like a blow to me; and now +I shall always be thinking:—That was there, living, +in us.—Why on earth didn’t it show itself before? +In father—in you—and, by God! in me too. It was +there in us! And there he has been stifling it in himself—father, +I mean—yes, and we too, for years and +years—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I see one thing: we not only show a different self to every +one of our fellow-creatures, but we <i>are</i> fundamentally +different to each.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But why must it be so with us? Why must we for ever +keep each other at such a distance?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’ll tell you why; because we have no natural goodness +of heart. Take Ida for instance: what you have got +at by hard thinking is natural to her. She never sits +in judgment, she treats everything so gently, with +such sympathy, and that spares people so much—you +understand—and I believe it is that—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>abruptly, rises</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">How do you feel now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I feel relieved—free.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! what’s the use of all that—H’m! what was I going +to say—Perhaps it will turn out all right for you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What do you mean?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What should I mean? For you and—for Ida, of course.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Perhaps! Those two have such a power—Mrs Buchner +too—but particularly Ida. I have thought that might +save me—At first I checked myself—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>thoughtfully</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Yes they have! they have a power, and just because of +that—at first—I—to be frank, I blamed you.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I felt it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well just think. I heard something about an engagement, +and then I saw Ida; she was so merry, +singing, up and down stairs, without the least +thought of—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>rising</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Well I understood you, I even felt you were right. +What would you have!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well—I too am—I must admit it’s quite a different +matter now—As I—as I said—it was chiefly—Quite +jolly again?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Perfectly.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Then you’ll come along soon?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’ll only just—you go first.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Right. (<i>Going, stops.</i>) I can’t help it—I’ve got to tell +you. Your whole conduct—about father, and—altogether—it’s +something to admire. With my +cursed prejudices—I too—downright accused you. +One—devil take it! It’s a long time since I’ve had +such a desire to spit at myself. You’re glad to hear +that, eh? Well, perhaps you’ll do me the favour<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span> +to—if I—I’ve certainly done my level best to vex you +since you’ve been home, so—I’m sorry for it—there!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Brother!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>They shake hands warmly.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>takes his hand quietly out of William’s, brings +out his pipe, lights it and puffs smoke, then says as +if to himself</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Acrobatic soul! (<i>Puff, puff.</i>) Well, well! (<i>He turns to +go; before opening the door R. he speaks over his +shoulder to William.</i>) I’ll send her out to you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, never mind!—Well, if you really—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Robert nods and disappears through the doorway. +William draws a deep breath, deep joy at what has +happened possesses him.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>comes from the adjoining room, flies into +his arms</i>.)</p> + +<p class="speech">Willy!!!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now—you—you two golden hearts have set me free. +A new life! You can’t think how that inspires +me. I seem quite great in my own eyes!—Ah, +Ida, I can only now realise—how frightfully that +weighed upon me, and now I feel such strength—such +strength, Ida! You may rely on me, I will +show him what the “good-for-nothing” can do. I’ll +give father proofs. I will show him there is something +in me: strength, living power as an artist, before +which all shall bow—the stiffest necks shall bend—I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span> +feel it! Only that has crippled me. Now my fingers +are twitching! I could compose, create—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah you see! Now it’s all right! Now I have your own +old self again—Dearest, I could sob—I could—shout +for joy. Wasn’t I right? Nothing was dead +in you, it only slept. It will all wake anew, as I +always told you. It <i>has</i> awaked—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She embraces and kisses him. Still embracing they +pace the room in silent happiness.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>stopping, and looking with happy bewilderment +first into her eyes, then round the room</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">In these cold dreary walls—what joy—like blooming +spring!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>They kiss each other, closely entwined in silent +happiness. They continue walking.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>sings softly to the same tune as her song +in Act I. roguishly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Now you see how right I was.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mrs Scholz comes a step into the room, sees the +lovers and is going quickly out.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>noticing her, breaks off her song, and runs +up to her</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You’re not to run away, little mother-in-law!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, why not! You don’t need me. (<i>William embraces +and kisses his mother and helps to pull her into the +room.</i>) (<i>Crossly</i>) You are so awkward! You are—you +are pulling me to pieces.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, mother! what does that matter to-day—Mother! +You see quite another man before you! (<i>Between +his mother and Ida, holding a hand of each.</i>) Come, +little old mother, look at one another in the eyes, +give each other your hands.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Silly fellow!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Kiss each other!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>after wiping her mouth with her apron</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">There, stupid boy, if nothing else will do.—You needn’t +use force to us.—There, Ida!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>They kiss each other laughing.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And now—peace!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech"><i>Unberufen</i>, my boy!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Friebe comes out of the kitchen carrying a steaming +punch-bowl, goes towards the next room.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oho! What have we here? Is it good, Friebe?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe</span> (<i>crossing room</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ay, if you was to set thirty such like in front of me, not a +gulp would I let down my throat.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Really not, Friebe?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">There was a time—ay, yes—but now I’ve sworn off, ages +ago. Now I drink only—mostly bitters.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes out.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>who has been tying William’s necktie and +pulling his coat straight</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">There! now—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Thank you, darling.—Is father in good spirits?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He’s telling his tales. Often one can’t understand a +word.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">My heart is beginning to beat again.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">If only Robert would not drink so much!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, mother, to-day!—to-day nothing matters! To-day—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now come along quickly, before you—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (to <i>Mrs Scholz</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You’re coming too?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Only be off with you! Be off!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida and William go into the next room. Mrs Scholz +stands thinking, draws her hand over her brow, +and moved by a sudden idea, goes to the door of +the adjoining room where she listens.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe</span> (<i>steps in through the same door. He is +evidently excited</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Missis!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What do you want?