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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/9972-8.txt b/9972-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fac64b5 --- /dev/null +++ b/9972-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,17603 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, by +Gerhart Hauptmann + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann + Volume II + +Author: Gerhart Hauptmann + +Posting Date: November 23, 2011 [EBook #9972] +Release Date: February, 2006 +First Posted: November 5, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORKS OF GERHART HAUPTMANN, VOL II *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Thomas Berger +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + + + + +THE DRAMATIC WORKS + +OF + +GERHART HAUPTMANN + +(Authorized Edition) + + + +Edited By LUDWIG LEWISOHN + +Assistant Professor in The Ohio State University + + + +VOLUME TWO: SOCIAL DRAMAS + + +1913 + + + + +CONTENTS + + +INTRODUCTION +_By the Editor_. + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL (Fuhrmann Henschel) +_Translated by the Editor_. + +ROSE BERND (Rose Bernd) +_Translated by the Editor_. + +THE RATS (Die Ratten) +_Translated by the Editor_. + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +The first volume of the present edition of Hauptmann's Dramatic Works is +identical in content with the corresponding volume of the German edition. +In the second volume _The Rats_ has been substituted for two early prose +tales which lie outside of the scope of our undertaking. Hence these two +volumes include that entire group of dramas which Hauptmann himself +specifically calls social. This term must not, of course, be pressed too +rigidly. Only in _Before Dawn_ and in _The Weavers_ can the dramatic +situation be said to arise wholly from social conditions rather than from +the fate of the individual. It is true, however, that in the seven plays +thus far presented all characters are viewed primarily as, in a large +measure, the results of their social environment. This environment is, in +all cases, proportionately stressed. To exhibit it fully Hauptmann uses, +beyond any other dramatist, passages which, though always dramatic in +form, are narrative and, above all, descriptive in intention. The silent +burden of these plays, the ceaseless implication of their fables, is the +injustice and inhumanity of the social order. + +Hauptmann, however, has very little of the narrow and acrid temper of the +special pleader. He is content to show humanity. It is quite conceivable +that the future, forgetful of the special social problems and the +humanitarian cult of to-day, may view these plays as simply bodying forth +the passions and events that are timeless and constant in the inevitable +march of human life. The tragedies of _Drayman Henschel_ and of _Rose +Bernd_, at all events, stand in no need of the label of any decade. They +move us by their breadth and energy and fundamental tenderness. + +No plays of Hauptmann produce more surely the impression of having been +dipped from the fullness of life. One does not feel that these men and +women--Hanne Schäl and Siebenhaar, old Bernd and the Flamms--are called +into a brief existence as foils or props of the protagonists. They led +their lives before the plays began: they continue to live in the +imagination long after Henschel and Rose have succumbed. How does +Christopher Flamm, that excellent fellow and most breathing picture of +the average man, adjust his affairs? He is fine enough to be permanently +stirred by the tragedy he has earned, yet coarse enough to fall back into +a merely sensuous life of meaningless pleasures. But at his side sits +that exquisite monitor--his wife. The stream of their lives must flow on. +And one asks how and whither? To apply such almost inevitable questions +to Hauptmann's characters is to be struck at once by the exactness and +largeness of his vision of men. Few other dramatists impress one with an +equal sense of life's fullness and continuity, + +"The flowing, flowing, flowing of the world." + +The last play in this volume, _The Rats_, appeared in 1911, thirteen +years after _Drayman Henschel_, nine years after _Rose Bernd_. A first +reading of the book is apt to provoke disappointment and confusion. Upon +a closer view, however, the play is seen to be both powerful in itself +and important as a document in criticism and _Kulturgeschichte_. It +stands alone among Hauptmann's works in its inclusion of two separate +actions or plots--the tragedy of Mrs. John and the comedy of the +Hassenreuter group. Nor can the actions be said to be firmly interwoven: +they appear, at first sight, merely juxtaposed. Hauptmann would +undoubtedly assert that, in modern society, the various social classes +live in just such juxtaposition and have contacts of just the kind here +chronicled. His real purpose in combining the two fables is more +significant. Following the great example, though not the precise method, +of Molière, who produced _La Critique de l'École des Femmes_ on the +boards of his theater five months after the hostile reception of _L'École +des Femmes_, Hauptmann gives us a naturalistic tragedy and, at the same +time, its criticism and defense. His tenacity to the ideals of his youth +is impressively illustrated here. In his own work he has created a new +idealism. But let it not be thought that his understanding of tragedy and +his sense of human values have changed. The charwoman may, in very truth, +be a Muse of tragedy, all grief is of an equal sacredness, and even the +incomparable Hassenreuter--wind-bag, chauvinist and consistent +_Goetheaner_--is forced by the essential soundness of his heart to blurt +out an admission of the basic principle of naturalistic dramaturgy. + +The group of characters in _The Rats_ is unusually large and varied. The +phantastic note is somewhat strained perhaps in Quaquaro and Mrs. Knobbe. +But the convincingness and earth-rooted humanity of the others is once +more beyond cavil or dispute. The Hassenreuter family, Alice Rütterbusch, +the Spittas, Paul John and Bruno Mechelke, Mrs. Kielbacke and even the +policeman Schierke--all are superbly alive, vigorous and racy in speech +and action. + +The language of the plays in this volume is again almost wholly +dialectic. The linguistic difficulties are especially great in _The Rats_ +where the members of the Berlin populace speak an extraordinarily +degraded jargon. In the translation I have sought, so far as possible, to +differentiate the savour and quaintness of the Silesian dialect from the +coarseness of that of Berlin. But all such attempts must, from their very +nature, achieve only a partial success. The succeeding volumes of this +edition, presenting the plays written in normal literary German, will +offer a fairer if not more fascinating field of interpretation. + +LUDWIG LEWISOHN. + + + + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL + + + + +_LIST OF PERSONS_ + + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL. + +MRS. HENSCHEL. + +HANNE SCHÄL (_later MRS. HENSCHEL_). + +BERTHA. + +HORSE DEALER WALTHER. + +SIEBENHAAR. + +KARLCHEN. + +WERMELSKIRCH. + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH. + +FRANZISKA WERMELSKIRCH. + +HAUFFE. + +FRANZ. + +GEORGE. + +FABIG. + +HILDEBRANT. + +VETERINARIAN GRUNERT. + +FIREMAN. + +Time: Toward the end of the eighteen sixties. +Scene: The "Gray Swan" hotel in a Silesian watering place. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _A room, furnished peasant fashion, in the basement of the "Grey + Swan" hotel. Through two windows set high in the left wall, the + gloomy light of a late winter afternoon sickers in. Under the windows + there stands a bed of soft wood, varnished yellow, in which MRS. + HENSCHEL is lying ill. She is about thirty-six years of age. Near the + bed her little six-months-old daughter lies in her cradle. A second + bed stands against the back wall which, like the other walls, is + painted blue with a dark, plain border near the ceiling. In front, + toward the right, stands a great tile-oven surrounded by a bench. A + plentiful supply of small split kindling wood is piled up in the + roomy bin. The wall to the right has a door leading to a smaller + room. HANNE SCHÄL, a vigorous, young maid servant is very busy in the + room. She has put her wooden pattens aside and walks about in her + thick, blue stockings. She takes from the oven an iron pot in which + food is cooking and puts it back again. Cooking spoons, a twirling + stick and a strainer lie on the bench; also a large, thick + earthenware jug with a thin, firmly corked neck. Beneath the bench + stands the water pitcher. HANNE'S skirts are gathered up in a thick + pad; her bodice is dark grey; her muscular arms are bare. Around the + top of the oven is fastened a square wooden rod, on which long + hunting stockings are hung up to dry, as well as swaddling clothes, + leathern breeches and a pair of tall, water-tight boots. To the right + of the oven stand a clothes press and a chest of drawers--old + fashioned, gaily coloured, Silesian pieces of furniture. Through the + open door in the rear wall one looks out upon a dark, broad, + underground corridor which ends in a glass door with manicoloured + panes. Behind this door wooden steps lead upward. These stairs are + always illuminated by a jet of gas so that the panes of the door + shine brightly. It is in the middle of February; the weather without + is stormy._ + + _FRANZ, a young fellow in sober coachman's livery, ready to drive + out, looks in._ + +FRANZ + +Hanne! + +HANNE + +Eh? + +FRANZ + +Is the missis asleep? + +HANNE + +What d'you suppose? Don't make so much noise! + +FRANZ + +There's doors enough slammin' in this house. If that don't wake her up--! +I'm goin' to drive the carriage to Waldenburg. + +HANNE + +Who's goin'? + +FRANZ + +The madam. She's goin' to buy birthday presents. + +HANNE + +Whose birthday is it? + +FRANZ + +Little Karl's. + +HANNE + +Great goin's on--those. To hitch up the horses on account o' that fool of +a kid an' travel to Waldenburg in such weather! + +FRANZ + +Well, I has my fur coat! + +HANNE + +Those people don't know no more how to get rid o' their money! We got to +slave instead! + + _In the passage appears, slowly feeling his may, the veterinarian + GRUNERT. He is a small man in a coat of black sheep's fur, cap and + tall boots. He taps with the handle of his whip against the door post + in order to call attention to his presence._ + +GRUNERT + +Isn't Henschel at home yet? + +HANNE + +What's wanted of him? + +GRUNERT + +I've come to look at the gelding. + +HANNE + +So you're the doctor from Freiburg, eh? Henschel, he's not at home. He +went to Freiburg carryin' freight; seems to me you must ha' met him. + +GRUNERT + +In which stall do you keep the gelding? + +HANNE + +'Tis the chestnut horse with the white star on his face, I believe they +put him in the spare stall. [_To FRANZ._] You might go along an' show him +the way. + +FRANZ + +Just go straight across the yard, 's far as you can, under the big hall, +right into the coachman's room. Then you c'n ask Frederic; he'll tell +you! + + [_Exit GRUNERT._ + +HANNE + +Well, go along with him. + +FRANZ + +Haven't you got a few pennies change for me? + +HANNE + +I s'pose you want me to sell my skin on your account? + +FRANZ + +[_Tickling her._] I'd buy it right off. + +HANNE + +Franz! Don't you--! D'you want the woman to wake up? You don't feel reel +well, do you, if you can't wring a few farthings out o' me! I'm fair +cleaned out. [_Rummaging for the money._] Here! [_She presses something +into his hand._] Now get out! + + [_The bell rings._ + +FRANZ + +[_Frightened._] That's the master. Good-bye. + + [_He goes hastily._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Has waked up and says weakly._] Girl! Girl! Don't you hear nothin'? + +HANNE + +[_Roughly._] What d'you want? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I want you to listen when a body calls you! + +HANNE + +I hear all right! But if you don't talk louder I can't hear. I got only +just two ears. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Are you goin' to cut up rough again? + +HANNE + +[_Surly._] Ah, what do I--! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Is that right, eh? Is it right o' you to talk rough like that to a sick +woman? + +HANNE + +Who starts it, I'd like to know! You don't hardly wake up but what you +begin to torment me. Nothin's done right, no matter how you do it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's because you don't mind me! + +HANNE + +You better be doin' your work yourself. I slaves away all day an' half o' +the night! But if things is that way--I'd rather go about my business! + + [_She lets her skirts fall and runs out._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Girl! Girl!--Don't do that to me! What is it I said that was so bad? O +Lord, O Lord! What'll happen when the men folks comes home? They wants to +eat! No, girl ... girl! + + [_She sinks back exhausted, moans softly, and begins to rock her + baby's cradle by means of a cord which is within her reach._ + + _Through the glass door in the rear KARLCHEN squeezes himself in with + some difficulty. He carries a dish full of soup and moves carefully + and timidly toward MRS. HENSCHEL'S bed. There he sets down the dish + on a wooden chair._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, Karlchen, is that you! Do tell me what you're bringin' me there? + +KARLCHEN + +Soup! Mother sends her regards and hopes you'll soon feel better and that +you'll like the soup, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, little lad, you're the best of 'em all. Chicken soup! 'Tis not +possible. Well, tell your mother I thank her most kindly. D'you hear? +Don't go an' forget that! Now I'll tell you somethin', Karlchen! You c'n +do me a favour, will you? See that rag over there? Get on this bench, +will you, an' pull the pot out a bit. The girl's gone off an' she put it +too far in. + +KARLCHEN + +[_After he has found the rag mounts the bench cheerfully and looks into +the oven. He asks:_] The black pot or the blue one, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What's in the blue pot? + +KARLCHEN + +Sauerkraut. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Agitated._] Pull it out! That'll be boilin' to nothin'!--Eh, what a +girl, what a girl! + +KARLCHEN + +[_Has pulled the pot in question forward._] Is this right? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You c'n let it stand that way! Come here a bit now an' I'll give you a +piece o' whip cord. [_She takes the cord from the window-sill and gives +it to him._] An' how is your mother? + +KARLCHEN + +She's well. She's gone to Waldenburg to buy things for my birthday. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not well, myself. I think I'm goin' to die! + +KARLCHEN + +Oh, no, Mrs. Henschel! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, you c'n believe me; I'm goin' to die. For all I care you can +say so to your mother. + +KARLCHEN + +I'm goin' to get a Bashly cap, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, you c'n believe me. Come over here a bit. Keep reel still an' +listen. D'you hear how it ticks? D'you hear how it ticks in the rotten +wood? + +KARLCHEN + +[_Whose wrist she holds in her fevered grasp._] I'm afraid, Mrs. +Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, never mind. We all has to die! D'you hear how it ticks? Do you? What +is that? 'Tis the deathwatch that ticks. [_She falls back._] One ... two +... one ...--Oh, what a girl, what a girl! + + _KARLCHEN, released from her grasp, withdraws timidly toward the + door. When his hand is on the knob of the glass door a sudden terror + overtakes him. He tears the door open and slams it behind him with + such force that the panes rattle. Immediately thereupon a vigorous + cracking of whips is heard without. Hearing this noise MRS. HENSCHEL + starts up violently._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's father comin'! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Out in the hallway and yet unseen._] Doctor, what are we goin' to do +with the beast? + + [_He and the veterinarian are visible through the doorway._ + +GRUNERT + +He won't let you come near him. We'll have to put the twitch on him, I +think. + +HENSCHEL + +[_He is a man of athletic build, about forty-five years old. He wears a +fur cap, a jacket of sheep's fur under which his blue carter's blouse is +visible, tall boots, green hunting stockings. He carries a whip and a +burning lantern._] I don't know no more what's wrong with that beast. I +carted some hard coal from the mine yesterday. I came home an' unhitched, +an' put the horses in the stable, an'--that very minute--the beast throws +hisself down an' begins to kick. + + [_He puts his long whip in a corner and hangs up his cap._ + + _HANNE returns and takes up her work again, although visibly + enraged._ + +HENSCHEL + +Girl, get a light! + +HANNE + +One thing after another! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Puts out the light in the lantern and hangs it up._] Heaven only knows +what all this is comin' to. First my wife gets sick! Then this here horse +drops down! It looks as if somethin' or somebody had it in for me! I +bought that gelding Christmas time from Walther. Two weeks after an' the +beast's lame. I'll show him. Two hundred crowns I paid. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Is it rainin' outside? + +HENSCHEL + +[_In passing._] Yes, yes, mother; it's rainin'.--An' it's a man's own +brother-in-law that takes him in that way. + + [_He sits down on the bench._ + + _HANNE has lit a tallow candle and puts it into a candle stick of + tin, which she sets on the table._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're too good, father. That's what it is. You don't think no evil o' +people. + +GRUNERT + +[_Sitting down at the table and writing a prescription._] I'll write down +something for you to get from the chemist. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +No, I tell you, if that chestnut dies on top o' everythin' else--! I +don't believe God's meanin' to let that happen! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Holding out his leg to HANNE._] Come, pull off my boots for me! That +was a wind that blew down here on the road from Freiburg. People tell me +it unroofed the church in the lower village more'n half, [_To HANNE._] +Just keep on tuggin'! Can't you get it? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_To HANNE._] I don't know! You don't seem to learn nothin'! + + [_HANNE succeeds in pulling off one boot. She puts it aside and + starts on the other._ + +HENSCHEL + +Keep still, mother! You don't do it any better! + +HANNE + +[_Pulls off the second boot and puts it aside. Then in a surly voice to +HENSCHEL._] Did you bring me my apron from Kramsta? + +HENSCHEL + +All the things I'm axed to keep in my head! I'm content if I c'n keep my +own bit of business straight an' get my boxes safe to the railroad. What +do I care about women or their apron-strings? + +GRUNERT + +No, you're not famous for caring about them. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' it'd be a bad thing if he was! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Slips on wooden pattens and rises. To HANNE._] Hurry now! Hurry! We got +to get our dinner. This very day we still has to go down to the smithy. + +GRUNERT + +[_Has finished writing his prescription, which he leaves lying on the +table. He slips his note book and pencil back into his pocket and says as +he is about to go:_] You'll hurry this to the chemist's. I'll look in +early in the morning. + + [_HENSCHEL sits down at the table._ + + _HAUFFE comes in slowly. He has wooden pattens on and leathern + breeches and also carries a lighted lantern._ + +HAUFFE + +That's dirty weather for you again! + +HENSCHEL + +How's it goin' in the stable? + +HAUFFE + +He's goin' to end by knockin' down the whole stall. + + [_He blows out the light in the lantern and hangs it up next to + HENSCHEL'S._ + +GRUNERT + +Good night to all of you. All we can do is to wait. We doctors are only +human too. + +HENSCHEL + +To be sure. We know that without your telling us! Good night; I hope you +won't overturn. [_GRUNERT goes._] Now tell me, mother, how is it with +you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh. I've been worritin' so much again! + +HENSCHEL + +What is it that worries you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Because for all I c'n do, I'm not able to lend a hand even. + + _HANNE places a disk of dumplings and one of sauerkraut on the table; + she takes forks from the table drawer and puts them on the table._ + +HENSCHEL + +The girl's here to do the work! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A girl like her is that thoughtless! + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, we gets enough to eat an' everythin' seems to go smoothly.--If you +hadn't got up out o' bed too soon the first time, you might be dancin' +this day! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +O Lord, me an' dancin'. What an idea! + + _HANNE has prepared three plates, putting a small piece of pork on + each. She now draws up a stool for herself and sits down at the + table._ + +HAUFFE + +There's not much left o' the oats, neither. + +HENSCHEL + +I bought some yesterday; thirty sacks. Saturday a load o' hay'll come +too. The feed gets dearer all the time. + +HAUFFE + +If the beasts is to work they has to eat. + +HENSCHEL + +But people thinks they live on air, an' so everybody wants to cut down +the carting charges. + +HAUFFE + +He said somethin' like that to me too. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who said that--the inspector? + +HENSCHEL + +Who else but him? But this time he met the wrong man. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, well, I'm not sayin', but that's the end of everythin'! What's to +become of us these hard times? + +HANNE + +The inspector of roads was here. He wants you to send him teams for the +big steam roller, I believe. They're in Hinterhartau now. + + _Behind the glass door MR. SIEBENHAAR is seen descending the stairs. + He is little over forty. Most carefully dressed; black broadcloth + coat, white waist-coat, light-coloured, English trousers--an elegance + of attire derived from the style of the 'sixties. His hair, already + grey, leaves the top of his head bald; his moustache, on the + contrary, is thick and dark blond. SIEBENHAAR wears gold-rimmed + spectacles. When he desires to see anything with exactness, he must + use, in addition, a pair of eye-glasses which he slips in behind the + lenses of his spectacles. He represents an intelligent type._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Approaches the open door of the room. In his right hand he holds a +candle-stick of tin with an unlit candle in it and a bunch of keys; with +his left hand he shades his sensitive eyes._] Has Henschel come back yet? + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, Mr. Siebenhaar. + +SIEBENHAAR + +But you're just at your dinner. I have something to do in the cellar. We +can talk that matter over later. + +HENSCHEL + +No, no; you needn't put nothin' off on my account. I'm through! + +SIEBENHAAR + +In that case you'd better come up to see me. [_He enters the room and +lights his candle by the one which is burning on the table._] I'll only +get a light here now. We're more undisturbed in my office.--How are you, +Mrs. Henschel? How did you like the chicken-soup? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, goodness, gracious! I clean forgot about it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Is that so, indeed? + +HANNE + +[_Discovering the dish of chicken soup._] That's true; there it stands. + +HENSCHEL + +That's the way that woman is! She'd like to get well an' she forgets to +eat and to drink. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_As a violent gust of wind is felt even indoors._] Do tell me: what do +you think of it? My wife's driven over to Waldenburg, and the weather is +getting wilder and wilder. I'm really beginning to get worried. What's +your opinion? + +HENSCHEL + +I s'pose it sounds worse than it is. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, well, one shouldn't take such risks. Didn't you hear that rattling? +The wind broke one of the large windows in the dining-hall looking out +over the verandah. You know. It's a tremendous storm! + +HENSCHEL + +Who'd ha' thought it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That'll be costin' you a good bit again! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Leaving the room by way of the passage to the left._] There's nothing +inexpensive except death. + +HENSCHEL + +He's got his bunch o' troubles like the rest of us. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What do you think he wants o' you again, father? + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin'! How c'n I tell? I'll hear what he says. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I do hope he won't be askin' for money again. + +HENSCHEL + +Don't begin talkin' nonsense, mother. + +HANNE + +But if them people is as hard up as all that, why does the woman has to +have a twenty shillin' hat? + +HENSCHEL + +You hold your tongue! No one asked you! You poke your nose over your +kneadin' board an' not into other folks' affairs! It takes somethin' to +keep a hotel like this goin'. Two months in the year he makes money. The +rest o' the time he has to do the best he can. + +HAUFFE + +An' he had to go an' build atop o' that! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' 'twas that as got him in worse'n ever. He should ha' let it be. + +HENSCHEL + +Women don't understand nothin' o' such affairs. He had to build; he +couldn't do no different. We gets more an' more people who come here for +their health nowadays; there wasn't half so many formerly. But in those +times they had money; now they wants everythin' for nothin'. Get the +bottle. I'd like to drink a nip o' whiskey. + +HAUFFE + +[_Slowly clasping his knife and getting ready to rise._] Forty rooms, +three big halls, an' nothin' in 'em excep' rats an' mice. How's he goin' +to raise the interest? + + [_He rises._ + + _FRANZISKA WERMELSKIRCH peeps in. She is a pretty, lively girl of + sixteen. She wears her long, dark hair open. Her costume is slightly + eccentric: the skirts white and short, the bodice cut in triangular + shape at the neck, the sash long and gay. Her arms are bare above the + elbows. Around her neck she wears a coloured ribbon from which a + crucifix hangs down._ + +FRANZISKA + +[_Very vivaciously._] Wasn't Mr. Siebenhaar here just now? I wish you a +pleasant meal, ladies and gentlemen! I merely took the liberty of asking +whether Mr. Siebenhaar hadn't been here just now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Gruffly._] We don't know nothin'. He wasn't with us! + +FRANZISKA + +No? I thought he was! + + [_She puts her foot coquettishly on the bench and ties her shoe + strings._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar here an' Mr. Siebenhaar there! What are you always wantin' +of the man? + +FRANZISKA + +I? nothing! But he's so fond of gooseliver. Mama happens to have some and +so papa sent me to tell him so.--By the way, Mr. Henschel, do you know +that you might drop in to see us again, too! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You just let father bide where he is! That'd be a fine way! He's not +thinkin' about runnin' into taverns these days. + +FRANZISKA + +We're broaching a new keg to-day, though. + +HENSCHEL + +[_While HAUFFE grins and HANNE laughs._] Mother, you stick to your own +affairs. If I should want to go an' drink a glass o' beer I wouldn't be +askin' nobody's consent, you c'n be sure. + +FRANZISKA + +--How are you anyhow, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, to-morrow I'll be gettin' me a sash too an' take to rope-dancin'. + +FRANZISKA + +I'll join you. I can do that splendidly. I always practice on the +carriage shafts. + +HENSCHEL + +So that's the reason why all the shafts are bent! + +FRANZISKA + +Do you see, this is the way it's done; this is the way to balance +oneself. [_Imitating the movements of a tight rope dancer, she prances +out by the door._] Right leg! Left leg! _Au revoir!_ + + [_Exit._ + +HAUFFE + +[_Taking down his lantern._] She'll go off her head pretty soon if she +don't get no husband. + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If she had to lend a hand an' work good an' hard, she'd get over that +foolishness. + +HANNE + +She's not allowed to come upstairs. Mrs. Siebenhaar won't have her. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' she's right there. I wouldn't bear it neither. + +HANNE + +She's always chasin' an' sniffin' around Mr. Siebenhaar. I'm willin' +people should please theirselves. But she's goin' it hard. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +The Siebenhaars ought to put them people out. The goin's on with the men +an' the wenches. + +HENSCHEL + +Aw, what are you talkin' about, mother? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, in the tap room. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, they has to live same as anybody. D'you want to see 'em put in the +streets? Wermelskirch's not a bad fellow at all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But the woman's an old witch. + +HENSCHEL + +If he pays his rent nothin' won't happen to him on that account. An' not +on account o' the girl by a long way. [_He has arisen and bends over the +cradle._] We've got a little thing like that here too, an' nobody's goin' +to put us out for that! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, that would be ...! She's asleep all the time; she don't seem to want +to wake up! + +HENSCHEL + +There's not much strength in her.--Mother, sure you're not goin' to +die!--[_Taking his cap from the nail._] Hanne, I was just foolin' you a +while ago. Your apron is lyin' out there in the waggon. + +HANNE + +[_Eagerly._] Where is it? + +HENSCHEL + +In the basket. Go an' look for it! + + [_HENSCHEL leaves by way of the middle door; HANNE disappears into + the small adjacent room._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +So he brought her the apron after all! + + _HANNE runs quickly through the room again and goes out by the middle + door._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he brought her the apron after all! + + _SIEBENHAAR enters carefully, carrying his candle and keys as before + and, in addition, two bottles of claret._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +All alone, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he brought the apron ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +It's me, Mrs. Henschel. Did you think it was a stranger? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't hardly believe ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +I hope I didn't wake you up. It's me--Siebenhaar. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +To be sure. Yes. To be sure. + +SIEBENHAAR + +And I'm bringing you a little wine which you are to drink. It will do you +good.--Is it possible you don't recognize me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, now, that'd be queer. You are, sure--you are our Mr. Siebenhaar. +Things hasn't come to such a pass with me yet. I recognise you all +right!--I don't know: has I been dreamin' or what? + +SIEBENHAAR + +You may have been. How are you otherwise? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But sure enough you're Siebenhaar. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Perhaps you thought I was your husband! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't know ... I reely can't say ... I was feelin' so queer ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +Seems to me you're not lying comfortably. Let me straighten your pillows +a bit. Does the doctor see you regularly? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With tearful excitement._] I don't know how it is--they just leaves me +alone. No, no, you're Mr. Siebenhaar, I know that. An' I know more'n +that: you was always good to me an' you has a good heart, even if +sometimes you made an angry face. I can tell you: I'm that afraid! I'm +always thinkin': it don't go quick enough for him. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What doesn't go quick enough? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Bursting into tears._] I'm livin' too long for him--! But what's to +become o' Gustel? + +SIEBENHAAR + +But, my dear Mrs. Henschel, what kind of talk is that? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Sobbing softly to herself._] What's to become o' Gustel if I die? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Mrs. Henschel, you're a sensible woman! And so do listen to me! If one +has to lie quietly in bed, you see, the way you have had to do +unfortunately--week after week--why then one naturally has all kinds of +foolish thoughts come into one's head. One has all sorts of sickly +fancies. But one must resist all that resolutely, Mrs. Henschel! Why, +that would be a fine state of affairs, if that--! Such stuff! Put it out +of your mind, Mrs. Henschel! it's folly! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Dear me, I didn't want to believe it: I know what I says! + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's just what you don't know. That's just what, unfortunately, you +don't know at present. You will simply laugh when you look back upon, it +later. Simply laugh! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Breaking out passionately._] Didn't he go an' see her where she sleeps! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Utterly astonished but thoroughly incredulous._] Who went to see whom? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Henschel! The girl! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Your husband? And Hanne? Now look here; whoever persuaded you of that is +a rascally liar. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' when I'm dead he'll marry her anyhow! + + _HENSCHEL appears in the doorway._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +You're suffering from hallucinations, Mrs. Henschel! + +HENSCHEL + +[_In good-natured astonishment._] What's the matter, Malchen? Why are you +cryin' so? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you mustn't leave your wife alone! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Approaches the bed in kindly fashion._] Who's doin' anythin' to you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Throws herself in sullen rage on her other side, turning her back to +HENSCHEL and facing the wall._] ... Aw, leave me in peace! + +HENSCHEL + +What's the meanin' o' this? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Snarling at him through her sobs._] Oh, go away from me! + + _HENSCHEL, visibly taken aback, looks questioningly at SIEBENHAAR, + who polishes his glasses and shakes his head._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Softly._] I wouldn't bother her just now. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_As before._] You're wishin' me into my grave! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To HENSCHEL, who is about to fly into a rage._] Sh! Do me the favour to +keep still! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A body has eyes. A body's not blind! You don't has to let me know +everythin'. I'm no good for nothin' no more; I c'n go! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Controlling himself._] What do you mean by that, Malchen? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's right! Go on pretendin'! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Perplexed in the extreme._] Now do tell me--anybody ...! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Things c'n go any way they wants to ... I won't be deceived, an' you c'n +all sneak aroun' all you want to! I c'n see through a stone wall! I c'n +see you for all--yes--for all! You thinks: a woman like that is easy to +deceive. Rot, says I! One thing I tell you now--If I dies, Gustel dies +along with me! I'll take her with me! I'll strangle her before I'd leave +her to a damned wench like that! + +HENSCHEL + +But mother, what's come over you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're wishin' me into my grave! + +HENSCHEL + +Hold on, now, hold on! Or I'll be gettin' wild! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Warning him softly._] Be calm, Henschel. The woman is ill. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Who has overheard._] Ill? An' who was it made me ill? You two--you an' +your wench! + +HENSCHEL + +Now I'd like to know who in the world put notions like that into your +head? The girl an' I! I don't understand the whole blasted thing! I'm +supposed to have dealin's with her? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Don't you fetch aprons an' ribands for her? + +HENSCHEL + +[_With renewed perplexity._] Aprons and ribands? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, aprons and ribands. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, that's the queerest thing--! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Don't you think everythin' she does right an' fine? D'you ever give her a +angry word? She's like the missis of the house this very day. + +HENSCHEL + +Mother, keep still: I'm advisin' you! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +'Tis you that has to keep still, 'cause there's nothin' you c'n say! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Standing by the bed._] Mrs. Henschel, you must collect yourself! All +this you're saying is the merest fancy! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're no better'n he; you don't do no different! An' the poor +women--they dies of it! [_Dissolved in self-pitying tears._] Well, let +'em die! + + _SIEBENHAAR gives a short laugh with an undertone of seriousness, + steps up to the table and opens one of the bottles of wine + resignedly._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Sitting on the edge of the bed speaks soothingly_] Mother, mother--you +turn over now an' I'll say a word to you in kindness. [_He turns her over +with kindly violence._] Look at it this way, mother: You've been havin' a +dream. You dreamed--that's it! Our little dog, he dreams queer things too +now an' then. You c'n see it. But now wake up, mother! Y'understan'? The +stuff you been talkin'--if a man wanted to make a load o' that the +strongest freight waggon'd break down. My head's fair spinnin' with it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Having looked for and found a glass which he now fills._] And then you +raked me over the coals too! + +HENSCHEL + +Don't take no offence, sir. A woman like that! A man has his troubles +with her.--Now you hurry up, mother, an' get well, or some fine day +you'll be tellin' me I been to Bolkenhain an' stole horses. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Here, drink your wine and try to gain some strength. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If only a body could be sure! + + _SIEBENHAAR supports her while she drinks._ + +HENSCHEL + +What's wrong now again? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_After she has drunk._] Could you give me a promise? + +HENSCHEL + +I'll give you any promise you wants. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If I dies, would you go an' marry her? + +HENSCHEL + +Don't ask such fool questions. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes or no! + +HENSCHEL + +Marry Hanne? [_Jestingly._] O' course I would! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I mean it--serious ...! + +HENSCHEL + +Now I just wish you'd listen to this, Mr. Siebenhaar! What's a man to +say? You're not goin' to die! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But if I does? + +HENSCHEL + +I won't marry her anyhow! Now you see? An' now you know it! We can make +an end o' this business. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Can you promise it? + +HENSCHEL + +Promise what? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That you wouldn't go an' marry the girl! + +HENSCHEL + +I'll promise, too; I'm willin' to. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' you'll give me your hand in token? + +HENSCHEL + +I'm tellin' you: Yes. [_He puts his hand into hers._] But now it's all +right. Now don't worry me no more with such stuff. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _A beautiful forenoon in May._ + + _The same room as in the first act. The bed, in which MRS. HENSCHEL + lay, is no longer there. The window which it covered is wide open. + HANNE, her face toward the window, her sleeves turned up above her + elbows, is busy at the washtub._ + + _FRANZ, his shirt-sleeves and trousers also rolled up, his bare feet + in wooden pattens, comes in carrying a pail. He has been washing + waggons._ + +FRANZ + +[_With awkward merriment._] Hanne, I'm comin' to see you! Lord A'mighty! +Has you got such a thing as some warm water? + +HANNE + +[_Angrily throwing the piece of linen which she has on the washboard back +into the tub and going over to the oven._] You come in here a sight too +often! + +FRANZ + +Is that so? What's wrong, eh? + +HANNE + +[_Pouring hot water into the pail._] Don't stop to ask questions. I got +no time. + +FRANZ + +I'm washin' waggons; I'm not idlin' neither. + +HANNE + +[_Violently._] You're to leave me alone! That's what you're to do! I've +told you that more'n once! + +FRANZ + +What am I doin' to you? + +HANNE + +You're not to keep runnin' after me! + +FRANZ + +You've forgotten, maybe, how it is with us? + +HANNE + +How 'tis with us? No ways; nothin'! You go you way an' I goes mine, an' +that's how it is! + +FRANZ + +That's somethin' bran' new! + +HANNE + +It's mighty old to me! + +FRANZ + +That's how it seems.--Hanne, what's come between us! + +HANNE + +Nothin', nothin'! Only just leave me alone! + +FRANZ + +Has you anythin' to complain of? I been true to you! + +HANNE + +Oh, for all I care! That's none o' my business! Carry on with anybody you +want to! I got nothin' against it! + +FRANZ + +Since when has you been feelin' that way? + +HANNE + +Since the beginnin' o' time! + +FRANZ + +[_Moved and tearful._] Aw, you're just lyin', Hanne! + +HANNE + +You don't need to start that way at me. 'Twon't do you no good with me! I +don't let a feller like you tell me I'm lyin'! An' now I just want you to +know how things is. If your skin's that thick that you can't be made to +notice nothin' I'll tell you right out to your face: It's all over +between us! + +FRANZ + +D'you really mean that, Hanne? + +HANNE + +All over--an' I want you to remember that. + +FRANZ + +I'll remember it all right! [_More and more excited and finally weeping +more than speaking._] You don't need to think I'm such a fool; I noticed +it long before to-day. But I kept thinkin' you'd come to your senses. + +HANNE + +That's just what I've done. + +FRANZ + +It's all the way you look at it. I'm a poor devil--that's certain; an' +Henschel--he's got a chest full o' money. There's one way, come to think +of it, in which maybe you has come to your senses. + +HANNE + +You start at me with such talk an' it just makes things worse an' worse. +That's all. + +FRANZ + +It's not true, eh? You're not schemin' right on to be Mrs. Henschel? I'm +not right, eh? + +HANNE + +That's my business. That don't concern you. We all has to look out for +ourselves. + +FRANZ + +Well, now, supposin' I was to look out for myself, an' goes to Henschel +an' says: Hanne, she promised to marry me; we was agreed, an' so.... + +HANNE + +Try it, that's all I says. + +FRANZ + +[_Almost weeping with pain and rage._] An' I will try it, too! You take +care o' yourself an' I'll take care o' myself. If that's the way you're +goin' to act, I c'n do the same! [_With a sudden change of front._] But I +don't want to have nothin' more to do with you! You c'n throw yourself at +his head for all I cares! A crittur like you isn't good enough for me! + + [_Exit hastily._ + +HANNE + +So it worked at last. An' that's all right. + + _While HANNE continues busy at her washing, WERMELSKIRCH appears in + the passage at the rear. He is a man in the fifties; the former actor + is unmistakable in him. He wears a thread-bare dressing-gown, + embroidered slippers, and smokes a very long pipe._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Having looked in for a while without being noticed by HANNE._] Did you +hear him cough? + +HANNE + +Who? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why, a guest--a patient--has arrived upstairs. + +HANNE + +'Tis time they began to come. We're in the middle of May. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Slowly crosses the threshold and hums throatily._] + + A pulmonary subject I, + Tra la la la la, bum bum! + It can't last long until I die, + Tra la la la la, bum bum! + +[_HANNE laughs over her washing._] Things like that really do one good. +They show that the summer is coming. + +HANNE + +One swallow don't make no summer, though! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Clears a space for himself on the bench and sits down._] Where is +Henschel? + +HANNE + +Why he went down, to the cemetery to-day. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +To be sure, it's his wife's birthday. [_Pause._] It was a deuce of a blow +to him, that's certain.--Tell me, when is he coming back? + +HANNE + +I don't know why he had to go an' drive there at all. We needs the horses +like anything an' he took the new coachman with him too. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I tell you, Hanne, anger spoils one's appetite. + +HANNE + +Well, I can't help bein' angry! He leaves everythin' in a mess. The 'bus +is to leave on time! An' the one-horse carriage sticks in the mud out +there an' Hauffe can't budge it! The old fellow is as stiff as a goat! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Yes, things are beginning to look busy. The _chef_ upstairs starts in +to-day. It's beginning to look up in the tap-room too. + +HANNE + +[_With a short derisive laugh._] You don't look, though, as if you had +much to do! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Taking no offence._] Oh, that comes later, at eleven o'clock. But then +I'm like a locomotive engine! + +HANNE + +I believe you. There'll be a lot o' smoke. You won't let your pipe get +cold whatever happens. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Smiling a little._] You're pleased to be pointed in your +remarks--pointed as a needle.--We've got to-day, for our table music, +wait now, let me think--: First of all, a bass violin; secondly, two +cellos; thirdly, two first violins and two second violins. Three first, +two second, three second, two first: I'm getting mixed up now. At all +events we have ten men from the public orchestra. What are you laughing +at? Do you think I'm fooling you? You'll see for yourself. The bass +violin alone will eat enough for ten. There'll be work enough to do! + +HANNE + +[_Laughing heartily._] Of course: the cook'll have a lot to do! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Simply._] My wife, my daughter, the whole of my family--we have to work +honestly and hard.--And when the summer is over we've worked ourselves to +the bone--for nothing! + +HANNE + +I don't see what you has to complain of. You've got the best business in +the house. Your taproom don't get empty, if it's summer or winter. If I +was Siebenhaar upstairs, you'd have to whistle a different tune for me. +You wouldn't be gettin' off with no three hundred crowns o' rent. There +wouldn't be no use comin' around me with less'n a thousand. An' then +you'd be doin' well enough for yourself! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Has arisen and walks about whistling._] Would you like anything else? +You frighten me so that my pipe goes out! + + _GEORGE, a young, alert, neat waiter comes very rapidly down the + stairs behind the glass door, carrying a tray with breakfast service. + While still behind the door he stops short, opens the door, however, + and gazes up and down the passage way._ + +GEORGE + +Confound it all! What's this place here? + +HANNE + +[_Laughing over her tub._] You've lost your way! You has to go back! + +GEORGE + +It's enough, God knows, to make a feller dizzy, No horse couldn't find +his way about this place. + +HANNE + +You've just taken service here, eh? + +GEORGE + +Well o' course! I came yesterday. But tell me, ladies an' gentlemen! +Nothin' like this has ever happened to me before. I've been in a good +many houses but here you has to take along a kind o' mountain guide to +find your way. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Exaggerating the waiter's Saxonian accent._] Tell me, are you from +Dresden, maybe? + +GEORGE + +Meissen is my native city. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_As before._] Good Lord A'mighty, is that so indeed? + +GEORGE + +How do I get out of here, tell me that! + +HANNE + +[_Alert, mobile, and coquettish in her way in the waiter's presence._] +You has to go back up the stairs. We has no use down here for your +swallow tails. + +GEORGE + +This is the first story, eh? Best part o' the house? + +HANNE + +You mean the kennels or somethin' like that? We'll show you--that we +will! The very best people live down here! + +GEORGE + +[_Intimately and flirtatiously._] Young woman, do you know what? You come +along an' show me the way? With you I wouldn't be a bit afraid, no matter +where you lead me to. I'd go into the cellar with you or up into the hay +loft either. + +HANNE + +You stay out o' here! You're the right kind you are! We've got enough of +your sort without you. + +GEORGE + +Young woman, do you want me to help with the washin'? + +HANNE + +No! But if you're aimin' at it exackly, I c'n help you to get along! +[_Half drawing a piece of linen out of the suds._] Then you'd be lookin' +to see where your starched shirt-front went to! + +GEORGE + +O dear! You're not goin' to mess me up that way, are you? Well, well, +that wouldn't do! We'd have to have a talk about that first! That so, +young woman? Well, o' course! We'll talk about it--when I has time, +later. + + [_He mounts the stairs and disappears._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +He won't lose his way very often after this! Siebenhaar will see to it +that he gets to know the way from the dining hall to the kitchen.--Hanne, +when is Henschel coming back? + +HANNE + +About noon, I s'pose! D'you want me to give him a message? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Tell him--don't forget, now--tell him that I--send him my regards. + +HANNE + +Such foolishness. I might ha' thought ...! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Passing her with a slight bow._] Thoughts are free ... I wish you a +good morning. + + [_Exit._ + +HANNE + +[_Alone, washing vigorously._] If only Henschel wasn't such a fool! + + _Above the cellar, outside, the pedlar FABIG, kneeling down, looks in + at the window._ + +FABIG + +Good mornin', young woman! How are you? How's everythin'? + +HANNE + +Who are you anyhow? + +FABIG + +Why--Fabig, from Quolsdorf. Don't you know me no more? I'm bringin' you a +greetin' from your father. An' he wants me to tell you ... Or maybe you'd +want me to come in? + +HANNE + +Aw, I know. I believe you. He wants money again. Well, I has none myself. + +FABIG + +I told him that myself. He wouldn't believe me. Are you all alone, young +woman? + +HANNE + +Why d'you ax? + +FABIG + +[_Lowering his voice._] Well now you see, there's more'n one thing I has +on my heart. An', through the window, people might be hearin' it. + +HANNE + +Oh well, I don't care. You c'n come in! [_FABIG disappears from the +window._] That that feller had to be comin' to-day ...! + + [_She dries her hands._ + + _FABIG enters. He is a poorly clad, strangely agile, droll pedlar, + with a sparse beard, about thirty-six years old._ + +FABIG + +A good mornin' to you, young woman. + +HANNE + +[_Fiercely._] First of all, I'm no young woman but a girl. + +FABIG + +[_With cunning._] Maybe so. But from all I hears you'll be married soon. + +HANNE + +That's nothin' but a pack o' mean lies--that's what it is. + +FABIG + +Well, that's what I heard. It's no fault o' mine. People is sayin' it all +over; because Mrs. Henschel died ... + +HANNE + +Well, they can talk for all I care. I does my work. That's all that +concerns me. + +FABIG + +That's the best way. I does that way myself. There's little that folks +hasn't said about me some time ... In Altwasser they says I steals +pigeons. A little dog ran after me ... o' course, they said I stole it. + +HANNE + +Well now, if you got anythin' to say to me, go ahead an' don't waste +words. + +FABIG + +Now you see, there you are. That's what I always says too. People talks a +good deal more'n they ought to. They has a few rags to sell an' they +talks an' talks as if it was an estate. But I'll say just as little as +possible. What I wants to tell you about, young woman--now don't fly up: +the word just slipped out!--I meant to say: lass--what I wants to tell +you about is your daughter. + +HANNE + +[_Violently._] I has no daughter, if you want to know it. The girl that +father is takin' care of, is my sister's child. + +FABIG + +Well now, that's different, that is. We've all been thinkin' the girl was +yours. Where is your sister? + +HANNE + +Who knows where she is? She's not fool enough to tell us. She thinks, +thinks she: they c'n have the trouble an' see how they gets along. + +FABIG + +Well, well, well! There you see again how folks is mistaken. I'd ha' +taken any oath ... an' not me, not me alone, but all the folks over in +Quolsdorf, that you was the mother o' that child. + +HANNE + +Yes, I knows right well who says that o' me. I could call 'em all by +name! They'd all like to make a common wench o' me. But if ever I lays my +hands on 'em I'll give 'em somethin' to remember me by. + +FABIG + +Well, it's a bad business--all of it! Because this is the way it is: the +old man, your father, I needn't be tellin' you--things is as they is--he +don't hardly get sober. He just drinks in one streak. Well, now that your +mother's been dead these two years, he can't leave the little thing--the +girl I mean--at home no more. The bit o' house is empty. An' so he drags +her around in the pubs, in all kinds o' holes, from one village taproom +to the next. If you sees that--it's enough to stir a dumb beast with +pity. + +HANNE + +[_With fierce impatience._] Is it my fault that he swills? + +FABIG + +By no means an' not at all. Nobody c'n keep your old man from doin' his +way! 'Tis only on account o' the child, an' it's that makes a body feel +sorry. But if that there little one can't be taken away from him an' +given in the care o' decent folks, she won't live no ten weeks after +this. + +HANNE + +[_Hardening herself._] That don't concern me. I can't take her. I got all +I can do to get along! + +FABIG + +You'd better come over to Quolsdorf some time an' look into it all. +That'd be best, too. The little girl ... 'tis a purty little thing, with +bits o' hands an' feet like that much porcelain, so dainty an' delicate. + +HANNE + +She's not my child an' she don't concern me. + +FABIG + +Well, you better come over an' see what's to be done. It's hard for +people to see such things goin' on. If a man goes into an inn, in the +middle of the night or some time like that--I got to do that, you see, in +the way o' business--an' sees her sittin' there with the old man in the +midst o' tobacco smoke--I tell you it hurts a body's soul. + +HANNE + +The innkeepers oughtn't to serve him nothin'. If they was to take a stick +an' beat him out o' their places, maybe he'd learn some sense.--A +waggon's just come into the yard. Here you got a sixpence. Now you get +along an' I'll be thinkin' it all over. I can't do nothin' about it this +minute. But if you goes aroun' here in the inns an' talks about it--then +it's all over between us. + +FABIG + +I'll take good care, an' it don't concern me. If it's your child or your +sister's child--I'm not goin' to poke my nose in the parish register, nor +I'm not goin' to say nothin' neither. But if you want a bit o' good +advice,'tis this: Tell Henschel straight out how 'tis. He won't tear your +head off by a long way! + +HANNE + +[_With increasing excitement as HENSCHEL'S voice grows more clearly +audible._] Oh this here jabberin'! It's enough to drive you crazy. + + [_Exit into the adjoining room._ + + _HENSCHEL enters slowly and seriously. He wears a black suit, a top + hat and white knitted gloves._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Remains standing and looks at FABIG with an expression of slow +recollection. Simply and calmly._] Who are you? + +FABIG + +[_Alertly._] I buy rags, waste paper, furniture, cast off clothes, +anythin' that happens to be aroun'. + +HENSCHEL + +[_After a long glance, good-naturedly but with decision._] Out with the +fellow! + + _FABIG withdraws with an embarrassed smile._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Takes off his top-hat and wipes his forehead and neck with a +manicoloured handkerchief. Thereupon, he places his hat on the table and +speaks toward the door of the next room:_] Girl, where are you? + +HANNE + +I'm with Gustel here in the little room. + +HENSCHEL + +All right. I c'n wait. [_He sits down with a sigh that is almost a +groan._] Yes, yes, O Lord--a man has his troubles. + +HANNE + +[_Enters busily._] The dinner'll be ready this minute. + +HENSCHEL + +I can't eat; I'm not hungry. + +HANNE + +Eatin' and drinkin' keeps body an' soul together. I was once in service +with a shepherd, an' he said to us more'n one time: If a body has a +heartache or somethin' like that, even if he feels no hunger, 'tis best +to eat. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, cook your dinner an' we'll see. + +HANNE + +You shouldn't give in to it. Not as much as all that. You got to resign +yourself some time. + +HENSCHEL + +Was that man Horand, the bookbinder, here? + +HANNE + +Everythin's attended to. He made forty new billheads. There they are on +the chest. + +HENSCHEL + +Then the work an' the worry begins again. Drivin' in to Freiburg mornin' +after mornin' an' noon after noon haulin' sick people across the hills. + +HANNE + +You're doin' too much o' the work yourself. Old Hauffe is too slow by +half. I can't help it--if I was you I'd get rid o' him. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Gets up and goes to the window._] I'm sick of it--of the whole haulin' +business. It c'n stop for all I care. I got nothin' against it if it +does. To-day or to-morrow; it's the same to me. All you got to do is to +take the horses to the flayers, to chop up the waggons for kindlin' wood, +an' to get a stout, strong bit o' rope for yourself.--I think I'll go up +an' see Siebenhaar. + +HANNE + +I was wantin' to say somethin' to you when I got a chance. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, what is it, eh? + +HANNE + +You see, it's not easy for me. No, indeed. [_Elaborately tearful._] But +my brother--he needs me that bad. [_Weeping._] I'll have to leave--that's +sure. + +HENSCHEL + +[_In extreme consternation._] You're not right in your mind. Don't start +that kind o' business! + + _HANNE, shedding crocodile tears, holds her apron to her eyes._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well now, look here, lass: you're not goin' to play me that kind of a +trick now! That would be fine! Who's goin' to manage the house? Summer's +almost with us now an' you want to leave me in the lurch? + +HANNE + +[_With the same gesture._] 'Tis the little one I feels sorry for! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't take care of her, who's goin' to? + +HANNE + +[_After a space collecting herself apparently by an effort of the will. +Quietly:_] It can't be done no different. + +HENSCHEL + +Everythin' c'n be done in this world. All you needs is to want to do +it.--You never said nothin' about it before. An' now, suddenly, you talk +about your brother!--Maybe I been offendin' you some way? Don't you feel +suited with me no more? + +HANNE + +There's no end to the gossip that's goin' round. + +HENSCHEL + +What kind o' gossip? + +HANNE + +Oh, I don't know. I'd rather be goin out o' the way of it. + +HENSCHEL + +I'd like to know just what you mean! + +HANNE + +I does my work an' I takes my pay! An' I won't have nobody say such +things o' me. When the wife was still alive I worked all day; now that +she's dead, I don't do no different. People c'n say all they wants to; +I'm tryin' to make you think I'm fine, an' I want dead people's shoes. +I'd rather go into service some other place. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Relieved._] You needn't say no more if that's all it is! + +HANNE + +[_Takes up some piece of work as an excuse for leaving the room._] No, +no, I'll go. I can't never stay! + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Talking after her._] You c'n let people talk an' not say much yourself. +All them tongues has to wag for an occupation. [_He takes off his black +coat and hangs it up. Sighing._] The pack o' troubles don't get no +smaller. + + _SIEBENHAAR comes in slowly. He carries a decanter full of water and + a glass._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +Good morning, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +Good mornin' Mr. Siebenhaar, + +SIEBENHAAR + +Am I disturbing you? + +HENSCHEL + +Not a bit; not at all. You're very welcome. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Placing the decanter and the glass on the table._] I've got to drink +the medicinal spring water again. I'm having that old trouble with my +throat. Well, dear me, a man has to die of something! + +HENSCHEL + +You must just go ahead an' drink the waters. They'll cure you. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Yes, that's just what I'm doing. + +HENSCHEL + +An' not from the Mill Spring nor from the Upper Spring. Ours is the best. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well now, to change the subject. [_Half lost in thought he has been +toying with a sprig of ivy. Now he observes this, starts slightly, runs +his eyes over the top-hat and HENSCHEL himself and says suddenly:_] This +was your wife's birthday, wasn't it? + +HENSCHEL + +She'd ha' been thirty-six years old to-day. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Is it possible? + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, yes, yes. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I'd better leave you alone now. But when it's agreeable to +you--to-morrow maybe, I'd like to talk over some business with you. + +HENSCHEL + +I'd rather you went ahead right now. + +SIEBENHAAR + +It's about the thousand crowns ... + +HENSCHEL + +Before we says any more, Mr. Siebenhaar. You c'n just keep that money +till winter. Why should I be lyin' to you? You see? I don't need the +money. I don't care exackly when I gets it; an' that it's safe, I'm +satisfied o' that. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, Henschel, in that case I'm very grateful to you. You're doing me a +great favour. During the summer I take in money; you know that. Just now +it would have been difficult for me. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you see, so we c'n agree fine. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR. + +[_Walking to and fro._] Yes, yes, I sometimes wonder over myself. I grew +up in this house. And yet, to-day, if I could but make a decent closing +out, I could leave it quite calmly. + +HENSCHEL + +I wouldn't like to go, I must say. I wouldn't hardly know where to go to. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Things have moved ahead with you, Henschel. But the same set of +conditions that has counted in your favour, has been that against which +I've had to struggle to keep my head above water. + +HENSCHEL + +The shoe pinches one man in this place an' another man in that. Who's +goin' to say which is worse off? You see, I got a good, hard blow, too. +An' if I'm goin' to recover ... well, I don't hardly feel like myself +yet. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, there's a time for everything! You'll have to conquer that now. +You must go out among people, hear things, see things, drink a glass of +beer once in a while, plunge into business, perhaps--somehow, put an end +to this sad business. It can't be helped, and so--forward! + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis just as you say! You're quite right! + +SIEBENHAAR + +To be sure, your wife was the best, most faithful woman. There's only one +opinion about that. But you are in the full current of life, Henschel; +you're in your best years; you still have a great deal to do in the +world: who knows how much. You needn't forget your wife on that account; +on the contrary. And that's entirely out of the question in the case of a +man like you. But you must honour her memory in a saner way. This kind of +brooding does no good. I've been watching you for a good while and I +determined, without saying anything, to make a really strong appeal to +you one day. You're letting yourself be actually downed. + +HENSCHEL + +But what's a man to do against it? You're right--that you are; but times +I hardly know what to do! You say: Plunge into business. But there's +somethin' lackin' all around. Four eyes sees better'n two; four +hands--they c'n do a sight more. Now I got all these coaches here in the +summer! An' there's no one to see to things at home! 'Tis not easy, I c'n +tell you that. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I thought that Hanne was quite a capable girl. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you see, she's given me notice, too.--'Tis too hard for a man to +get along without a wife. Yon can't depend on no one. That's just it; +that's just what I says! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Why don't you marry, Henschel? + +HENSCHEL + +'Twould be best!--What c'n I do without a wife? A man like me can't get +along without one. I was thinking in fact, of goin' upstairs an' askin' +the missis if, maybe, she could give me some advice in that direction. +She died an' left me alone in the midst of all these worries.--An', also, +to tell you the truth, this business of mine's not what it used to be. +How long is it goin' to be before the railroad comes here? Well, you see, +we'd put by a little, an' we wanted to buy a small inn--maybe in two +years or so. Well, that can't be done without a woman neither. + +SIEBENHAAR + +True. You won't be able to get along this way permanently. You can't +remain a widower the rest of your life. If for no other reason but for +the child's sake. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what I always says. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Of course I have no right to interfere in your affairs. Still, we're old +friends. To wait, Henschel, just on account of what people will +think--that's sheer nonsense, no more, no less. If you are quite +seriously thinking of marrying again, it would be better both for you and +for the child if you did it soon. You needn't be overhasty; assuredly +not! But if you've quite made up your mind, then--go straight ahead! Why +should you hesitate? [_After a pause during which HENSCHEL scratches his +head._] Have you any one particular in view? + +HENSCHEL + +--If I got some one in view? That's what you'd like to know? Maybe I has. +Only I can't marry her. + +SIEBENHAAR + +But why not? + +HENSCHEL + +You know it yourself. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I? I know it? How's that? + +HENSCHEL + +All you got to do is a little thinkin'. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Shaking his head._] I can't say that I recall at this moment. + +HENSCHEL + +Didn't I have to go an' promise my wife ... + +SIEBENHAAR. + +------?--Oh, yes!!--You mean the girl--Hanne?-- + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +I been thinkin' an' thinkin'. There's no use in denyin' it. When I wakes +up during the night, I can't sleep for a couple o' hours sometimes. I got +to be thinkin' of it all the time. I can't get over it any way!--The +girl's a good girl. She's a bit young for an old fellow like me, but she +c'n work enough for four men. An' she's taken very kindly to Gustel; no +mother could do more'n she. An' the girl's got a head on her, that's +sure, better'n mine. She c'n do sums better'n I can. She might go an' be +a calculator. She knows a bit o' business to the last farthing, even if +six weeks have come an' gone since. I believe she could make a fool o' +two lawyers. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, if you're so thoroughly convinced of all that ...! + +HENSCHEL + +There wouldn't be no better wife for me! An' yet ... an' yet! I can't get +over it. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +I do remember quite dimly now what you mean. It was quite at the end of +her life.--But I confess to you quite frankly: I didn't take that matter +so very seriously. Your wife was in a very excited condition. And that +was caused largely by her illness.--I can't think that that is the main +question. The real question must finally be whether Hanne is really +suitable for you! She has her advantageous qualities: no doubt about +that. There are things about her that I like less. However: who hasn't +some faults. People say that she has a child. + +HENSCHEL + +That she has. I've inquired. Well, even so. I don't care nothin' about +that. Was she to wait for me, eh? She didn't know nothin' about me when +that happened. She's hot-blooded; all right. That'll come out somehow. +When the pears is ripe, they falls to the ground. On that account--no, +that don't trouble me none. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, then! The other matter is trivial. Perhaps not trivial exactly. I +can well understand how it's taken hold of you. Still, one must get free +of it. To be bound by it, in spite of one's saner thought--that's clearly +folly, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +I've said that to myself ten times over. You see, my wife she didn't +never want anythin' but what was for my best good. I mean, in the days +when she was well. She wouldn't want to stand in my way. Wherever she is, +maybe, she'd want to see me get along. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Assuredly. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, I went out to her grave to-day. The missis had a wreath put there +too. I thought to myself I'd better go there, that's what I thought. +Maybe she'll be sendin' you some message. Mother, I said in my thoughts, +give me a sign. Yes or no! Anyway you answers, that way it'll be! An' I +stood, there half an hour.--I prayed, too, an' I put it all to her--just +to myself, o' course--about the child an' the inn an' that I don't know +what to do in my business--but she didn't give me no sign. + + _HANNE enters throwing sidelong glances at the two men, but at once + going energetically to work. She puts the washbench and tub aside and + busies herself at the stove._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To HENSCHEL._] God give the dead peace and blessedness. You are a man; +you're in the midst of life. Why should you need signs and miracles? We +can find our way in this world by depending with fair certainty on our +reason. You simply go your way. You're captain on your own ship. +Overboard with all these fancies and sickly notions! The more I think of +your plan, the more rational it seems to me ... + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, what do you say about it? + +HANNE + +I don't know. How c'n I tell what you're talkin' about? + +HENSCHEL + +You just wait: I'll tell you later. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, good morning, Henschel. I'll see you later. Meanwhile--good luck! + +HENSCHEL + +I'll hope I'll have it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I'm not worried about you. You had a lucky way with you always. + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +Yon shouldn't be sayin' it! 'Tis bad luck. + +HANNE + +If you spits three times, it'll take the curse off. + + [_Pause._] + +HANNE + +I can't help thinkin' as you're too good. + +HENSCHEL + +What makes you think so? + +HANNE + +People just robs you: that's what I says. + +HENSCHEL + +Did you think he wanted somethin' of me? + +HANNE + +Well, what else? He ought to be ashamed to come beggin' o' poor people. + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, you don't know what you're sayin'. + +HANNE + +I knows well enough. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what you don't. An' you couldn't know. But some day, later on, +you'll come to understand.--Now I'll be goin' to the taproom an' buy me a +mug o' beer. It'll be the first time these eight weeks. After that we c'n +eat, an' after the dinner then--listen to me--then we might say a word to +each other. Then we c'n see how everythin' c'n be straightened out.--Or, +maybe, you don't care about it? + +HANNE + +You was sayin' yourself: We c'n see. + +HENSCHEL + +An' that's what I says now. We c'n wait. + + [_Exit._ + + [_Pause._] + +HANNE + +[_Works on undisturbed. When HENSCHEL is out of hearing, she suddenly +ceases, scarcely mastering her joyous excitement, she dries her hands and +tears off her apron. In involuntary triumph:_] I'll show you. Watch out! + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _The same room as tn the two preceding acts._ + + _It is evening toward the end of November. A fire is burning in the + oven; a lighted candle stands on the table. The middle door is + closed. Muffled dance music penetrates into the room from the upper + stories of the house._ + + _HANNE, now MRS. HENSCHEL, sits by the table and knits; she is neatly + and suitably clad in a dress of blue cotton, and wears a red kerchief + across her breast._ + + _HILDEBRANT, the smith, enters. A small, sinewy person._ + +HILDEBRANT + +Good evenin', missis, where's your husband? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Gone to Breslau. He's fetchin' three new horses. + +HILDEBRANT + +Then I s'pose he won't be comin' home to-day, eh? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Not before Monday. + +HILDEBRANT + +Well, this is Saturday.--We've brought back the board waggon. It's +downstairs in the entry way. We had to renew all the four tires. Where's +Hauffe? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He hasn't been with us this long time. + +HILDEBRANT + +So he hasn't. 'Tis nonsense I'm talkin'. I mean the new servant. Is +Schwarzer here? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He's gone along to Breslau. + +HILDEBRANT + +Fact is I knows all about Hauffe. He comes down to the smithy an' just +stands aroun'. He's got nothin' to do yet. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +People says he's beginnin' to drink. + +HILDEBRANT + +I believes it. That's the way it goes. 'Tis bad for an old fellow like +that; nobody wants him now.--What's goin' on up there to-day? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Dancin'! + +HILDEBRANT + +How'd it be if we was to go up there too, missis. Why shouldn't we be +joinin' in a little waltz too? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +They'd open their eyes pretty wide up there if we did.--But what is it +you want of Henschel? + +HILDEBRANT + +His honour, the judge, has a chestnut stallion that don't want to let +hisself be shoed. So we wanted to ax Henschel to step over. If he can't +get any beast to stand still, why then--! Well, good evenin', Mrs. +Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Good evenin'. + + _HILDEBRANT withdraws._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL. + +[_Listens to a dragging noise out in the passage._] What kind of a noise +is that there? [_She steps forward and opens the door._] Who's makin' all +that racket out there? + +FRANZISKA + +[_Comes dancing in._] Get out of the way, Mrs. Henschel! I have no time. + + [_She whirls about in the room to the measure of the waltz heard from + above._] + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, this is a fine way to act! What's the matter with you? Did a mad +dog bite you, maybe? + + _FRANZISKA dances on and hums the melody of the waltz._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_More and more amused._] For heaven's sake! Somethin's goin' to happen +to you!--No, girl, you're goin' clear out o' your mind! + +FRANZISKA + +[_Sinks exhausted into a chair as the music breaks off._] Oh, Mrs. +Henschel, I could dance myself to death! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing._] At this here rate I believes you! It makes a body feel +dizzy just to watch you. + +FRANZISKA + +Don't you dance at all? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Me? If I dance? To be sure I do. 'Twasn't once or twice only that I got a +pair o' new shoes an' danced 'em to pieces in one night! + +FRANZISKA + +Come and dance with me then! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why don't you go upstairs an' dance with the folks there? + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, if only I might! Do you know what I'll do? I'll sneak up! I'll sneak +into the gallery! Have you ever been up there? The bags of prunes stand +up there. I go up there quite boldly and look down, and eat prunes. Why +shouldn't I look down from there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' maybe Siebenhaar'll send for you to come down. + +FRANZISKA + +I just stare down as bold as you please. I don't care a bit. And whenever +a lady dances with Mr. Siebenhaar, I pelt her with plum pits. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're crazy about Siebenhaar--that's certain! + +FRANZISKA + +Well, he's a real swell--that's what none of the others are. [_The music +is heard again._] Ah, they're starting. That's a polka! [_Dancing +again._] I'd like to dance with Mr. Siebenhaar this minute. D'you know +what I'd do? I'd just kiss him before he knew what was happening. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Siebenhaar'd be too old for me! + +FRANZISKA + +Your husband is just as old, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Look here, girl, I want you to know that my husband is a good five years +younger. + +FRANZISKA + +Well, he looks much older anyhow. Why, he looks so old and wrinkled. No, +I wouldn't care to kiss him. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You better see about getting out o' here, or I'll take a broom an' help +you along! Don't you abuse my husband! An' where would I get a better +one? You wait till you're a few years older an' you'll see what it means +in this world to have a husband! + +FRANZISKA + +I won't marry at all. I'll wait till some fine, rich gentleman +comes--some summer--for his health--a Russian, by preference--and then +I'll let him take me out into the world. I want to see the world--to +wander far--I want to go to Paris. And then I'll write you about myself, +Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I do believe you'll run off some day! + +FRANZISKA + +You can wager anything that I will. Mr. Siebenhaar was in Paris, too, you +know, during the revolution in 'forty-eight, and he can tell you the most +interesting stories! Oh, I'd like to see a revolution like that some day +too. They build barricades ... + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! Franziska! Where are you keeping yourself again? + +FRANZISKA + +Sh! Don't say anything! + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! Franziska! + +FRANZISKA + +Sh! Keep still! He wants me to serve at the bar. And that's horrid and I +won't do it! + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! + +FRANZISKA + +It's papa's or mama's place to do that. Or they can hire a waiter. I +won't be turned into a bar maid. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's not the worst kind o' thing! + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, if there were real gentlemen to serve! But they're just +well--attendants, coachmen and miners. Much obliged for such company! I +don't care about it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If I was you, I'd do that reel easy. An' I'd be gettin' good tips. You +could save a good many pennies an' put by a nice sum. + +FRANZISKA + +I won't accept pennies and farthings. And if some time Mr. Siebenhaar or +the architect or Dr. Valentiner gives me a present, I spend it on +sweetmeats right away. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Ah, that's just it. You're your father's daughter. An' your mother wasn't +much different neither. You people don't take care o' the business you +has! If you'd ha' done so you'd have money out at interest this day. + +FRANZISKA + +We're not as stingy as you, that's all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not stingy. But you got to keep your substance together. + +FRANZISKA + +People say you're stingy, though! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +People c'n be--! An' you too! Hurry now an' get out o' here! I'm sick o' +your jabberin' now! An' you don't need to come back here neither! I +haven't been longin' for you, exackly! 'Tis best not to see or hear +anything o' the whole crowd o' you. + +FRANZISKA + +[_Turning once more at the door, with angry malice._] Do you know what +else people say? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't want to know nothin'! Get out o' here! You look out that you +don't get to hear things about yourself! Who knows what's between you an' +Siebenhaar? You two knows it an' I knows it too. Otherwise you'd ha' been +kicked out twenty times over with your slovenly management! Teach me to +know Siebenhaar! + +FRANZISKA + +Fy, fy and fy again! + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +The baggage! + + _The middle door has remained open. SIEBENHAAR and the waiter GEORGE, + coming from different directions along the passage way, are seen to + meet at the door. GEORGE affects the height of Vienna fashions--hat, + cane, long overcoat, gay tie._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +What are you after here? + +GEORGE + +You'll forgive me but I have some business with Drayman Henschel. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel is not at home. You've been told three times now that there is +no place for you in my house. If you can't remember that henceforth I +shall be compelled to have your memory assisted by--the constable. + +GEORGE + +I beg your pardon very humbly, Mr. Siebenhaar, but I begs to submit that +I don't come to see you. These people lives in your house. An' you can't +prove nothin' as touchin' the question of my honour. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very well. Only, if I should meet you again I'll have the porter kick you +out. So you had better act accordingly. + + [_Exit._ + +GEORGE + +_[Enters the room cursing.]_ I'll take that there risk! We'll see about +that later! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Closes the door, with difficulty mastering her rage toward +SIEBENHAAR._] We're here, too, I'd have him know. Just let him try it! +This here is our room, not his room, an' anybody that comes here comes to +us an' not to him! He's got no right to say nothin' about it! + +GEORGE + +We'll just wait an' see--that's all I says. He might have to pay good an' +dear for that. That kind o' thing takes a man to the pen. He got hisself +into a nasty mess with Alphonse, who was here two years ago. But he'd be +gettin' into a worse mess with me. A hundred crowns o' damages'd be too +little for me. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he hasn't got no hundred crowns in his pocket--the damned bankrupt! +He's been borrowing of everybody in the county. He's got nothin' but +debts; you hear that on all sides. 'Twon't be long before there won't be +nothin' left an' he'll have to leave the house hisself instead o' puttin' +other people out of it! + +GEORGE + +[_Has recovered his overcoat, hung up his hat, and is now picking off the +little feathers from his coat and trousers._] That's right! An' that's no +secret to nobody. Even the people that come here year in an' out says the +same. An' nobody is sorry for him; no, they're willin' it should happen +to him. My present boss, he can't stand him neither. He gets reel +venomous if you so much as mention Siebenhaar's name. [_Takes a +pocket-mirror and comb from his pocket and smooths his hair._] Lord +knows, he says, there's more tricks to that man than a few. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I believes that; I s'ppose he's right there. + +GEORGE + +Now then, Hanne, has you got somethin' warm for me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why didn't you come yesterday? + +GEORGE + +You thinks I c'n get off every day, don't you? 'Twas hard enough to get +to come here to-day! Yesterday I was busy till three o'clock in the +mornin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL: + +What was it happened? + +GEORGE + +There was a meetin' o' the fire board. They bought a new engine, an' so +they wanted to celebrate the purchase. That's how they came to have a +meetin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +All they wants is an excuse to swill. An' all that while I sat till late +at night and waited. Once--I don't know, but it must ha' been a bird +flyin' against the window--I thought 'twas you, an' so I went to the +window an' opened it. After that I was that mad, I couldn't sleep half +the night. + +GEORGE + +Oh, pshaw! What's the use o' havin' things like that spoil one's temper. +[_He puts his arms around her._] That's nothin'! Nothin' at all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Frees herself from his embrace._] Oh, I don't know! 'Tis true--I don't +know how it comes--but things seem to go contrary with a body. Henschel +sits aroun' at home the whole week, an' now that he's gone for a bit, we +has to let the time slide away! + +GEORGE + +Well, we got plenty o' time to-day. He don't come back till Monday, I +thought. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who knows if it's true! + +GEORGE + +I don't know no reason why it shouldn't be true! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That man is bound to sit aroun' at home. 'Twasn't half as bad formerly. +He used to go on trips weeks at a time; nowadays he whines if he's got to +sleep away from home a single night. An' if he says: I'll stay three +days, he mostly comes back on the second--Listen ... I believe they've +come already! Who else'd be crackin' whips like that in the yard? + +GEORGE + +[_After he has listened, in a restrained tone:_] The devil take 'em +all--the whole damned crowd! A man hasn't had time to get warm a bit. I +s'pose I'll have to leave right off, eh? I thought it'd be mighty +different, I must say! + + [_He slips his overcoat back on and takes up his hat._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Tears his hat from his head._] You stay right here! What d'you want to +run off for? D'you think I got to be scared o' Henschel. He's got to come +to my terms. I don't has to think about him. If you'd come yesterday!--I +told you ...! Then nobody wouldn't ha' interrupted us, no Henschel an' no +Siebenhaar. To-day the devil's broke loose! + + _The horse dealer WALTHER enters--a handsome, vigorous fellow of + forty. Bashly cap, fur jacket, hunting stockings and tall boots; his + mits are fastened by cords._ + +WALTHER + +Missis, your husband is outside in the yard. I'm just comin' in for a +minute to bid you good evenin'. I got to ride off again straight way. +He's bought some fine Flemish horses. An' he's brought along something +else, for you too. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I thought he wouldn't be comin' back till Monday. + +WALTHER + +An' that's the way it would ha' been. But we couldn't ride on horseback +no farther'n Kanth. There we had to take the train with the horses or +they'd ha' broken their necks an' their limbs. Travellin' was that bad on +account o' the sleet. + +GEORGE + +You makes better time with the train--that's certain! + +WALTHER + +What kind of a feller is that there? Why, you're tryin' to be invisible, +eh? Well, if that isn't little George--I do believe! Why, you looks like +a natural born baron! + +GEORGE + +A man earns more over there in the "Star" hotel. I has a much more +profitable position. Here I had to work till my clothes dropped from me +in rags. I was most naked in the end; now I'm beginnin' to buy somethin' +again. + +WALTHER + +Now guess, missis, what your husband has brought home for you! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, what is it? + +WALTHER + +I wager you'll be mighty glad of that present! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +We'll see. It depends on what it is. + +WALTHER + +Good luck to you then. I got to hurry or my wife'll get ugly. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Good luck to you. + +GEORGE + +I might as well come along. Good night, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Didn't you want to see Henschel about somethin'? + +GEORGE + +There's plenty o' time for that. There's no hurry. + +WALTHER + +If you got somethin' to say to him you'd better wait till to-morrow. He's +got different kinds o' things in his mind to-day. D'you know what he's +bringin' you, missis? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What should he be bringin' me? Don't talk so much nonsense. + +WALTHER + +Why, he's bringin' you your daughter! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--What's that he's bringin'? I didn't hear right! + +WALTHER + +We was in Quolsdorf and fetched her. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're drunk, the two o' ye, eh? + +WALTHER + +No, no, I'm tellin' you the truth. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who did you get? + +WALTHER + +He didn't tell me nothin' about it. All of a sudden we was in the pub at +Quolsdorf an' sat down there. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, an' what then? + +WALTHER + +We was sittin' there an' then, after a little while, your father came in +with the bit of a girl. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +'Tis no girl o' mine! + +WALTHER + +I don't know nothin' about that! I knows this much though: he's got the +child out there. He went up to your father an' he said: The child's a +pretty child.--Then he took her in his arms an' petted her. Shall I take +you with me, he axes her, an' she was willin' right off. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, an' my father? + +WALTHER + +Well, your father didn't know who Henschel was! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Better an' better! An' is that all? + +WALTHER + +[_Almost addressing GEORGE now._] No, there was nothin' more. He just +took the little one out an' said to your father: I'll let the lass ride +horseback. An' she kept cryin' out: Lemme ride! Lemme ride! Then Henschel +mounted his great Flemish horse an' I had to hand the child up to him. +After that he said: Good-bye, an' rode off. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' father just stood there an' looked on? + +WALTHER + +What was he goin' to do about it? The whole village might ha' turned out +for all the good it would ha' done. When once Henschel lays his hands on +somethin'--I wouldn't advise nobody to cross him! An' there's no one in +the county that likes to pick a quarrel with him neither! Your father, he +didn't know what was goin' on. Then suddenly, o' course, he roared like +fury an' cried out an' cursed more'n enough. But the people just laughed. +They knew Henschel. An' he--Henschel--he just said reel quiet: Good luck +to you, father Schäl; I'm takin' her along. The mother is waitin' for her +at home. Stop drinkin'! he said, an' maybe there'll be a place with us +for you some day, too. + +GEORGE + +Good-bye, I think I'll maybe drop in to-morrow. + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' so he thinks I'm goin' to keep her here. I'll never do that--never in +the world. She's no child o' mine! How would I be lookin' before people? +First in Quolsdorf, then here! Didn't I work an' worry enough? Day an' +night, you might say, I was busy with Gustel. An' now the weary trouble +is to begin all over again. That'd be fine, wouldn't it? He'd better take +care! + + _HENSCHEL appears in the middle door. He is also clad in leathern + breeches, fur jacket, tall boots, etc., just as he has dismounted. He + leads by the hand a little girl of six--ragged and unwashed._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Almost merrily referring to HANNE'S last words, which he has +overheard._] Who's to take care? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--Oh, I don't know! + +HENSCHEL + +Look, Hanne, look who comes here! [_To the child._] Go ahead, Berthel, +an' say good evenin'. Go on an' say it! Say: Good evenin', mama! + + _BERTHEL leaving HENSCHEL unwillingly and walks, encouraged by + friendly little shoves from him, diagonally across the room to where + HANNE, assuming a disgruntled attitude, sits on the bench._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_To the child, who stands helplessly before her._] What do you want +here? + +BERTHEL + +I rode on such a pitty horsie? + + _HENSCHEL and WALTHER laugh heartily._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well now we'll keep her here. Hallo, Hanne! Are you angry about anythin'? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You are sayin' you wouldn't be back till Monday. There's not a bite for +supper in the house now. + +HENSCHEL + +There'll be a bit o' bread an' bacon. + + [_He hangs up his cap._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Pulling ungently at BERTHEL'S clothes._] How'd you get this way? + +HENSCHEL + +You'll soon have to buy her somethin' to put on! She's got hardly nothin' +on her little body. 'Twas a good thing I had plenty o' blankets along, or +she'd ha' been half froze on the way. [_After he has removed his fur +jacket and warmed his hands._] Best thing would be to put her right +straight in a tub. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Best thing would ha' been if you'd ha' left her where she was. + +HENSCHEL + +What did you say? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Nothin'. + +HENSCHEL + +I thought you were sayin' somethin'.--Into the tub with her! An' then to +bed! An' you might go over her head a bit! I believe she's got a little +colony there. [_BERTHEL cries out._] What's the matter? Don't tug at her +so rough! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, don't cry, girl! That'd be the last straw! + +HENSCHEL + +You must be a bit friendly with her. The lass is thankful for every kind +word. Be quiet, Berthel, be quiet! + +BERTHEL + +I want to go to father! + +HENSCHEL + +You're with mother now! Mother is good!--I'm reel satisfied that we has +her with us. 'Twas the highest time. A bit longer an' we might ha' had to +look for her in the graveyard. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That wasn't half as bad as you're tryin' to make out. + +HENSCHEL + +[_In some consternation but still kindly._] What's the meanin' o' that? + + [_Pause._] + +WALTHER + +Well, good luck to you all. I'll have to be goin'. + +HENSCHEL + +Wait a bit an' drink a glass o' toddy. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If there were only some rum in the house! + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you can fetch it from Wermelskirch's! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't want to have nothin' to do with those people! + +WALTHER + +No, no. I got to go home. I got no time. I got to be ridin' half an hour +yet. [_To HANNE._] I don't want to be a bother to you. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who mentioned such a thing? + +WALTHER + +[_Humorously._] Nothin'! I didn't say nothin' at all. God forbid! I won't +let myself in for nothin'. You're a hard customer. Good-bye an' good +luck! + +HENSCHEL + +Good-bye, an' don't forget a greetin' to the wife! + +WALTHER + +[_Already from outside._] All right! Good night! I won't forget nothin'. + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well, didn't I do the right thing this time? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What is I to say to people? + +HENSCHEL + +--You're not goin' to be ashamed o' your own daughter! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who's sayin' I is, eh? 'Tis all the same to me! You're willin' to have +'em say evil o' me. You force 'em to it! [_Harshly to the child._] Here, +drink this milk! An' then off to bed with you! [_BERTHEL drinks._] + +HENSCHEL + +Are you goin' to go on this way? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Go on how? + +HENSCHEL + +With the child! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not goin' to bite her; there's no fear! + + [_She takes the still weeping child into the little room to bed._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Speaking after her._] She's not here to be bitten. I needn't ha' +brought her, you know! + + [_A brief pause, after which HANNE returns._ + +HENSCHEL + +A man can't never know how to please you. There's no gettin' along with +women folks. You always acted as if.... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With tears of rage._] That's a lie if you want to know it! + +HENSCHEL + +What's a lie! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_As above._] I never bothered you about Berthel. I never so much as +mentioned her to you! + +HENSCHEL + +I didn't say you had. Why d'you howl so? On that account, because you +didn't say nothin', I wanted to help you in spite o' your silence. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But couldn't you ha' asked? A man ought to say somethin' before he does a +thing like that! + +HENSCHEL + +Well now, I'll tell you somethin': This is Saturday night. I hurried all +I could so's to be at home again. I thought you'd meet me different! But +if it's not to be, it can't be helped. Only, leave me in peace! You +understand! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Nobody's robbin' you o' your peace. + +HENSCHEL + +D'you hear me? I want my peace an' that's all. You brought me to that +point. I didn't think nothin' but what was good doin' this thing. Gustel +is dead. She won't come back no more. Her mother took her to a better +place. The bed is empty, an' we're alone. Why shouldn't we take care o' +the little lass? That's the way I thinks an' I'm not her father! You +ought to think so all the more, 'cause you're the child's mother! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There you are! You're beginnin' to throw it up to me this minute! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't stop I'll go to Wermelskirch an' not come back all night! +D'you want to drive me out o' the house?--I'm always hopin' things'll be +different, but they gets worse ... worse! I thought maybe if you had your +child with you, you'd learn a little sense. If these goin's on don't end +soon ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +All I say is this: If she stays in the house an' if you tell people that +she's mine ... + +HENSCHEL + +They all know it! I don't have to tell 'em. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Then you c'n take your oath on it--I'll run away! + +HENSCHEL + +Run, run all you can--all you want to! You ought to be ashamed o' +yourself to the bottom o' your heart! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The tap room in WERMELSKIRCH'S public house. A flat, whitewashed + room with a door leading to the inner rooms of the house on the left. + The rear wall of this room is broken, toward its middle. The opening + leads to a second, smaller, oblong room. On the right wall of this + second room there is a glass door leading out into the open and, + farther forward, a window. On the rear wall of the main room the bar + is situated, filled with square whisky-bottles, glasses, etc. The + beer is also on draught there. Highly varnished tables and chairs of + cherry wood are scattered about the room. A red curtain divides the + two rooms. In the oblong rear room are also chairs and tables and, in + the extreme background, a billiard table. Lithographs, representing + mainly hunting scenes, are hung on the walls._ + + _WERMELSKIRCH, in a dressing gown and smoking a long pipe, sits on + the left, himself playing the piano. Three members of the voluntary + fire-corps play billiards. In the foreground to the right HAUFFE sits + brooding over a glass of whisky. He is noticeably shabby. MRS. + WERMELSKIRCH, a gipsy-like, slovenly old woman, is rinsing glasses + behind the bar. FRANZISKA is crouching on a window ledge at the right + playing with a kitten. The waiter GEORGE is standing at the bar over + a glass of beer. He has an elegant spring suit on, as well as + patent-leather shoes, kid-gloves and a top-hat set far back on his + head._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Plays and sings._] + + "When I was prince in realms Arcadian, + I lived in splendour and in wealth." + +GEORGE + +[_Who has accompanied the music by dancing gestures._] Go on, go on with, +that! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Coughing affectedly._] Can't be done! Quite hoarse! Anyhow ... +pshaw!... I'll try again. + + "When I was prince ...." [_He coughs._] + + "When I was prince in realms Arcadian, + I lived in splen ... I lived in splen ... "! + +The devil take it! + +GEORGE + +Aw, why don't you go on? That was quite right! That was fine! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I see myself trying! It's all over with me! + +GEORGE + +I don't understand you! That's the finest kind o' chamber music! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Laughing._] Chamber music! + +GEORGE + +Well, maybe not! I don't know the differences so well. Hallo, Miss +Franziska, what are you laughin' at? + +FRANZISKA + +I'm laughing at your beautiful patent-leather boots. + +GEORGE + +Go right ahead! You don't expect me to go barefoot. Give that man over +there a glass of beer. How would you like a bit o' cordial, Miss +Franziska? You're right, my boots is pretty fine ones. They cost me +twenty crowns. Why not? I c'n stand the expense; I'm able to do it! In +the "Sword" hotel a man c'n at least earn somethin'. To be sure, while I +was at the "Star" I couldn't ha' bought no boots like this. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +So you like it better at the "Sword"? + +GEORGE + +I should say so! A boss like I got now, a reel good fellow--I never had +before long's I've been in the business. We're like old friends--like +brothers. I could say most anythin' to him! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, that's very different from Siebenhaar. + + _FRANZISKA laughs out._ + +GEORGE + +An' that just shows you: Pride goeth before a fall. Two or three weeks +an' he'll be under the hammer. Then I c'n buy myself his gold watch. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +You'd better buy the whole house! + +GEORGE + +Not just now. You got to wait for the proper time to do a thing like +that. An' anyhow, it's sold. Your health, gentlemen!... Your health, +gentlemen! When you're through, I'll order more! What's the name o' the +man that bought the house? Exner? Eh? He's goin' to bottle the spring +water an' export it. He's goin' to rent out the hotel.--I'd rent it this +minute if I had the money. + +HAUFFE + +Why don't you go to Henschel? He'll give it to you. + +GEORGE + +That wouldn't be as much out o' the question as you thinks. + +HAUFFE + +No, that a fac'! You're on pretty good terms with the wife! + + [_FRANZISKA laughs aloud._] + +GEORGE + +Well, why shouldn't I be. That there woman's not half bad. I tell you, a +fellow that knows how, c'n make the women feed out o' his hand! + +HAUFFE + +Well, if you know enough to make Mrs. Henschel feed out o' your hand, you +must know your business pretty well. I'll say that for you. + + _FABIG enters, the cord of his pack around his shoulders. He sits + down modestly in a corner._ + +GEORGE + +Well, there you are; that's what I'm tellin' you! There's pretty few that +could come up to me that way. But a man has to be on the lookout, or he'd +get a good beatin' an' that's all! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, you're not through with it yet yourself. [_SIEBENHAAR enters from +the left._] Where Henschel strikes down the grass stops growing. Your +servant, Mr. Siebenhaar! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Somewhat pale._] Good morning! + +GEORGE + +I think I'll play a game o' billiards. + + [_He takes up his glass and disappears behind the curtain in the + rear._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Sitting down at a table near the piano._] Weren't you just singing, Mr. +Wermelskirch? Don't let me interrupt you, please. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +What? I? Singing? That's hardly possible! You know how deeply this +business affects me. But if you say so it must be true. Permit me to sit +down by you. Bring me a glass of beer, too, Franziska! + +SIEBENHAAR + +When one considers that you were completely hoarse three or four years +ago, you must admit that you've recuperated remarkably. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +You're quite right. But what good does it do me? I've half way crawled +out of the slough. But who knows what'll happen now? + +FRANZISKA + +[_Places a glass of beer before SIEBENHAAR; to WERMELSKIRCH:_] I'll bring +yours at once. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Having drunk._] What do you mean by that, exactly? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I don't know that I can tell you very exactly what I do mean. But I feel +something in my bones. I believe there'll be a change in the weather. +Jesting aside--I have all kinds of omens that are familiar to an old +actor. When the waters here began to do me so much good, I knew certainly +that ten horses couldn't drag me away. And it wasn't a month before my +road company had gone to smash. Now I suppose I'll have to wander on in +the same old way again--who knows whither? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Who knows whither? That's the way of the world. As for me--I'm not sorry! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Ah, but you're a man in the prime of life. The world has a place for a +man like you everywhere. It's different with an old fellow like me. If I +lose my means of making a living, I mean, if I'm given notice, what is +there left me, I'd like to know? I might actually get me a hurdy-gurdy +and Franziska could go about and collect the pennies. + +FRANZISKA + +That wouldn't embarrass me a bit, papa! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Not if it were to rain gold pieces! + +FRANZISKA + +And, anyhow, papa, how you always talk! You could go back on the stage! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Not even at a monkey-show, girlie! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Did Mr. Exner intimate anything to you? According to what he told me he +meant to leave everything pretty much as it is. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, I hardly belong to what could be summed up as "everything." + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Approaching the table in great excitement._] I must say, Mr. +Siebenhaar, I must say ... And you can take my word for it! I'm an old +woman of fifty and I've seen a good deal of the world, but the way we've +been treated here--that's really--I don't know what to call it--but it's +just vulgar malice, the lowest kind of scheming, pure meanness. You can +take my word for that! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Oh, mother, are you starting in too? You'd better withdraw, if you don't +mind, and retire behind your barricade! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +I'd like to know what our little Fanny did to that woman! + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, never mind, mama! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +On the contrary! Are we to put up with everything? Isn't one to offer any +resistance if that woman robs us of our very bread--if she spreads +slander about our daughter? [_To SIEBENHAAR._] Did the child ever offend +you in any way? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mama, mama! Come along now, mama, and rest a while. So! You spoke your +part very well indeed. You can repeat it to-night. + + [_He leads her behind the bar where her sobbing is heard for some + time after._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Having resumed his seat._] She's quite right at bottom. I've heard all +kinds of rumours too, to the effect that Henschel will rent the barroom. +And, of course, his wife is behind that! + +HAUFFE + +An' who else'd be back of it I'd like to know? If there's anythin' low +happenin' in the village nowadays, you don't has to go an ax who's back +of it! That Henschel woman's got the devil in her! + +FABIG + +An' she's had her eye on the barroom this long time. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To_ HAUFFE.] One hardly ever sees you any longer, Hauffe? Where did you +land? + +HAUFFE + +Where d'you suppose? In misery an' hunger' An' who gave me the shove? +That damned crittur of a woman! Who else'd do it, I'd like to know! I +never had no trouble with Henschel! + +FABIG + +His wife has the breeches on--that's all! + +HAUFFE + +I wasn't quick enough for her no more. I'm not as young as I was--that's +a fac'! An' I don't go hangin' aroun' no woman's apron strings neither. +An' that there is what she wants. That's what you got to do with her! +She's a hot one--you might say--she don't never get enough.--But as for +workin': I c'n work! Them young fellers that she hires--they're that +stinkin' lazy.... I could do as much as any three of 'em. + +SIEBENHAAR + +One feels sorry for old Henschel. + +HAUFFE + +If he's satisfied, I don't care. But he ought to know why my bones is +stiff! They didn't get stiff with lazyin' aroun', an' if that man has a +chest full o' money to-day, he knows who it is that helped him earn a +good lot of it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +I recall very well that you even worked for Wilhelm Henschel's father. + +HAUFFE + +Well, who else but me! That's the way it is! An' I fed Wilhelm's horses +eighteen years an' more--hitched 'em up an' unhitched 'em--went on trips +summer an' winter. I drove 's far's Freiburg an' 's far's Breslau: I had +to drive 'way to Bromberg. Many a night I had to sleep in the waggon. I +got my ears an' my hands frost bitten: I got chilblains on both feet big +as pears. An' now he puts me out! Now I c'n go! + +FABIG + +That's all the woman's doin's: he's a good man. + +HAUFFE + +Why did he go an' load hisself with that wench! Now he can look out for +hisself! An' he couldn't hardly wait to do it decent. His first wife--she +wasn't hardly cold when he ran to get married to this one! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, no one knew her, of course. + +FABIG + +I knew her well enough. O Lord--that I did! If he'd ha' axed me, I could +ha' told him! If he wanted to send Gustel after her mother, there wasn't +no surer way for him to take: all he had to do was to make Hanne the +child's step-mother. + +HAUFFE + +Ah yes, yes ... well, well ... I'm not sayin' nothin' more. There's many +a one has shaken his head about that! But that'll be comin' home to him +some day. First people just wondered; now they'd believe anythin' of him. + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's undoubtedly mere idle talk. + + _The horse dealer WALTHER enters in riding boots, hunting jacket and + cap. His whip is in his hand. He sits down at one of the tables and + beckons FRANZISKA to bring him beer._ + +HAUFFE + +You c'n say that. Maybe it's true. But if the dead was to come back an' +was to say their say--'tis old Mrs. Henschel that could tell you a thing +or two. She couldn't live an' she didn't want to live! An' what's the +main thing--she wasn't to live! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Hauffe, you'd better take care! If Henschel were to get wind of that ... + +HAUFFE + +I wouldn't have to take care if he did! I'd say that to anyone's face. +Old Mrs. Henschel--she was meant to die! If they pisened her, I couldn't +say; I wasn't on the spot. But that thing didn't happen no natural way. +She was a well woman; she might ha' lived thirty years. + + _SIEBENHAAR drinks and rises._ + +WALTHER + +I c'n bear witness that she was well. She was my own sister an' I ought +to know. She was in the way an' had to go. + + _SIEBENHAAR leaves quietly._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Would you like a little snuff, gentlemen? [_Softly and confidentially._] +And don't you think, gentlemen, that you're going a little far? It seems +so to me. I wish you would watch the man. He sat here till quite late +yesterday. The man sighed so pitifully--there was no one else here--that +I really felt very sorry for him. + +HAUFFE + +'Tis his bad conscience that's botherin' him! + +WALTHER + +Don't talk to me about Henschel! I'm sick o' hearin' about him. He an' +me--we're through with each other this long time. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +No, no, Mr. Siebenhaar is right. One ought to feel sorry for him. + +WALTHER + +He c'n think about it what he pleases. I don't care. But what I ought to +think about Henschel--there's nobody that need tell me nothin' about +that! + + _HENSCHEL and the smith HILDEBRANT enter at the right. HENSCHEL is + carrying little BERTHA, more neatly dressed than formerly, on his + arm. A little pause of embarrassment falls upon the men._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Welcome, Mr. Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +Good mornin', all of ye. + +FRANZISKA + +Well, Berthel, how are you? + +HENSCHEL + +Say thank you! Well, can't you talk?--We gets along. A body has to be +satisfied. Good mornin', brother. [_He stretches out his hand carelessly +to WALTHER who takes it in the same fashion._] How are you? How's +everythin'? + +WALTHER + +I gets along as usual. 'Twouldn't be bad if it was better! You're a +reg'lar nurse girl nowadays! + +HENSCHEL + +True, true! 'Tis almost that! + +WALTHER + +You're hardly ever seen without the girl. Can't you leave her with her +mother? + +HENSCHEL + +She's always scourin' an' workin'. The little thing is just in her way! +[_He sits down on a bench along the wall near the bar, not far from his +brother-in-law. He keeps the little girl on his lap. HILDEBRANT sits down +opposite him._] How is it, Hildebrant, what shall we have? I think we've +earned a bumper o' beer? Two of 'em, then, an two glasses o' brandy. + +HILDEBRANT + +That son of a--actually broke my skin! + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin' but a foal neither an' has the strength o'--... Good mornin', +Hauffe. + +HAUFFE + +Mornin'. + +HENSCHEL + +He's a bit surly. Let's not bother him. + +FABIG + +Mr. Henschel, won't you buy something o' me? A needle box for the wife, +maybe, or a pretty little comb to stick in the hair! [_All laugh._] +George, the waiter, he bought one too. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing good-naturedly with the others._] Don't you come botherin' me +with your trash! [_To WERMELSKIRCH._] Give him a measure o' beer!--'Tis a +quaint little chap he is. Who is it? + +HILDEBRANT + +'Tis Fabig from Quolsdorf, I think--the most mischievous little scamp in +the county. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, I got a little native from Quolsdorf here too. + +FABIG + +[_To BERTHA._] We're good old friends, eh? + +BERTHA + +[_To FABIG._] Why don't you dive me some nuts? + +FABIG + +Aha, she knows who I is! I'll look an' see if I c'n find some! + +BERTHA + +Outside in the waggon! + +FABIG + +No, they're here in my pocket! [_He gives them to the child._] You see, +you don't get out o' the pubs. Long ago your grandfather took you along; +now you got to go about with Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +[_To BERTHA._] Tell him to attend to his bit o' trash! Tell him you're +bein' looked out for! Tell him that! + + _GEORGE comes vivaciously out of the billiard room._ + +GEORGE + +[_Without noticing HENSCHEL._] Well,--I never saw the likes o' that! That +there feller c'n eat glass like anythin'. Put it down on the reckoning, +Miss Franziska: a lot o' beer! There's five o' us! + +FRANZISKA + +[_Has taken BERTHA on her arm. She goes with the child behind the bar._] +Bertha won't permit it; I can't do it now! + +GEORGE + +Good heavens, Mr. Henschel, there you are too! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Without noticing GEORGE, to HILDEBRANT._] Your health, Hildebrant! + + [_They clink their glasses and drink._ + +FABIG + +[_To GEORGE who, a little taken aback, lights his cigar at one of the +tables._] Tell me this, mister George, you're a kind of a wizard, eh? + +GEORGE + +Well, I do declare! What makes you think so? + +FABIG + +'Cause a while ago, you was gone like a light that's blown out. + +GEORGE + +Well, what's the use o' huntin' for disagreeable things. Siebenhaar an' +me--we can't agree, that's all. + +FABIG + +[_With the gesture of boxing another's ears._] People do say that +somethin' happened.--[_Passing by, to HAUFFE._] Did you win in the +lottery? eh? + +HAUFFE + +You damned vermin! + +FABIG + +Yes, that's just what I am. + +HENSCHEL + +Is it true that you're working down at Nentwich's now? + +HAUFFE + +What business is it o' yours? + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing and quite even-tempered._] Now look at that feller. He pricks +like a weasel wherever you touches him. + +WALTHER + +I s'pose you'll be our host here pretty soon now? + +HENSCHEL + +[_After he has glanced at him in astonishment._] That's the first ever +I've heard of it! + +WALTHER + +Oh, I thought! I don't know exackly who 'twas that told me. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Drinking: indifferently._] Whoever told you that must ha' been +dreamin'! + + [_Pause._] + +HILDEBRANT + +In this here house everythin' is bein' turned upside down now. An' what I +says is this: You'll be all sighin' to have Siebenhaar back some day. + +HENSCHEL + +[_To HAUFFE._] You might go over to Landeshut. I got two coach horses +standin' there. You might ride them in for me. + +HAUFFE + +The hell I will--that's what I'll do for you. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing and calmly._] Well, now you c'n sit there till you gets blue +in the face. I won't concern myself that much about you! + +HAUFFE + +You c'n keep busy sweepin' before your own door. + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis well, 'tis well. We'll let that there be. + +HAUFFE + +You got filth enough in your own house! + +HENSCHEL + +Hauffe, I tell you right now: I wouldn't like to do it. But if you're +goin' to start trouble here--I tell you that--I'll kick you out! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Peace, gentlemen! I beg of you: peace! + +HAUFFE + +You're not the host here an' you can't kick nobody out! You has no more +right to say anythin' here than me! I don't let you nor nobody tell me to +hold my tongue. No, not you an' not your wife, no matter how you scheme, +you two! That don't scare me an' don't bother me that much! + + _Without any show of anger, HENSCHEL grasps HAUFFE by the chest and + pushes him, struggling in vain, toward the door. Just before reaching + it he turns slightly, opens the door, puts HAUFFE out, and closes it + again. During this scene the following colloquy takes place:_ + +HAUFFE + +Let go, I tell you! I just warn you: let go! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mr. Henschel, that won't do; I can't permit that! + +HENSCHEL + +I gave you fair warnin'! There's no help for you now. + +HAUFFE + +Are you goin' to choke me? Let go, I tell you! You're not the host here! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_From behind the bar._] What's the meaning of this? That will never do, +Ludwig! You can't permit yourself to be treated that way! + +FABIG + +[_While HENSCHEL, holding HAUFFE, is rapidly approaching the door._] You +might as well let it be. There's nothin' to be done. That there man--he's +like an athlete. He'll bite his teeth into the edge of a table, and he'll +lift the table up for you so steady, you won't notice a glass on it +shakin'. If he went an' took the notion, I tell you, we'd all be flyin' +out into the street different ways! + + _HAUFFE has been put out, HENSCHEL returns._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Resuming his seat amid a general silence._] He wouldn't give no +rest--he's that stubborn. + +FIRST FIREMAN + +[_Who has come in out of the billiard room and drunk a glass of whisky at +the bar._] I'd like to pay. A man had better go. In the end anybody +might be flyin' out o' here, you know. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Yon take another glass of beer. That would be the last straw. After all, +I am still master here. + +WALTHER + +If that's the way you're goin' to do, Henschel, when you stands behind +the bar and runs this here place instead o' Wermelskirch--you won't keep +many customers, I c'n tell you that! + +HENSCHEL + +Customers like that don't matter. + +WALTHER + +You won't be able to pick 'em out, though. Hauffe don't pay with +counterfeit money neither. + +HENSCHEL + +He c'n pay anyway he wants to, for all I care. But I tell you again now: +Don't start that there business over again. I won't be takin' this place +at all. If I was goin' to take it, I ought to know better than anybody +else. Well, then: if I'm ready to buy a pub some day--I'll let you know! +Afterward you c'n give me your advice. An' if you don't like the place +an' don't patronise it--well, then, Lord A'mighty, you don't has to! + + _The FIREMAN goes out slamming the door angrily behind him._ + +WALTHER + +I s'pose it's just as well to go.... + + [_He prepares to pay his score._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mr. Henschel, surely that isn't right of you. You drive my customers out. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, my goodness! Now tell me: If that man runs out, what has I to do +with it? For my part he can stay here till mornin'. + +WALTHER + +[_Pocketing his money again._] You got no right to put anybody out o' +here. You're not the host. + +HENSCHEL + +Anythin' else you know? + +WALTHER + +People knows a good deal. Only they rather keep still. Wermelskirch knows +that best of all! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why I exactly? Now, look here, that's ... + +HENSCHEL + +[_Firmly and collectedly._] What is't you know? Out with it! One o' you +knows one thing an' another another, an' altogether you don't know that +much! + + [_Pause._] + +WALTHER + +[_In a changed tone._] If you were only the same man you used to be! But +God only knows what's gotten into you! In those days you had a standin' +among men. People came from far an' wide to get your advice. An' what you +said, that was--you might say--almost like the law o' the land. 'Twas +like Amen in church. An' now there's no gettin' along with you! + +HENSCHEL + +Go right ahead with your preachin'. + +WALTHER + +Very well, I s'pose you're noticin' it all yourself. Formerly, you had +nothin' but friends. Nowadays nobody comes to you no more; an' even if +they did want to come they stay away on account o' your wife. Twenty +years Hauffe served you faithful. Then, suddenly, he don't suit your +wife, an' you take him by the scruff an' put him out. What's the meanin' +o' that! That woman has but to look at you an' you're jumpin' at her +beck, instead o' goin' an' takin' a stout rope an' knockin' the +wickedness out o' her! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't keep still this minute--I'll take you by the scruff too. + +GEORGE + +[_To HENSCHEL._] Don't forget yourself, whatever you do, Mr. Henschel! +That man don't know no better, you see. + + [_Exit rapidly into the billiard room._ + +WALTHER + +I believe, Henschel, if a man comes nowadays an' tells you the truth, +you're capable o' flingin' him against the wall. But a feller like that, +a worthless windbag like George--he c'n lie to you day an' night. Your +wife an' he--they c'n compete with each other makin' a fool o' you! If +you want to be cheated--all right! But if you got a pair o' eyes left in +your head, open 'em once an' look around you an' look at that there +feller good an' hard. Them two deceive you in broad daylight! + +HENSCHEL + +[_About to hurl himself upon WALTHER, masters his rage._] What did you +say--eh? Nothin'! Aw, it's all right. + + [_Pause._] + +FABIG + +It's reg'lar April weather this day. Now the sun shines an' now it blows +again. + +HAUFFE'S VOICE + +[_From without._] I'll pay you back for this! You watch out! You c'n let +it be now! We'll meet again: we'll meet at court--that's where. + +WALTHER + +[_Finishes his glass._] Good-bye. I'm meanin' well by you, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Lays his hand about WALTHER'S wrist._] You stay here! Y' understan'? + +WALTHER + +What is I to do here? + +HENSCHEL + +You'll see for yourself. All I says is: You stay! [_To FRANZISKA._] Go +down an' tell my wife she's to come up! + + _FRANZISKA goes._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +But, dear Mr. Henschel, I beg you, for heaven's sake, don't cause a +scandal here! The police will be coming at me next, and then ... + +HENSCHEL + +[_In an outburst of towering, withering rage--bluish-red of face._] I'll +beat you all to death if Hanne don't come here--now!!! + +WALTHER + +[_In helpless perplexity._] Wilhelm, Wilhelm, don' go an' commit some +foolishness now! I wish I hadn't said nothin'. An' it didn't mean +nothin'. You know yourself how people will talk! + +HILDEBRANT + +Wilhelm, you're a good man. Come to your senses! My God, how you look! +Think, man, think! Why, you fairly roared! What's the matter with you? +That must ha' been heard all over the house! + +HENSCHEL + +Anybody c'n hear me now that wants to. But you stay here an' Hanne is to +come here. + +WALTHER + +Why should I be stayin' here? I don't know what for! Your affairs--they +don't concern me a bit. I don't mingle in 'em an' I don't want to! + +HENSCHEL + +Then you should ha' thought before you spoke! + +WALTHER + +Everythin' else that's between us'll be settled in court. There we'll see +who's in the right. I'll get hold o' my money; never fear! Maybe you're +wife'll think it over once or twice before she goes an' perjures herself. +The rest don't concern me. I tell you to let me go. I has no time. I has +to go to Hartau, an' I can't be kept waitin' here. + + _SIEBENHAAR re-enters._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +What's happened here? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Goodness, gracious, I don't know! I don't know what Mr. Henschel wants! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Who continues to imprison WALTHER'S wrist._] Hanne is to come here: +that's all. + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_To SIEBENHAAR._] The men were drinking their beer quite peacefully. +Suddenly Mr. Henschel came in and began a dispute as though he were +master here. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_With a deprecating gesture._] All right; all right. [_To HENSCHEL._] +What's happened to you, Henschel? + +HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar, it's no fault o' mine. I couldn't help things comin' +about this way. You may think what you please, Mr. Siebenhaar. I give you +my word--'twasn't my fault. + +SIEBENHAAR + +You needn't excuse yourself to me, Henschel. I know you're a man of +peace. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes. I was in your father's service long ago, an' even if it looks that +way a thousand times over--it wasn't my fault that this here has +happened. I don't know myself what I has done. I never was +quarrelsome--that's certain! But now things has come about ...! They +scratch an' they bite at me--all of 'em! An' now this man here has said +things o' my wife that he's got to prove--prove!!--or God help him! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Why don't you let the people gossip? + +HENSCHEL + +Proofs! Proofs! Or God help him! + +WALTHER + +I can prove it an' I will. There are not many people in this room that +don't know it as well as I. That there woman is on an evil way. 'Tis no +fault o' mine, an' I wouldn't ha' mentioned it. But I'm not goin' to let +you strike me. I'm no liar. I always speaks the truth! Ask it of anybody! +Ask Mr. Siebenhaar here on his honour an' conscience! The sparrows is +twitterin' it on every roof--an' worse things 'n that! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Think over what you're saying carefully, Walther. + +WALTHER + +He forces me to it! Why don't he let me go? Why is I to suffer for other +people? You know it all as well as I? How did you used to stand with +Henschel in other years when his first wife was alive? D'you think people +don't know that? An' now you don't cross his threshold. + +SIEBENHAAR + +The relations between us are our private affair. And I will not permit +remark or interference. + +WALTHER + +All right. But if first his wife dies, though she's as well as anybody, +an' when Gustel goes an' dies eight weeks later, then, I'm thinkin' it's +more'n a private affair! + +HENSCHEL + +What?--Hanne is to come! + + _MRS. HENSCHEL enters suddenly and quickly, just as she has come from + her work and still drying her hands._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What're you roarin' about so? + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis well that you're here.--This man here says-- + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Makes a movement as if to go._] Damned rot that it ... + +HENSCHEL + +You're to stay here! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Are you all drunk together? What're you thinkin' of, anyhow? D'you think +I'm goin' to stay here an' play monkey tricks for you? + + [_She is about to go._ + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, I advise you ... This man here says ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Aw, he c'n say what he wants to, for all I cares! + +HENSCHEL + +He says that you deceive me before my face an' behind my back! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What? What? What? What? + +HENSCHEL + +That's what he says! Is he goin' to dare to say that? An' that ... my +wife ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Me? Lies! Damned lies! + + [_She throws her apron over her face and rushes out._ + +HENSCHEL + +That I ... that my wife ... that we together ... that our Gustel ... 'Tis +well! 'Tis well! + + [_He releases WALTHER'S hand and lets his head sink, moaning, on the + table._ + +WALTHER + +I won't be made out a liar here. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE FIFTH ACT + + + _The same room as in the first three acts. It is night, but the + moonlight throws a moderate brightness into the room. It is empty. + Several days have passed since the occurrences in the fourth act._ + + _A candle is lit in the small adjoining room; at the end of a few + seconds HENSCHEL enters, carrying the candle in a candlestick of tin. + He wears leathern breeches but his feet are cased in bedroom + slippers. Slowly he approaches the table, gazes hesitatingly first + backward, then toward the window, finally puts the candlestick on the + table and sits down by the window. He leans his chin on his hand and + stares at the moon._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Invisible, from the adjoining chamber, calls:_] Husband! Husband! What +are you doin' out there?--the same mortal foolishness all the time! +--[_She looks in, but half-clad._] Where are you? Come 'n go to bed! 'Tis +time to sleep! To-morrow you won't be able to go out again! You'll be +lyin' like a sack o' meal and everythin' 'll go upside down in the yard. +[_She comes out, half-clad as she is, and approaches HENSCHEL +hesitatingly and fearfully._] What are you doin', eh? + +HENSCHEL + +--Me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why are you sittin' there an' not sayin' a word? + +HENSCHEL + +I'm lookin' at the clouds. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, no, my goodness; it's enough to confuse a person's head! What's to be +seen up there, I'd like to know! The same worry, night after night. +There's no rest in the world for nobody no more. What are you starin' at? +Say somethin', won't you? + +HENSCHEL + +Up there!... That's where they are! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're dreaming, eh? You, Wilhelm, wake up! Lay down in your bed an' go +to sleep. There's nothin' but clouds up there! + +HENSCHEL + +Anybody that has eyes c'n see what there is! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' anybody that gets confused in his mind goes crazy. + +HENSCHEL + +I'm not confused. + +MRS. HENSCHEL I'm not sayin' that you are! But if you go on actin' this +way, you will be! + + [_She shivers, pulls on a jacket, and stirs the ashes in the oven + with a poker._ + +HENSCHEL + +What time is it? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A quarter of two. + +HENSCHEL + +You've got a watch hangin' to you; it used to hang behind the door. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What fancies is you goin' to have next? 'Tis hangin' where it always did. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Rising._] I think I'll go over to the stables a bit. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I tells you to go to bed, or I'll raise an alarm. You got nothin' to do +in the stable now! 'Tis night, an' in bed is where you belong! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Remains standing quietly and looking at HANNE._] Where's Gustel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What are you botherin' for? She's lyin' in bed asleep! What are you +always worritin' over the girl for? She don't lack for nothin'! I don't +do nothin' to her! + +HENSCHEL + +She don't lack for nothin'. She's gone to bed. She's gone to sleep +betimes--Gustel has. I don't mean Berthel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Wailing, stuffs her apron into her mouth._] I'll run away! I won't stay +here! + +HENSCHEL + +--Go to bed, go! I'll come too. Your cryin' can't help no more now. 'Tis +our Lord alone knows whose fault it is. You can't help it; you don't need +to cry.--Our Lord an' me--we two, we knows. + + _[He turns the key in the door._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Hastily turning it back again._] Why d'you lock the door? I won't stand +bein' locked in. + +HENSCHEL + +I don't rightly know why I turned the key. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Them people has gone an' addled your brains for you! They'll have to +answer some day for the things they've put into your head! I took as good +care o' your girl as I did o' my own. She wouldn't ha' died o' that! But +I can't wake the dead. If a body is to die, she dies--in this world. +There's no holdin' people like that; they has to go. There never was much +strength in Gustel--you know that as well as I. Why do you go axin' me +an' lookin' at me as if I done God knows what to her! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Suspiciously._] Maybe you did somethin'. 'Tis not impossible. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Beside herself._] Oh, if somebody'd foretold this--I'd ha' gone beggin' +my bread first. No, no, O my goodness, if I'd ha' known that! To have to +listen to things like that! Didn't I want to go? An' who kept me back? +Who held me fast in the house here? I could ha' made my livin' any time! +I wasn't afraid; I could always work. But you didn't let up. Now I got my +reward. Now _I_ got to suffer for it! + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis true, maybe, that you has to suffer for it. Things comes _as_ they +come. What c'n a body do? + + [_He locks the door again._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to leave the door open, Wilhelm, or I'll cry for help! + +HENSCHEL + +--Sh! Keep still! Did you hear? There's somethin' runnin' along the +passage. D'you hear? Now it goes to the washstand. D'you hear the +splashin'? She's standin' there an' washin' herself! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You! Wilhelm! You're dreamin'! The wash-stand is in here! + +HENSCHEL + +That's just it! I know very well! They can't deceive me. I know what I +know, [_Hurriedly._] That's all I say.--Come, come, let's go to bed. +Time'll show. + + [_While he approaches the door of the next room, Mrs. HENSCHEL softly + unlocks the door to the hall and slips out._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Taking down a whip from the frame of the door._] Why, that's my old +Triest whip! Where does that old thing come from? I haven't seen it for +over a year. That was bought in mother's time. [_He listens._] What d'you +say? Eh?--O' course ... Certainly.--Nothin'!--Well, s'posin'! An' why +not? 'Tis well!--I know what I has to do!--I won't be stubborn.--You let +that be too. + + _SIEBENHAAR enters by the door which is slightly ajar. By means of + gestures he signifies to WERMELSKIRCH, who follows him, that the + latter is to remain behind, also to MRS. HENSCHEL. He is fully clad + except that he wears a silk kerchief instead of a collar. + WERMELSKIRCH is in his dressing-gown._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +Good evening, Mr. Henschel! What? Are you still up? You're not well, eh? +What's the matter with you? + +HENSCHEL + +[_After he has, for several seconds, regarded him with perplexity; +simply:_] I just can't sleep. I don't get sleepy at all! I'd like to take +some medicine, if I knew any. I don't know how it comes. God knows! + +SIEBENHAAR + +I'll tell you somethin', old friend: You go quietly to bed now, and +to-morrow, real early, I'll send the doctor in. You must really take some +serious step now. + +HENSCHEL + +No doctor won't be able to help me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +You mustn't say that; we'll see about that! Doctor Richter knows his +business. My wife couldn't sleep for weeks; her head ached as if it would +burst. Last Monday she took a powder, and now she sleeps all night like +the dead. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes ... well, well ... 'Tis possible! I'd like it well enough if I +could sleep.--Is the madam reel sick? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Oh, we're all a little under the weather. When once Monday is past, +everything will straighten out again. + +HENSCHEL + +I s'pose you has to turn over the property on Monday. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Yes, I hope it will be possible to arrange it by Monday. In the meantime +the work is heaping up so--what with writing and making the +inventory--that I scarcely get out of my clothes. But come now, Henschel, +and go to bed. One man has one trouble and another has another. Life is +no joke and we must all see how we can best fight our way through. And +even if many strange thoughts pass through your head--don't take them to +heart so! + +HENSCHEL + +Thank you many times, Mr. Siebenhaar. Don't take anythin' in ill part, +please. An' good luck to you an' your wife! + +SIEBENHAAR + +We'll see each other again to-morrow, Henschel. You owe me no thanks for +anything. We've done each other many a service in the years that we've +lived together here. And those services compensate for each other. We +were good friends and, surely, we will remain such. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Silently takes a few steps toward the window and looks out._]--Ah, +them's queer things here. Time don't stand still in this world. Little +Karl, he never came to see us no more ... I can't make no objection. +Maybe you was right. The lad couldn't ha' learned nothin' good here. +'Twas different--once! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I don't know what you mean now! + +HENSCHEL + +An' you didn't cross my threshold neither. 'Tis nine months since you +did. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I had too much to worry me; that's all. + +HENSCHEL + +Those were the very times you used to come before. No, no, I know. You +were right. An' the people are right too--all of 'em. I can't take no +pride in myself no more. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you must take some rest now. + +HENSCHEL + +No, no; we c'n talk about it a bit. You see, I know 'tis all my fault--I +know that, an' with that we can let it be. But before I went an' took +this woman--Hanne, I mean--before that it all began ... slowly it began, +slowly--but downhill right along. First thing, a good bonehandled whip +broke. After that, I remember it right well, I drove over my dog an' he +died. 'Twas the best little dog I had. Then, one right after another, +three o' my horses died; an' one of 'em was the fine stallion that cost +me five hundred crowns. An' then, last of all ... my wife died. I noticed +it well enough in my own thoughts that fate was against me. But when my +wife went away from me, I had a minute in my own mind when I thought to +myself: Now it's enough. There's not much else that c'n be taken from me. +But you see, there was somethin' else.--I don't want to talk about +Gustel. A man loses first his wife an' then a child--that's common. But +no: a snare was laid for me an' I stepped into it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Who laid a snare for you? + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe the devil; maybe, too, somebody else. It's throttlin' me--that's +certain. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's a most unhappy notion of yours ... + +HENSCHEL + +An' I'm denyin' nothin'. A bad man I've come to be, only it's no fault o' +mine. I just, somehow, stumbled into it all. Maybe it's my fault too. You +c'n say so if you want to. Who knows? I should ha' kept a better watch. +But the devil is more cunnin' than me. I just kept on straight ahead. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you're just your own worst enemy. You're fighting phantoms +which have no existence at any time or place. The devil has done nothing +to you, nor have you stepped into any snare. And no one is throttling you +either. That is all nonsense. And such fancies are dangerous. + +HENSCHEL + +We'll see; we c'n wait an' see. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, tell me something definite. You won't be able to do it, however you +try. You are neither bad, as you say, nor are you burdened by any guilt. + +HENSCHEL + +Ah, I know better. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, what is your guilt? + +HENSCHEL + +Here stood the bed. An' she was lyin' in it. An' here I gave her my +promise. I gave her my promise an' I've broken it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +What promise was that? + +HENSCHEL + +You know well enough!--I broke it an' when I did that, I was lost. I was +done for. The game was up.--An' you see: now she can't find no rest. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Are you speaking of your dead wife? + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis of her, of her exackly that I'm speakin'. She can't find no rest in +the grave. She comes an' she goes an' she finds no rest.--I curry the +horses; there she stands. I take a sieve from the feed-bin, an' I see her +sittin' behind the door. I mean to go to bed in the little room; 'tis she +that's lyin' in the bed an' lookin' at me.--She's hung a watch aroun' my +neck; she knocks at the wall; she scratches on the panes.--She puts her +finger on my breast an' I'm that smothered, I has to gasp for air. No, +no, I know best. You got to go through a thing like that before you know +what it is. You can't tell about It. I've gone through a deal--you c'n +believe me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, this is my last word to you: Gather all the strength you have +in you; plant yourself firmly on both legs. Go and consult a physician. +Tell yourself that you are ill, very ill, but drive these phantoms away. +They are mere cobwebs of the brain, mere fancies. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what you said that there time, too. Just so or somethin' like it +you said. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very likely, and I'm willing to stand by it now. What you did in the +matter of your marriage, it was your entire right to do. There was no +question of any sin or guilt. + + _WERMELSKIRCH steps forward._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Henschel, come over to me. We'll light the gas and play cards. We'll +drink beer or whatever you want to and smoke a pipe with it; then the +ghosts can come if they want to. In two hours it will be bright daylight. +Then we can drink some coffee and take a walk. The devil is in this if +you can't be made to be your old self again. + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe so; we c'n try it all right. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well then, come along. + +HENSCHEL + +I won't go to your place no more. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +On account of that little nonsense the other day? That was only a +misunderstanding. And all that has been cleared up. I simply won't let +Hauffe come in any more. The fellow is always drunk; that's a fact. +Things are often said in heat that simply enter at one ear and pass out +at the other. And that's the way to treat such incidents, I always do. + +HENSCHEL + +An' that'd be best too. You're quite right. But no--I won't be comin' +into the barroom no more. I'm goin' to travel about a good bit, I think. +Maybe they won't follow me all roun'. An' now sleep well. I'm feelin' +sleepy too. + +SIEBENHAAR + +How would it be, Henschel, if you came up with me? There's light upstairs +and my office is heated. There we can all three play a little game. I +wouldn't lie down to-night anyhow. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes; we could be doin' that together. 'Tis long since I've touched a +card. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's right. Go on up. You wouldn't be able to sleep nohow. + +HENSCHEL + +I'm not goin'! Y' understand me now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, if you're goin' to stay, then I won't. God knows what you'll be up +to this night. You'll begin to be playin' aroun' with knives again. Yes, +that's what he did yesterday. A body's not sure o' her life no more. + +HENSCHEL + +You won't see me goin' up there. He advised me to do what I did, an' then +he was the first one to despise me for doin' it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I never despised you. You're an honourable fellow, through and +through; don't talk nonsense now. There are certain fates that come upon +men. And what one has to bear is not easy. You have grown ill, but you +have remained a good man. And for that truth I'll put my hand in the +fire! + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe that's true too, Mr. Siebenhaar.--Let it be; we'll talk about +somethin' else. 'Tisn't your fault; I always said that. An' I can't blame +my brother-in law neither. He knows where he gets all that from, 'Tis she +herself goes roun' to people an' tells 'em. She's everywhere--now here +an' now there. I s'pose she was with her brother too. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Who is it that goes about among people? Not a soul is thinking of that +affair of the other night, That's quite forgotten by this time. + +HENSCHEL + +It sticks to me--it does--turn it any way you please. _She_ knows how to +go about it. She's everywhere, an' she'll persuade folks. An' even, if +people was goin' to be silent for my sake an' wasn't after me like so +many dogs--nothin' c'n do any good. It'll stick to me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, we won't go away until you've put that, out of your mind. You +must calm, yourself entirely. + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, I'm sensible now an' quiet, reel quiet. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very well. In that case we can talk quite frankly. You see for yourself +how your wife repents. That waiter fellow is gone; he's far away by this +time and you'll never set your eyes on him again. Anyone may fall into +sin--no matter who it is. And so take each other's hands. Bury that +matter, hide it out of sight and be at peace. + +HENSCHEL + +I don't has to make no peace with her. [_To HANNE._] I c'n give you my +hand! I don't mind. That you've gone an' made a mistake--the Lord c'n +judge that in this world. I won't condemn you on that account.--If only +... about Gustel ... if only we could know somethin' ... about that ... +for certain! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You c'n both kill me this minute. May I drop dead if I did any harm to +Gustel!! + +HENSCHEL + +That's what I've been sayin': It'll stick to me.--Well, we c'n talk it +over again to-morrow. Before we get through talkin' about that, many a +drop o' water'll have time to run into the sea, I'm thinkin'. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why don't you build a comfortable fire and cook a cup of hot coffee. +After rain comes the sunshine. That's the way it is between married +people. There will be storms in every marriage. But after the storm +everything grows greener. The main thing is: Bye, baby, bye--[_He +imitates the gesture of one rocking a child in his arms._]--That's the +right way. That's the thing that you two must get for yourselves. +[_Jovially patting HENSCHEL'S shoulder._] That's what the old man likes. +You two must get together and buy a toy like that. Confound it, Henschel! +It would be queer if that weren't easy. A giant of a man like you! Good +night all. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Everything changes. One must have courage. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Just keep cool and dress warmly--that's it! + + _SIEBENHAAR and WERMELSKIRCH withdraw. HENSCHEL goes slowly to the + door and is about to lock it again._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to leave that open! + +HENSCHEL + +All right; I don't mind.--What are you doin' there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Who has been bending down before the oven, draws herself up quickly._] +I'm makin' a fire. Don't you see that? + +HENSCHEL + +[_Sitting down, heavily by the table._] For my part you c'n light the +lamp too. + + [_He pulls out the drawer of the table._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What are you lookin' for? + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Then you c'n push it back in. [_She steps forward and shuts the drawer._] +I s'ppose you want to wake Berthel up? + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +Monday he's goin'. Then we'll be alone. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who's goin' on Monday? + +HENSCHEL + +Siebenhaar. The Lord knows how we'll get along with the new owner. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He's a rich man. He won't borrow money of you at least. + +HENSCHEL + +--Hanne, one of us two'll have to go. One of us two. Yes, yes,'tis true. +You c'n look at me. That can't be changed. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm to go away? You want to drive me away? + +HENSCHEL + +We'll see about that later--_who_ has to go! Maybe 'twill be me, an' +maybe 'twill be you. If I was to go ... I know this for sure--you +wouldn't be scared about yourself. You're able to look after the business +like a man.--But 's I said: it don't matter about me. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If one of us has to go--I'll go. I'm still strong enough. I'll leave an' +nobody needn't see me no more. The horses an' the waggons--they're all +yours. You got the business from your father an' you can't go an' leave +it. I'll go an' then the trouble'll be over. + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis easy sayin' that. We got to consider one thing at a time. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There's no use in drawin' it out. What's over and done with is over. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Rising heavily and going toward the adjoining room._] An' Berthel? +What's to become o' the lass? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +She'll have to go to father, over in Quolsdorf. + +HENSCHEL + +[_At the door of the bedroom._] Let it be. To-morrow is another day. +Everythin' changes, as Siebenhaar says. To-morrow, maybe, everythin' 'll +look different. + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +[_Invisible in the next room._] Berthel is sweating all over again. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That won't do her no harm to be sweatin' a bit. The drops are runnin' +down my neck too. Oh, what a life--[_She opens a window._]--a body'd +rather be dead. + +HENSCHEL + +What are you talkin' about? I don't understand. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Lie down on your side an' leave me alone. + +HENSCHEL + +Are you comin' too? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +It's most day now. + + [_She winds the clock._] + +HENSCHEL + +Who's windin' the clock? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to keep still now. If Berthel was to wake up it'd be a fine to do. +She'd howl for half an hour. [_She sits down at the table and leans both +elbows upon it._] 'Twould be best if a body got up an' went away, + + _SIEBENHAAR peers in._ + +SIEBENHAAR I'm lookin' in once more. Is your husband calmer now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, he lay down to sleep. [_She calls._] Husband! Wilhelm! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Sh! You'd better be grateful. Hurry and go to bed yourself. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There's nothin' else left to do. I'll go an' try. [_She goes to the door +of the bedroom, stands still as if spellbound and listens._] Wilhelm! You +might answer.--[_Louder and more frightened._] Wilhelm! You're not to +frighten me this way! Maybe you think I don't know that you're still +awake!!--[_In growing terror._]--Wilhelm, I tell you!... [_BERTHEL has +waked up and wails._] Berthel, you look out an' keep still! Keep still or +I don't know what'll happen!--Wilhelm! Wilhelm! + + [_She almost shrieks._ + + SIEBENHAAR looks in again. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What's the matter, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I call an' call an' he don't answer! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Are you crazy? Why do you do that? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--'Tis so still ... Somethin's happened. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What?--[_He takes up the candle and goes toward the bedroom door._] +Henschel, have you fallen asleep? + + [_He enters the bedroom._ + + [_Pause._] + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Not daring to follow him._] What is it? What is it? What's goin' on? + + _WERMELSKIRCH looks in._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Who's in there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar.--'Tis so still. Nobody don't answer.-- + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Very pale and holding BERTHEL on his arm hurries out of the bedroom._] +Mrs. Henschel, take your child and go up to my wife. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Already with the child in her arms._] For God's sake, what has +happened? + +SIEBENHAAR + +You'll find that out all too soon. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With a voice that is first repressed and at last rises to a scream._] O +God, he's done hisself some harm! + + _[She runs out with the child._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Shall I call the doctor? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Too late! He could give no help here. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +ROSE BERND + + + + +LIST OF PERSONS + + +BERND. + +ROSE BERND. + +MARTHEL. + +CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. + +MRS. FLAMM. + +ARTHUR STRECKMANN. + +AUGUST KEIL. + +HAHN. HEINZEL. GOLISCH. KLEINERT. _Field Labourers_ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH. + +THE HEAD MAID SERVANT. + +THE ASSISTANT MAID SERVANT. + +A CONSTABLE. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _A level, fertile landscape. It is a clear, warm, sunny morning in + May. Diagonally from the middle to the foreground extends a path. The + fields on either side are raised slightly above it. In the immediate + foreground a small potato patch on which the green shoots are already + visible. A shallow ditch, covered with field flowers, separates the + path from the fields. To the left of the path on a slope about six + feet in height an old cherry tree, to the right hazelnut and + whitethorn bushes. Nearly parallel with this path, but at some + distance in the background, the course of a brook is marked by + willows and alder trees. Solitary groves of ancient trees add a + park-like appearance to the landscape. In the background, left, from + among bushes and tree-tops arise the gables and the church steeple of + the village. A crucifix stands by the wayside in the foreground, + right. It is Sunday._ + + _ROSE BERND, a beautiful, vigorous peasant girl of twenty-two + emerges, excited and blushing, from the bushes at the left and sits + down on the slope, after having peered shyly and eagerly in all + directions. Her skirt is caught up, her feet are bare, as are her + arms and neck. She is busily braiding one of her long, blonde + tresses. Shortly after her appearance a man comes stealthily from the + bushes on the other side. It is the landowner and magistrate, + CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. He, too, gives the impression of being embarrassed + but at the same time amused. His personality is not undignified; his + dress betrays something of the sportsman, nothing of the dandy--laced + boots, hunter's hose, a leather bottle slung by a strap across his + shoulder. Altogether FLAMM is robust, unspoiled, vivid and + broad-shouldered and creates a thoroughly pleasant impression. He + sits down on the slope at a carefully considered distance from ROSE. + They look at each other silently and then break out into + inextinguishable laughter._ + +FLAMM + +[_With rising boldness and delight sings ever louder and more heartily, +beating time like a conductor._] + + "In heath and under greenwood tree, + There is the joy I choose for me! + I am a huntsman bold + I am a huntsman bold!" + +ROSE + +[_Is at first frightened by his singing; then, more and more amused, her +embarrassment gives way to laughter._] Oh, but Mr. Flamm ... + +FLAMM + +[_With a touch of jaunty boldness._] Sing with me, Rosie! + +ROSE + +Oh, but I can't sing, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Ah, that isn't true, Rosie. Don't I hear you often and often singing out +on the farm: + + "A huntsman from the Rhineland ..." Well! + "Rides through the forest green." + +ROSE + +But I don't know that song a bit, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +You're not to say Mr. Flamm! Come now! + + "Girlie, come and move + Here to my favourite si-i-ide!" + +ROSE + +[_Anxiously._] The people will be comin' from church in a minute, Mr. +Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Let 'em come! [_He gets up and takes his rifle from the hollow cherry +tree to the left._] I'd better hang it around again anyhow. So.--And now +my hat and my pipe! Good. They can come whenever they please. [_He has +slung his gun across his shoulder, straightened his hat which is +ornamented with a cock's feather, taken a short pipe out of his pocket +and put it between his lips._] Look at the wild cherries. They're thick. +[_He picks up a handful of them and shows them to ROSE. With heartfelt +conviction:_] Rosie, I wish you were my wife! + +ROSE + +Goodness, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +I do, so help me! + +ROSE + +[_Nervously trying to restrain him_] Oh no, no! + +FLAMM + +Rosie, give me your dear, good, faithful little paw. [_He holds her hand +and sits down._] By heaven, Rosie! Look here, I'm a deucedly queer +fellow! I'm damned fond of my dear old woman; that's as true as ... + +ROSE + +[_Hiding her face in her arm._] You make me want to die o' shame. + +FLAMM + +Damned fond of her I tell you ... but--[_His patience snaps._]--this +doesn't concern her a bit! + +ROSE + +[_Again tempted to laugh against her will._] Oh, but how you talk, Mr. +Flamm! + +FLAMM + +[_Filled with hearty admiration of her._] Oh, you're a lovely woman! You +are lovely! You see: my wife and I ... that's a queer bit of business, +that is. Not the kind of thing that can be straightened out in a minute. +You know Henrietta ... She's sick. Nine solid years she's been bedridden; +at most she creeps around in a wheel chair.--Confound it all, what good +is that sort o' thing to me? + + [_He grasps her head and kisses her passionately._ + +ROSE + +[_Frightened under his kisses._] The people are comin' from church! + +FLAMM + +They're not thinking of it! Why are you so worried about the people in +church to-day? + +ROSE + +Because August's in church too. + +FLAMM + +That long-faced gentry is always in church! Where else should they be? +But, Rosie, it isn't even half past ten yet; and when the service is over +the bells ring. No, and you needn't be worried about my wife either. + +ROSE + +Oh, Christopher, she keeps lookin' at a body sometimes, so you want to +die o' shame. + +FLAMM + +You don't know my old lady; that's it. She's bright; she can look through +three board walls! But on that account ...! She's mild and good as a lamb +... even if she knew what there is between us; she wouldn't take our +heads off. + +ROSE + +Oh, no! For heaven's sake, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +Nonsense, Rosie! Have a pinch, eh? [_He takes snuff._] I tell you once +more: I don't care about anything! [_Indignantly._] What is a man like me +to do? What, I ask you? No, don't misunderstand me! Surely you know how +seriously I think of our affair. Let me talk ahead once in a while. + +ROSE + +Mr. Christie, you're so good to me ...! [_With a sudden ebullition of +tenderness, tears in her eyes, she kisses FLAMM'S hand._] So good ... but +... + +FLAMM + +[_Moved and surprised._] Good to you? No wonder! Deuce take me, Rosie. +That's very little, being good to you. If I were free, I'd marry you. You +see, I've lost the ordinary way in life! Not to speak of past affairs! +I'm fit for ... well, I wonder what I _am_ fit for! I might have been a +royal chief forester to-day! And yet, when the governor died, I went +straight home and threw over my career. I wasn't born for the higher +functions of society. All this even is too civilised for me. A block +house, a rifle, bear's ham for supper and a load of lead sent into the +breeches of the first comer--that would be ...! + +ROSE + +But that can't be had, Mr. Flamm! And ... things has got to end sometime. + +FLAMM + +[_Half to himself._] Confound it all to everlasting perdition! Isn't +there time enough left for that spindle-shanked hypocrite? Won't there be +far too much left for that fellow anyway? No> girlie, I'd send him about +his business. + +ROSE + +Oh, but I've kept him danglin' long enough. Two years an' more he's been +waitin'. Now he's urgent; he won't wait any longer. An' things can't go +on this way no more. + +FLAMM + +[_Enraged._] That's all nonsense; you understand. First you worked +yourself to the bone for your father. You haven't the slightest notion of +what life is, and now you want to be that bookbinder's pack horse. I +don't see how people can be so vulgar and heartless as to make capital +out of another human being in that way! If that's all you're looking +forward to, surely there's time enough. + +ROSE + +No, Christie ... It's easy to talk that way, Mr. Flamm! But if you was +put into such circumstances, you'd be thinkin' different too.--I know how +shaky father's gettin'! An' the landlord has given us notice too. A new +tenant is to move in, I believe! An' then it's father's dearest wish that +everythin's straightened out. + +FLAMM + +Then let your father marry August Keil, if he's so crazy about the +fellow. Why, he's positively obsessed. It's madness the way he's taken +with that man! + +ROSE + +You're unjust, Mr. Flamm; that's all. + +FLAMM + +Say rather ... Well, what? What was I going to say?... I can't bear that +sanctimonious phiz! My gorge rises at the sight of him. God forgive me, +Rosie, and forgive you especially! Why shouldn't I be open with you? It +may be that he has his merits. They say, too, that he's saved up a few +shillings. But that's no reason why you should go and drown yourself in +his paste-pot! + +ROSE + +No, Christopher! Don't talk that way! I musn't listen to such talk, the +dear Lord knows!--August, he's been through a lot!--His sickness an' his +misfortunes--that goes right to a person's soul ... + +FLAMM + +A man can never understand you women folks. You're an intelligent and +determined girl, and suddenly, on one point, your stupidity is simply +astonishing--goose-like, silly! It goes straight to your soul, does it? +From that point of view you might as well marry an ex-convict, if pity or +stupidity are reasons. You ought to raise a bit of a row with your father +for once! What's hurting August? He grew up in the orphan house and +succeeded in making his way for all that. If you won't have him, his +brethren in the Lord will find him another. They're expert enough at +that! + +ROSE + +[_With decision._] No, that won't do. And--it has got to be, Mr. +Flamm.--I'm not sorry for what's happened, though I've had my share o' +sufferin' in quiet. All to myself, I mean. But never mind. An' nothin' +can change that now. But it's got to come to an end some day--it can't +never an' never go on this way. + +FLAMM + +Can't go on? What do you mean by that exactly? + +ROSE + +Just ... because things is no different in this world. I can't put him +off no longer; an' father wouldn't bear with it. An' he's quite right in +that matter. Dear Lord ha' mercy! 'Tis no easier on that account! But +when it'll all be off a body's soul ... I don't know--[_She touches her +breast._] they calls it, I believe, strain o' the heart, Oh, times are +when I has real pains in my heart ... An' a person can't feel that way +all the time. + +FLAMM + +Well, then there's nothing more to be done just now. It's time for me to +be getting home. [_He gets up and throws the rifle across his shoulder._] +Another time then, Rosie. Good-bye! + + _ROSE stares straight in front of her without answering._ + +FLAMM + +What's the matter, Rosie? Won't there be another time? + + _ROSE shakes her head._ + +FLAMM + +What, have I hurt you, Rosie? + +ROSE + +There'll never be another time--like this--Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +[_With despairing passion._] Girl, I don't care if it costs me everything +... + + [_He embraces her and kisses her again and again._ + +ROSE + +[_Suddenly in extreme terror._] For the love o' ... some one's comin', +Mr. Flamm! + + _FLAMM in consternation, jumps up and disappears behind a bush._ + + _ROSE gets up hastily, straightens her hair and her dress and looks + anxiously about her. As no one appears she takes up the hoe and + begins to weed the potato patch. After a while there approaches, + unnoticed by her, the machinist ARTHUR STRECKMANN dressed in his + Sunday coat. He is what would generally be called a handsome + man--large, broad-shouldered, his whole demeanour full of + self-importance. He has a blond beard that extends far down his + chest. His garments, from his jauntily worn huntsman's hat to his + highly polished boots, his walking coat and his embroidered + waistcoat, are faultless and serve to show, in connection with his + carriage, that STRECKMANN not only thinks very well of himself but is + scrupulously careful of his person and quite conscious of his unusual + good looks._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_As though but now becoming conscious of ROSE'S presence, in an +affectedly well-modulated voice._] Good day, Rosie. + +ROSE + +[_Turns frightened._] Good day, Streckmann. [_In an uncertain voice_] +Why, where did you come from? From church? + +STRECKMANN + +I went away a bit early. + +ROSE + +[_Excitedly and reproachfully._] What for? Couldn't you put up with the +sermon? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Boldly._] Oh, it's such beautiful weather out. An' that's why! I left +my wife in the church too. A feller has got to be by himself once in a +while. + +ROSE + +I'd rather be in church. + +STRECKMANN + +That's where the women folks belongs. + +ROSE + +I shouldn't wonder if you had your little bundle o' sins. You might ha' +been prayin' a bit. + +STRECKMANN + +I'm on pretty good terms with the Lord. He don't keep such very +particular accounts o' my sins. + +ROSE + +Well, well! + +STRECKMANN + +No, he don't bother with me much. + +ROSE + +A vain, fool--that's what you is! + + _STRECKMANN laughs in a deep and affected tone._ + +ROSE + +If you was a real man, you wouldn't have to go an' beat your wife at +home. + +STRECKMANN + +[_With a gleam in his eyes._] That shows that I'm a real man! That shows +it! That's proper! A man's got to show you women that he's the master. + +ROSE + +Don't be fancyin' such foolishness. + +STRECKMANN + +That's so, for all you say. Right _is_ right. An' I never failed to get +what I was wantin' that way. + + _ROSE laughs constrainedly._ + +STRECKMANN + +People says you're goin' to leave Flamm's service. + +ROSE + +I'm not in Flamm's service at all. You see now that I'm doin' other +things. + +STRECKMANN + +You were helpin' at Flamm's no later'n yesterday. + +ROSE + +Maybe so! Maybe I was or maybe I wasn't! Look after your own affairs. + +STRECKMANN + +Is it true that your father has moved? + +ROSE + +Where to? + +STRECKMANN + +With August over into Lachmann's house. + +ROSE + +August hasn't even bought the house yet. Those people--they knows more +than I. + +STRECKMANN + +An' they says too that you'll be celebratin' your weddin' soon. + +ROSE + +They can be talkin' for all I care. + +STRECKMANN + +[_After a brief silence approaches her and stands before her with legs +wide apart._] Right you are! You can marry him any time. A fine girl like +you don't need to hurry so; she can have a real good time first! I +laughed right in his face when he told me. There's no one believes him. + +ROSE + +[_Quickly._] Who's been sayin' it? + +STRECKMANN + +August Keil. + +ROSE + +August himself? An' this is what he gets from his silly talkin'. + +STRECKMANN + +[_After a silence._] August he's such a peevish kind.... + +ROSE + +I don't want to hear nothing. Leave me alone! Your quarrels don't concern +me! One o' you is no better'n another. + +STRECKMANN + +Well, in some things--when it comes to bein' bold. + +ROSE + +Oh, heavens! That boldness o' yours. We knows that. Go about an' asks the +women folks a bit. No, August isn't that kind. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Laughs with lascivious boastfulness._] I'm not denyin' that. + +ROSE + +An' you couldn't. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looking at her sharply through half-closed lids._] It's not comfortable +to make a fool o' me. What I wants of a woman--I gets. + +ROSE + +[_Jeeringly._] Oho! + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, oho! What would you wager, Rosie! You been makin' eyes at me many a +time. + + [_He has approached and offered to put his arms around her._ + +ROSE + +Don't be foolish, Streckmann! Keep your hands off o' me! + +STRECKMANN + +If it was.... + +ROSE + +[_Thrusts him away._] Streckmann! I've been tellin' you! I don't want to +have nothin' to do with you men. Go your own way. + +STRECKMANN + +What am I doin' to you?--[_After a silence with a smile that is half +malicious, half embarrassed._] You wait! You'll be comin' to me one o' +these days! I'm tellin' you: you'll be comin' to me yourself some day! +You can act as much like a saint as you wants to.--D'you see that cross? +D'you see that tree? Confound it! There's all kinds o' things! I've been +no kind o' a saint myself! But ... right under a cross ... you might be +sayin' just that ... I'm not so very partic'lar, but I'd take shame at +that. What would your father be sayin' or August? Now, just f'r instance: +this pear tree is hollow. Well an' good. There was a rifle in there. + +ROSE + +[_Has been listening more and more intently in the course of her work. +Deadly pale and quivering she bursts out involuntarily:_] What are you +sayin'? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'!--I'm sayin' nothin' more.--But when a feller hasn't no notion of +nothin' an' is thinkin' no ill, a wench like you acts as high an' mighty! + +ROSE + +[_Losing self-control and leaping in front of him in her terror._] What +is't you say? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Calmly returning her terrible gaze._] I said: A wench like you. + +ROSE + +An' what's the meanin' o' that? + +STRECKMANN + +That's got no special meanin'. + +ROSE + +[_Clenches her fists and pierces him with her eyes in an intense passion +of rage, hate, terror and consternation until in the consciousness of her +powerlessness she drops her arms and utters almost whiningly the words:_] +I'll know how to get my good right about this! + + [_Holding her right arm before her weeping eyes and wiping her face + with the left, she returns, sobbing brokenly, to her work._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks after her with his old expression of malicious coldness and +determination. Gradually he is seized with a desire to laugh and finally +bursts out:_] That's the way things go! Don't worry a bit.--What do you +take me for anyhow, Rose? What's the row about? This kind o' thing don't +do no harm! Why shouldn't a person fool her neighbours? Why not? Who made +'em so stupid? Them as can do it are the finest women in the world! Of +course, a man like me knows how things are! You can believe me--I've +always known about you. + +ROSE + +[_Beside herself._] Streckmann! I'll do myself some harm! Do you hear? Or +else go away from our bit o' patch! Go ... I ... something awful will +happen, I tell you! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Sits down and claps his flat hands over his knees._] For goodness' +sake! Don't carry on so! D'you think I'll be goin' about everywhere an' +tellin' what I know an' rakin' you over the coals? How does it concern +me, I'd like to know, what your goin's on are? + +ROSE + +I'll go home an' hang myself on a beam! That's what Mary Schubert did +too. + +STRECKMANN + +That was a different thing with her! That girl had different things on +her conscience! An' I didn't have nothin' to do with her.--But if every +woman was to go an' hang herself on account o' what you've done--there +wouldn't be no more women in this world. That sort o' thing happens +wherever you look--everywhere--that's the way things is. O' course, I +have to laugh. That father o' yours, he carries himself so high! The way +he stares at a feller that's gone a bit off the narrow way. It's enough +to make you want to go an' hide your face. Well--people ought to begin at +home ... + +ROSE + +[_Trembling in the terror of her heart._] O dear Lord, have mercy! + +STRECKMANN + +Can you deny that I'm right? You people stick in piety up to the very +eyes--your father an' August Keil an' you too! A feller like me can't +compete with you there. + +ROSE + +[_With a new outburst of despair._] It's a lie ... a lie! You saw +nothing! + +STRECKMANN + +No? Saw nothing? Well, I'll be...! Then I must ha' been dreamin'. That's +what it must ha' been! If that wasn't Squire Flamm from Diessdorf! I +haven't had a drop o' anythin' to-day. Didn't he play at drivin' you by +the braids o' your hair? Didn't he throw you into the grass? [_With +uncontrollable, hard laughter._] He had a good hold on you! + +ROSE + +Streckmann, I'll beat your head in with my hoe! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Still laughing._] Listen to that! What now? You're not goin' to cut up +so rough! Why shouldn't you ha' done it? I don't blame you. First come, +first served: that's the way o' the world. + +ROSE + +[_Weeping and moaning in her helpless grief and yet working +convulsively._] A feller like that, presumes to ...! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Enraged and brutally._] It's you that presumes! 'Tisn't me that does! +Not that I'd mind presumin' a good deal. If Flamm's good enough, it's +certain that I am! + +ROSE + +[_Sobbing and crying out in her despair._] I've been a decent girl all my +life long! Let anybody come an' say somethin' against me if he can! I +took care o' three little brothers an' sisters! Three o'clock in the +mornin' I've gotten up, an' not so much as taken a drop o' milk! An' +people knows that! Every child knows it! + +STRECKMANN + +Well, you needn't make such a noise about it! The bells is ringin' and +the people is comin' from church. You might be a bit sociable with a +feller. You people are just burstin' with pride. Maybe it's true ... +things look as if it was. I'm not sayin' but what you're a good worker +an' a good saver. But otherwise you're no better'n other folks. + +ROSE + +[_Gazing into the distance; in extreme fear._] Isn't that August that's +comin' there? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks in the same direction toward the village. Contemptuously_:] +Where? Oh, yes, that's him! There they both are! They're just walkin' +around the parson's garden. Well, what about it? You think I ought to be +gettin' away? I'm not afeard o' them psalm-singin' donkeys. + +ROSE + +[_In quivering fear._] Streckmann, I've saved up twelve crowns ... + +STRECKMANN + +Rosie, you know you've saved more than that. + +ROSE + +All right, I'll give you all my bit o' savin's! I don't care for the +money ... I'll bring it to you, to the last farthing. Streckmann, only +have pity ... + + [_She seeks to grasp his hands beseechingly, but he draws them away._ + +STRECKMANN + +I takes no money. + +ROSE + +Streckmann! For the sake o' all good things in the world ... + +STRECKMANN + +Well now, I can't see why you don't act sensible. + +ROSE + +If one person in the village finds that out.... + +STRECKMANN + +It depends on you! Nobody needn't know. All you need to do is not to +force it on 'em ... [_With sudden passion._] What's at the bottom of +it?--I'm crazy about you ... + +ROSE + +Where's the woman or girl you're not crazy about! + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe it's so. I can't change things. A man like me who has to go the +round o' all the estates in the country with his threshin' machine--he +don't have worry because he's not talked about. I know best how it is +with me. Before ever Flamm came--I'm not mentionin' August--I'd thrown an +eye on you. An' nobody knows what it's cost me. [_With iron +stubbornness._] But the devil fetch me now! Come what may, Rosie! There's +no more use tryin' to joke with me! I happened to come upon somethin' +to-day! + +ROSE + +An' what is it? + +STRECKMANN + +You'll see soon enough. + + _MARTHEL, ROSE'S younger sister, comes skipping along the field-path. + She is neatly dressed in her Sunday garments and is still + pronouncedly child-like._ + +MARTHEL + +[_Calls out._] Rose, is that you? What are you doin' here? + +ROSE + +I've got to finish hoein' the patch. Why didn't you stop to finish it o' +Saturday? + +MARTHEL + +Oh, dearie me, Rosie, if father sees you! + +STRECKMANN + +If there's a bit o' profit in it, he won't do nothing very bad. You let +old Bernd alone for that! + +MARTHEL + +Who is that, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Oh, don't ask me! + + _Old BERND and AUGUST KEIL are approaching along the field-path from + the village. The old, white-haired man, as well as the other who is + about thirty-five years old, is dressed in his Sunday coat and each + carries a hymn book. Old BERND has a white beard; his voice has a + certain softness as though he had had and been cured of a severe + pulmonary affection. One might imagine him to be a dignified retired + family coachman. AUGUST KEIL, who is a bookbinder, has a pale face, + thin, dark moustache and pointed beard. His hair is growing notably + thin and he suffers from occasional nervous twitching. He is lean, + narrow-chested; his whole appearance betrays the man of sedentary + employment._ + +BERND + +Isn't that Rosie? + +AUGUST + +Yes, father Bernd. + +BERND + +You can't nowise make the girl stop that. When the fit takes her, she's +got to go an' toil--if it's weekday or holiday. [_He is quite near her by +this time._] Is there not time enough o' weekdays? + +AUGUST + +You do too much, Rosie! There's no need o' that! + +BERND + +If our good pastor saw that, it'd hurt him to the very soul. He wouldn't +trust his own eyes. + +AUGUST + +An' he's been askin' for you again. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Suggestively._] They say, too, as he wants her to be his housekeeper. + +BERND + +[_Noticing him for the first time._] Why, that's Streckmann! + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, here I am, life-size. That girl, she's as busy as an ant or a bee! +She'll be workin' if her sides crack. She's got no time to be sleepin' in +the church. + +BERND + +It's little sleepin' we does there, I tell you. You might better say that +them as are out here do the sleepin' an' don't want no awakenin'. The +Bridegroom is at hand ... + +STRECKMANN + +An' that's certainly true! But the bride, meantime, runs off! + +AUGUST + +You're in a merry mood this day. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, that I am. I could hug a curbstone ... or the handle o' your +collection bag. I do feel most uncommonly jolly. I could laugh myself +sick. + +BERND + +[_To ROSE._] Put up your things an' we'll go home! Not that way! That way +I'm not goin' home with you! Put your hoe in the hollow of the tree! +Carryin' that o' Sunday would give offence. + +AUGUST + +There's them that even gads about with guns. + +STRECKMANN + +An' devils that take no shame carryin' a whisky-bottle. + + [_He pulls his bottle out of his pocket._ + +AUGUST + +Each man does those things on his own responsibility. + +STRECKMANN + +True. An' at his own expense! Come, take courage an' have a drink with me +for once. + + [_He holds out the bottle to AUGUST who pays no attention to him._ + +BERND + +You know well enough that August drinks no spirits!--Whereabouts is your +threshin' machine now? + +STRECKMANN + +But you, father Bernd; you can't go an' refuse to take a drop with me! +You've been a distiller yourself! My machine is on the great estate down +below. + +BERND + +[_Takes the bottle hesitatingly._] Just because it's you, Streckmann, +otherwise I wouldn't be touchin' it. When I was manager of the estate, I +had to do a good many things! But I never liked to distil the drink an' I +didn't touch it in them days at all. + +STRECKMANN + +[_To AUGUST who has placed a spade in the hollow of the cherry tree._] +You just look at that tree! Piff, paff! All you got to do is to take your +aim and let it fly. + +BERND + +There's people that goes hunting o' Sundays. + +STRECKMANN + +Squire Flamm. + +BERND + +Just so. We ha' met him. 'Tis bad. I'm sorry for them folks. + + _STRECKMANN throws cock-chafers at ROSE._ + +ROSE + +[_Trembling._] Streckmann! + +BERND + +What's wrong? + +AUGUST + +What's the meanin' o' that? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! We've got a little private quarrel! + +AUGUST + +You can have your little quarrels. But it'd be better if you had 'em +without her. + +STRECKMANN + +[_With malicious hostility._] You take care, August! Watch out! + +BERND + +Peace! Don't be quarrelsome! In God's name! + +STRECKMANN + +The dam' carrion always spits at me! + +AUGUST + +Carrion is a dead beast ...! + +STRECKMANN + +August, let's be at peace. Father Bernd is right; people ought to like +each other! An' it isn't Christian the way you act sour like! Come on +now! Have a drink! You're not good-lookin', your worst enemy'd have to +admit that, but you're fine when it comes to readin' an' writin' an' +you've got your affairs pretty well arranged! Well, then, here's to your +weddin'--an early one an' a merry one! + + _BERND takes the bottle and drinks since AUGUST remains quite + unresponsive._ + +STRECKMANN + +I take that real kind o' you, father Bernd. + +BERND + +When it comes to drinkin' to a happy weddin', I makes an exception! + +STRECKMANN + +Exactly! That's proper! That's right!--It isn't as if I was a horse-boy +to-day as in the old times on the estate when you had the whip hand o' +me. I've gotten to be a reputable kind o' feller. Anybody that's got a +head on his shoulders makes his way. + +BERND + +God bestows his favours on them he wants to.--[_To AUGUST._] Drink to a +happy weddin'. + +AUGUST + +[_Takes the bottle._] May God grant it! We don't have to drink to it. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Slapping his thigh._] An' may he give plenty o' little Augusts, so that +the grandfather can be glad. An' the oldest of 'em all must grow up to be +a squire!--But now you ought to let Rosie have a drink too. + +BERND + +You're weepin', Rosie. What's troublin' you? + +MARTHEL + +The tears keep runnin' out o' her eyes all the time. + +AUGUST + +[_To ROSE._] Drink a drop, so's to let him have his will. + + _ROSE takes the bottle, overcoming her repugnance by a violent + effort._ + +STRECKMANN + +Right down with it now! Let's be jolly! + + _ROSE drinks trembling and hands back the bottle to AUGUST with + undisguised disgust._ + +BERND + +[_Softly in his paternal pride to STRECKMANN._] There's a girl for you! +He'd better keep a good hold o' her. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _The large living room in FLAMM'S house. The large, low room which is + on a level with the ground has a door at the right leading to the + outer hall. A second door in the rear hall leads into a smaller + chamber, filled with hunting implements, etc., which FLAMM calls his + den. When this door is open, garments and rifles and stuffed bird + heads are to be seen covering the walls of the smaller room. In it + stands, also, the chest of drawers in which FLAMM stores the + documents kept by him as magistrate. The large room with its three + windows on the left side, its dark beams and its furnishings creates + an impression of home-likeness and comfort. In the left corner stands + a large sofa covered with material of an old-fashioned, flowery + pattern. Before it stands an extension table of oak. Above the door + of the den hangs a glass case containing a group of stuffed + partridges. Immediately to the right of this door a key-rack with + keys. Not far from this stands a bookcase with glass doors which is + filled with books. Upon this bookcase stands a stuffed owl and next + to it hangs a cuckoo clock. A great tile oven of dappled blue + occupies the right corner of the room. In all the three windows of + the left wall are potted plants in bloom. The window beside the table + is open as well as the one farther forward. In front of the latter + MRS. FLAMM is sitting in an invalid's chair. All the windows have + mull curtains. Not far from the window nearest to the spectator there + is an old chest of drawers covered by a lace scarf upon which are to + be seen glasses, bric-a-brac and family mementos of various kinds. On + the wall above hang family photographs. Between the oven and the door + that leads to the outer hall stands an old-fashioned grand piano and + an embroidered piano-stool. The keyboard of the instrument is turned + toward the tile oven. Above the piano there are glass cases + containing a collection of butterflies. In the foreground, to the + right, a brightly polished roller-top desk of oak with a simple + chair. Several such chairs are set against the mall near the desk. + Between the windows an old armchair covered with brown leather. Above + the table a large brass lamp of English manufacture is suspended. + Above the desk hangs the large photograph of a handsome little boy of + five. The picture is in a simple wooden frame wreathed in fresh field + flowers. On top of the desk a large globe of glass covers a dish of + forget-me-nots. It is eleven o'clock in the forenoon on a magnificent + day of late spring._ + + _MRS. FLAMM is an attractive, matronly woman of forty. She wears a + smooth, black alpaca dress with a bodice of old-fashioned cut, a + small cap of white lace on her head, a lace collar and soft lace + cuffs which all but cover her emaciated, sensitive hands. A book and + a handkerchief of delicate material lie in her lap. MRS. FLAMM'S + features are not without magnanimity and impressiveness. Her eyes are + light blue and piercing, her forehead high, her temples broad. Her + hair, already gray and thin is plainly parted in the middle. From + time to time she strokes it gently with her finger tips. The + expression of her face betrays kindliness and seriousness without + severity. About her eyes, her nose and her mouth there is a flicker + of archness. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looks thoughtfully out into the open, sighs, becomes absorbed in her +book for a moment, then listens and closes her book after inserting a +bookmark. Finally she turns toward the door and speaks in a slightly +raised, sympathetic voice._] Whoever is out there ... come in! [_A tap is +heard, the door to the hall is slightly opened and the head of old BERND +is seen._] Well, who is it? Ah, that's father Bernd, our deacon and +trustee. Come right in! I'm not going to bite you. + +BERND + +We was wantin' to speak to the squire. + + [_He enters, followed by AUGUST KEIL. Both are once more in their + best clothes._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, well, you do look solemn. + +BERND + +Good mornin', Missis. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good day to you, father Bernd.--My husband was in his den there a minute +ago. [_Referring to AUGUST._] And there is your future son-in-law too. + +BERND + +Yes, by God's help, Mrs. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, then, do take a seat. I suppose you want to make official +announcement of the marriage? It's to be at last. + +BERND + +Yes, thanks be to God; everythin' is in readiness now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm glad o' that. This waiting leads to very little. If something is to +be, then 'tis better to have it done! So the girl has made up her mind to +it at last? + +BERND + +Yes. An' it's like takin' a stone off my heart. She has kept us all +hangin' about this long time. Now she wants to hurry of her own free +will. She'd rather have the weddin' to-day than to-morrow. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm very glad of that, Mr. Keil! Very glad, indeed, Bernd. Christie! I +think my husband will be here presently! So this matter has been adjusted +at last! Well, father Bernd, I think you ought to feel that you're lucky! +You must be well content. + +BERND + +An' so I am! You're right indeed, Mrs. Flamm! Day before yesterday we +talked it all over. An' God has given us an especial blessin' too. For +August went to see the lady of Gnadau an' she was so extraordinar' +kind-hearted as to loan him a thousand crowns. An' with that he can go +an' buy the Lachmann house now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that true? Is that possible? Now there you see again how life is, +father Bernd. When your master let you go without a bit o' pension or +anything for your old age, you were quite desperate and hopeless. An' +'twas an unfeeling thing to do! But now God has turned everything to +good. + +BERND + +So it is! But men has too little faith! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, then! Now you're well off! In the first place the house is right +opposite the church, an' then it has a good bit o' land that goes with +it! And Rose, well, I'm sure she knows how to manage. Yes, you can really +be satisfied. + +BERND + +The blessin's that a lady like that can spread! Next to God ... it's to +her we owe the most. If I'd been in her service an' had ruined my health +as I did workin' for my master, I wouldn't ha' had to complain. + +MRS. FLAMM + +You have nothing more to complain of now, Bernd. + +BERND + +My goodness, no! In one way not! + +MRS. FLAMM + +You can't count on gratitude in this world. My father was chief forester +for forty years an' when he died my mother knew want for all that.--You +have an excellent son-in-law. You can live in a pleasant house and you'll +even have your own land to work on. And that everything goes from better +to better--well, you can let your children see to that. + +BERND + +An' that's what I hope for too. No, I haven't no doubt o' that at all. A +man who has worked himself up in the world that way by carryin' tracts +... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Weren't you thinking once of being a missionary? + +AUGUST + +Unfortunately my health was too bad for that. + +BERND + +... An' learned readin' an' writin' an' his trade too the while, an' is +so upright an' Christian--well, I feel that I can lay down my head in +peace if it is to lay it down to my last sleep. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do you know, by the way, father Bernd, that my husband is giving up his +office as magistrate? He'll hardly marry your girl. + +BERND + +They're in a hurry.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +I know, I know. Rose is helpin' along too. She was in to see me this +morning. If you wouldn't mind, going to look ... right behind the yard +... Christie!... There he is.... + +FLAMM + +[_Not yet visible, calls:_] Presently! In a moment! + +MRS. FLAMM + +It's official business. + + _FLAMM, without coat or waistcoat, appears in the door of his den. + His gleaming white shirt is open in front. He is busy cleaning the + barrels of a shotgun._ + +FLAMM + +Here I am. The machinist Streckmann was here just now. I'd like to have +my threshing done at once, but the machine is down there on the estate +and they're far from being done ... Dear me! Surely that's father Bernd. + +BERND + +Yes, Mr. Flamm, we have come here. We were wantin' to.... + +FLAMM + +One thing after another! Patience! [_He examines the barrels of the gun +carefully._] If you have official business for the magistrate, you'd +better wait a little while. Steckel will be my successor and he will take +these matters a deal more solemnly. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Holding her crocheting needle to her chin and observing her husband +attentively._] Christie, what silly stuff are you talking? + +AUGUST + +[_Who, pale from the first, has grown paler at the mention of +STRECKMANN'S name, now arises solemnly and excitedly._] Your honour, we +want to announce a marriage.--I am ready, by God's help, to enter into +the holy state of matrimony. + +FLAMM + +[_Stops looking at the gun. Lightly._] Is it possible? And are you in +such a hurry about it? + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Banteringly._] How does that concern you, Christie? Dear me, let the +good folks marry in peace! You're a reg'lar preacher, you are! If that +man had his will, father Bernd, there wouldn't be hardly anything but +single men and women. + +FLAMM + +Well, marriage is a risky business,--You're the bookbinder August Keil. + +AUGUST + +At your service. + +FLAMM + +You live over in Wandriss? And you've bought the Lachmann house? + +AUGUST + +Exactly. + +FLAMM + +And you want to open a book-shop? + +AUGUST + +A book and stationery shop. Yes. Probably, + +BERND + +He thinks o' sellin' mostly devotional books. + +FLAMM + +There's some land that belongs to the Lachmann house, isn't there? It +must be there by the big pear tree? + +BERND _and_ AUGUST + +[_At the same time._] Yes. + +FLAMM + +Why then our properties adjoin! [_He lays down the barrels of the gun, +searches in his pockets for a bunch of keys and then calls out through +the door:_] Minna! Come and wheel your mistress out! + + [_Resignedly though unable to control his disquiet, he sits down at + the desk._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +A very chivalrous man! But he's in the right! I'm in the way just now! +[_To the neat maid who has come in and stepped behind her._] Come, my +girl, wheel me into the den. An' you might well pin up your hair more +smoothly. + + _MRS. FLAMM and the MAID disappear in the den._ + +FLAMM + +I'm really sorry for the Lachmanns. [_To KEIL._] You invested your +savings in a mortgage on that property, didn't you? [_AUGUST coughs +excitedly and in embarrassment._] Well, that's all the same in the end! +Whoever owns that property, though, has cause to congratulate +himself.--So you want to marry? Well, all that's wanting is the lady! How +is that? Is the lady stubborn? + +AUGUST + +[_Very much wrought up and quite determined._] We're at one entirely, so +far as I know. + +BERND + +I'll go an' fetch her, Mr. Flamm. + + [_Exit rapidly._ + +FLAMM + +[_Who has opened the desk in obvious absentmindedness, observes BERND'S +departure too late._] Nonsense, there's no such terrible hurry. [_For a +few moments he gazes in some consternation at the door through which +BERND has disappeared. Then he shrugs his shoulders._] Do as you please! +Exactly as you please! I can light a pipe in the meanwhile. [_He gets up, +takes a tobacco pouch from the bookcase and a pipe from a rack on the +wall, fills the pipe and lights it. To AUGUST._] Do you smoke? + +AUGUST + +No. + +FLAMM + +Nor take snuff? + +AUGUST + +No. + +FLAMM + +And you drink no whisky, no beer, no wine? + +AUGUST + +Nothing except the wine in the sacrament. + +FLAMM + +Iron principles, I must say! Quite exemplary!--Come in! I thought someone +was knocking. Or wasn't there? Those confounded ...! You practise a bit +of quackery now and then as a diversion, don't you? [_AUGUST shakes his +head._] I thought you healed by prayer? Seems to me I heard something +like that. + +AUGUST + +That would be somethin' very different from quackery. + +FLAMM + +In what respect? + +AUGUST + +Faith can move mountains. And whatever is asked in the right spirit ... +there the Father is still almighty to-day. + +FLAMM + +Come in! Surely someone's been knocking again! Come in! Come in! Confound +it all! [_Old BERND, very pale himself, urges ROSE to enter. She is pale +and resists him. She and FLAMM look steadfastly into each other's eyes +for a moment. Thereupon FLAMM continues:_] Very well! Just wait one +little minute. + + [_He goes into the den as though to search for something._ + + _The following colloquy of BERND, ROSE and AUGUST is carried on in + eager whispers._ + +BERND + +What was Streckmann sayin' to you? + +ROSE + +Who? But, father ... + +BERND + +Streckmann was out there, talkin' an' talkin' to her! + +ROSE + +Well, what should he ha' been talkin' to me about? + +BERND + +That's what I'm askin' you. + +ROSE + +An' I know about nothin'. + +AUGUST + +You ought to have no dealin's with such a scamp! + +ROSE + +Can I help it if he talks to me? + +BERND + +You see, you must confess that he's been talkin' to you! + +ROSE + +An' if he has! I didn't listen to him-- + +BERND + +I'll have to be givin' notice about that feller Streckmann. I'll have to +get the help o' the law against him. We was walkin' past there a while +ago where they're workin' with that threshin' machine. You hear? They're +beginnin' again! [_From afar the humming and rumbling of the machine is +heard._] An' then he called out somethin' after us. I couldn't just +rightly hear what it was. + +AUGUST + +If a girl talks as much as two words to that man, her good repute is +almost ruined. + +ROSE + +Well, go an' get yourself a better girl. + +FLAMM + +[_Re-enters. He has put on a collar and a hunting coat. His demeanour is +firm and dignified._] + +Good morning, everybody. Now what can I do for you? When is this wedding +to take place? What's the trouble? You don't seem to be in agreement. +Well, won't you please say something? Well, my good people, it doesn't +look as though you were really ready. Suppose you take my advice: go home +and think it all over once more. And when you've quite made up your minds +come in again. + +AUGUST + +[_Dictatorially._] The matter'll be adjusted now. + +FLAMM + +I have surely nothing against it, Keil. [_About to make the necessary +notes with a pencil._] When is the ceremony to take place? + +BERND + +As soon as ever it's possible, we was thinkin'. + +AUGUST + +Yes; in four or five weeks if it could be done. + +FLAMM + +In four or five weeks? So soon as that? + +AUGUST + +Yes, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Then I must beg you to name the exact date. It's very difficult to make +such arrangements so rapidly and.... + +ROSE + +[_Involuntarily from the depth of her painful excitement._] An' it might +well wait a bit longer'n that. + +FLAMM + +What do you mean, Rosie? I should say Miss Bernd. We've known, each other +all our lives. But one shouldn't--be so familiar with a girl who's +betrothed. However, it seems, then, that you are not in agreement.... + +AUGUST + +[_Who has started violently at ROSE'S words, has stared at her +uninterruptedly since. Now he fights down his emotion and says with +unnatural calm:_] Very well then. Good-bye and good luck to you, father +Bernd. + +BERND + +Stay right where you are, August, I tell you! [_To ROSE._] An' as for +you! I'm tellin' you now that you must make up your mind one way or +t'other! D'you understand? Long enough has I had patience with you, an' +August too, more than was need. We went an' took your foolishness upon +ourselves. We was thinkin': Patience, patience! The Almighty will bring +the lass to her senses. But things gets worse an' worse with you. Three +days ago you give me your sacred promise an' plighted your troth to +August, an' you yourself was hard put to it to wait. An' to-day comes an' +you want to be shirkin'. What's the meanin' o' that? What do you think o' +yourself? D'you think you can dare anything because you've been a good, +decent lass? Because you've had self-respect an' been industrious, an' no +man can say evil o' you? Is that the reason? Ah, you're not the only one +o' that kind. That's no more'n our dooty! An' we're not permitted to +think anything of ourselves on that account! There's others as don't go +gaddin' to the dance! There's others as has taken care o' her brothers +an' sisters an' kept house for an old father! They're not all slovens an' +gadabouts even though you're a pious, decent lass! An' how would things +ha' been if you had been different? The street would ha' been your home! +No girl like that could be a daughter o' mine! This man here, August, he +has no need o' you! A man like that has but to stretch out his hand ... +an' he can have any girl he wants, even if her people are of the best. He +might be havin' a very different wife from yourself! Truly, a man's +patience can't bear everything! It'll snap sometime! Pride, arrogance, +recklessness--that's what it is in you! Either you keep your promise, +or.... + +FLAMM + +Now, now, father Bernd! You must be gentle! + +BERND + +Your honour, you don't know how it's been! A girl that leads on and makes +a fool of an honest man that way--she can't be no daughter o' mine! + +AUGUST + +[_Nearly weeping._] What have you got to reproach me with, Rose? Why are +you so hard toward me? 'Tis true, I never had no confidence in my good +fortune? An' why should I have? I'm made for misfortune! An' that's what +I've always told you, father Bernd, in spite of it all I've taken thought +an' I've worked an' God has given his blessin' so that I've not fallen by +the wayside. But I can weep; these things aren't for me! That would ha' +been too much of a blessin'. I grew up in an orphan house! I never knew +what it was to have a home! I had no brother an' no sister ... well, a +man can still hold fast to his Saviour.--It may be I'm not much to look +at, lass! But I asked you an' you said yes. 'Tis the inner man that +counts! God looks upon the heart ... You'll be bitter sorry some day! + + [_He tries to go but BERND holds him back._ + +BERND + +Once more! Here you stay, August!--D'you understand, Rosie! I means these +words: This man here ... or ... no, I can't permit that! That man here +was my friend an' support long before he asked you to be his wife. When I +was down with the sickness an' couldn't earn nothin', an' no one was good +to us--he shared his bit o' bread with us! [_AUGUST, unable to master his +emotion any longer, takes his hat and goes out._] He was like an angel o' +the Lord to us!--August! + +ROSE + +I'm willin'. Can't you give me a little time? + +BERND + +He's given you three years! The good pastor has tried to persuade you ... +Now August is tired out! Who's to blame him for't? Everything must end +somewhere! He's in the right! But now you can look after yourself an' see +what becomes o' you ... I can't take no more pride in such a daughter. + + [_Exit._ + +FLAMM Well, well, well, well! This is the damnedest ...! + + _ROSE has become alternately red and deathly pale. It is clear that + she is struggling with emotions so violent that she can scarcely hold + them in check. After BERND has gone out the girl seems to fall into a + state of desperate numbness._ + +FLAMM + +[_Closing the public registration book and finding courage to look at +ROSE._] Rose! Wake up! What's the matter with you? Surely you're not +going to worry about all that ranting? [_A fever seems to shake her and +her great eyes are full of tears._] Rose! Be sensible! What's the ...? + +ROSE + +I know what I want--and--maybe--I'll be able to put it through! An'--if +not--it don't matter--neither! + +FLAMM + +[_Walks up and down excitedly, stopping to listen at the door._] +Naturally. And why not? [_Apparently absorbed in the key-rack from which +he takes several keys, whispers in feverish haste._] Rose! Listen! Rose, +do you hear me? We must meet behind the outbuildings! I must talk it all +over with you once more. Ssh! Mother's in there in the den. It's not +possible here! + +ROSE + +[_Uttering her words with difficulty but with an iron energy._] Never an' +never, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +I suppose you want to drive us all mad? The devil has gotten into you! +I've been running around after you for the better part of a month, trying +to say a sensible word to you and you avoid me as if I were a leper! +What's the result? Things of this kind! + +ROSE + +[_As before._] An' if everythin' gets ten times worse'n it is--_no_! You +can all beat down on me; I don't deserve no better! Go on an' wipe your +boots on me, but ... + +FLAMM + +[_Who is standing by the table, turns suddenly with indignant +astonishment toward ROSE. He strives to master his rage. Suddenly however +he brings down his fist on the table top with resounding violence._] I +will be damned to all ...! + +ROSE + +For heaven's sake ... + + _MRS. FLAMM, wheeled by a maid servant, appears at the door of the + den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What is the trouble, Christopher? + + _FLAMM who has turned deadly pale, pulls himself together + energetically, takes his hat and cane from the wall and goes out + through the door at the right._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looks at her husband in consternation, shakes her head at his abrupt +departure and then turns questioningly to ROSE._] What has happened? +What's the matter with him? + +ROSE + +[_Overwhelmed by her profound wretchedness._] Oh, dear Mrs. Flamm, I'm +that unhappy! + + [_She sinks down before MRS. FLAMM and buries her head in the + latter's lap._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Now do tell me!... For pity's sake, lass ... what's come over you! What +is it? You're like a different creature. I can't never understand that! +[_To the maid who has wheeled her in._] I don't need you now; you can +come back later! Get everything ready in the kitchen. [_The maid leaves +the room._] Now then! What is the trouble? What has happened? Tell me +everything! It'll ease you! What? What is't you say? Don't you want to +marry that pasty August? Or maybe you're carryin' some other fellow +around in your thoughts? Dear me! one o' them is about as good as +another, an' no man is worth a great deal. + +ROSE + +[_Controlling herself and rising._] I know what I wants and that's the +end o't! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that true? You see, I was afraid you didn't know! Sometimes a woman +don't know, especially a young one like you. An' then, maybe, an older +woman can help a bit. But if you know what you want,'tis well! You'll be +findin' your own way out o' your trouble. [_Putting on her spectacles, +with a keen glance._] Rosie, are you ill maybe? + +ROSE + +[_Frightened and confused._] Ill? How ...? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Why, don't people get ill? You used to be so different formerly. + +ROSE + +But I'm not ill! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm not sayin' it. I just ask. I ask because I want to know! But we must +understand each other rightly! 'Tis true! Don't let's talk round about +the thing we want to know, or play hide an' seek.--You're not afraid that +I don't mean well? [_ROSE shakes her head vigorously._] An 'twould be +strange if you did. That's settled then. You used to play with my little +Kurt. You two grew up together until it pleased God to take my only +child.--An' that very time your mother died too an' I remember--she was +lyin' on her deathbed--that she was askin' me that I might, if possible, +look after you a bit. + +ROSE + +[_Staring straight before her._] The best thing for me would be to jump +into the river! If things is that way ... God forgive me the sin! + +MRS. FLAMM + +If things are that way? How? I don't understand you! You might well speak +a bit more clearly.--In the first place, I'm a woman myself, an' it won't +astonish me. An' then--I've been a mother myself, even if I have no +children now. Lass, who knows what's wrong with you? I've been watchin' +you for weeks an' weeks; maybe you didn't notice anything, but now I want +you to come out with the truth.--Wheel me over to that chest o' drawers. +[_ROSE obeys her._] So! Here in these drawers are old things--a child's +clothes an' toys. They were Kurt's ... Your mother said to me once: My +Rose, she'll be a mother o' children! But her blood is a bit too hot!--I +don't know. Maybe she was right. [_She takes a large doll from one of the +drawers._] Do you see? Things may go as they want to in this world, but a +mother is not to be despised.--You and Kurt used to play with this doll. +'Twas you mainly that took care o' her, washed her, fed her, gave her +clean linen, an' once--Flamm happened to come up--you put her to your +breast.--You brought those flowers this morning, didn't you? The +forget-me-nots in the little dish yonder? An' you put flowers on Kurt's +grave o' Sunday. Children an' graves--they're women's care. [_She has +taken a little child's linen shift from the drawer, she unfolds it, +holding it by the sleeves, and speaks from behind it._] Didn't you, +Rosie? An' I thank you for it, too. Your father, you see, he's busy with +his missionary meetin's an' his Bible lessons an' such things. All people +are sinners here, says he, an' he wants to make angels of 'em. It may be +that he's right, but I don't understand those things. I've learned one +thing in this world, an' that is what it is to be a mother an' how a +mother is blessed with sorrows. + + _ROSE overwhelmed and moaning has sunk down beside MRS. FLAMM and + kisses the latter's hands again and again in gratitude and as a sign + of confession._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Shows by a sudden gleam in her eyes that she understands the truth and +has received the confession. But she continues to speak quietly._] You +see, lass, that's what I've learned. I've learned that one thing which +the world has forgotten. I don't know very much about anything else. As +much as most people, maybe, an' that's not any real knowledge. [_She lays +down the child's shift carefully on her lap._] Well, now you go home an' +be of good courage! I'll be thinkin' things over for you. 'Tis well so +far. I'll ask you no more just now. You're different now ... all's +different. An' I'll be doubly careful. I don't want to know anything, but +I want you to depend on me. Little I care, anyhow, who the father is--if +'tis a councillor or a beggar. It's we who have to bring the children +into the world, an' no one can help us there. Three things you must think +about--how about your father, and about August ... an' something more. +But I have time enough! I'll think it all over an' I'll feel that I'm +still good for something in this world. + +ROSE + +[_Has arisen and passed again into a state of moral numbness._] No, no, +Mrs. Flamm, don't do that! You can't! Don't take no interest in me! I've +not deserved it of him nor of no one! I know that! I've got to fight it +through--alone! There's no help in others for me; it's ... no, I can't +tell you no clearer!... You're as good to me as an angel! Dear God, +you're much too good! But it's no use! I can't take your help. +Good-bye.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Wait a little! I can't let you go this way. Who knows what you may be +doin'? + +ROSE + +No, you can be reel quiet about that, Mrs. Flamm. I'm not that desperate +yet. If there's need, I can work for my child. Heaven's high an' the +world is wide! If it was just me, an' if it wasn't for father an' if +August didn't seem so pitiful ... an' then, a child ought to have a +father! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good. You just be resolute. You were always a brave girl. An' 'tis better +if you can keep your courage up!--But, if I've understood you rightly, I +can't see at all why you want to fight against the weddin'. + +ROSE + +[_Becomes sullen, pale and fearful._] What can I say? I don't hardly +know! An' I don't want to fight against it no more. Only ... +Streckmann.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Be open with me, you understand? For my part you can go home now! But +come back to-morrow! An' listen to this thing I say: Be glad! A woman +ought to be glad of her child.... + +ROSE + +An' God knows that I am! An' I will fight it all through! Only--nobody +can't help me to do it! + + [_Exit quickly._ + +MRS. FLAMM [_Alone. She looks after ROSE, sighs, takes the child's shift +from her lap, unfolds it as before and says:_] Ah, lass,'tis a good +fortune that you have, not an evil! There's none that's greater for a +woman! Hold it fast! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _A fertile landscape. In the foreground, to the right, on a + triangular piece of greensward slightly below the level of the + fields, there stands an old pear tree, at the foot of which a spring + empties into a primitive basin of stone. The middle distance is of + meadow land. In the background a pool, bordered by reeds and dotted + by water plants, lies in a grove of alder trees and bushes of + hazelnut, willow and beech. The meadows extend on either side + encircled by immemorial oaks, elms, beeches and birch trees. Between + the foliage of the trees and bushes the church spires of distant + villages are visible. To the left, behind the bushes, arise the + thatched roofs of the field barns._ + + _It is a hot afternoon of early August._ + + _From afar is heard the hum of the threshing machine. BERND and + AUGUST KEIL come from, the right. They are worn out from labour and + from the heat. The men are clad only in their shirts, breeches, boots + and caps. Each carries a hoe across his shoulder, a scythe in his + hand, and carries at his belt a cowherd's horn and whetstone._ + +BERND + +'Tis hot an' to spare to-day. A man must rest a bit! But a feelin' o' +peace comes to you workin' on your own ground. + +AUGUST + +The trouble is I'm not used to mowin'. + +BERND + +You went an' did your share right bravely. + +AUGUST + +Yes, yes! But how long can I do it? All my limbs are twitchin' an' +hurtin' me now. + +BERND + +You can rest content, my son. A man's got to be used to that kind o' +work. An' in your case 'tis only an exception. But, 's I said, you could +well go an' be a gard'ner. + +AUGUST + +For the space of a day. On the second I'd collapse. There's no use; I'm +but a broken reed. I went to the county physician again. 'Twas the same +as always. He just shrugged his shoulders. + +BERND + +You're well now an' in God's hands. The most you might do is to put a few +rusty nails in water an' drink the rinsings two or three times a week. +That purifies the blood an' strengthens the heart.--I only hope the +weather'll keep on this way. + +AUGUST + +The heat's too terrible. When we were mowin', I thought I heard thunder. + +BERND + +[_Kneeling down on the edge of the basin and drinking from the surface of +the spring._] Water is the best drink for all they say. + +AUGUST + +How late is it? + +BERND + +'Tis about four o'clock, I'm wonderin' what keeps Rose with our evenin' +meal. [_He raises his scythe and looks at the blade. AUGUST does the +same._] Will you have to sharpen? Mine will do a bit longer. + +AUGUST + +I can try it this way a while longer. + +BERND + +[_Throws himself on the grass under the pear tree._] You'd better come +an' sit down by me. An' if, maybe, you got your Testament with you, we +might refresh ourselves with the Good Word. + +AUGUST + +[_Sitting down exhausted and glad to be free._] All I say is: Thanks and +praise be to the Lord. + +BERND + +D'you see, August, I said to you then: Let her be! The lass will find her +own way! Now she's come to her senses! In the old days, before your time, +often an' often I worried about her. A kind o' stubbornness used to come +over her from time to time. An' 'twas always best to let her +be!--Sometimes it seemed, as God lives, as if the lass was runnin' +against a wall--a strong wall that nobody else couldn't see, an' as if +she had to grope her way around it first. + +AUGUST + +What got into her that day ... I'm thankin' God on my knees ... but that +day I didn't know what to make of it! Suddenly she--how that came about +...? No, I can't see the rights of it to this day. + +BERND + +An' how different did she act this time when we went down to the +magistrate. + +AUGUST + +I'm glad that it's no longer Squire Flamm. + +BERND + +Yes, an' this time she didn't say a word an' in four or five minutes +everythin' was straight. That's the way she is. 'Tis the way o' women. + +AUGUST + +D'you think it had somethin' to do with Streckmann? He called out some +words behind you that day, an' first he had talked to her. + +BERND + +It may be so, an' it may not be so. I can't tell you. Times is when one +can't get a word out o' her. 'Tis not a good thing. An' on that account +I'm glad that she'll be the wife of a man who can influence her an' take +that sullen way from her. You two are meant for one another. 'Tis well! +The girl needs to be led, an' you have a kind hand an' a gentle one. + +AUGUST + +When I see that Streckmann, I feel as if I had to look upon the evil one +hisself.... + +BERND + +Maybe she thought as the feller meant mischief. He's been a sinner from +his childhood on! Many a time his mother complained of it!... It may be! +'Twouldn't surprise no one in him. + +AUGUST + +When I see that man, I don't seem to be myself no longer. Hot an' cold +shudders run down my back, an' I come near to accusin' our Heavenly +Father ... because he didn't make me a Samson in strength. Such times, +God forgive me, I have evil thoughts. [_The whizzing of Streckmann's +engine is heard._] There he is! + +BERND + +Don't take no notice of him. + +AUGUST + +I won't. An' when 'tis all over, I'll shut myself up in my four walls an' +we can lead a quiet life. + +BERND + +A good, quiet life--God grant it! + +AUGUST + +And I don't want to know nothin' of the world no more! The whole business +fills me with horror! I have taken such a disgust to the world and to +men, that I ... Father, I don't hardly know how to say it ... but when +the bitterness o' things rises up into my throat--then I laugh! Then I +have a feelin' of peace in the thought of death; and I rejoice in it like +a child. + + _A number of thirsty field labourers, an old woman and two young + girls, all from the estate of the magistrate FLAMM, come hurriedly + across the fields. They are HAHN, HEINZEL, GOLISCH, OLD MRS. GOLISCH, + OLD KLEINERT, THE HEAD MAID SERVANT and her ASSISTANT. The men are + clad in trousers, the women have their skirts gathered up, shawls + over their breasts and manicoloured kerchiefs on their heads._ + +HAHN + +[_Thirty years old, bronzed and vigorous._] I'm always the first at the +fountain! The rest o' ye c'n run all ye want to! Ye can't never ketch up +with me! [_He kneels down and leans over the spring._] Eh, but I'd like +to jump right in. + +THE ASSISTANT MAID + +Don't ye dare! We've got a thirst too. [_To the HEAD MAID SERVANT._] Have +ye a bit of a cup with ye to dip up the water? + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +Hold on there! I comes first. + +HEINZEL + +[_Pulls the two women back by the shoulders and thrusts himself between +them up to the spring._] First comes the men, then the women folks. + +KLEINERT + +There's space enough here for us all. Eh, father Bernd? Wish you a good +meal. + +BERND + +Yes, yes. Only no meal's been brought for us to eat yet. We're waitin' +for it--waitin' in vain. + +GOLISCH + +I ... I ... I'm wet enough to be wrung out! My tongue is lyin' in my +mouth, dry as a piece o' charred wood. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Water! + +KLEINERT + +Here 'tis, enough for us all! + + _They all drink greedily, some immediately from the surface of the + mater, some out of their hollowed hands, others out of their hats or + out of little cups and bottles. The sounds of swallowing and of deep + relieved breathing are clearly audible._ + +HEINZEL + +[_Getting up._] Water's a good thing but beer would be a better. + +HAHN + +An' a bit o' brandy wouldn't come amiss neither. + +GOLISCH + +August, you might be treatin' us to a quart. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +He'd better invite us all to the weddin'. + +GOLISCH + +We're all comin' to the weddin'. They says it's to be soon. + +HEINZEL + +I'm not comin'. What for? To swill cold water? I needn't go no farther +than the spring for that. Or for the sake of a little coffee. + +HAHN + +An' prayin' an' singin' for dessert. An' mebbe, there's no tellin', the +parson from Jenkau will come over an' see if we know the ten +commandments. + +HEINZEL + +Or the seven beatitudes on top o' that! That'd be a fine state of +affairs. I've long forgot it all. + +KLEINERT + +You folks had better stop teasin' August. I'm tellin' you now, if I had a +girl of my own, I wouldn't be wantin' no better son-in-law. He knows his +business! You always know where to find him. + + _The working men and women have scattered themselves at ease in a + semicircle and are eating their evening meal; coffee in tin pots and + great wedges of bread from which they cut pieces with their + clasp-knives._ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +There comes Rosie Bernd around from behind the farm. + +GOLISCH + +Look an' see, will you, how that girl can jump. + +KLEINERT + +She can lift a sack o' wheat and drag it to the very top o' the barn. +This very mornin' I saw her with a great heavy chest o' drawers on a +wheelbarrow, trundlin' it over to the new house. That there girl has got +sap an' strength. She'll take care o' her household. + +HAHN + +If I could get along in the world like August in other respecks, my +faith, I wouldn't a bit mind tryin'; I'd see what bein' pious can do for +a man. + +GOLISCH + +You've got to know how to run after good fortune; then you'll get hold of +it. + +HAHN + +When you consider how he used to go around from village to village with a +sack full o' tracts; an' how, after that, he used to be writin' letters +for people ... an' now, to-day, he's got the finest bit o' property an' +can marry the handsomest girl in the county. + + _ROSE BERND approaches. In a basket she is carrying the evening meal + for AUGUST and OLD BERND._ + +ROSE + +A good afternoon to you. + +SEVERAL VOICES + +Good evenin'!--Good evenin'! Many thanks! + +GOLISCH + +You're lettin' your sweetheart starve, Rosie. + +ROSE + +[_Merrily unpacking the food._] Don't you worry! He don't starve so easy +as that. + +HEINZEL + +You must be feedin' him well, Rosie, or he'll put on no flesh. + +GOLISCH + +That's true. He'll be a sight too lean for you, lass. + +BERND + +Where have you been keepin' yourself so long? We've been waitin' this +half hour. + +AUGUST + +[_In a subdued but annoyed voice._] An' now the whole crowd is here +again! An' we might have been through this long time. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Let him scold, lass, an' don't mind it. + +ROSE + +Who's scoldin'? There's no one here to scold. August wouldn't do it in a +lifetime. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Even so! But that's right: you shouldn't care nothin' about it. + +HEINZEL + +'Cause, if he don't scold now, that'll be comin' later. + +ROSE + +I'm not afraid o' that ever comin'. + +GOLISCH + +You're mighty friendly, all of a sudden. + +ROSE + +We was always agreed with each other, wasn't we, August? What are you +laughin' at? [_She kisses him. Laughter is heard among the people._] + +GOLISCH + +Well, well, and I thought as I might be climbin' into her window some +day. + +KLEINERT + +If you did, you'd be carrying home your bones in a handkerchief! + +THE HEAD MAID SERVANT + +[_Sarcastically._] O Lordy, Lordy! I'd try it all the same. You can't +never tell. + +BERND + +[_Sombre but calm._] Take care what you're sayin', woman. + +KLEINERT + +Hear what he says, I tell you! Be careful of what you're sayin'. Old +Bernd, he don't take no jokes. + +ROSE + +She's not sayin' anythin' special. Let her be. + +KLEINERT + +[_Lighting his pipe._] He may be lookin' real mild now, but when he lets +go, you won't hardly believe it. I know how it used to be when he was +manager of the estate; the women folks didn't have much cause for +laughin' then. He got the upper hand o' ten like you; there wasn't no +gaddin 'about with fellers for them! + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +Who's gaddin' about with fellers, I'd like to know! + +KLEINERT + +You'd better be askin' the machinist, Streckmann, + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +[_Crimson._] For all I care you can ask the Lord hisself! + + [_All present laugh._ + + _The machinist STRECKMANN appears. He is dusty and comes straight + from the threshing machine. He shows the effects of liquor._ + +STRECKMANN + +Who's talkin' about the machinist Streckmann aroun' here? He's right +here! He's standin' right here. Anybody wantin' to pick a quarrel with +him? Good day to you all! Hope you're havin' a pleasant meal. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Talk of the devil an' he appears. + +STRECKMANN + +An' you're the devil's grandmother, I suppose. [_He takes off his cockade +and wipes the sweat from his forehead._] I tell you people I can't keep +up with this: this kind o' work uses a man up skin and bones!--Hello, +August! Good day to you, Rosie! Well, father Bernd--Great God, can't +anybody answer? + +HEINZEL + +Let him be! Some people's better off than they can stand. + +STRECKMANN + +The Lord lets his own people have an easy time. A feller like me works +and works and can't get ahead. [_He has assumed a reclining position and +squeezed himself between HEINZEL and KLEINERT. He now hands his whisky +bottle to HEINZEL._] Let her go aroun'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +You live the best life of us all, Streckmann! What in Heaven's name has +you to complain about? You drinks your drinks and makes three times over +what we do--all for standin' by the machine a bit. + +STRECKMANN + +What I want is work for my brain. I got a head on me. That's what you +bran-heads can't understand. Of course! What does an old woman know about +that! An', anyhow--the trouble I got.... + +GOLISCH + +Lord, Streckmann and trouble-- + +STRECKMANN + +More than enough!--there's somethin' that sticks into me, I can tell +you--sticks into my belly and into my heart. I feel so rotten bad I'd +like to be doin' somethin' real crazy. [_To the ASSISTANT MAID._] Lass, +shall I lie down with you? + +ASSISTANT MAID + +I'll bang you over the head with a whetstone! + +GOLISCH + +That's just what's troublin' him; everythin' gets black before his eyes, +he don't see nothin' more, an' sudden like, he's lyin' abed with a lass. + + [_Loud laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +Yon can laugh, ye ragamuffins, laugh all ye want to! It's no laughin' +matter with me, I can tell ye. [_Blustering:_] I'll let the machine +squeeze off one of my arms! Or ye can run the piston through me if ye +want to! Kill me, for all I care. + +HAHN + +Or mebbe you'd like to set a barn afire. + +STRECKMANN + +By God! There's fire enough inside of me. August there, he's a happy man +... + +AUGUST + +Whether I'm happy or whether I'm unhappy, that don't concern no one in +this world. + +STRECKMANN + +What am I doin' to you? Can't you be sociable with a feller? + +AUGUST + +I'll look for my society elsewhere. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks at him long with smouldering hatred; represses his rage and +grasps the whisky bottle which has been handed back to him._] Give it to +me! A feller's got to drown his sorrow!--[_To ROSE._] You needn't be +lookin' at me; a bargain's a bargain. [_He gets up._] I'm goin'!--I don't +want to come between you. + +ROSE + +You can go or you can stay for all I care. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +[_Calling STRECKMANN back._] Look here, Streckmann, what was that +happened t'other day? About three weeks ago at the threshin' machine?... + + [_Men and women burst into laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +That's all over. I don't know nothin' about that. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +An' yet, you swore by all that was good and holy.... + +KLEINERT + +You people stop your gossippin'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +He needn't be talkin' so big all the time. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Comes back._] And I tell you what I says, that I puts through. I'll be +damned if I don't! Let it go at that. I don't say no more. + + [_Exit._ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH It's done just as easy without talkin'. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Comes back, is about to speak out, but restrains himself._] Never mind! +I don't walk into no such trap! But if you want to know exactly what it's +all about, ask August there or father Bernd. + +BERND + +What's all this about? What's this we're supposed to know? + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +'Twas that time you went to the magistrate's, 'twas that time! An' didn't +Streckmann pass you on the road an' didn't he cry out somethin' after ye? + +KLEINERT + +It's about time for you to be stoppin'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +An' why, I'd like to know? That's all nothin' but a joke ... People +wonders if that there time you all agreed, or if Rosie wasn't so willin' +to join in! + +BERND + +God Almighty forgive you all for your sins! What I wants to ask you is +this: Why can't the whole crowd o' you leave us in peace? Or is it that +we ever did any harm to any o' ye? + +GOLISCH + +An' we're not doin' any wrong neither. + +ROSE + +An' whether I was willin' on that day or not--you needn't give yourself +no concern about that! I'm willin' now an' that settles it, + +KLEINERT + +That's the right way, Rosie! + +AUGUST + +[_Who has hitherto been reading, with apparent absorption, in his New +Testament, now closes the book and arises._] Come, father, let's go to +work. + +HAHN + +That takes it out o' you more than pastin' prayer books together or +stirrin' the paste in your pot! + +HEINZEL + +And how do you think he'll feel after the weddin'? A girl like Rosie--she +makes demands! + + [_Laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Also laughing._] Gee ...! I almost said somethin' I oughtn't to!--[_He +steps back among the people._] I'll give you a riddle to guess. Shall I? +Still waters run deep! 'Tis bad. You mustn't taste blood--no, no! The +thirst only gets worse an' worse--that's all. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +What's that? Where did you get the taste o' blood? + +BERND + +I suppose he means the taste for whisky! + +STRECKMANN + +I'm goin' my way! Good-bye! I'm a good feller! Good-bye, father Bernd! +Good-bye, August! Good-bye, Rosie! [_To AUGUST._] What's wrong?--August, +don't be showin' off. 'Tis all well! I'm willin'! You'll not see me +again! But you--you've got reason enough to be grateful to me. You've +always been an underhanded kind o' crittur! But I've given my consent to +let things be! I've given my consent an' everything can go smoothly. + + [_STRECKMANN goes._ + +ROSE + +[_With violent energy._] Let him talk, August; pay no attention to him. + +KLEINERT + +Flamm is comin'! [_He looks at his watch._] 'Tis over half an hour! + + [_The whistle of the engine is heard._ + +HAHN + +[_During the general stir._] Forward, Prussians! It's misery whistlin' +for us! + + _The workingmen and the maids disappear swiftly with their scythes. + ROSE, OLD BERND and AUGUST remain alone on the scene._ + +BERND + +All the evil on earth seems broken loose here' What's all that Streckmann +is sayin'? Tell me, Rose, do you understand it? + +ROSE + +No, an' I've got better things to be thinkin' of! [_She gives AUGUST a +friendly nudge on the head._] Isn't it so, August? We have no time for +nonsense! We have to hurry these comin' six weeks. + + [_She gathers up the remnants of the meal in her basket._ + +AUGUST + +Come over to us a bit later. + +ROSE + +I must wash and iron and sew buttonholes. 'Tis almost time now. + +BERND + +We'll be comin' to our supper after seven. + + [_Exit._ + +AUGUST + +[_Before he goes, earnestly:_] Do you care for me, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Yes, I do care for you. + + _AUGUST disappears and ROSE is left alone. The hum of the threshing + machine is heard as well as the muttering of thunder on the horizon. + After ROSE has replaced bread, butter, the coffee pots and cups into + her basket, she straightens herself up and seems to become aware of + something in the distance which attracts her and holds her captive. + With sudden, determination, she snatches up the head kerchief that + has fallen to the ground and hurries off. Before she has disappeared + from view, however, FLAMM becomes visible on the scene and calls to + her._ + +FLAMM + +Rose! Wait there! Confound it all! [_Rose stands still with her face +turned away._] You are to give me a drink! I suppose I'm worth a draught +of water. + +ROSE + +There's plenty of water here. + +FLAMM + +I see. I'm not blind. But I don't care to drink like the beasts. Have you +no cups in your basket? [_ROSE pushes the cover of her basket aside._] +Well, then! You even have a cup of Bunzlauer ware! I like to drink out of +that best of all. [_She hands him the cup, still with averted face._] I +beg your pardon. You might practise a little politeness! I suppose you'll +have to force yourself to it this one more time. [_ROSE walks over to the +spring, rinses the cup, fills it with water, sets it down next to the +spring and then returns to her basket. She picks the latter up and waits +with her back to FLAMM._] No, Rosie--that won't do at all. You might get +rid of some gaol bird in that fashion. I don't know the habits of such +persons very exactly. As things are, I'm still the magistrate Flamm. Am I +going to get a drink or am I not? Well: One ... two ... three ... and ... +there's an end to this, I' beg for some decency! No more nonsense! [_ROSE +has returned to the spring, has picked up the cup and now holds it out to +FLAMM, still refusing to look at him._] So! Higher, though, a little +higher! I can't get at it yet! + +ROSE + +But you must hold it. + +FLAMM + +How can I drink this way? + +ROSE + +[_Amused against her will, turns her face to him._] Oh, but.... + +FLAMM + +That's better already!--That's good!--[_Apparently unintentionally and as +if merely to hold the cup, he puts his own hands upon ROSE'S which +support it. His mouth at the rim he lowers himself more and more--until +he kneels on one knee._] So! Thank you, Rosie! Now you can let me go. + +ROSE + +[_Making gentle efforts to disengage herself._] Oh, no! Do let me be, Mr. +Flamm! + +FLAMM + +Is that so? You think, then, that I ought to let you be? Now, when at +last I've succeeded in catching you! No, lassie,'tis not so easy as that. +It won't do and you needn't ask it of me. You needn't wear yourself out! +You can't escape me! First of all, look me square in the eyes once more! +I haven't changed! I know; I know about--everything! I've had 'a talk +with the magistrate Steckel about your having agreed to everything now. I +thank God that I'm no longer the official who attends to the matchmaking! +Another man takes care of the man-traps now. I even know the date of the +funeral ... I'll be ... I meant the wedding, of course. And in addition, +I've talked to myself, too. Rose, 'tis a hard nut! I hope we won't break +our teeth on it! + +ROSE + +I dare not stand this way with you here. + +FLAMM + +You must. Whether you may or not--I don't care! In fact I don't give a +tinker's damn! If this thing is really decreed in the council of God, as +the song has it--I want a dismissal in all due form: I refuse to be just +coolly shunted off.--Rose, is there anything in the past for which I need +to ask your forgiveness? + +ROSE + +[_Touched, shakes her head with energy._] Nothin', nothin' at all, Mr. +Flamm. + +FLAMM + +No? Is that honest? [_ROSE nods a hearty affirmation._] Well, I'm glad of +that, at least! I hoped it would be so. Then at least we can keep +something that's harmonious in our memories. Ah, Rose, it was a good, +good time.... + +ROSE + +An' you must go back to your wife.... + +FLAMM + +A good time! And it rushes past ... past! And what do we keep of it? + +ROSE + +You must be kind, very kind to your wife, Mr. Flamm. She's an angel; 'tis +she that saved me! + +FLAMM + +Come, let's sit down under the pear tree! Very well. But why talk of it? +I'm always kind to my wife. Our relations are the very friendliest. Come, +Rose! Tell me all about that. What d'you mean by that? Saved? What did +she save you from, Rose? I'd naturally like to know that! What was the +matter with you? Mother did drop all sorts of hints; but I was no wiser +for them. + +ROSE + +Mr. Christopher ... Mr. Flamm! I can't sit down here. An' it don't +matter! It can't lead to anythin'. 'Tis all over an' past now--well--'tis +all dead an' gone. I know God will forgive me the sin. An' He won't lay +it up against the poor, innocent child neither. He's too merciful to do +that! + +FLAMM + +[_Alluding to the hum of the threshing machine which grows louder and +louder._] That confounded buzzing all the time!--What did you say, Rose? +Sit down just a moment. I won't harm you; I won't even touch you! I give +you my word, Rose. Have some confidence in me! I want you to speak +out--to tell what's on your heart! + +ROSE + +I don't know ... there's ... there's just nothin' more to say! When once +I'm married, you can go an' ask the good missis. Maybe she'll tell you +then what was the trouble with me. I haven't told August nothin' either. +I know he's good. I'm not afraid o' that. He's soft o' heart an' a good +Christian man. An' now: Good-bye, Christie--keep well.--We've a long life +ahead of us now an', maybe, we can be reel faithful an' do penance an' +work hard an' pay off the debt. + +FLAMM + +[_Holding ROSE'S hand fast in his._] Rose, stay one moment. It's all +right and I must be satisfied. I'm not coming to your wedding, God knows! +But even if I don't come to your wedding, still I admit that you're +right.--But, oh, lass, I've loved you so truly, so honestly.... I can +never tell you how much! And it's been, upon my word, as far back as I +can think.--You had crept into my heart even in the old days when you +were a child and were always so honest ... so frank about a thousand +little things--so straight and true, however things were. No sneakiness, +no subterfuge--whatever the consequences. I've known women enough in +Tarant and in Eberswalde at the agricultural college and in the army, and +I was usually lucky with them--ridiculously so. And yet I never knew true +happiness except through you. + +ROSE + +Oh, Christie, I've loved you too! + +FLAMM + +Why you've been in love with me ever since you were a little thing! Why +you used to make eyes at me.... Do you believe you'll ever think of it? +And think of the mad, old sinner Flamm? + +ROSE + +That I will. I have a pledge.... + +FLAMM + +You mean the ring with the bit of stone? And won't you come to our house +some time? + +ROSE + +No, that can't be. That would cut a body too sorely to the heart. That +wouldn't be nothin' but double sufferin' an' misery! There's got to be an +end to it all. I'll bury myself in the house! There's work an' moil +enough for two! 'Tis a new life that's beginnin' an' we mustn't look back +on the old life. There's nothin' but sorrow an' heart's need on this +earth; we has to wait for a better place. + +FLAMM + +And so this is to be our last farewell, Rose? + +ROSE + +Father an' August will be wonderin' now. + +FLAMM + +And if the little fishes in the river were to stand on their tails in +wonderment and the bitterns on the trees did the same--I wouldn't lose +one second--now! So it's to be all, all over and done with? And you won't +even come to see mother? + +ROSE + +[_Shaking her head._] I can't look her in the face no more! Maybe some +day! Maybe in ten years or so! Maybe all this'll be conquered then. +Good-bye, Mr. Christie! Good-bye, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +So be it. But, lass, I tell you, if it weren't for mother ... now ... +even now ... I wouldn't fool around much ... I wouldn't give you much +time.... + +ROSE + +Yes, if it wasn't for that little word "if"! If August wasn't livin', an' +father wasn't--who knows what I'd do. I'd like to go out into the wide +world. + +FLAMM + +And I with you, Rose! Well, then we know what's in our hearts.--And now +you might give me your hand once more.... [_He presses her hand and their +glances melt hotly into each other in this last farewell._] So it is. +What was to be, must be! I suppose we must leave each other now. + + [_He turns resolutely and walks away with firm steps and without + looking back._ + +ROSE [_Looking after him, mastering herself, with tense volition:_] What +must be, must be!--'tis well now!-- + + [_She put back the can into her basket and is about to walk in the + opposite direction._ + + _STRECKMANN appears._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_With pale, contorted face, creeping and basely hesitant in demeanour._] +Rose! Rose Bernd! D'you hear? That was that rascally Flamm again! If ever +I gets my hand on him ... I'll smash every bone in his carcase!--What's +up? What did he want again! But I'm tellin' you this: things don't go +that way! I won't bear it! One man is as good as another! I won't let +nobody turn me off this way! + +ROSE + +What d'you say? Who are you anyhow? + +STRECKMANN + +Who am I? Damn it, you know that well enough! + +ROSE + +Who are you? Where did I ever see you? + +STRECKMANN + +Me? Where you saw me? _You?_ You can look for somebody else to play your +monkey tricks on! + +ROSE + +What do you want? What are you? What business has you with me? + +STRECKMANN + +What business? What I wants? Nothin' much, y'understand? God ... don't +scream so! + +ROSE + +I'll call for all the world to come if you don't get out o' my way this +minute! + +STRECKMANN + +Think o' the cherry tree! Think o' the crucifix.... + +ROSE + +Who are you! Lies! Lies! What do you want with me? Either you get away +from here straightway ... or I'll cry out for some one to come an' help +me! + +STRECKMANN + +Girl, you've lost your senses! + +ROSE + +Then I won't have to drag 'em around with me no longer! Who are you! +Lies! You've seen nothin'! I'll cry out! I'll shriek as long as I has +breath in my body, if you don't go this very second. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Frightened._] I'm goin', Rosie. It's all right. + +ROSE + +But now! This minute! Y'understand! + +STRECKMANN + +Right away! For all I care! An' why not? [_He makes a farcical gesture as +though avoiding a shower of rain._] + +ROSE + +[_Half-mad with rage and scorn._] There he runs! The vile scoundrel! When +you see a fellow like that from behind, you see the best side o' him! Fy, +I says! He's all smooth an' spruce on the outside, an' his innards rotten +as dirt. A body could die o' disgust! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Turns, pale and sinister._] Ah ...! An' is that so indeed! You don't +never mean it!... 'Tis not very appetisin' the way you makes it out. Why +was you so hot after it, then? + +ROSE + +I? Hot after you? + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe you've forgotten already? + +ROSE + +Scoundrel! + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe I am. + +ROSE + +Scoundrel! Ruffian! Why do you go sniffin' around me now! Who are you? +What has I done? You stuck to my heels! You followed me an' baited me an' +snapped at me ... Rascal ... worse'n a dog ... + +STRECKMANN + +'Twas you that ran after me! + +ROSE + +What ...? + +STRECKMANN + +You came to my house an' made things hot for me! + +ROSE + +An' you ... + +STRECKMANN + +Well, what? + +ROSE + +An' you? An' you? + +STRECKMANN + +Well, I don't refuse a good thing that's offered. + +ROSE + +Streckmann! You has to die some day! D'you hear? Think o' your last hour! +You has to stand before your Judge some day! I ran to you in the awful +terror o' my heart! An' I begged you for the love o' God not to put +nothin' between me an' August. I crept on my knees before you--an' you +say, you, I ran after you! What was it truly? You committed a crime--a +crime against me! An' that's worse'n a scoundrel's trick! 'Twas a +crime--doubly and trebly! An' the Lord'll bring it home to you! + +STRECKMANN + +Listen to that! I'll take my chances! + +ROSE + +Is that what you say? You'll take your chances in that court? Then a +person can spit in your face! + +STRECKMANN + +Think o' the cherry tree! Think o' the crucifix! + +ROSE + +An' you swore to me that you'd never mention it again! You swore by all +that's holy. You put that hand o' yours on the cross, an' by the cross +you swore--an' now you're beginnin' to persecute me again! What do you +want? + +STRECKMANN + +I'm as good as Flamm. An' I don't want no more goin's on between you an' +him! + +ROSE + +I'll jump into his bed, scoundrel! An' it wouldn't concern you that much! + +STRECKMANN + +Well, we'll see what'll be the end of all that! + +ROSE + +What? 'Tis violence that you did to me! You confused me! You broke me +down! You pounced on me like a wild beast! I know! I tried to get out by +the door! An' you took hold an' you rent my bodice an' my skirt! I bled! +I might ha' gotten out by the door! Then you shot the latch! That's a +crime, a crime! An' I'll denounce.... + + _BERND and AUGUST appear on the scene. After them KLEINERT and + GOLISCH and the other field hands._ + +BERND + +[_Close to STRECKMANN._] What's all this? What did you do to my lass? + +AUGUST + +[_Pulls BERND back and thrusts himself forward._] 'Tis my place, father. +What did you do to Rosie? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! + +BERND + +[_Coming forward again._] What did you do to the lass? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! + +AUGUST + +[_Approaching STRECKMANN once more._] You'll tell us now what you did to +her! + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! The devil! I say nothin'! + +AUGUST + +You'll either be tellin' us now what you did to her--or ... + +STRECKMANN + +Or? Well, what? What about "or"?--Hands off!... Take your hands from my +throat!! + +KLEINERT + +[_Trying to separate them._] Hold on, now. + +STRECKMANN + +Hands off, I tell you! + +BERND + +You'll have to take the consequences now! Either ... + +AUGUST + +What did you do to the girl? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Backing, in sudden fright, toward the pear tree, cries out:_] Help! + +AUGUST + +What did you do to the girl? Answer me that! I got to know that! + + [_He has freed himself and faces STRECKMANN._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Lifts his arm and strikes AUGUST full in the face._] There's my answer! +That's what I did! + +KLEINERT + +Streckmann! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Catch hold o' August! He's fallin'! + +HEAD MAID + +[_Supports the falling man._] August! + +BERND + +[_Paying no attention to AUGUST, but addressing STRECKMANN:_] You'll have +to account for this! It'll be brought home to you! + +STRECKMANN + +What? On account o' that there wench that's common to anybody as wants +her.... + + [_Withdraws._ + +BERND + +What was that he said ...? + +KLEINERT + +[_Who is helping the MAID, HAHN, GOLISCH and MRS. GOLISCH support +AUGUST._] His eye is out! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Father Bernd, August didn't fare so very well this time.... + +KLEINERT + +'Tis an evil wooin' that he has! + +BERND + +What? How? Christ In Heaven! [_He goes to him._] August! + +AUGUST + +My left eye hurts that bad! + +BERND + +Rose, bring some water! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +'Tis a misfortune. + +BERND + +Rose, fetch some water! D'you hear me? + +GOLISCH + +That'll mean a good year o' prison! + +ROSE + +[_Suddenly awakening from a dazed condition._] He says ... he says ... +What's the meanin' o' ... Didn't I get a doll o' Christmas.... + +THE MAID + +[_To ROSE._] Are you asleep? + +ROSE + +... There's no tellin' what ... No, lass: it can't be done! Such things +don't come to good! ... Mebbe a girl can't do without a mother. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The same room in FLAMM'S house as in the second act. It is a + Saturday afternoon toward the beginning of September. FLAMM is + sitting over his accounts at the roller-top desk. Not far from the + door to the hall stands STRECKMANN._ + +FLAMM + +According to this there is due you the sum of twelve pounds, ten +shillings, sixpence. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +What was wrong with the machine? You stopped working one forenoon? + +STRECKMANN + +I had a summons to appear in the county court that day. There wasn't +nothin' wrong with the machine. + +FLAMM + +Was that in connection with the trouble about ... Keil? + +STRECKMANN + +Yes. An' besides that Bernd sued me for slanderin' his daughter. + +FLAMM + +[_Has taken money from a special pigeon hole and counts it out on the +large table._] Here are twelve pounds and eleven shillings. So you owe me +sixpence. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Pockets the money and gives FLAMM a small coin._] An' so I'm to tell +the head bailiff that by the end o' December you'll be ready for me +again. + +FLAMM + +Yes, I want you for two days. Say, by the beginning of December. I'd like +to empty the big barn at that time. + +STRECKMANN + +By the beginnin' o' December. All right, Mr. Flamm. Good-bye. + +FLAMM + +Good-bye, Streckmann. Tell me, though, what's going to be the outcome of +that affair? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Stops and shrugs his shoulders._] It isn't goin' to be much of an +outcome for me! + +FLAMM + +Why? + +STRECKMANN + +I suppose I'll have to suffer for it. + +FLAMM + +What consequences a little thing will sometimes have!--How did it happen +that you quarreled? + +STRECKMANN + +I can't say as I can remember clearly. That day--I must ha' been off my +head--but the truth is I just can't get it straight how it did happen. + +FLAMM + +The bookbinder is known to be a very peaceable man. + +STRECKMANN + +An' yet he's always quarrelin' with me! But the thing's just gone from +me.--All I know is that they fell on me just like hungry wolves! I +thought they was tryin' to kill me right there! If I hadn't been thinkin' +that, my hand wouldn't ha' slipped the way it did. + +FLAMM + +And the man's eye couldn't--be saved? + +STRECKMANN + +No, an' it makes a feller feel sorry. But ... there's nothin' to be done. +The misfortune isn't on my conscience. + +FLAMM + +A thing of that kind is bad enough in itself. And when the courts take a +hand in it, that only makes it worse. I'm especially sorry for the girl. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes; I'm thin an' wasted with the misery of it. It's gone straight to my +heart. I tell you, your honour, I don't know what it is to sleep no more. +I haven't got nothin' against August really. But, as I said, I just can't +account for it. + +FLAMM + +You ought to go over and see Bernd some day. If you insulted his daughter +and weren't in a clear state of mind, you could simply retract what you +said. + +STRECKMANN + +That's none o' my business. That's his'n. Of course, if he knew what'll +come out--he'd take back his accusation. Somebody else ought to tell him. +He's not doin' the girl no service by it. That's how things is. Good-bye, +your honour. + +FLAMM + +Good-bye. + + _STRECKMANN leaves the room._ + +FLAMM [_Excitedly, to himself._] If one could only get at the throat of a +creature like that! + + _MRS. FLAMM is wheeled in by a maid from FLAMM'S den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What are you muttering about again?--[_At a gesture from her the maid +retires._]--Did you have any annoyance? + +FLAMM + +Oh, yes; a little. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Wasn't that Streckmann? + +FLAMM + +The handsome Streckmann. Yes, that was the handsome Streckmann. + +MRS. FLAMM + +How is that affair getting on now, Christie? Did you talk about Keil? + +FLAMM + +[_Scribbling._] Oh, pshaw! My head is full of figures. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do I disturb you, Christie? + +FLAMM + +No; only you must keep quiet. + +MRS. FLAMM + +If I can't do anything else--you can be sure I can do that. + + [_Silence._] + +FLAMM + +[_Bursting out._] I'll be damned and double damned! There are times when +one would like to take a gun and simply shoot down a scoundrel like that! +There'd be no trouble about taking that on one's conscience. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But, Christie, you really frighten me. + +FLAMM + +It isn't my fault! I'm frightened myself!--I tell you, mother, that man +is so low, so rotten with evil ... I tell you ... at least he has spells +when he's that way ... that a man like myself, who is no saint either, +feels as if his very bowels were turning in him! There's no end to that +kind of corruption. A man may think he knows life inside out, that he's +digested some pretty tough bits himself--but things like that--crimes--I +tell you, one never gets beyond the elements in that kind of knowledge! + +MRS. FLAMM + +What has roused you so again? + +FLAMM + +[_Writing again._] Oh, I'm only speaking in general. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I thought it was somehow connected with Streckmann. Because, Christie, I +can't rid myself of the thought of that affair. And when it's convenient +to you some day, I'd like to have a good talk with you about it! + +FLAMM + +With me? How does Streckmann concern me? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Not Streckmann exactly--not the man. But surely old Bernd and Rose. As +far as the girl is concerned, 'tis bitter earnest for her--the whole +thing! And if I weren't tied down here as I am, I would have gone over to +see her long ago. She's never seen here any more. + +FLAMM + +You ... you want to go and see Rose? What do you want of her? + +MRS. FLAMM + +But, don't you see, Christie--you understand that--she isn't exactly the +first comer! I ought to see about setting her affairs to rights a bit! + +FLAMM + +Ah well, mother! Do what you think is your duty. I hardly think that +you'll accomplish much for the girl. + +MRS. FLAMM + +How is that, Christie? What do you mean? + +FLAMM + +One shouldn't mix up into other people's affairs. All you get for your +pains is ingratitude and worry. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Even so! We can bear the worry, an' ingratitude--that's what you expect +in this world. An' as far as Rose Bernd is concerned, I always felt as if +she were more than half my own child. You see, Christie, as far as I can +think back--when father was still chief forester--her mother already came +to wash for us. Afterward, in the churchyard, at our little Kurt's +grave--I see the girl standin' as clear as if it was to-day, even though +I was myself more dead than alive. Except you an' me, I can tell you +that, nobody was as inconsolable as the girl. + +FLAMM + +Do as you please, as far as I'm concerned! But what are your intentions +exactly? I can't think what you're after, child! + +MRS. FLAMM + +First, I'm going to be real curious now. + +FLAMM + +What about? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Oh, about nothing you can describe exactly! You know, usually, I don't +interfere in your affairs. But now ... I'd like real well to know ... +what's come over you this while past? + +FLAMM + +Over me? I thought you were talking about Rose Bernd. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But now I'm talking about you, you see. + +FLAMM + +You can spare yourself the trouble, mother. My affairs are no concern of +yours. + +MRS. FLAMM + +You say that! 'Tis easily said. But if a person sits still as I have to +do and sees a man growing more an' more restless, an' unable to sleep o' +nights, an' hears him sighin' an' sighin', and that man happens to be +your own husband--why, you have all kinds of thoughts come over you! + +FLAMM + +Now, mother, you've gone off your head entirely. You seem to want to make +me look utterly foolish! _I_ sigh! Am I such an imbecile? I'm not a +lovelorn swain. + +MRS. FLAMM + +No, Christie, you can't escape me that way! + +FLAMM + +Mother, what are you trying to do? Do you want, simply, to be tiresome, +to bore me? Eh? Or make the house too disagreeable to stay in? Is that +your intention? If so, you're going about it the best way possible. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't care what you say; you're keeping something secret! + +FLAMM + +[_Shrugging his shoulders._] Do you think so?--Well, perhaps I _am_ +keeping something from you! Suppose it is so, mother.... You know me.... +You know my nature in that respect.... The whole world could turn upside +down and not get that much [_he snaps his fingers_] out of me! As for +annoyance ... everyone has his share of it in this world! Yesterday I had +to dismiss one of the brewers; day before yesterday I had to send a +distiller to the devil. And, all in all, apart from such incidents, the +kind of life one has to live here is really flat and unprofitable enough +to make any decent individual as cross as two sticks. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Why don't you seek company? Drive in to town! + +FLAMM + +Oh, yes, to sit in the inn playing at cards with a crowd of Philistines +or to be stilted with his honour, the prefect of the county! God forbid! +I have enough of that nonsense! It couldn't tempt me out of the house! If +it weren't for the bit of hunting a man could do--if one couldn't +shoulder one's gun occasionally, one would be tempted to run away to sea. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, you see! There you are! That's what I say! You've just changed +entirely! Till two, three months ago, you was as merry as the day's long; +you shot birds an' stuffed them, increased your botanical collection, +hunted birds' eggs--and sang the livelong day! 'Twas a joy to see you! +An' now, suddenly, you're like another person. + +FLAMM + +If only we had been able to keep Kurt! + +MRS. FLAMM + +How would it be if we adopted a child? + +FLAMM + +All of a sudden? No, mother. I don't care about it now. Before, you +couldn't make up your mind to it; now I've passed that stage too. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis easily said: Take a child into the house! First of all it seemed to +me like betraying Kurt ... yes, like a regular betrayal ... that's what +the very thought of It seemed to me. I felt--how shall I say it?--as if +we were putting the child away from us utterly--out of the house, out of +his little room an' his little bed, an', last of all, out of our +hearts.--But the main thing was this: Where can you get a child in whom +you can hope to have some joy?--But let that rest where it is. Let's go +back to Rose once more!--Do you know how it is with her, Christopher? + +FLAMM + +Oh, well! Of course; why not? Streckmann has cast a slur upon her conduct +and old Bernd won't suffer that! 'Tis folly, to be sure, to bring suit in +such a matter.--Because it is the woman who has to bear the brunt of it +in the end. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I wrote a couple of letters to Rose and asked the lass to come here. In +her situation, Christopher, she may really not know what to do nor where +to turn. + +FLAMM + +Why do you think so? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Because Streckmann is right! + +FLAMM + +[_Taken aback and with a show of stupidity._] What, mother? You must +express yourself more clearly. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Now, Christie, don't let your temper get the better of you again! I've +kept the truth from you till now because I know you're a bit harsh in +such matters. You remember the little maid that you put straight out o' +the house, and the trunk-maker to whom you gave a beating! Now this lass +o' ours made a confession to me long ago--maybe eight weeks. An' we have +to consider that 'tis not only Rose that's to be considered now, but ... +a second being ... the one that's on the way. Did you understand me? Did +you? + +FLAMM + +[_With self-repression._] No! Not entirely, mother, I must say frankly. +I've got a kind of a ... just to-day ... it comes over me ... the blood, +you know ... it seems to go to my head suddenly, once in a while. It's +like a ... it's horrible, too ... like an attack of dizziness! I suppose +I'll have to ... at least, I think I'll have to take the air a bit. But +it's nothing of importance, mother. So don't worry. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looking at him through her spectacles._] And where do you want to go +with your cartridge belt? + +FLAMM + +Nowhere! What did I want to do with the cartridge belt? [_He hurls the +belt aside which he has involuntarily picked up._] One learns nothing ... +is kept in the dark about everything! And then a point comes where one +suddenly feels blind and stupid ... and a stranger ... an utter stranger +in this world. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Suspiciously._] Will you tell me, Christie, the meanin' of all this? + +FLAMM + +It hasn't any, mother--not the slightest ... none at all, in fact. And +I'm quite clear in my head again, too--quite! Only now and then a feeling +comes over me, a kind of terror, all of a sudden, I don't know how ... +and I feel as if there were no solid footing under me any longer, and as +if I were going to crash through and break my neck. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis strange things you are saying to-day, Christie. [_A knocking is +heard at the door._] Who's knocking there? Come in! + +AUGUST + +[_Still behind the scenes._] 'Tis only me, Mrs. Flamm. + + _FLAMM withdraws rapidly into his den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Oh, 'tis you, Mr. Keil. Just step right in. + + _AUGUST KEIL appears on the scene. He is paler than formerly, more + emaciated and wears dark glasses. His left eye is hidden by a black + patch._ + +AUGUST + +I have come, Mrs. Flamm, to bring Rose's excuses to you. Good-day, Mrs. +Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good-day to you, Mr. Keil. + +AUGUST + +My betrothed had to go to the county court to-day, or she would ha' come +herself. But she'll be comin' in this evenin'. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm real pleased to get a chance to see you. How are you getting on? Sit +down. + +AUGUST + +God's ways are mysterious! An' when His hand rests heavy on us, we +mustn't complain. On the contrary, we must rejoice. An' I tell you, Mrs. +Flamm, that's almost the way I'm feelin' nowadays. I'm content. The worse +things gets, the gladder I am. 'Tis layin' up more an' more treasures in +heaven. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Taking a deep and difficult breath._] I trust you are right, Mr. +Keil.--Did Rose get my letters? + +AUGUST + +She gave them to me to read. An' I told her, it wouldn't do--that she'd +have to go to see you now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I must tell you, Keil, I'm surprised that, after all these recent +happenin's, she never once found her way here. She knows that she'll find +sympathy here. + +AUGUST + +She's been reel afraid o' people recently. An', Mrs. Flamm, if you'll +permit me to say so, you mustn't take it ill. First of all she had her +hands full with tendin' to me. I was so in need o' care--an' she did a +good work by me! An' then, since that man slandered her so terrible, she +scarce dared go out o' the room. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't take offence, Keil. Oh, no! But how is she otherwise? An' what +does she do? + +AUGUST + +'Tis hard to say, that's certain. To-day, for instance, when she had to +go to court at eleven o'clock--'twas a regular dance she led us! She +talked so strange, Mrs. Flamm, 'twas enough to scare a body out o' his +wits.--First of all she didn't want to be goin' at all; next she thought +she wanted to take me with her. In the end she was gone like a flash an' +cried out to me that I wasn't to follow. Times she kept weepin' all +day!--Naturally, a man has his thoughts. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What kind o' thoughts? + +AUGUST + +About several things.--Firstly, this mishap that came to me! She spoke of +it to me many a time. That's cut her straight to the heart! An' about +father Bernd an' that he has taken that business o' Streckmann so +serious. + +MRS. FLAMM + +We're all alone here, Mr. Keil. Why shouldn't we speak openly for once. +Did it never occur to you ... I mean about this Streckmann matter ... to +you or, maybe to father Bernd--that there might be some truth in it? + +AUGUST + +I don't let myself have no thoughts about that. + +MRS. FLAMM + +That's right! I don't blame you for that in the least. There are times in +life when one can't do better than stick one's head in the sand like an +ostrich. But that isn't right for a father! + +AUGUST + +Well, Mrs. Flamm, as far as old Bernd goes, his mind is as far as the sky +from any suspicion that somethin' mightn't be quite right. His +conviction's as firm as a rock. He'd let you chop off his hands for it. +Nobody wouldn't believe how strictly he thinks about things o' that kind. +His honour was there too an' tried to persuade him to withdraw his +charge.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Excitedly._] Who was there? + +AUGUST + +His honour, Mr. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +My husband? + +AUGUST + +Yes! He talked to him a long time. You see, as for me--I've lost an eye, +to be sure--but I don't care to have Streckmann punished. Vengeance is +mine, saith the Lord. But father--he can't be persuaded to think +peaceably about this matter. Ask anythin' o' me, says he, but not that! + +MRS. FLAMM + +You say my husband went to see old Bernd? + +AUGUST + +Yes, that time he got the summons. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What kind o' summons was that? + +AUGUST + +To appear before the examining magistrate. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_With growing excitement._] Who? Old Bernd? + +AUGUST + +No; Mr. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Was my husband examined too? What did he have to do with the affair? + +AUGUST + +Yes, he was examined too. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Deeply affected._] Is that so? That's news to me! I didn't know about +that. Nor that Christie went to see old Bernd!... I wonder where my +smellin' bottle is?--No, August, you might as well go home now. I'm a bit +... I don't know what to call it! An' any special advice I can't give +you, the way it all turns out. There's something that's gone through an' +through me. Go home an' wait to see how everything goes. But if you love +the lass truly, then ... look at me: I could tell you a tale! If a body +is made that way: whether 'tis a man that the women run after, or a woman +that all the men are mad about--then there's nothin' to do but just to +suffer an' suffer and be patient!--I've lived that way twelve long +years. [_She pats her hand to her eyes and peers through her fingers._] +An' if I want to see things at all, I have to see them from behind my +hands. + +AUGUST + +I can't never believe that, Mrs. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Whether you believe me or not. Life don't ask us if we want to believe +things. An' I feel exactly like you: I can't hardly realise it either. +But we have to see how we can reconcile ourselves to it--I made a promise +to Rose! 'Tis easy promisin' an' hard keepin' the promise sometimes in +this world. But I'll do the best in my power.--Good-bye--I can't expect +you to ... God must take pity on us. That's all. + + _AUGUST, deeply moved, grasps the hand which MRS. FLAMM offers him + and withdraws in silence._ + + MRS. FLAMM leans her head far back and, lost in thought, looks up. + She sighs twice deeply and with difficulty. FLAMM enters, very pale, + looks sidewise at his wife and begins to whistle softly. He opens the + book case and pretends to be eagerly hunting for something._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Yes, yes; there it is--you whistle everything down the wind! But this ... +this ... I wouldn't ha' thought you capable of. + + _FLAMM swings around, falls silent, and looks straight at her. He + lifts both hands slightly and shrugs his shoulders very high. Then, + he relaxes all his muscles and gazes simply and without + embarrassment--thoughtfully rather than shamefacedly--at the floor._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +You men take these things very lightly! What's to happen now? + +FLAMM + +[_Repeating the same gesture but less pronouncedly._] That's what I don't +know.--I want to be quite calm now. I should like to tell you how that +came about. It may be that you will be able to judge me less harshly +then. If not ... why, then I should be very sorry for myself. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't see how a body can fail to judge such recklessness harshly. + +FLAMM + +Recklessness? I don't think that it was mere recklessness. What would you +rather have it be, mother--recklessness, or something more serious? + +MRS. FLAMM + +To destroy the future of just this girl, for whom we have to bear all the +responsibility! We made her come to the house! An' she an' her people had +blind confidence in us! 'Tis enough to make one perish o' shame! It looks +as if one had ... that ... in view! + +FLAMM + +Are you done, mother? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Far from it! + +FLAMM + +Well, then I'll have to wait a bit longer. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Christie, what did I tell you that day when you out with it an' said +you wanted to marry me? + + +FLAMM + +What was it? + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm much too old for you. A woman can be sixteen years younger than her +husband, but not three or four years older. I wish you had listened to me +then! + +FLAMM + +Isn't it real idle to dish up those old stories now? Haven't we something +more important to do?--I may be wrong, but it seems to me that we have, +mother.--I've had no notion until to-day of what Rose means to me. +Otherwise I'd have acted very differently, of course. Now it's got to be +seen if there's anything that can be retrieved. And for that very reason, +mother, I was going to beg you not to be petty, and I wanted first of all +to try to see whether you could gain some comprehension of what really +happened. Up to the moment when it was agreed that that tottery manikin +was to marry Rose--our relations were strictly honourable. But when that +marriage was determined on--it was all over.--It may be that my ideas are +becoming confused. I had seen the girl grow up ... some of our love for +little Kurt clung to her. First of all I wanted to protect her from +misfortune, and finally, one day, all of a sudden, the way such things +happen ... even old Plato has described that correctly in the passage in +Phaedrus about the two horses:--the bad horse ran away with me and then +... then the sea burst in and the dykes crashed down. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis a real interesting story that you've told me, an' even tricked out +with learned allusions. An' when you men do that--you think there's no +more to say. A poor woman can look out then to see how to get even! Maybe +you did it all just to make Rose happy, an' sacrificed yourself into the +bargain ... There's no excuse for such things! + +FLAMM + +Very well, mother. Then we'll adjourn the session. Remember though, that +when Kurt died, I couldn't bear to see the girl around the house. Who +kept her and persuaded her to come back? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Because I didn't want life to become so dead around us. I didn't keep her +for my sake. + +FLAMM + +And I have said nothing for your sake. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Every tear is wasted that one might shed for you an' your kind. But you +can spare me your speeches, Flamm. + + _The MAID brings in the afternoon coffee._ + +THE MAID + +Rose Bernd's out in the kitchen. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Come, girl! Wheel me out! [_To FLAMM._] You can help shove me aside. +Somewhere in the world there'll be a little room for me! I won't be in +the way. You can call her in when I'm gone. + +FLAMM + +[_Sternly, to the MAID._] Tell the girl to wait for a moment. [_The MAID +leaves the room._] Mother, you have to say a word to her! I can't.... My +hands are tied. + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' what am I to say to her, Flamm? + +FLAMM + +Mother, you know that better than I! You know very well ... you spoke of +it yourself.... For heaven's sake, don't be petty at this moment! She +mustn't go from our door in any such fashion! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I can't clean her boots, Flamm! + +FLAMM + +And I don't want you to! It isn't a question of that! But you sent for +her yourself.--You can't change so completely in a moment as to forget +all compassion and sympathy. What did you say to me a while ago? And if +the lass goes to the devil ... you know I'm not such a scoundrel that I'd +care to drag out my life any longer. It's one thing or the other--don't +forget that! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, Christie ... you men are not worth it, to be sure. An' yet, in the +end, what is a body to do?--The heart bleeds! 'Tis our own fault. Why +does a woman deceive herself again an' again, when she's old enough an' +sensible enough to know better! An' don't deceive yourself about this +thing either, Christie.... I'm willin'! I can do it! I'll talk to her! +Not for your sake, but because it's right. But don't imagine that I can +make whole what you've broken.--You men are like children in that +respect! + + _The MAID comes back._ + +THE MAID + +She don't want to wait no more! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Send her in! + + _The MAID withdraws again._ + +FLAMM + +Be sensible, mother! On my word of honour.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +You needn't give it! You needn't break it! + + _FLAMM leaves the room. MRS. FLAMM sighs and picks up her crochet + work again. Thereupon ROSE BERND enters._ + +ROSE + +[_Showily dressed in her Sunday clothes. Her features are peaked and +there is a feverish gleam in her eyes._] Good-day, madam. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good-day! Sit down. Well, Rose, I've asked you to come here ... I suppose +you've kept in mind what we talked about that time. There's many a thing +that's changed since then!... In many respects, anyhow! But that made me +want to talk to you all the more. That day, to be sure, you said I +couldn't help you, that you wanted to fight it all out alone! An' to-day +a good bit has grown clear to me--your strange behaviour that time, an' +your unwillingness to let me help you.--But I don't see how you're goin' +to get along all alone. Come, drink a cup o' coffee. [_ROSE sits down on +the edge of a chair by the table._] August was here to see me a while +ago. If I had been in your shoes, lass, I'd have risked it long ago an' +told him the truth. [_Looking sharply at her._] But now, the way things +has gone--I can't even advise you to do it! Isn't that true? + +ROSE + +Oh, but why, madam? + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis true, the older a person gets, the less can she understand mankind +an' their ways. We've all come into the world the same way, but there's +no mention to be made o' that! From the Emperor an' the archbishop down +to the stable boy--they've all gotten their bit o' life one way ... one +way ... an' 'tis the one thing they can't besmirch enough. An' if the +stork but flies past the chimney-top--the confusion of people is great. +Then they run away in every direction. A guest like that is never +welcome! + +ROSE + +Oh, madam, all that would ha' been straightened up this long time, if it +hadn't ha' been for this criminal an' scoundrel here ... this liar ... +this Streckmann ... + +MRS. FLAMM + +No, girl. I don't understand that. How can you bear to say that the man +lies? 'Tis your shape that almost tells the story now! + +ROSE + +He lies! He lies! That's all I know. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But in what respect does he lie? + +ROSE + +In every respeck an' in every way! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't believe you've really thought it all out! Do you remember who I +am? Think, lass, think! In the first place you confessed it all to me, +and furthermore, I know more than what you said: I know all that you +didn't say. + +ROSE + +[_Shivering with nervousness but obdurate._] An' if you was to kill me, I +couldn't say what I don't know. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that so? Oh! Is that your policy now? I must say I didn't take you for +a girl of that kind! It comes over me unexpectedly! I hope you talked a +little plainer than that when you were questioned in court. + +ROSE + +I said just the same thing there that I'm tellin' you. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Girl, come to your senses! You're talking dreadful folly! People don't +lie that way before the Judge! Listen to what I'm tellin' you! Drink a +bit o' coffee, an' don't be frightened! Nobody's pursuing you, an' I +won't eat you up either!--You haven't acted very well toward me: no one +could say that you had! You might at least have told me the truth that +day; maybe an easier way out could ha' been found. 'Tis a hard matter +now! An' yet, we won't be idle, an' even to-day, maybe, some way o' +savin' you can be found! Some way it may be possible yet! Well then!... +An' especially ... this much is certain ... an' you can trust to that +surely ... you shan't, either of you, ever suffer any need in this world! +Even if your father abandons you and August, maybe, goes his own way, +I'll provide for you an' for your child. + +ROSE + +I don't hardly know what you mean, madam! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, girl, then I'll tell you straight out! If you don't know that an' +have forgotten it, then it's simply because you have a bad conscience! +Then you've been guilty of something else! An', if you _has_ another +secret, it's connected with nobody but with Streckmann. Then, he's the +fellow that's bringin' trouble upon you! + +ROSE + +[_Violently._] No, how can you think such a thing o' me! You say that ... +oh, for the good Lord's sake ... how has I deserved it o' you!... If only +my little Kurt ... my dear little fellow ... + + [_She wrings her hands hysterically in front of the child's picture._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Rose, let that be, I beg o' you! It may be that you've deserved well o' +me in other days. We're not arguin' about that now! But you're so +changed, so ... I can never understand how you've come to change so! + +ROSE + +Why didn't my little mother take me to herself! She said she would when +she died. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Come to your senses, lass. You're alive. What is your trouble? + +ROSE + +It has nothin' to do with Streckmann! That man has lied his soul black. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What did he lie about? Did he make his statements under oath? + +ROSE + +Oath or no oath! I says he lies, lies ... + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' did you have to take an oath too? + +ROSE + +I don't know.--I'm not such a wicked lass ... If that was true,'twould be +a bitter crime!... An' that August lost his eye ... it wasn't I that was +the cause o' it. The pains that poor man had to suffer ... they follows +me day an' night. An' he might well despise me if they didn't. But you +try an' work an' pray to save somethin' from the flames o' the world ... +an' men comes an' they breaks your strength. + + _FLAMM enters in intense excitement._ + +FLAMM + +Who is breaking your strength? Look at mother here! On the contrary, we +want to save you! + +ROSE + +'Tis too late now! It can't be done no more. + +FLAMM + +What does that mean? + +ROSE + +Nothin'!--I can't wait no longer. Good-bye, I'll go my ways. + +FLAMM + +Here you stay! Don't move from this spot! I was at the door and heard +everything, and now I want to know the whole truth. + +ROSE + +But I'm tellin' you the truth! + +FLAMM + +About Streckmann too? + +ROSE + +There wasn't nothin' between us. He lies! + +FLAMM + +Does he say that there was something between you? + +ROSE + +I say nothin' but that he lies! + +FLAMM + +Did he swear to that lie? + + _ROSE is silent._ + +FLAMM + +[_Regards ROSE long and searchingly. Then:_] Well, mother, think as +charitably of me as you can. Try to forgive me as much as possible. I +know with the utmost certainty that that matter doesn't concern me in the +least any longer! I simply laugh at it! I snap my fingers at it. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_To ROSE._] Did you deny everything? + +ROSE + +... + +FLAMM + +I spoke the truth in court, of course. Streckmann doesn't lie at such +times neither. Perjury is a penitentiary crime--a man doesn't lie under +such circumstances! + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' didn't you tell the truth, girl? You lied when you were under oath, +maybe?--Haven't you any idea what that means an' what you've done? How +did you happen to do that? How could you think o' such a thing? + +ROSE + +[_Cries out brokenly._] I was so ashamed! + +MRS. FLAMM + +But Rose ... + +FLAMM + +Every word is wasted! Why did you lie to the judge? + +ROSE + +I was ashamed, I tell ye!... I was ashamed! + +FLAMM + +And I? And mother? And August? Why did you cheat us all? And you probably +cheated Streckmann in the end too? And I wonder with whom else you +carried on!... Yes, oh, yes; you have a very honest face. But you did +right to be ashamed! + +ROSE + +He baited me an' he hunted me down like a dog! + +FLAMM + +[_Laughing._] Oh, well, that's what you women make of us--dogs. This man +to-day; that man to-morrow! 'Tis bitter enough to think! You can do what +you please now; follow what ways you want to!--If I so much as raise a +finger in this affair again, it'll be to take a rope and beat it about my +ass's ears until I can't see out of my eyes! + + _ROSE stares at FLAMM in wide-eyed horror._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What I said, Rose, stands for all that! You two'll always be provided +for. + +ROSE + +[_Whispering mechanically._] I was so ashamed! I was so ashamed! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do you hear what I say, Rose?--[ROSE _hurries out._] The girl's +gone!--'Tis enough to make one pray for an angel to come down.... + +FLAMM + +[_Stricken to the heart, breaks out in repressed sobbing._] God forgive +me, mother, but ... I can't help it. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +FIFTH ACT + + + _The living room in old BERND'S cottage. The room is fairly large; it + has grey walls and an old-fashioned whitewashed ceiling supported by + visible beams. A door in the background leads to the kitchen, one at + the left to the outer hall. To the right are two small windows. A + yellow chest of drawers stands between the two windows; upon it is + set an unlit kerosene lamp; a mirror hangs above it on the wall. In + the left corner a great stove; in the right a sofa, covered with + oil-cloth, a table with a cloth on it and a hanging lamp above it. + Over the sofa on the wall hangs a picture with the Biblical subject: + "Suffer little children to come unto me"; beneath it a photograph of + BERND, showing him as a conscript, and several of himself and his + wife. In the foreground, to the left, stands a china closet, filled + with painted cups, glasses, etc. A Bible is lying on the chest of + drawers; over the door to the hall hangs a chromolithograph of + "Christ with the crown of thorns." Mull curtains hang in front of the + windows. Each of four or five chairs of yellow wood has its own + place. The whole room makes a neat but very chilly impression. + Several Bibles and hymnals lie on the china closet. On the door-post + of the door to the hall hangs a collecting-box._ + + _It is seven o'clock in the evening of the same day on which the + events in Act Four have taken place. The door that leads to the hall + as well as the kitchen door stands open. A gloomy dusk fills the + house._ + + _Voices are heard outside, and a repeated knocking at the window. + Thereupon a voice speaks through the window._ + +THE VOICE + +Bernd! Isn't there a soul at home? Let's be goin' to the back door! + + _A silence ensues. Soon, however, the back door opens and voices and + steps are heard in the hall. In the door that leads to the hall + appear KLEINERT and ROSE BERND. The latter is obviously exhausted and + leans upon him._ + +ROSE + +[_Weak and faint._] No one's at home. 'Tis all dark. + +KLEINERT + +I can't be leavin' you alone this way now! + +ROSE + +An' why not, Kleinert? There's nothin' the matter with me! + +KLEINERT + +Somebody else can believe that--that there's nothin' wrong! I wouldn't +ha' had to pick you up in that case! + +ROSE + +Eh, but I'd only gotten a bit dizzy. Truly ... 'tis better now. I really +don't need you no more. + +KLEINERT + +No, no, lass; I can't leave you this way! + +ROSE + +Oh, yes, father Kleinert! I do thank you, but 'tis well! There's nothin' +wrong with me! I'm on my feet an' strong again! It comes over me that way +sometimes; but 'tis nothin' to worry over. + +KLEINERT + +But you lay half dead yonder behind the willow! An' you writhed like a +worm. + +ROSE + +Kleinert, go your ways.... I'll be lightin' a light! An' I must light a +fire, too ... go your ways ... the folks will be comin' to their +supper!... Oh, no, Kleinert, Kleinert! But I'm that tired! Oh, I'm so +terrible tired! No one wouldn't believe how tired I am. + +KLEINERT + +An' then you want to be lightin' a fire here? That's nothin' for you! Bed +is the place where you ought to be! + +ROSE + +Kleinert, go your ways, go! If father, an' if August ... they mustn't +know nothin'! For my sake, go! Don't do nothin' that'll only harm me! + +KLEINERT + +I don't want to do nothin' that'll harm you! + +ROSE + +No, no, I know it! You was always good to me! [_She has arisen from the +chair at the right on which, she had sunk down, gets a candle from behind +the oven and lights it._] Oh, yes, yes, I'm well off again.--There's +nothin' wrong.--You can be easy in your mind. + +KLEINERT + +You're just sayin' that! + +ROSE + +Because 'tis really so! + + _MARTHEL comes in from the fields with bare arms and feet._ + +ROSE + +An' there's Marthel, too! + +MARTHEL + +Rose, is that you? Where have you been all day? + +ROSE + +I dreamed I was at the court. + +KLEINERT + +No, no; she was really at the court! Take a bit o' care o' your sister, +Marthel. Look after her at least till your fatter comes back. 'Tisn't +well with the girl. + +ROSE + +Marthel, hurry! Light the fire, so's we can start to put on the +potatoes.--Where's father? + +MARTHEL + +On August's land. + +ROSE + +An' August? + +MARTHEL + +I don't know where he is. He was out on the field to-day. + +ROSE + +Have you got new potatoes? + +MARTHEL + +I have an apron full! + + [_Immediately behind the kitchen door she pours out the potatoes on + the floor._ + +ROSE + +Fetch me a pan and a saucepan, so's I can begin the peelin'. I can't get +nothin' for myself. + +KLEINERT + +D'you want me to be givin' a message anywhere? + +ROSE + +To whom? To the grave-digger, maybe?... No, no, godfather, not on my +account. 'Tis a special bit o' ground where I'll find rest. + +KLEINERT + +Well, good-bye! + +ROSE + +Good-bye to you! + +MARTHEL + +[_Cheerily._] Come again, godfather! + + _KLEINERT as usual with his pipe in his mouth, departs shaking his + head._ + +MARTHEL + +[_Lighting the fire._] Don't you feel well, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Oh, yes; well enough! [_Softly wringing her hands, she speaks to the +crucifix._] Jesus, Mary, have mercy on me! + +MARTHEL + +Rose! + +ROSE + +What? + +MARTHEL + +What's the matter with you? + +ROSE + +Nothin'. Bring me a pan an' the potatoes. + +MARTHEL + +[_Has started the fire to burning and now brings ROSE an earthenware bowl +of potatoes and a paring knife._] Oh, but Rosie, I'm that frightened! You +look so ...! + +ROSE + +How does I look? Tell me that? How? Has I got spots on my hands? Is it +branded over my eyes? Everythin's kind o' ghastly to me this day. +[_Laughing a ghastly laugh._] Lord! I can't see the face o' you! Now I +see one hand! Now I see two eyes! Just dots now! Martha, maybe I'm +growin' blind! + +MARTHEL + +Rosie, did somethin' happen to you? + +ROSE + +God protect you from what's happened to me.... You'd better be wishin' +yourself an early death! Because, even if a body dies to this world, they +do say that he passes into rest. Then you don't have to live an' draw +breath no more.--How did it go with little Kurt Flamm? I've clean forgot +... I'm dizzy ... I'm forgettin' ... I've forgotten everythin' ... life's +that hard ... If I could only keep on feelin' this way ... an' never wake +up again ...! What's the reason o' such things comin' to pass in this +world? + +MARTHEL + +[_Frightened._] If only father would come home! + +ROSE + +Martha, come! Listen to me! You mustn't tell father that I was here or +that I am here ... Martha, sure you'll promise me that, won't you?... +Many a thing I've done for the love o' you ... Martha! You haven't +forgotten that, nor you mustn't forget it, even if things grows dark +around me now. + +MARTHEL + +Will you drink a bit of coffee? There's a drop left in the oven. + +ROSE + +An' don't be frightened! I'll go upstairs in the room an' lie down a wee +bit ... just a bit. Otherwise I'm all right ... otherwise there's nothin' +that ails me. + +MARTHEL + +An' I'm not to say nothin' to father? + +ROSE + +Not a word! + +MARTHEL + +An' not to August neither? + +ROSE + +Not a syllable! Lass, you've never known your mother an' I've raised you +with fear an' heartache.--Many's the night I've watched through in terror +because you was ill! I wasn't as old as you when I carried you about on +my arm till I was near breakin' in two! Here you was--at my breast! An' +if you go an' betray me now, 'tis all over between us! + +MARTHEL + +Rosie, 'tis nothin' bad is it ... nothin' dangerous, I mean? + +ROSE + +I don't believe it is! Come, Martha, help me a bit, support me a bit!... +A body is left too lonely in this world ... too deserted! If only a body +wasn't so lonely here ... so lonely on this earth! + + [_ROSE and MARTHEL pass out through the hall door._ + + _For some moments the room remains empty. Then old BERND appears in + the kitchen. He puts down his basket and the potato hoe and looks + about him, earnestly and inquiringly. Meanwhile MARTHEL re-enters the + living-room from the hall._ + +MARTHEL + +Is it you, father? + +BERND + +Is there no hot water! You know I have to have my foot bath! Isn't Rose +here yet? + +MARTHEL + +She isn't here yet, father! + +BERND + +What? Hasn't she come back from court yet? That isn't possible hardly! +'Tis eight o'clock. Was August here? + +MARTHEL + +Not yet. + +BERND + +Not yet either? Well, maybe she's with him then.--Have you seen that +great cloud, Marthel, that was comin' over from the mountain about six +o'clock, maybe? + +MARTHEL + +Yes, father; the world got all dark! + +BERND + +There'll come a day o' greater darkness than this! Light the lamp on the +table for me an' put the Good Book down next to it. The great thing is to +be in readiness. Marthel, are you sure you keep thinkin' o' the life +eternal, so that you can stand up before your Judge on that day? Few is +the souls that think of it here! Just now as I was comin' home along the +water's edge, I heard some one cryin' out upon me from behind, as they +often does. "Bloodsucker!" cried he. An' was I a bloodsucker when I was +overseer on the domain? Nay, I did my duty,--that was all! But the powers +of evil is strong! If a man is underhanded, an' closes his eyes to evil, +an' looks on quietly upon cheatin'--then his fellows likes him well.--But +I leans upon the Lord Jesus. We human bein's all need that support. +'Tisn't enough just to do good works! Maybe if Rose had given more +thought to that, maybe we'd ha' been spared many a visitation an' a deal +o' heaviness an' bitterness. [_A CONSTABLE appears in the doorway._] +Who's comin' there? + +CONSTABLE + +I have a summons to serve, I must speak to your daughter. + +BERND + +My oldest daughter? + +CONSTABLE + +[_Reads from the document._] To Rose Bernd. + +BERND + +My daughter hasn't come back from court yet. Can I give her the letter? + +CONSTABLE + +No; I've got to make a personal search, too. I'll be back at eight in the +mornin'. + + _AUGUST appears hastily._ + +BERND + +There's August, too. + +AUGUST + +Isn't Rose here? + +BERND + +No; an' the sergeant here is askin' after her, too. I thought you an' she +was together. + +CONSTABLE + +I has to make a search into one matter an' also to serve this paper. + +AUGUST + +Always an' forever this Streckmann business. 'Tis not only the loss of my +eye--now we has these everlastin' troubles an' annoyances. It seems, God +forgive me, to come to no end. + +CONSTABLE + +Good evenin'. To-morrow mornin' at eight! + + [_Exit._ + +AUGUST + +Marthel, go into the kitchen a bit of a while.--Father, I've got to speak +with you. Go, Marthel; go an' shut the door. But Marthel, didn't you see +anythin' o' Rose? + +MARTHEL + +No, nothin'! [_Surreptitiously she beckons to him with her hand._] I'll +tell you something August. + +AUGUST + +Close the door, lass. I have no time now. [_He himself closes the kitchen +door._] Father, you'll have to withdraw your suit. + +BERND + +Anythin' but that, August. I can't do that! + +AUGUST + +'Tis not Christian. Yon must withdraw. + +BERND + +I don't believe that 'tis not Christian!--For why? 'Tis a piece of infamy +to cut off a girl's honour that way. 'Tis a crime that needs to be +punished. + +AUGUST + +I hardly know how to begin, father Bernd.... You've been too hasty in +this matter.... + +BERND + +My wife who's in her grave demands that of me! An' my honour demands it +... the honour o' my house and o' my lass. An' yours, too, if you come to +think. + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd, father Bernd, how am I to speak to you if you're so set on +not makin' peace? You've spoke o' so many kinds of honour. But we're not +to seek our honour or glory in this world, but God's only an' no other! + +BERND + +'Tis otherwise in this matter. Here woman's honour is God's too! Or have +you any complaint to make against Rose? + +AUGUST + +I've said to you: I make no complaint! + +BERND + +Or is your own conscience troublin' you on her account? + +AUGUST + +You know me in that respeck, father Bernd. Before I'd depart from the +straight an' narrow way ... + +BERND + +Well, then. I know that! I always knew that! An' so justice can take its +course. + +AUGUST + +[_Wiping the sweat from his forehead._] If only we knew where Rose is! + +BERND + +Maybe she isn't back from the court at Striegau yet! + +AUGUST + +An examination like that don't take very long. She meant to be home by +five o'clock. + +BERND + +Maybe she went to buy some things on the way. Wasn't she to get several +things yet? I thought you were wantin' one thing or another. + +AUGUST + +But she didn't take along any money. An' the things we was needin' for +the shop--curtains for the windows an' the door--we intended to buy those +together. + +BERND + +I was thinkin' that she'd come with you! + +AUGUST + +I went to meet her on the road--more'n a mile, but I heard an' saw +nothin' of her. Instead o' that, I met Streckmann. + +BERND + +I calls that meetin' the devil! + +AUGUST + +Ah, father, that man has a wife an' children too! His sins are no fault +o' theirs! What good does it do me that he's got to go to gaol? If a man +repents ... that's all I asks! + +BERND + +That bad man don't know repentance! + +AUGUST + +It looked very much as if he did. + +BERND + +Did you speak to him? + +AUGUST + +He gave me no peace. He ran along next to me an' talked an' talked. There +wasn't a soul to be seen far an' wide! In the end I felt sorry for him; I +couldn't help it. + +BERND + +You answered him! What did he say? + +AUGUST + +He said you should withdraw your suit. + +BERND + +I couldn't rest quiet in my grave if I did! 'Twouldn't matter if it +concerned me! I can bear it; I can laugh at it! I'm not only a man but a +Christian! But 'tis a different thing with my child! How could I look you +in the face if I let that shameful thing stick to her! An' now, +especially, after that terrible misfortune! Look, August, that can't be! +That mustn't be!--Everybody's always been at our heels, because we lived +different from the rest o' the world! Hypocrites they called us an' +bigots, an' sneaks an' such names! An' always they wanted to trump up +somethin' against us! What a feast this here thing would be to 'em! An' +besides ... How did I bring up the lass? Industrious an' with the fear o' +God in her heart so that if a Christian man marries her, he can set up a +Christian household! That's the way! That's how I gives her out o' my +care! An' am I goin' to let that poison cling to her? Rather would I be +eatin' bread an' salt all my days than take a penny from you then! + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd, God's ways is mysterious! He can send us new trials daily! +No man has a right to be self-righteous! An' even if I wanted to be, I +couldn't! I can't spare you the knowledge no longer, father. Our Rose has +been but a weak human bein' like others. + +BERND + +How do you mean that, August? + +AUGUST + +Father, don't ask me no more, + +BERND + +[_Has sat down on a chair by the table in such a way that his face is +turned to the wall. At AUGUST'S last words he has looked at him with +eyes, wide-open and estranged. Then he turns to the table, opens the +Bible with trembling hands, and turns its leaves hither and thither in +growing excitement. He ceases and looks at AUGUST again. Finally he folds +his hands over the book and lets his head sink upon them while his body +twitches convulsively. In this posture he remains for a while, Then he +straightens himself up._] No. I don't understand you rightly! Because, +you see, if I did understand you rightly ... that'd be really ... an' I +wouldn't know ... my God, the room swims with me ... why, I'd have to be +deaf an' blind!--Nay, August, an' I'm not deaf an' blind! Don't let +Streckmann impose on you! He'll take any means to get out o' the trap +that he's in now. It's comin' home to him, an' he wants to sneak out at +any cost! An' so he's incitin' you against the lass. No, August, ... +truly, August ... not on that bridge ... you mustn't start for to cross +that bridge!... Anybody can see through his villainy! ... He's laid traps +enough for the lass. An' if one way don't succeed, he'll try another!... +Now he's hit on this here plan.--Maybe he'll separate you two! It's +happened in this world, more than once or twice that some devil with his +evil schemes has tore asunder people that God meant for each other. They +always grudged the girl her good fortune. Good: I'm willin'! I won't +throw Rose after you! We've satisfied our hunger up to now! But if you'll +heed my word: I'll put my right hand in the fire for.... + +AUGUST + +But Mr. Flamm took oath. + +BERND + +Ten oaths against me ... twenty oaths against me!... Then he has sworn +falsely an' damned hisself in this world an' in the world to come! + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd.... + +BERND + +Now wait a bit before ever you say another word! Here I take the books! +Here I take my hat! Here I take the collecting box o' the missions. An' +all these things I puts together here. An' if that's true what you've +been sayin'--if there's so much in it as a grain o' truth--then I'll go +this minute to the pastor an' I'll say: Your reverence, this is how +things is: I can't be a deacon no more; I can't take care o' the treasury +for missions no more! Good-bye! And then nobody would see me no more! No, +no, no, for the love o' God! But now go on! Say your say! But don't +torture me for nothin'. + +AUGUST + +I had the same thought, too. I want to sell my house an' my land! Maybe +one could find contentment somewhere else. + +BERND + +[_In unspeakable astonishment._] You want to sell your house an' your +land, August? How do all these strange things come about all of a sudden! +It's enough ... A body might be tempted to make the sign o' the cross, +even though we're not Catholics.--Has the whole world gone mad? Or is the +Day o' Judgment at hand? Or maybe, 'tis but my last hour that has come. +Now answer me, August, how is it? As you hope for a life to come, how is +it? + +AUGUST + +However it is, father Bernd, I won't desert her. + +BERND + +You can do about that as you please. That don't concern me! I don't want +to know if a man'd like a wench o' that kind in his house or not. Not me! +I'm not that kind of a man. Well now ...? + +AUGUST + +I can't say nothin' more than this--somethin' must ha' happened to her! +Whether 'twas with Flamm or with Streckmann.... + +BERND + +That makes two of 'em ...! + +AUGUST + +I can't tell exactly ...! + +BERND + +Well, then I'll be goin' to the pastor! Brush me off, August, clean me a +bit! I feel as if I had the itch on my body! + + [_He steps into the hall._ + + _At the same moment MARTHEL rushes out of the kitchen and speaks to + AUGUST in intense terror._ + +MARTHEL + +I believe a misfortune has happened to Rose! She's upstairs! She's been +home this long time! + +BERND + +[_Returns, changed somewhat by a fright which he has felt._] Somebody +must be upstairs. + +AUGUST + +Marthel is just sayin' that Rose is there. + +MARTHEL + +I hear her. She's comin' down the stairs. + +BERND + +God forgive me the sin! I don't want to see her. + + _He sits down at the table, as before, holds his thumbs over his ears + and bends his head deep over the Bible. ROSE appears in the door. She + has her house skirt on and a loose bodice of cotton cloth. She keeps + herself erect by sheer force of will. Her hair hangs down, partly + loose, partly braided. There is in her face an expression of + terrible, fatalistic calm and of bitter defiance. For several moments + she lets her eyes wander over the room, over OLD BERND sitting there + with his Bible, over AUGUST who has slowly turned from the door and + pretends to be looking intently out of the window. Then, groping for + some support, she begins to talk with desperate energy._ + +ROSE + +Good-evenin' to all o' ye!--?--Good evenin'. + +AUGUST + +[_After some hemming._] The same to you. + +ROSE + +[_With bitter iciness._] If you don't want me, I can go again. + +AUGUST + +[_Simply._] Where else do you want to go to? An' where have you been? + +ROSE + +He that asks much, hears much. More sometimes than he'd like +to.--Marthel, come over here to me a bit. [_MARTHEL goes. Rose has seated +herself not far from the stove and takes the younger girl's hand. Then +she says:_] What's the matter with father? + +MARTHEL + +[_Embarrassed, timid, speaks softly._] I don't know that neither. + +ROSE + +What's the matter with father? You can speak right out! An' with you, +August? What is the matter with you?... You've got cause, that you have, +August, to despise me. I don't deny that. No.... + +AUGUST + +I don't despise no one in this world. + +ROSE + +But I do! All of 'em ... all ... all! + +AUGUST + +Those is dark words to me that you're speakin'. + +ROSE + +Dark? Yes! I know it. The world's dark! An' you hear the roarin' o' wild +beasts in it. An' then, later, it gets brighter ... but them are the +flames o' hell that make it bright.--Martha.... + +BERND + +[_Who has been listening a little, arises and frees MARTHEL'S wrist from +ROSE'S grasp._] Don't poison the little lass's mind. Take your hand +away!--March off to bed! [_MARTHEL goes weeping._] A man would like to be +deaf, to be blind! A man'd like to be dead. + + [_He becomes absorbed again in his Bible._ + +ROSE Father!--I'm alive!--I'm sittin' here!--That's somethin'!--Yes, +that's something when you considers!--I think, father, you might +understand that! This is a world ...! Nobody can never do nothin' more to +me! O Jesus, my Saviour--! All o' you, all o' you--you live together in a +bit o' chamber an' you don't know what goes on outside in the world! I +know it now ... I've learned it in bitterness an' wailin'! I had to get +out o' that little chamber! An' then--somehow--the walls gave way, one +wall an' another ... an' there I stood, outside, in the storm ... an' +there--was nothin' under me an' nothin' above me ... nothin'. You're all +like children compared to me. + +AUGUST + +[_Frightened._] But, Rose, if it's true what Streckmann says, then you've +committed perjury!... + +ROSE + +[_Laughing bitterly._] I don't know. 'Tis possible ... I can't just +remember this moment. The world is made up o' lies an' deception. + +BERND + +[_Sighs._] O God ... my refuge evermore. + +AUGUST + +Is it so easy that you take the swearin' o' false oaths? + +ROSE + +That's nothin'! Nothin'! How could that be anythin'? There's somethin' +that lies, out there, under a willow ... That's ... somethin' ... The +rest don't concern me! There ... there ... I wanted to look up at the +stars! I wanted to cry out an' to call out! No heavenly Father stirred to +help me. + +BERND + +[_Frightened, trembling._] You're blasphemin' our heavenly Father? Has it +gone so far with you? Then I don't know you no more! + +ROSE + +[_Approaching him on her knees._] 'Tis gone so far! But you know me +anyhow, father! You cradled me on your knees, an' I've stood by you too +many a time.--Now somethin' has come over us all--I've fought against it +and struggled against it.... + +BERND + +[_Deeply perplexed._] What is it? + +ROSE + +I don't know ... I don't know! + + [_Trembling and kneeling, she crouches and stares at the floor._ + +AUGUST + +[_Overwhelmed and taken out of himself by the pity of the sight._] Rosie, +get up! I won't desert you! Get up, I can't bear to see you lyin' there! +We're all sinners together! An' anyone who repents so deep, is bound to +be forgiven. Get up, Rose, Father, raise her up! We're not among them +that condemns--not I, at least. There's nothin' in me o' the Pharisee! I +see how it goes to her heart! Come what will, I'll stand by you! I'm no +judge ... I don't judge. Our Saviour in Heaven didn't judge neither. +Truly, he bore our sickness for us, an' we thought he was one that was +tortured an' stricken, by God! Maybe we've all been guilty of error. I +don't want to acquit myself neither. I've been thinkin'. Before the lass +hardly knew me, she had to say her yea an' amen! What do I care about the +world? It don't concern me. + +ROSE + +August, they clung to me like burrs ... I couldn't walk across the street +safe ... All the men was after me!... I hid myself ... I was that scared! +I was so afraid o' men!... It didn't help! 