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe</span> (<i>whispering mysteriously</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">I’ve got a—surprise, Mrs Sch—olz—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>shrinking back</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You’ve been drinking! You—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’ve been on the look out, all sorts of ways, and I’ve—got +something to tell you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well? yes, yes! Only say quickly what you’ve got to +say.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m, I only mean—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, speak then, Friebe.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I only mean—that’s not the way. In my position there are +many things I mustn’t talk about. I only mean your +husband—he can’t possibly keep it up much longer—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh Jesus! Jesus! Friebe! has he—has he—complained? +then, O Jesus! is he ill?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, as to that, what should I know?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But what has he complained of?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That—I wasn’t to—tell—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Is it true though? (<i>Friebe nods.</i>) But he can’t have +spoken of his death?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, more than that,—he’s said pretty things!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now for goodness sake do try and speak clearly. Drunken +creature!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Friebe</span> (<i>angry</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, I’m—neither the gardener nor the boot boy; and as +to what may happen—I shouldn’t need—in every +position what I want most—in my position, but no!—Now +you have the whole thing clear!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He wheels round, goes off into the kitchen.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">The man’s gone crazy.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida enters through door of the adjoining room, +shuts it behind her; opening it a little again she +calls into the room.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Wait, good people. Quiet! No impatience!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>pressing into the room</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">But I want to help.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No one else, then.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida and William light Christmas Tree candles.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But, William, listen a minute.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>busy</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Directly, little mother.—Just ready.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Christmas Tree, the candelabra and the +chandelier are lighted. Ida removes a large +table cover which has been thrown over presents +on the table. William goes to his mother.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>calls through door R</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Now!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mrs Scholz, who is just going to speak to William, +is interrupted by the entrance of Dr Scholz, who is +followed by Augusta, Robert and Mrs Buchner. +Dr Scholz, his face reddened with drinking.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>with affected astonishment</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! Ah!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Fairylike!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Augusta smiles constrainedly; Robert goes about +pipe in mouth at first embarrassed, then smiling +more and more ironically. William notices this +with great annoyance.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>draws William to the table where the presents lie</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Don’t laugh at me, Willy.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Gives him his purse.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But—Ida—I begged you—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I crocheted it once for father. The year before his death +he used it often, and so I thought—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>with increasing embarrassment under +Robert’s eyes</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Yes—yes.—Ever so many thanks, Ida!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Things only want to be more practical.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>who has been led to the table by +Mrs Buchner</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">But what have you been doing! You cannot—I have +nothing for you. (<i>Seeing a crocheted shawl.</i>) No, +no! Only think!—You crocheted that for me—an +old woman like me? Well then, I do thank +you, many, many times.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>They kiss one another.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! I’m only too glad if it pleases you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Beautiful—wonderful—lovely. The time and the trouble! +I never!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’ve something for you too, Mr Robert, but you mustn’t +laugh at me!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>getting scarlet</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! what now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I thought—your pipe—the next thing it will be burning +your nose and so I’ve had pity on you, and yesterday +I—(<i>Shows a new pipe which she has hitherto held +behind her back and gives it to him.</i>) Here is the +masterpiece!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>All amused.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>without taking the pipe</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You’re joking, Miss Ida!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah well!—But I’m in deadly earnest over the present!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No, no, I can’t believe that.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>aside to William</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Robert is unbearable!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, but no—really—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You see, this thing here—I’ve got used to it—and of +course you don’t really mean it!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>her eyes full of tears, conquering her hurt feelings; +with trembling voice</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Well, then, if you’d rather—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Puts the present back on the table.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>who during the foregoing has several +times spoken to Ida, now hurries to her</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ida, darling, have you forgotten?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What, mamma?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You know! (<i>To the others</i>) You’re all going to hear +something.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida, glad to hide her emotion in this way, goes +hand in hand with her mother into the next room.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>to Robert</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Why did you spoil her pleasure for her?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>twisting the ends of his moustache nervously; +walks up and down casting threatening glances at +Robert</i>).</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What now? How do you mean? I don’t know what +you want.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, it certainly wasn’t exactly friendly.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Do leave me alone. Besides, what should I do with it?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Song and piano accompaniment from next room +interrupt speakers. All look at one another, +startled.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida’s Voice.</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh, come little children,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Oh, come one and all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Come here to the manger</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In Bethlehem’s stall.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Behold all the gladness</div> + <div class="verse indent2">This wonderful night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our Father in Heaven</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Has wrought in his might.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Dr Scholz, noticing Robert’s behaviour, has grown +steadily gloomier. At the beginning of the song +he looks nervously round like someone who dreads +being attacked and seeks as far as possible without +being noticed to establish a certain distance +between himself and the others.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>at the beginning of the song</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! how beautiful!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She listens for a moment with devotion, then breaks +into sobs. Robert moves slowly about; as the +song continues makes a grimace, as if to say, +“Well, this is the last straw”; walks further +on, smiles ironically and several times shakes +his head. Passing Augusta, he says something +to her half audibly. Augusta, partly touched by +the song, now breaks out. William has been standing +by the table, nervously drumming with his +fingers, a prey to conflicting emotions; now his +face reddens with resentment. Robert towards<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span> +the end of the song appears to suffer physically. +The impossibility of escaping from the impression +of Ida’s tones appears to torture and embitter him +more and more. Just at the end of the verse, a +word escapes him involuntarily like the fragment +of a soliloquy.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Child’s play! (<i>in a biting contemptuous tone</i>).</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>All, including the Doctor, have heard him, and turn +to him with a shocked expression.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> and <span class="smcap">Augusta</span>.</p> + +<p class="speech">Robert!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Dr Scholz suppresses an explosion of violent anger. +William, white with rage, steps up to Robert.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>rushing towards him, embraces him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">William—for my sake!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">All right, mother!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He goes up and down controlling himself with +difficulty. At this moment the second verse +begins; scarcely are the first tones heard when +with sudden resolution he goes to the door of the +adjoining room.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There lies he, oh children,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">On hay and on straw,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Joseph and Mary</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Look on him with awe.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">The honest souled shepherds</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Kneel praying for love;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The choir of the angels</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Sweeps singing above.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>standing in his way</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">William, what are you going to do?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>breaking out</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">She sha’n’t sing any more.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You must be out of your mind!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Let me alone. I say she shall stop.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, but do—you really are—Well then, you won’t see me +any more this evening.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Stop, mother, let him see to it. It’s his affair.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Robert, don’t you go too far. Take my advice; you’ve +already made one touching scene; it only leaves +you more unbearable.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Quite true; made a touching scene! That’s just what I +should call it.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>William goes again towards the side room.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>again restraining him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh God-oh-God-oh-God! My boy, why must you stop +her?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The second verse comes to an end.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Because you’re none of you worthy of it, not one of you!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>stepping close to William with an insolently +expressive look in his eyes</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You are, I suppose?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh Lord! you’re beginning again!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The third verse begins.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The children are bringing</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With joy and good cheer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Milk, butter and honey</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To Bethlehem here;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A basket of apples</div> + <div class="verse indent2">All yellow and red,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A snowy white lambkin</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With flower-crowned head.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">She <i>shall</i> stop!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>once more restraining him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">My boy!!!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Simply beneath contempt! It is blasphemy! It is a +crime against these people if we—I—yes, on my +honour, I’m ashamed of you all.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>piqued</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">No, after all we are not so very specially bad and contemptible.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Aug—it makes me sick.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, let it!—Yes, yes, of course <i>I’m</i> to be shoved into +the background; you must always find fault with +your sister. Whatever <i>she</i> does is wrong. It’s +not a bit fair. But your Miss Ida—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>beside himself, interrupting</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Don’t dare to speak her name!!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">The idea! I shall talk about Ida if—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Leave her name out of it, I tell you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You’ve gone mad, I think. I <i>shall</i>—after all she’s not an +angel from heaven.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>screaming at her</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Silence, I say!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>turning her back</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Pah! you’re just in love!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>seizing her roughly by the shoulder</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You creature! I—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>seizing William’s arm, speaks slowly, +emphasising each word</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Perhaps, William, you intend again—?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Devil!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech"><i>You</i> say that—<i>you</i>, who lifted your hand against your +own father!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>his voice trembling with rage, in a tone +of absolute command</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Augusta!—leave the room—this instant!!!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well!—I should like to know—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Leave the room this minute.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, dear God, why can’t I die? Augusta, do you hear? +(<i>crying</i>) Obey your father!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m—mother I should blame her if she did. She’s not +a little child any longer. Times have changed a +bit, God knows.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But I—<i>I</i> have not changed. I am the master in this +house—I’ll prove it to you.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ridiculous!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>screaming</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Scoundrels!—Wretches!—I disinherit you—I’ll throw you +on the streets.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That’s downright funny.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>masters a frightful outburst of rage and +speaks with ominous quietness and firmness</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You or I—one of us leaves this house this moment.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I, of course, with the greatest of pleasure.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>half commanding, half entreating</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Robert—stay!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He shall go.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Fritz, listen to me. He is the only one—all these long +lonely years, who didn’t forget us. He—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He or I!—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, give way, Fritz—for my sake!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Leave me alone—<i>He or I!</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, I won’t ask you to meet each other—it can be +arranged quite easily—but—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Very well, I give way—I give way to you and your brood. +You and your brood—from to-day you have won the +victory!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Stay, dear father—or if you go, let me go with you this +time.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>involuntarily stepping back between anger +and terror</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Leave me alone! Good-for-nothing! (<i>fumbling among +his things</i>) Scoundrels and loafers!—Good-for-nothings!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>boiling over</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Father, you call us that—when it’s your doing that—Ah, +Father dear, no, no, I will say nothing. Let me go +with you. I will stay with you. Let me atone for +all that I—(<i>Laying his hand on his father’s arm.</i>)</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>as though paralysed with fright and horror, +draws back</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Let go! I tell you—The army of the oppressors shall +insuredly—shall assuredly be brought to shame! +Are they these people—these mighty ones and these +mighty ones—are they men? A man like me, who +has his faults, but still for all that is through and +through—and up and down—and short and sweet.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Father! father! dear father, come to yourself. Be your +own self.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>swaying with the rhythm of the words, +half aloud</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">And short and sweet—and through and through—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>embracing him, instinctively seeking to control +his gestures</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Control yourself, pull yourself together!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>defending himself; imploring like a little +child</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! don’t beat me! Don’t punish me!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But for God’s sake—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Don’t beat me!—don’t beat me—again!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He makes cramped efforts to free himself from +William’s arms.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">May my hand perish!—Father dear, don’t think such a +thing—dear father, don’t dream it—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Dr Scholz frees himself, flies from William +calling for help.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Father, you strike <i>me</i>, you beat <i>me</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Please! please, please help me.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida appears at the door of the room, deathly white.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>rushes to his father, puts his arms round him +again</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Strike <i>me</i>!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dr Scholz</span> (<i>sinking on a chair with William’s arms +still round him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">I—ah—ah—a—ah! I think—it’s—all over—with me.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Father!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mrs Scholz and Augusta seize one another in terror. +Robert, deathly white, has not moved. His face +has an expression of unshakable determination.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_III">ACT III</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="hanging">Twilight. All lights are extinguished except a few on the +chandelier, and one on the Christmas tree. In front, near +the stove, William sits at the table, his back towards +the adjoining room, sunk in dreary hopeless meditation. +Robert and Mrs Scholz enter together from next room.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>looking worn out, in lowered tones</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">No, my boy, don’t tell me! Now there’s no knowing +what next. As soon as trouble comes—Then, ah +well!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You’re not alone now, mother.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, just listen to you! You know better. It’s too +absurd. Where can you be off to in the middle of +the night!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, there are always trains and I <i>must</i> go. I really can’t +stand it any longer; besides, it’s best for all of us!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>whimpering</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">These last years it has always been pleasant. And now +they’ve come back!—Since those Buchners came, +everything’s turned upside down.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Be glad that you have them, mother.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, I could have managed quite well by myself.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Father seems able to bear none of us about him—?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz</span> (<i>crying</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Just as if I had done him any harm! Surely I have +always been the same—I have always done my +best—Do be just, Robert!—I have cooked him his +hot dinners, he’s had his warm stockings—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, leave it alone, mother! What good is this everlasting +lamentation?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, that’s what you say. It’s all very well for you! +But if you have worried yourself sick all your life—if +one has beaten one’s brain to know:—Have I done +<i>this</i> right? have I done <i>that</i> right?—and then strange +people come, and one sees them preferred!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ida is with him still?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">A perfect stranger!—Ah, I might as well be dead—and +that lump!—that Friebe!—Creature!—The airs he +gives himself!—But Gussie’s let him have it!—Gussie +talked to him pretty straight! The fellow’s as +impudent—he wanted to push her out of the room. +The girl was beside herself!—His own daughter! +No—You children! What my life has been!—I +wouldn’t wish a dog to lead it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> <i>(with a little sigh, involuntarily</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Father too!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, nothing. I only said, father too.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What about him?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, father too has had a good deal to bear.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well not from me, anyhow. I haven’t troubled him much. +I’ve made no very great claims.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>sceptically</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Hja—tja—tja!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Just wait till I’m in my grave, then he’ll begin to see—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, leave it alone, mother! I’ve heard that hundreds of +times.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Maybe! You’ll see too, and before very long either.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, mother, I don’t deny that you’ve had a lot to bear +with through father. You’ve both suffered. But I +don’t see why you—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Stuff and nonsense. I should like to know what has <i>he</i> +ever wanted for?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>incautiously</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">To be understood, if you will insist on knowing.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I can’t make myself cleverer than I am.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Nobody asked you to try. Besides—it’s the merest folly +to talk of it so much.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now there’s an end of everything—(<i>Crying.</i>) After all, +it’s not my doing that he lies there ill, and—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I never said it was.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You did. That’s what you <i>did</i> say.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, mother—I’d better go. I—mother, I really can’t stand +any more.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No! I should just like to know what I have to reproach +myself with. I have a good conscience.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Then keep it, in God’s name keep it! (<i>With a movement +of self-defence</i>) Only, <i>leave off</i>.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You mean that money business, I suppose?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I mean nothing.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">My parents earned it hardly enough, no woman would +have put up with it! Your father just pitched it +out of window.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But your uncle lied to you about it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You can’t be sure of that.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And father earned the whole over again.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He might as well have gambled with it.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Robert laughs bitterly.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’m only a poor ignorant woman. Your father was +always above me. His mother was quite a lady +too. But my father was once as poor as a rat. +I’ll never get the chill of poverty out of my blood! +I can’t alter myself. Well, it’s all the same!—for the +year or two of life that’s left me!—The Lord will +deliver me in his own good time.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I would rather be delivered <i>from</i> the Lord.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">For shame! What a scoundrelly speech! Delivered from +the Lord.—I might as well take a dagger and stab +myself here in the heart—Frightful!—Delivered from +the Lord!—Where should I have been if it had not +been for the Lord?—Are you really going away, +Robert?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>already on the stairs</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, be quiet, mother! It’s peace I want, peace!—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Goes up the stairs.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh dear, dear—yes—amongst you all, it isn’t an easy life! +(<i>To William who has remained the whole time at the +table without paying attention to them</i>) Just think!—You!—Robert’s +going!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">All the same to me!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What are you sitting there for?—That’s no use. Do be +sensible.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>sighing</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, yes!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And sighing’s no use! Look at me, at my age—and if I +were to squat myself down like you!—What’s done +is done! There’s no changing it now. Look here! +Read something! Get up, take a book and amuse +yourself!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>sighing</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh mother, do let me alone—I’m troubling nobody!—Has +Friebe come back from the Doctor’s?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No, that he hasn’t. It’s what I always say, as sure as +one wants a doctor, there isn’t one to be found.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It is serious, isn’t it, especially if—<i>that</i> were to happen +again?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah God! Who knows!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>William stares at his mother, then with sudden +passionate sobs lets his head fall in his hands.</i></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, yes, my boy, who would have thought it! I’m +not saying—I blame no one, but just to-day +you surely might have kept from quarrelling.—However, +we must just hope for the best.—At least +his mind’s not wandering any more. If Ida only +doesn’t overlook anything! Any one of us would +have a hundred times more experience. Why he +should have taken so to Ida!—I don’t bite!—Though +I will say in other ways—Ida—she’s really a good +girl—and you of all people! (<i>patting him on his +shoulders</i>) You may thank the Lord! You might +wait long enough before you’d find another one like +Ida! (<i>Cautiously, confidentially</i>) Tell me,—are the +Buchners well off?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>roused</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Oh leave me alone! How should I know!—What do I +care!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What now!—I suppose I’ve a right to ask!—You’re a +perfect bear!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah mother, let me alone.—If you have a spark of pity for +me, let me alone.—Don’t trouble about me, let me +alone.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh yes, of course, I’m always in the way. An old woman—good +for nothing but to snap at.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Augusta and Mrs Buchner come hastily out of +Room R.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Mother!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh Lord! What now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Friebe has just come.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Friebe has brought no doctor with him.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Father asked him, and he said—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He won’t <i>have any</i> doctor!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He’s furious, he’ll throw him out of the room.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Friebe won’t go again.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You come and speak to Friebe.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, <i>you</i> speak to him. It is so necessary!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">A doctor <i>must</i> come—or I’ll go myself; I’m not afraid, +not if I have to run all the way to Friedrichshafen.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Scholz.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well, why not?—But it’s the middle of the night, won’t—just +let me come.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mrs Buchner, Mrs Scholz and Augusta go off +hastily. Mrs Buchner is scarcely out before she +returns. Whilst speaking she has looked several +times furtively and with a grieved expression at +William, who is still in the same place, silent and +gloomy. Mrs Buchner looks round to make sure +that William and she are quite alone. At first +quickly, then with hesitation she approaches him.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>raising his head as she goes to him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">What do you want?—I told you everything before.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But I wouldn’t believe you; I couldn’t picture it to myself.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And now you believe it?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I—don’t—know.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why do you lie to me?—Say straight out, yes. It was +perfectly natural that it would all turn out like this; +so ridiculously natural. How in the world I could +have been so blind!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>with feverish eagerness</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">William, I take you to-day as I always have, for an +honest, honourable man. I assure you that not for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span> +one moment have I doubted you—even now—when +all at once I’m so afraid and anxious.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>lifts himself up, draws a deep breath as +though oppressed</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">It’s only what I—I’ve known it all along.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I come to you, William, I speak to you frankly;—it has +all come upon me so suddenly. All at once I am so +terribly anxious about Ida.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I must confess—only just now—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I know well you love the child. Nobody could love her +more truly! I know that with all your strength you +will try to make my daughter happy;—it won’t be your +<i>will</i> that will fail, but now I have—I have seen and +discovered so many things. It’s only now that I really +understand much—much of what you told me. I +<i>didn’t</i> understand you; I took you for a pessimist—in +some things I scarcely took you seriously!—I came +here with a firm, happy faith. I’m really ashamed! +The confidence I had in myself!—I, to fancy I could +influence such natures!—a weak, simple creature like +me! But now I’m uneasy about it all—now all at +once I feel my heavy responsibility. I am responsible +for my child—for my Ida. Every mother is responsible +for her child! Only tell me, William, tell me yourself, +that it will all come right—Say to me, “we shall<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span> +be happy,” you and Ida. Convince me that my fear, +my dread, is needless—<i>William</i>—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A pause.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why did you let it go so far?—I warned you—and warned +you. What did I say to you? I said, all of us, every +one in this family, are sick, incurables—I most of all. +That we all drag with us—“Don’t give your daughter +to a maimed creature,” I said to you—Why wouldn’t +you believe?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I don’t know. I myself don’t know.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now you have lulled me to rest, weakened my conscience—and +now I have been half mad with happiness—I +have tasted—lived through moments! and others +besides. The most frightful battle of my life, and +<i>now</i> you demand—now one must consider—perhaps, +yes, perhaps—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">William! I honour you!—I know that you would make +any sacrifice. But Ida!—If it should be too late +for her—if it were to be her ruin!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why couldn’t you believe me? You don’t know what +that cost me; now I have built it up by painful +steps—step by step—so painfully! This place lay far +behind me—I was almost saved. Now to pull it all +down. Why need you have let it go so far? <i>Why?</i>—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mrs Buchner</span> (<i>with tears</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">I don’t know! I myself don’t know! I brought the +child up. She was all in all to me; to work for her +happiness has been all I have lived for. Then—<i>you</i> +came into our house. I grew fond of you—I thought +of your happiness too, I—perhaps I ought not to +have done that. I thought perhaps just as much +of <i>your</i> happiness—and—who knows?—In the end, +most of all—of—<i>your</i> happiness!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>During a minute she and William look startled +into each other’s eyes.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Mrs Buchner!!!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mrs Buchner, hiding her face in her hands, as if +in shame, goes off crying through the stairway. +William follows her mechanically a few steps, +stops, tries to master his inward excitement, then +suddenly, shaken with weeping, leans for support +against the wall. Ida enters, her face pale, looking +serious and careworn, comes with gentle steps +to William, embraces him, pressing her cheek to +his.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, Willy, sad days are coming, and, and, yes, Willy, +bright days will come again. You mustn’t give way +like that—so hopelessly.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>stammering passionately</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Ida!—You only! Dearest, sweetest! Only say how I +can—how could I bear my life now without you!<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span> +Your voice, your words, your whole sweet wondrous +presence, your hands—your gentle, faithful hands.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And what of <i>me</i>?—What do you think of my life without +<i>you</i>? No, love!—we will cling to each other and +never let go, close, close, and however long it lasts—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, yes! but supposing anything were to happen?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, don’t speak like that!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I only mean—one can never tell—one of us might die.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, we are young.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Even then!—One day it must happen, some day, and I, +at any rate, shall never live to be old.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>passionately</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Then I shall fasten my arms round you—press myself to +you—Then I shall go with you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ida! That is what one <i>says</i>. But you would never +really do it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I would do it!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You think so now. You don’t know how quickly one +forgets.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I could not breathe without you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That is what one fancies—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No, no, no, William!—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But to love like that, would be a kind of madness. One +shouldn’t put everything on the turn of one card.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I—don’t quite understand you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why—I—you see (<i>in irritable tones</i>). Ugh! Darling, +it’s not an enlivening subject!—How’s Father?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He’s asleep now! but what <i>is</i> the matter with you?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>walking about</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">The feeling will come, no one knows how. (<i>Suddenly +grinding his teeth</i>) I tell you, there are moments—when +that rage of despair seizes you, those are the +moments—I can well understand—in those moments +a man might throw himself head first from five<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span> +stories high on to the pavement.—The idea becomes +positively alluring.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">God forbid! You mustn’t give way to such ideas, Willy!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why not, I should like to know? What should such +fellows as I do, crawling between heaven and +earth?—Useless creatures! Exterminate themselves! +That would be something. They would at least +have done <i>one</i> useful thing.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">After all, it is not a thing to admire. You are overwrought +and exhausted.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>in sharp, unyielding tones</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Leave me in peace, can’t you? What do you understand +of all that.—(<i>Shocked at himself, adds</i>) Ah, love! +You must forgive me. You had better leave me now—I +can not bear to wound you. And in this mood, +as I feel now, I can’t answer for myself.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida kisses him silently on the mouth, then goes into +the next room. William looks after her, stands +still, shows fright and astonishment in his face, +and strikes his forehead, like one who has detected +himself on the track of an evil thought. Meantime, +Robert has come downstairs. Robert, his +hat in his right hand, overcoat and rug over his +arm, rug straps in his left hand, goes to the table +and lays his things down on it.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>after he has watched him a moment or two</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Where are you going?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Away.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why not? (<i>spreading out his straps</i>) I’ve had enough of +this and to spare. In future mother—mother will +celebrate Christmas without me! (<i>Looks round at +stove</i>) It’s cold here.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It’s freezing outside.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert</span> (<i>rolling up his rug</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">There!—Is it? It was thawing about ten o’clock.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">There’s a change.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">How’s one to get down the mountain and keep one’s +footing?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">There’s a fine moon.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, but still—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He’s not delirious any longer.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m, h’m!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">He won’t have a doctor.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m, h’m!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It’s all come so suddenly, one hardly—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m, yes!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It must have been latent in him.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Of course, or he would not have come home.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I dread to think what’ll come of it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What’s one to do?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">On my soul, I don’t know what <i>I</i> should do if he died. +Conscious as I am, knowing what I now know!—I +really did not know, and <i>now</i> the added remorse, +the gnawing of conscience! Ah! well, what’s the +use of it all?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Eh! as to that! one would have enough to do. The old +fellow is different, not what we imagined, that’s true +enough! But that doesn’t change matters.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I tell you, it is sacred earnest to me—I would lay down +this pitiful life of mine gladly, if it would do him any +good.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">To my thinking, there’s no sense in that. Now just look +here! I go back to my hot little den of an office, sit +with my back to the fire, cross my legs under the table, +light this same old pipe, and write—in peace and +quietness of mind, I hope—the same old jokes, you +know them,—the old chestnuts—African traveller—nearly +spent—h’m, and then I generally bring along +a caravan, which takes the article along with it.—My +chief is well satisfied, it gets copied in as many +papers as possible—and, the main thing is that—! +Well, I sit there, and the gas jet hisses over my +head all day—a glance now and then into the +court—the courtyard of a warehouse like that has +something marvellous about it—something even +romantic, I can tell you—in a word I’m not troubled +with any bees in <i>my</i> bonnet.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Rather be dead once for all.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Matter of taste!—For me, that’s just an ideal nook—Is +one to be always getting shaken off one’s balance, +always letting oneself be driven crazy?—It’ll take +me a good two or three days now to pick up +my scattered philosophy.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Say what you will, I call that cowardly.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And then—If it is! Sooner or later, you will come to +think as I do. Father himself had at last got to +that standpoint. Father and you, you are as alike +as two peas. You are both idealists of the same +sort. In ’38 father started on the barricades, and he +finishes up as a hypochondriacal hermit—One must +get accustomed to the world and to oneself <i>in time</i>, +that’s the thing; before one has finished sowing one’s +wild oats.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Or else work at oneself, to become something different.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I think I see myself! What I am, I am. I have the +right to <i>be</i>, whatever I am.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Then claim your right openly.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Not I, for I mean to <i>have</i> it. The Philistine morality-mongers +are in the majority at present. Anyhow +it’s time for me to be off. And if I were to offer +you a bit of advice, it would be, beware of so-called +good intentions!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>coldly</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">How do you mean?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Simply that; it’s no use to think of accomplishing something +which entirely contradicts one’s whole natural +bent.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">As, for instance?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh!—for instance, fellows come to me sometimes, who +babble ideals to me till my head swims. Fight for +the ideals of humanity, and—God knows what all! +I—fight for other people!—Childish!—Why, and what +for? But <i>you</i>, that just suits you. You would rush +round like a runaway thief. “What a wretch I have +been,” you would keep on telling yourself! Aren’t I +right? Well, and then on the top would come the +good intentions, and they get hold of you, I know. +<i>I</i> used to go about hung round with hundreds of +those good intentions—for years together—and it’s +not pleasant, I can tell you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I don’t really know what you are driving at.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Nothing very definite. This unrest, from which you are +suffering now, has no doubt other causes—At least +I—if I once noticed—there was a time when I went +through something of the sort, but once I noticed +that the business was likely to be stronger than I—I +generally made short work of it, and turned my +back.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Is that a hint?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Hint? I didn’t know—well, once more—good luck to +you and—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But just tell me—it has a certain objective interest for me—only +because—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Pray, what do you want to know?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Just now you said something.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">How—just now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">When we were speaking of father.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, true, yes;—what did I say?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You said, it might perhaps turn out well for Ida and me.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, yes, your engagement;—was that what I said?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That’s what you said.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m, I said many things.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That is to say, you have changed your mind about a good +deal of what you said.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Quite true, so I have.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">And even—about that—very thing—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Your engagement?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It’s important to you?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, perhaps.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Yes.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You no longer think—that we—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">No.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Good—Thanks—You are candid—I thank you—But let +us suppose,—say that I <i>did</i> turn my back on the +whole affair—leave on one side all thought of what +it would cost <i>me</i>, say I were to go straight off with +you—then what—about—Ida?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m, Ida—Ida?—(<i>Shrugs his shoulders.</i>) H’m, yes. That’s +not so quickly—at least—that wouldn’t trouble me +over much.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah! That’s your old selfishness!!! Now I recognise +you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Selfish? How? No, that’s just your mistake! I am +not deeply enough interested to be selfish—interested +in this particular matter, I mean. I really don’t +believe—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I know better. You don’t suppose <i>you</i> can teach me +how to understand this girl? Once for all, it <i>is</i> so. +Depend upon it—she has that sort of feeling for me, +which—well, I can’t alter it. You needn’t think me +conceited—But, you see, what’s to become of her, +if I should go?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">H’m, you really ask yourself—that—seriously—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Most seriously—I do—indeed.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Just oblige me by answering this one question first. If +you were to <i>marry</i>, what would Ida become then?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That no one can know.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh yes, but one can:—mother!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">As if mother is to be compared with Ida!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But you with father.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Every man is a <i>new</i> man.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">That’s what you’d <i>like</i> to believe! Let it alone. You’re +asking too much of yourself. You yourself are the +embodied argument against it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I don’t believe it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You <i>know</i> it well enough.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">After all one can make oneself into something.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">If one is brought up that way.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Tch! There’s no sense in talking about it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Entirely my opinion.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It leads to nothing! (<i>Breaking out, quite beside himself</i>) +You all want to ruin me—I’m the victim of a +conspiracy! You’re all in league against me; you +want to destroy me—you all want to destroy me—utterly!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Father’s very words.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ridiculous—Your remarks are simply ridiculous—Haven’t +I reason enough for what I’m saying? Don’t you +want to part me from Ida? It is—simply!—I +haven’t words enough!—The absurdity of it! The +brutality beyond belief!—<i>I</i> am to have pity on Ida! +Who has pity on <i>me</i>!—Tell me that! Name me +any one person—who?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Naturally!—When that’s the way you speak, naturally!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">The sacrifices demanded of me!—The most senseless +outrageous sacrifices! I’m—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You can spare yourself the trouble of talking; if that’s +the case—You are in your rights, keep the girl.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">If that’s the case! If what’s the case, pray? Just tell +me!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">You spoke of—Ida a while ago—if I remember—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Well—what then?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Robert.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now it seems you’re speaking of yourself—H’m, plainly—if +you are indifferent as to what becomes of the girl, +if you have the desirable dose of—well call it recklessness—if +you take her, as you would a new coat +or hat or something—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Robert!—Heartless through and through as you are—you’re +right this time. I’m with you, out of this +place—That is, I’ll go with you a little way, not +far, and now, now I’ve done with all of you—Yes, +yes, now I’m—don’t speak!—now I’ve really done—absolutely—(<i>Robert +looks at him astonished, and +shrugs his shoulders. With increasing vehemence</i>) +Don’t, don’t trouble yourself—it’s no good! You can’t +do it—you can’t take me in with your harmless quiet. +You’re in the right, but what has put you in the +right, what has made you so clear-sighted? Shall I +tell you? Jealousy—miserable <i>jealousy</i>—nothing +else—simply pitiful malice!—You know very well +that I should fight honestly—try to be a little worthier +of her. You know very well that with her purity, +this girl has power to purify me!—But you don’t +want that! You don’t want to see me cleansed!—Why +not?—Because you—you yourself must always +be what you have been—because it is <i>me</i> she loves, +and never you! And so the whole evening you have +shadowed me with your detective looks—for ever<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span> +there to remind me you know me for what I am! +Yes! You are right!—I am sin-stained through and +through!—Nothing left of me is pure. Tainted, I +have nothing in common with her innocence—and I +am determined not to commit this crime. But you, +Robert!—That makes you none the purer; give +thanks that you no longer can feel shame!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Robert during the last part of William’s speech has +taken his things and gone towards the door. He +stands, hand on the latch, as if going to speak. +Thinks better of it, shrugs his shoulders resignedly, +and goes out very quietly.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>calling after him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Robert! Robert!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>coming from next room</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Whom are you calling?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Ah, it’s you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">The doctor’s there, William, he says it is very serious, it—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Voice of Mrs Scholz heard wailing, “My dear good +husband. Ah!—ah, my dear kind husband!”</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">What have I done! What have I done now?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It crushes my heart. I would like not to ask you—but +something must—something’s the matter, Willy!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Nothing. I want to be out there in solitude again. That +is where I should be. Our place is there, Ida.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Why?—I can’t understand.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>hastily and violently</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Yes, yes, yes—the old story—: I don’t understand, I don’t +understand!—Mother and father have spoken different +languages all their lives; you don’t understand, you +don’t <i>know</i> me! You have stale schoolgirl illusions +and I have nothing more to do with all that, only to hide +away from you, hide—hide away, until there’s nothing +of me but the miserable traitor and scoundrel—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ida, after looking dazed at William, bursts into +tears.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">There, you see, this is my real self. I need only for one +moment to forget my part, the part I play before you +and my true self appears. You can’t bear me as I +really am. You cry, and you <i>would</i> cry, year out, +year in, if I did not have pity on you.—No, Ida, it +must come to an end between us. I’ve come to that +fixed resolve.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>throwing herself on his neck</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">That’s not true! That is not, that never <i>shall</i> be true.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Think what you have seen here to-day; shall we start +the game afresh?—Shall we build this home again?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">It would be different! It would be better, William.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">How can you say that?</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I <i>feel</i> it.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">But you are throwing yourself to destruction, Ida! I am +dragging you to your ruin.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I’m not afraid of that, William, not the least afraid! Only +have faith again! Only give me your hand again! +Then I can be something to you.—Don’t push me away.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Let me go!—You are in love for the first time!—You +love an illusion. I have thrown myself in the gutter +time after time. I have degraded womanhood with +other women.—I am an outcast—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>sobbing and crying, embraces him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">You are <i>mine</i>, you are <i>mine</i>!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I am not fit for you!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Oh, <i>don’t</i> say that! I am so small before you, so small!—Like +a little, little moth. William, I am nothing +without you—everything through you;—don’t take +your hand away from me.—I am so lost without you.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech"><span class="smcap">Ida!!!</span> I—? <i>I</i>—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>They embrace and kiss between laughing and crying.</i></p> + +<p class="speech">I am not to take—my hand from you—what are you +saying—what—why, you—bad—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">Now—promise me—now—</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">I <i>swear</i> to you now—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A piercing scream from the next room cuts his +words short. Startled and terrified they stand +looking into each other’s eyes. Voice of Mrs +Scholz:—“My husband’s dying, my dear good +Fritz is dying, my husband!”—Loud crying.</i>]</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">My God!—What?—Father!!! Father!!!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Is about to rush into next room, Ida stops him.</i></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida.</span></p> + +<p class="speech">William!—Control yourself, and—don’t go without me.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Friebe comes shaking with sobs out of the next +room and disappears into the kitchen.</i>]</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Augusta</span> (<i>follows Friebe in; stopping in front of +William, she moans at him</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Who—is to blame now, who—who?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She sinks with head and arms on a table, a muffled +moaning is wrung from her. Mrs Scholz is still +heard crying loudly in next room.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">William</span> (<i>breaking out</i>).</p> + +<p class="speech">Augusta!</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Ida</span> (<i>her hands on William’s breast, in trembling tones</i>:)</p> + +<p class="speech">William—I think—your father—is dead.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>William is again near an outbreak, but Ida calms +him; he controls his emotion, possesses himself of +Ida’s hand, which he grips in his own, and hand +in hand they go with firm and quiet steps out into +the next room.</i>]</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="NOTES">NOTES</h2> + +</div> + +<p><a href="#Page_iii">Title-page.</a> <i>The Coming of Peace.</i> This is a somewhat free +translation of the title of Hauptmann’s play. Friedensfest +means literally the Feast or Festival of Peace, but the English +title we have chosen seemed more euphonious and has besides +a bearing on the end of the play, when the old man at any-rate +enters into his rest.</p> + +<p><a href="#Page_6">P. 6.</a> <i>O Gottogottogott!</i> The effect of this exclamation, +which Mrs Scholz uses all through the play, cannot be reproduced +in English. We have tried, in the translation, by +joining the words with a hyphen, to give as far as might +be the look of one word. Oh Godohgodohgod! would only +have puzzled readers. Even in speaking, the change from the +<i>t</i> to <i>d</i> makes the attempt to pronounce the exclamation as +one word almost impossible. Moreover to English eyes and +ears “Oh God” of course carries a weight quite incongruous +in Mrs Scholz’s chatter. Here, as in many other places, we +were unable to arrive at an entirely satisfactory equivalent +for the German.</p> + +<p><a href="#Page_16">P. 16.</a> <i>That’s an inhuman hand!</i> This cannot be called a +<i>translation</i>. Mrs Scholz says: “Aus dem Grabe wachsen +solche Hände!” She here alludes to an old German saying +still quoted among the peasantry, which declares that the +hand of anyone guilty of striking a parent would, after death, +point upward from the grave in ceaseless self-accusation. We +have been unable to find any similar superstition in English +folk-lore.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="MODERN_PLAYS">MODERN PLAYS</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="center"><span class="smaller">EDITED BY</span><br> +R. BRIMLEY JOHNSON <span class="smcap">and</span> N. ERICHSEN.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="line" style="max-width: 6.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/line.jpg" alt=""> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><b><span class="u">NOW READY</span></b></p> + +<p class="hanging">HENRIK IBSEN</p> + +<p>“Love’s Comedy” (<i>Kjærlighedens Komedie</i>).—Professor +<span class="smcap">C. H. Herford</span></p> + +<p class="hanging">EMILE VERHAEREN</p> + +<p>“The Dawn” (<i>Les Aubes</i>).—<span class="smcap">Arthur Symons</span></p> + +<p class="hanging">AUGUST STRINDBERG</p> + +<p>“The Father” (<i>Fadren</i>).—<span class="smcap">N. Erichsen</span></p> + +<p class="hanging">OSTROVSKY</p> + +<p>“The Storm.”—<span class="smcap">Constance Garnett</span></p> + +<p class="hanging">MAURICE MAETERLINCK</p> + +<p>“Intérieur.”—<span class="smcap">William Archer</span></p> + +<p>“La Mort de Tintagiles.” }</p> + +<p>“Alladine et Palomides.” }—<span class="smcap">Alfred Sutro</span></p> + +<p class="smaller"> 1 vol.</p> + +<p class="hanging">GERHART HAUPTMANN</p> + +<p>“The Coming of Peace” (<i>Das Friedensfest</i>).—<span class="smcap">Janet +Achurch</span> and <span class="smcap">C. E. Wheeler</span></p> + +<p class="center mt2"><b><span class="u">EARLY VOLUMES</span></b></p> + +<p class="hanging">VILLIERS DE L’ISLE ADAM</p> + +<p>“La Révolte.” }</p> + +<p>“L’Evasion.” }—<span class="smcap">Theresa Barclay</span><br> + +<p class="hanging">SERGIUS STEPNIAK</p> + +<p>“The Convert.”—<span class="smcap">Constance Garnett</span></p> + +<p class="hanging">BRIEUX</p> + +<p>“Les Bienfaiteurs.”—<span class="smcap">Lucas Malet</span></p> + +</div> + +<p>Arrangements are also in progress with representative +dramatists of Spain, Italy, and other countries. Further +translations have been promised by Dr <span class="smcap">Garnett</span>, Messrs +<span class="smcap">Walter Leaf</span>, <span class="smcap">G. A. Greene</span>, <span class="smcap">Edgar Prestage</span>, etc.</p> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75247 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + diff --git a/75247-h/images/cover.jpg b/75247-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e056f23 --- /dev/null +++ b/75247-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/75247-h/images/desormais.jpg b/75247-h/images/desormais.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6b612d6 --- /dev/null +++ b/75247-h/images/desormais.jpg diff --git a/75247-h/images/line.jpg b/75247-h/images/line.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f44a4ee --- /dev/null +++ b/75247-h/images/line.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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