'Twas worse an' worse! After +that I fell from one snare into another, till I hardly came to my senses +no more. + +BERND + +You used to have the strictest notion o' such things. You condemned the +Leichner girl an' despised the Kaiser wench! You boasted--you'd like to +see someone come across your path! You struck the miller's journeyman in +the face! A girl as does that, you said, don't deserve no pity; she can +go an' hang herself! An' now you speak o' snares. + +ROSE + +I know better now. + +AUGUST + +Come what will, I'll stand by you, Rose. I'll sell my land! We'll go out +into the world! I have an uncle in Brazil, across the ocean. We'll get +our bit o' livin' somehow--one way or t'other. Maybe 'tis only now that +we're ripe an' ready to take up our life together. + +ROSE + +O Jesus, Jesus, what did I do? Why did I go an' creep home? Why didn't I +stay with my little baby? + +AUGUST + +With whom? + +ROSE + +[_Gets up._] August, it's all over with me! First there was a burnin' in +my body like flames o' fire! Then I fell into a kind o' swoon! Then there +came one hope: I ran like a mother cat with her kitten in her mouth! But +the dogs chased me an' I had to drop it.... + +BERND + +Do you understand one word, August? + +AUGUST + +No, not o' this.... + +BERND + +Do you know how I feel? I feel as if one abyss after another was openin', +was yawnin' for us here. What'll we hear before the end? + +ROSE + +A curse! A curse will ye have to hear: I see you! I'll meet you! On the +Day o' Judgment I'll meet you! I'll tear out your gullet an' your jaws +together! You'll have to give an accountin'! You'll have to answer me, +there! + +AUGUST + +Whom do you mean, Rosie? + +ROSE + +_He_ knows ... _he_ knows. + + [_A great exhaustion overtakes her and, almost swooning, she sinks + upon a chair. A silence follows._ + +AUGUST + +[_Busying himself about her._] What is it that's come over you? Suddenly +you're so.... + +ROSE + +I don't know.--If you'd asked me earlier, long ago, maybe ... to-day I +can't tell you!--There wasn't nobody that loved me enough. + +AUGUST + +Who can tell which love is stronger--the happy or the unhappy love. + +ROSE + +Oh, I was strong, strong, so strong! Now I'm weak! Now it's all over with +me. + + _The CONSTABLE appears._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +[_With a quiet voice._] They say your daughter is at home. Kleinert said +she was here. + +AUGUST + +It's true. We didn't know it a while ago. + +THE CONSTABLE + +Then I might as well get through now. There's somethin' to be signed +here. + + [_Without noticing ROSE in the dim room, he lays several documents on + the table._ + +AUGUST + +Rose, here's somethin' you're to sign. + + _ROSE laughs with horrible and hysterical irony._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +If you're the one, Miss, it's no laughin' matter.--Please! + +ROSE + +You can stay a minute yet. + +AUGUST + +An' why? + +ROSE + +[_With flaming eyes, a malice against the whole world in her voice._] +I've strangled my child. + +AUGUST + +What are you sayin'? For the love of God, what are you sayin'? + +THE CONSTABLE + +[_Draws himself up, looks at her searchingly, but continues as though he +had not heard._] It'll be somethin' connected with the Streckmann +'affair. + +ROSE + +[As before, harshly, almost with a bark.] Streckmann? He strangled my +child. + +BERND + +Girl, be still. You're out o' your mind. + +THE CONSTABLE + +Anyhow, you have no child at all--? + +ROSE + +What? I has none? Could I ha' strangled it with my hands?... I strangled +my baby with these hands!!! + +THE CONSTABLE + +You're possessed! What's wrong with you? + +ROSE + +My mind's clear. I'm not possessed. I woke up clear in my mind, so +clear.... [_Coldly, mildly, but with cruel firmness._] It _was_ not to +live! I didn't want it to live! I didn't want it to suffer my agonies! It +was to stay where it belonged. + +AUGUST + +Rose, think! Don't torment yourself! You don't know what you're sayin' +here! You'll bring down misery on us all. + +ROSE + +You don't know nothin' ... that's it ... You don't see nothin'. You was +all blind together with your eyes open. He can go an' look behind the +great willow ... by the alder-trees ... behind the parson's field ... by +the pool ... there he can see the wee thing.... + +BERND + +You've done somethin' so awful? + +AUGUST + +You've been guilty o' somethin' so unspeakable? + + _ROSE faints. The men look upon her confounded and helpless. AUGUST + supports her._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +'Twould be best if she came along with me to headquarters. There she can +make a voluntary confession. If what she says isn't just fancies, it'll +count a good deal in her favour. + +AUGUST + +[_From the depth of a great experience._] Those are no fancies, sergeant. +That girl ... what she must have suffered! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE RATS + +A BERLIN TRAGI-COMEDY + + + + +PERSONS + + +HARRO HASSENREUTER, _formerly a theatrical manager._ + +MRS. HARRO HASSENREUTER. + +WALBURGA, _their daughter._ + +PASTOR SPITTA. + +ERICH SPITTA, _postulant for Holy Orders, his son._ + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH, _actress._ + +NATHANAEL JETTEL, _court actor._ + +KÄFERSTEIN, DR. KEGEL, _Pupils of HASSENREUTER._ + +JOHN, _foreman mason._ + +MRS. JOHN. + +BRUNO MECHELKE, _her brother._ + +PAULINE PIPERCARCKA, _a servant girl._ + +MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE. + +SELMA, _her daughter._ + +QUAQUARO, _house-steward._ + +MRS. KIELBACKE. + +POLICEMAN SCHIERKE. + +TWO INFANTS. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _The attic of a former cavalry barracks in Berlin, A windowless room + that receives all its light from a lamp which burns suspended over a + round table. From the back wall opens a straight passage which + connects the room with the outer door--a door with iron hasps and a + primitive signal bell which any one desiring to enter rings by means + of a bell rope. A door in the right wall leads to an adjoining room, + one in the left wall leads to the stairs into the loft immediately + under the roof. Into this store room, as well as into the space + visible to the spectator, the former theatrical manager, HARRO + HASSENREUTER has gathered his collection of properties. In the + prevalent gloom it is difficult to decide whether the place is the + armour room of an old castle, a museum of antiquities or the shop of + a costumer. Stands with helmets and breast-plates are put up on + either side of the passage; a row of similar stands almost covers the + two sides of the front room. The stairs wind upward between two + mailed figures. At the head of the stairs is a wooden trap-door. In + the left foreground, against the wall, is a high desk. Ink, pens, old + ledgers, a tall stool, as well as several chairs with tall backs and + the round table make it clear that the room serves the purposes of an + office. On the table is a decanter for water and several glasses; + above the desk hang a number of photographs. These photographs + represent HASSENREUTER in the part of Karl Moor (in Schiller's + "Robbers"), as well as in a number of other parts. One of the mailed + dummies wean a huge laurel wreath about its neck. The laurel wreath + is tied with a riband which bears, in gilt letters, the following + inscription: "To our gifted manager Hassenreuter, from his grateful + colleagues." A series of enormous red bows shows the inscriptions: + "To the inspired presenter of Karl Moor ... To the incomparable, + unforgettable Karl Moor" ... etc., etc. The room is utilised as far + as its space will permit for the storing of costumes. Wherever + possible, German, Spanish and English garments of every age hang on + hooks. Swedish riding boots, Spanish rapiers and German broadswords + are scattered about. The door to the left bears the legend: Library. + The whole room displays picturesque disorder, Trumpery of all + kinds--weapons, goblets, cups--is scattered about. It is Sunday + toward the end of May._ + + _At the table in the middle of the room are sitting, MRS. JOHN + (between thirty-five and forty) and a very young servant girl, + PAULINE PIPERCARCKA. PAULINE, vulgarly overdressed--jacket, hat, + sunshade--sits straight upright. Her pretty, round little face shows + signs of long weeping. Her figure betrays the fact that she is + approaching motherhood. She draws letters on the floor with the end + of her sunshade._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, sure now! That's right! That's what I says, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +All right. So I'm goin' to Schlachtensee or to Halensee. I gotta go and +see if I c'n meet him! + + [_She dries her tears and is about to rise._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Prevents PAULINE from getting up._] Pauline! For God's sake, don't you +be doin' that! Not that there, for nothin' in the world! That don't do +nothin' but raise a row an' cost money an' don't bring you in nothin'. +Look at the condition you're in! An' that way you want to go an' run +after that there low lived feller? + +PAULINE + +Then my landlady c'n wait an' wait for me to-day. I'll jump into the +Landwehr canal an' drownd myself. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline! An' what for? What for, I'd like to know? Now you just listen to +me for a speck of a minute, just for God's sake, for the teeniest speck +of one an' pay attention to what I'm goin' to propose to you! You know +yourself how I says to you, out on Alexander square, right by the +chronomoneter--says I to you right out, as I was comin' out o' the market +an' sees your condition with half an eye. He don't want to acknowledge +nothin', eh? That's what I axed you right out!--That happens to many gals +here, to all of 'em--to millions! An' then I says to you ... what did I +say? Come along, I says, an' I'll help you! + +PAULINE + +O' course, I don't never dare to show myself at home lookin' this way. +Mother, she'd cry it out at the first look. An' father, he'd knock my +head against the wall an' throw me out in the street. An' I ain't got no +more money left neither--nothin' but just two pieces o' gold that I got +sewed up in the linin' o' my jacket. That feller didn't leave me no crown +an' he didn't leave me no penny. + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss, my husband, he's a foreman mason. I just wants you to pay attention +... just for heaven's sake, pay attention to the propositions that I'm +goin' to make to you. They'll help us both. You'll be helped out an' the +same way I'll be. An' what's more, Paul, that's my husband, he'll be +helped, because he'd like, for all the world, to have a child, an' our +only one, little Adelbert, he went an' died o' the croup. Your child'll +be as well taken care of as an own child. Then you c'n go an' you c'n +look up your sweetheart an' you c'n go back into service an' home to your +people, an' the child is well off, an' nobody in the world don't need to +know nothin'. + +PAULINE + +I'll do it just outa spite--that's what! An' drownd myself! [_She +rises._] An' a note, a note, I'll leave in my jacket, like this: You +drove your Pauline to her death with your cursed meanness! An' then I'll +put down his name in full: Alois Theophil Brunner, instrument-maker. Then +he c'n see how he'll get along in the world with the murder o' me on his +conscience. + +MRS. JOHN + +Wait a minute, Miss! I gotta unlock the door first. + + _MRS. JOHN acts, as though she were about to conduct PAULINE to the + door._ + + _Before the two women reach the passage, BRUNO MECHELKE enters with + slow and suspicious demeanour by the door at the left and remains + standing in the room. BRUNO is short rather than tall, but with a + powerful bull's neck and athletic shoulders. His forehead is low and + receding, his close-clipped hair like a brush, his skull round and + small. His face is brutal and his left nostril has been ripped open + sometime and imperfectly healed. The fellow is about nineteen years + old. He bends forward, and his great, lumpish hands are joined to + muscular arms. The pupils of his eyes are small, black and piercing. + He is trying to repair a rat trap._ + + _BRUNO whistles to his sister as he would to a dog._ + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm comin' now, Bruno! What d'you want? + +BRUNO + +[_Apparently absorbed by the trap._] Thought I was goin' to put up traps +here. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did you put the bacon in? [_To PAULINE._] It's only my brother. Don't be +scared, Miss. + +BRUNO + +[_As before._] I seen the Emperor William to-day. I marched along wi' the +guard, + +MRS. JOHN + +[_To PAULINE, who stands fearful and moveless in BRUNO'S presence._] +'Tain't nothin' but my brother. You c'n stay.--[_To BRUNO._] Boy, what're +you lookin' that way for again? The young lady is fair scared o' you. + +BRUNO + +[_As before, without looking up._] Brrr-rr-rr! I'm a ghost. + +MRS. JOHN + +Hurry an' go up in the loft an' set your traps. + +BRUNO + +[_Slowly approaching the table._] Aw, that business ain't no good 'cept +to starve on! When I goes to sell matches, I gets more outa it. + +PAULINE + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Raging at her brother._] Are you goin' to leave me alone? + +BRUNO + +[_Knuckling under._] Aw, don' go on so. I'm leavin'. + + _Obediently he withdraws into the adjoining room. MRS. JOHN locks the + door behind him with a determined gesture._ + +PAULINE + +That's a feller I wouldn't like to meet in the _Tiergarten_. Not by night +an' not by day neither. + +MRS. JOHN + +If I sets Bruno on anyone an' he gets at him, God help him! + +PAULINE + +Good-bye. I don't like this here place. If you wants to see me again, +Mrs. John, I'd rather meet you at a bench on the _Kreuzberg_. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline, I brought up Bruno with sorrow and trouble by day an' by night. +An' I'll be twenty times better to your child. So when it's born, +Pauline, I'll take it, an' I swears to you by my father an' mother what +died in the Lord an' what I goes to visit the graves of out in Rüdersdorf +one Sunday a year an' puts candles on 'em an' don' let nobody keep me +back--I swears to you that little crittur'll live on the fat o' the land +just like a born prince nor a born princess couldn't be treated no +better. + +PAULINE + +I'm goin' and with my last penny I'm goin' to buy vitriol--I don' care +who it hits! An' I'll throw it in the face o' the wench that he goes with +... I don' care who it hits ... right in the middle o' the mug. I don' +care! It c'n burn up his fine-lookin' phiz! I don' care! It c'n burn off +his beard an' burn out his eyes if he goes with other women! What did he +do? Cheated me! Ruined me! Took my money! Robbed me o' my honour! That's +what the damn' dog did--seduced me an' lied to me an' left me an' kicked +me out into the world! I don' care who it hits! I wants him to be blind! +I wants the stuff to burn his nose offa his face! I wants it to burn him +offa the earth! + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline, as I hopes to be happy hereafter, I tells you, from the minute +where that there little one is born ... it's goin' to be treated like ... +well, I don' know what!... as if it was born to be put in silks an' in +satins. All you gotta do is to have some confidence--that's what! You +just say: Yes. I got it all figgered out. It c'n be done, it c'n be +done--that's what I tells you! An' no doctor an' no police an' no +landlady don't has to know nothin'. An' then, first of all, you gets paid +a hundred an' twenty crowns what I saved scrubbin' an' charrin' here for +manager Hassenreuter. + +PAULINE + +I might strangle it when it's born, rather 'n sell it! + +MRS. JOHN + +Who's talkin' about sellin'? + +PAULINE + +Look at the frights an' the misery I've stood from October las' to this +very day. My intended gives me the go; my landlady puts me out! They +gives me notice at a lodgin's. What does I do that I has to be despised +an' cursed an' kicked aroun'? + +MRS. JOHN + +That's what I says. That's cause the devil is still gettin' the better of +our Lord Jesus. + + _Unnoticed and busy with the trap as before BRUNO has quietly + re-entered by the door._ + +BRUNO + +[_With a strange intonation, sharply and yet carelessly._] Lamps! + +PAULINE + +That feller scares me. Lemme go! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Makes violently for BRUNO._] Is you goin' to go where you belongs? I +told you I'd call you! + +BRUNO + +[_In the same tone as before._] Well, Jette, I jus' said: Lamps! + +MRS. JOHN + +Are you crazy? What's the meanin' o' that--lamps? + +BRUNO + +Ain't that a ringin' o' the front bell? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Is frightened, listens and restrains PAULINE, who makes a motion to +go._] Sh, Miss, wait! Just wait one little minute! + + [_BRUNO continues whittling as the two women stop to listen._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Softly and in a frightened tone to BRUNO._] I don't hear nothin'! + +BRUNO + +You ol' dried up piece! You better go an' get another pair o' ears! + +MRS. JOHN + +That'd be the first time in all the three months that the manager'd be +comin' in when it's Sunday. + +BRUNO + +If that there theayter feller comes, he c'n engage me right on the spot. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Violently._] Don' talk rot! + +BRUNO + +[_Grinning at PAULINE._] Maybe you don' believe it, Miss, but I went an' +took the clown's hoss at Schumann's circus aroun' the ring three times. +Them's the kind o' things I does. An' is I goin' to be scared? + +PAULINE + +[_Seeming to notice for the first time the fantastic strangeness of the +place in which she finds herself. Frightened and genuinely perturbed._] +Mother o' God, what kind o' place is this? + +MRS. JOHN + +Whoever c'n that be? + +BRUNO + +'Tain't the manager, Jette! More like it's a spout what's drippin'! + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss, you be so kind an' go for two minutes, if you don' mind, up into +this here loft. Maybe somebody's comin' that just wants some information. + + _In her growing terror PAULINE does as she is asked to do. She + clambers up the stairs to the loft, the trap door being open. MRS. + JOHN has taken up a position in which she can, at need, hide PAULINE + from anyone entering the room. PAULINE disappears: MRS. JOHN and + BRUNO remain alone._ + +BRUNO + +What business has you with that pious mug? + +MRS. JOHN + +That ain't none o' your business, y'understan'? + +BRUNO + +I was just axin' 'cause you was so careful that nobody should see her. +Otherwise I don't know's I gives a damn. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' you ain't supposed to! + +BRUNO + +Much obliged. Maybe I better toddle along, then. + +MRS. JOHN + +D'you know what you owes me, you scamp? + +BRUNO + +[_Carelessly._] What are you gettin' excited for? What is I doin' to you? +What d'you want? I gotta go to my gal now. I'm sleepy. Las' night I slept +under a lot o' bushes in the park. An' anyhow, I'm cleaned out--[_He +turns his trowsers pockets inside out._] An' in consequence o' that I +gotta go an' earn somethin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +Here you stays! Don't you dare move! If you do you c'n whine like a +whipped purp an' you'll never be gettin' so much as a penny outa me no +more--that's what you won't! Bruno, you're goin' ways you hadn't ought +to. + +BRUNO + +Aw, what d'you think? Is I goin' to be a dam' fool? D'you think I ain' +goin' when I gets a good livin' offa Hulda? [_He pulls out a dirty +card-case._] Not so much as a measly pawn ticket has I got. Tell me what +you want an' then lemme go! + +MRS. JOHN + +What I wants? Of you? What're you good for anyhow? You ain't good for +nothin' excep' for your sister who ain't right in her head to feel sorry +for you, you loafer an' scamp! + +BRUNO + +Maybe you _ain'_ right in your head sometimes! + +MRS. JOHN + +Our father, he used to say when you was no more'n five an' six years old +an' used to do rowdy things, that we couldn't never be proud o' you an' +that I might as well let you go hang. An' my husband what's a reel honest +decent man ... why, you can't be seen alongside of a good man like him. + +BRUNO + +Sure, I knows all that there, Jette. But things ain' that easy to +straighten out. I knows all right I was born with a kind o' a twist in my +back, even if nobody don't see it. No, I wasn't born in no castle. Well, +I gotta do what I c'n do with my twist. All right. What d'you want? +'Tain't for the rats you're keepin' me. You wanta hush up somethin' wi' +that whore! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Shaking her hand under BRUNO'S nose._] You give away one word o' this +an' I'll kill you, I'll make a corpse o' you! + +BRUNO + +Well now, looka here! I'm goin', y'understan'? [_He mounts the stairs._] +Maybe someday I'll be droppin' into good luck without knowin' it. + + _He disappears through the trap-door, MRS. JOHN hurriedly blows out + the lamp and taps her way to the door of the library. She enters it + but does--not wholly close the door behind her.--The noise that BRUNO + actually heard was that of a key being turned in a rusty keyhole. A + light step is now heard approaching the door. For a moment the street + noises of Berlin as well as the yelling of children in the outer + halls had been audible. Strains of a hurdy-gurdy from the + yard.--WALBURGA HASSENREUTER enters with hesitating and embarrassed + steps. The girl is not yet sixteen and is pretty and innocent of + appearance. Sunshade, light-coloured summer dress, not coming below + the ankle._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Halts, listens, then says nervously:_] Papa!--Isn't any one up here +yet? Papa! Papa! [_She listens long and intently and then says:_] Why, +what an odour of coal oil there is here! [_She finds matches, lights one, +is about to light the lamp and burns her fingers against the hot +chimney._] Ouch! Why, dear me! Who is here? + + [_She has cried out and is about to run away._ + + _MRS. JOHN reappears._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, Miss Walburga, who's goin' to go an' kick up a row like that! You +c'n be reel quiet. 'Tain't nobody but me! + +WALBURGA + +Dear me, but I've had an awful fright, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, then I advise you to be gettin' out o' here to-day--on Sunday? + +WALBURGA + +[_Laying her hand over her heart._] Why, my heart is almost standing +still yet, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +What's the matter, Miss Walburga? What's frightenin' you? You oughta know +that from your pa that Sunday an' week day I gotta be workin' aroun' here +with them boxes an' cases, dustin' an' tryin' to get rid o' the moths! +An' then, after two or three weeks, when I've gone over the twelve or +eighteen hundred theayter rags that're lyin' here--then I gotta start all +over again. + +WALBURGA + +I was frightened because the chimney of the lamp was still quite hot to +the touch. + +MRS. JOHN + +That's right. That there lamp was burnin' 'an' I put it out jus' a minute +ago. [_She lifts up the chimney._] It don't burn me; my hands is hard. +[_She lights the wick._] Well, now we has light. Now I lit it again. +What's the danger here? I don' see nothin'. + +WALBURGA + +But you do look like a ghost, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +How do you say I looks? + +WALBURGA + +Oh, it just seems so when one comes out of the vivid sunlight into the +darkness, into these musty holes. It seems as though one were surrounded +by ghosts. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you little ghost, why did you come up here? Is you alone or has you +got somebody with you? Maybe papa'll be comin' in yet? + +WALBURGA + +No, papa has been granted an important audience out in Potsdam to-day. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right! What're you lookin' for here then? + +WALBURGA + +I? Oh, I just came out for a walk! + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, then I advise you to be gettin out o' here again. No sun don't +shine into your papa's lumber-room. + +WALBURGA + +You look so grey! You had better go out into the sunlight yourself! + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, the sunlight's just for fine folks! All I needs is a couple o' pounds +o' dust an' dirt on my lungs.--You just go along, missie! I gotta get to +work. I don' need nothin' else. I jus' lives on mildew an' insec'-powder. + + [_She coughs._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Nervously._] You needn't tell papa that I was up here. + +MRS. JOHN + +Me? Ain't I got somethin' better to do'n that? + +WALBURGA + +[_With assumed carelessness._] And if Mr. Spitta were to ask after me.... + +MRS. JOHN + +Who? + +WALBURGA + +The young gentleman who gives us private lessons at home.... + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, s'posin'? + +WALBURGA + +Then be so kind as to tell him that I've been here but left again at +once. + +MRS. JOHN + +So I'm to tell Mr. Spitta but not papa? + +WALBURGA + +[_Involuntarily._] Oh, for heaven's sake, no! + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you jus' wait an' see! You jus' look out! There's many a one has +looked like you an' has come from your part o' the city an'--has gone to +the dogs in the ditch in Dragoner street or, even, behind Swedish +hangin's in Barnim street. + +WALBURGA + +Surely you don't mean to insinuate, Mrs. John, and surely you don't +believe that there's anything unpermitted or improper in my relations +with Mr. Spitta? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In extreme fright._] Shut up!--Somebody's put the key into the keyhole. + +WALBURGA + +Blow out the lamp! + + [_MRS. JOHN blows out the lamp quickly._ + +WALBURGA + +Papa! + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss! Up into the loft with you! + + _MRS. JOHN and WALBURGA both disappear through the trap-door, which + closes behind them._ + + _Two gentlemen, the manager HARRO HASSENREUTER and the court actor + NATHANAEL JETTEL, appear in the frame of the outer door. The manager + is of middle height, clean shaven, fifty years old. He takes long + steps and shows a lively temperament in his whole demeanour. The cut + of his face is noble, his eyes have a vivid, adventurous expression. + His behaviour is somewhat noisy, which accords with his thoroughly + fiery nature. He wears a light overcoat, a top-hat thrust back on his + head, full dress suit and patent leather boots. The overcoat, which + is unbuttoned, reveals the decorations which almost cover his + chest--JETTEL wears a suit of flannels under a very light spring + overcoat. In his left hand he holds a straw hat and an elegant cane; + he wears tan shoes. He also is clean shaven and over fifty years old. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Calls:_] John! Mrs. John!--Well, now you see my catacombs, my dear +fellow! _Sic transit gloria mundi!_ Here I've stored everything--_mutatis +mutandis_--that was left of my whole theatrical glory--trash, trash! Old +rags! Old tatters!--John! John! She's been here, for the lamp chimney is +still quite hot! [_He strikes a match and lights the lamp._] _Fiat lux, +pereat mundus!_ Now you can get a good view of my paradise of moths and +rats and fleas! + +JETTEL + +You received my card, didn't you, my dear manager? + +HASSENREUTER + +Mrs. John!--I'll see if she is in the loft up there. [_He mounts the +stairs and rattles at the trap-door._] Locked! And of course the wretched +creature has the key tied to her apron. [_He beats enragedly against the +trap-door with his fist._] John! John! + +JETTEL + +[_Somewhat impatient._] Can't we manage without this Mrs. John? + +HASSENREUTER + +What? Do you think that I, in my dress suit and with all my decorations, +just back from His Highness, can go through my three hundred boxes and +cases just to rout out the wretched rags that you are pleased to need for +your engagement here? + +JETTEL + +I beg your pardon. But I'm not wont to appear in rags on my tours. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man alive, then play in your drawers for all I care! It wouldn't worry +me! Only don't quite forget who's standing before you. Because the court +actor Jettel is pleased to emit a whistle--well, that's no reason why the +manager Harro Hassenreuter should begin to dance. Confound it, because +some comedian wants a shabby turban or two old boots, is that any reason +why a _pater familias_ like myself must give up his only spare time at +home on Sunday afternoon? I suppose you expect me to creep about on all +fours into the corners here? No, my good fellow, for that kind of thing +you'll have to look elsewhere! + +JETTEL + +[_Quite calmly._] Would you mind telling me, if possible, who has been +treading on your corns? + +HASSENREUTER + +My boy, it's scarcely an hour since I had my legs under the same table +with a prince; _post hoc, ergo propter hoc!_--On your account I got into +a confounded bus and drove out to this, confounded bole, and so ... if +you don't know how to value my kindness, you can get out! + +JETTEL + +You made an appointment with use for four o'clock. Then you let me wait +one solid hour in this horrible tenement, in these lovely halls with +their filthy brats! Well, I waited and didn't address the slightest +reproach to you. And now you have the good taste and the good manners to +use me as a kind of a cuspidor! + +HASSENREUTER + +My boy ... + +JETTEL + +The devil! I'm not your boy! You seem to be kind of a clown that I ought +to force to turn sommersaults for pennies! + + [_Highly indignant, he picks up his hat and cane and goes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Starts, breaks out into boisterous laughter and then calls out after +JETTEL:_] Don't make yourself ridiculous! And, anyhow, I'm not a +costumer! + + _The slamming of the outer door is heard._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pulls out his watch._] The confounded idiot! The damned mutton +head.--It's a blessing the ridiculous ass went! [_He puts the match back +into his pocket, pulls it out again at once and listens. He walks +restlessly to and fro, then stops, gases into his top-hat, which contains +a mirror, and combs his hair carefully. He walks over to the middle door +and opens a few of the letters that lie heaped up there. At the same time +he sings in a trilling voice:_ + + "O Strassburg, O Strassburg, + Thou beautiful old town." + +_Once more he looks at his watch. Suddenly the doorbell at his head +rings._] On the minute! Ah, but these little girls can be punctual when +they really care about it! [_He hurries out into the hall and is heard to +extend a loud and merry welcome to someone. The trumpet notes of his +voice are soon accompanied by the bell-like tones of a woman's speaking. +Very soon he reappears, at his side an elegant young lady, ALICE +RÜTTERBUSCH._]--Alice! My little Alice! Come here where I can see you, +little girl! Come here into the light! I must see whether you're the same +infinitely delightful, mad little Alice that you were in the great days +of my career in Alsace? Girl, it was I who taught you to walk! I held +your leading strings for your first steps. I taught you how to talk, +girl! The things you said! I hope you haven't forgotten! + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Now, look here! You don't believe that I'm an ungrateful girl? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Draws up her veil._] Why, girlie, you've grown younger instead of +older. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +[_Flushed with delight._] Well, a person would just have to be like +everything to say that you had changed to your disadvantage! But, do you +know--it's awful dark up here really and--Harro, maybe you wouldn't mind +opening a window a little--oh, the air's a bit heavy, too, + +HASSENREUTER + + "Pillicock sat on Pillicock-hill" + "But mice and rats and such small deer + Have been Tom's food for seven long year." + +In all seriousness I have passed through dark and difficult times! In +spite of the fact that I preferred not to write you of it, I have no +doubt that you are informed. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +But it wasn't extra friendly, you know, for you not to answer one little +word to the long, nice letter I wrote you. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! What's the use of answering a little girl's letter if one has +both hands full taking care of oneself and can't possibly be of the +slightest use to her? Pshaw! _E nihilo nihil fit!_ In the vernacular: You +can't get results out of nothing! Moth and dust! Dust and moths! And +that's all my efforts for German culture in the west profited me! + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +So you didn't turn over your collection of properties to manager Kunz. + +HASSENREUTER + + "O Strassburg, O Strassburg, + Thou beautiful old town!" + +No, little one, I didn't leave my properties in Strassburg! This +ex-waiter, ex-innkeeper and lessee of disreputable dance halls, this +idiot, this imbecile who succeeded me, didn't happen to want my stuff. +No, I didn't leave my collection of properties there, but what I did have +to leave there was forty thousand crowns of hard-earned money left me +from my old touring days as an actor, and, in addition, fifty thousand +crowns which formed the dowry of my excellent wife. However, it was a +piece of good luck, after all, that I kept the properties. Ha, ha, ha! +These fellows here ... [_he touches one of the mailed figures_] ... +surely you remember them? + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Could I forget my pasteboard knights? + +HASSENREUTER + +Very well, then: it was these pasteboard knights and all the other trash +that surrounds them, that actually, after his hegira, kept the old +rag-picker and costumer, Harro Eberhard Hassenreuter, above water. But +let's speak of cheerful things: I saw with pleasure in the paper that his +Excellency has engaged you for Berlin. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +I don't care a great deal about it! I'd rather play for you, and you must +promise me, whenever you undertake the management of a theatre again--you +will promise, won't you?--that you'll let me break my contract right +away? [_The MANAGER laughs heartily._] I had to be annoyed quite enough +for three long years by the barn-stormers of the provinces. Berlin I +don't like, and a court theatre least of all. Lord, what people and what +a profession it is! You know I belong to your collection--I've always +belonged to it! + + [_She stands up primly among the pasteboard knights._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha, ha! Well then, come to my arms, faithful knight! + + [_He opens his arms wide, she flies into them, and they now salute + each other with long, continuous kisses._ + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Go on, Harro. Now tell me. How is your wife? + +HASSENREUTER + +Teresa gets along very well except that she gets fatter every day in +spite of sorrow and worries.--Girl, girl, how fragrant you are! [_He +presses her to him._] Do you know that you're a devilish dangerous +person? + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +D'you think I'm an idiot? Of course I'm dangerous! + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, I'll be ...! + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Why, do you think if I didn't know it was dangerous, dangerous for us +both, I'd make an appointment with you out here in this lovely +neighbourhood, under this stuffy roof? By the way, though, since I'm +always bound to have the queerest luck if ever I do go a bit on +questionable ways, whom should I meet on the stairs but Nathanael Jettel? +I almost ran into the gentleman's arms! He'll take good care that my +visiting you doesn't remain our secret. + +HASSENREUTER + +I must have made a mistake in writing down the date. The fellow insists +on asserting--ha, ha, ha!--that I made an engagement with him for this +very afternoon. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +And that wasn't the only person I met on the six flights. And as for the +dear little children that roll about on the stairs here! What they called +out after me was unparliamentary to a degree--such vulgarities as I've +never heard from such little beggars in my life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Laughs, then speaks seriously._] Ah, yes! But one gets accustomed to +that. You could never write down all the life that sweeps down these +stairs with its soiled petticoats--the life that cringes and creeps, +moans, sighs, sweats, cries out, curses, mutters, hammers, planes, jeers, +steals, drives its dark trades up and down these stairs--the sinister +creatures that hide here, playing their zither, grinding their +accordions, sticking in need and hunger and misery, leading their vicious +lives--no, it's beyond one's power of recording. And your old manager, +last but not least, runs, groans, sighs, sweats, cries out and curses +with the best of them. Ha, ha, ha, girlie! I've had a pretty wretched +time. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Oh, by the way, d'you know whom I ran into just as I was making for the +railroad station at the Zoological Garden? The good old Prince +Statthalter! And straight off, cool as a cucumber--that's my way you +know--I tripped along next to him for twenty minutes and got him absorbed +in a conversation. And then something happened, Harro, upon my honour, +just as I'm going to tell you--literally and truly: Suddenly on the +bridle-path His Majesty came riding along with a great suite. I thought +I'd sink into the earth with embarrassment. And His Majesty laughed right +out and threatened his Serenity playfully with his finger. But I was +delighted, you may believe me. The main thing comes now, however. Just +think! His Serenity asked me whether I'd be glad to go back to Strassburg +if the manager Hassenreuter were to assume direction of the theatre there +again. Well, you may know that I almost jumped for joy! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Throws off his overcoat and stands with his decorations displayed._] +You probably couldn't help noticing that His Serenity had had a most +excellent breakfast. Aha! We had breakfast together! We attended an +exquisite little stag party given by Prince Ruprecht out in Potsdam. I +don't deny, therefore, that a turn for good may take place in the +miserable fate of your friend. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Sweetheart, you look like a statesman, like an ambassador! + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, don't you know this breast covered with high and exalted decorations? +Klärchen and Egmont! Here you can drink your fill! [_They embrace each +other anew._] _Carpe diem!_ Enjoy the passing hour! Ah, my little Miss +Simplicity, champagne is not recorded at present on the repertory of your +old manager, inspirer and friend. [_He opens a wooden case and draws +forth a bottle of wine._] But this old cloister vintage isn't to be +sneezed at either! [_He pulls the cork. At the same moment the door bell +rings._] What? Sh! I wonder who has the monstrous impudence to ring here +on Sunday afternoon? [_The bell rings with increased violence._] Confound +it all--the fellow must be a lunatic. Little girl, suppose you withdraw +into the library. [_ALICE hurries into the library. The ringing is +repeated. He hurries to the door._] Either be patient or go to the devil. +[_He is heard opening the door._] Who? What? "It is I, Miss Walburga." +What? I am not Miss Walburga. I am not the daughter. I am the father. Oh, +it's you, Mr. Spitta! Your very humble servant. I'm only her father--only +her father! What is it that you want? + + _HASSENREUTER reappears in the passage accompanied by ERICH SPITTA, a + young man of twenty-one, spectacled, with keen and not + undistinguished features, SPITTA passes as a student of theology and + is correspondingly dressed. He does not hold himself erect and his + development shows the influence of over-study and underfeeding._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Did you intend to give my daughter one of your private lessons here in my +storeroom? + +SPITTA + +I was riding past on the tram-car and I really thought I had seen Miss +Walburga hurry into the doorway downstairs. + +HASSENREUTER + +No possibility of such a thing, my dear Spitta. At this moment my +daughter Walburga is attending a ritualistic service with her mother in +the Anglican church. + +SPITTA + +Then perhaps you'll forgive my intrusion. I took the liberty of coming +upstairs because I thought that Miss Walburga might not find it +unpleasant or useless to have an escort home through this neighbourhood. + +HASSENREUTER + +Very good! Very excellent! But she isn't here. I regret it. I'm here +myself by the merest chance--on account of the mail. And in addition, I +have other pressing engagements. Can I do anything else for you? + + _SPITTA polishes his glasses and betrays signs of embarrassment._ + +SPITTA + +One doesn't grow used to the darkness at once. + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps you stand in need of the tuition due you. Sorry, but +unfortunately I have the habit of going out with only some small change +in my waistcoat pocket. So I must ask you to have patience until I am at +home again. + +SPITTA + +Not the least hurry in the world. + +HASSENREUTER + +Yes, it's easy for you to say that. I'm like a hunted animal, my dear +fellow ... + +SPITTA + +And yet I would like to beg for a minute of your precious time. I can't +but look upon this unexpected meeting as a kind of providential +arrangement. In short: may I put a question to you? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_With his eyes on his watch, which he has just been winding._] One +minute exactly. By the watch, my good fellow! + +SPITTA + +Both my question and your answer need hardly take that long. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, then! + +SPITTA + +Have I any talent for the stage? + +HASSENREUTER + +For the love of God, man! Have you gone mad?--Forgive me, my dear fellow, +if a case like this excites me to the point of being discourteous. You +have certainly given the lie to the saying: _natura non facit saltus_ by +the unnatural leap that you've taken. I must first get my breath after +that! And now let's put an end to this at once. Believe me, if we were +both to discuss the question now we wouldn't come to any conclusion in +two or three weeks, or rather, let us say years.--You are a theologian by +profession, my good fellow, and you were born in a parsonage. You have +all the necessary connections and a smooth road to a comfortable way of +life ahead of you. How did you hit upon such a notion as this? + +SPITTA + +That's a long story of the inner life, Mr. Hassenreuter, of difficult +spiritual struggles--a story which, until this moment, has been an +absolute secret and known only to myself. But my good fortune led me into +your house and from that moment on I felt that I was drawing nearer and +nearer to the true aim of my life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Wildly impatient._] That's very creditable to me; that does honour to +my family and myself! [_He puts his hands on SPITTA'S shoulders._] And +yet I must make it in the form of an urgent request that, at this moment, +you refrain from a further discussion of the question. My affairs cannot +wait. + +SPITTA + +Then I will only add the expression of my absolutely firm decision. + +HASSENREUTER + +But, my dear Spitta, who has put these mad notions into year head? I've +taken real pleasure in the thought of you. I've really been quietly +envying you the peaceful personage that was to be yours. I've attached no +special significance to certain literary ambitions that one is likely to +pick up in the metropolis. That's a mere phase, I thought, and will be +quite passing in his case! And now you want to become an actor? God help +you, were I your father! I'd lock you up on bread and water and not let +you out again until the very memory of this folly was gone. _Dixi!_ And +now, good-bye, my dear man. + +SPITTA + +I'm afraid that locking me op or resorting to force of any kind would not +help in my case at all. + +HASSENREUTER + +But, man alive, you want to become an actor--you, with your round +shoulders, with your spectacles and, above all, with your hoarse and +sharp voice. It's impossible. + +SPITTA + +If such fellows as I exist in real life, why shouldn't they exist on the +stage too? And I am of the opinion that a smooth, well-sounding voice, +probably combined with the Goethe-Schiller-Weimar school of idealistic +artifice, is harmful rather than helpful. The only question is whether +you would take me, just as I am, as a pupil? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Hastily draws on his overcoat._] I would not. In the first place my +school of acting is only one of the schools of idealistic artifice which +you mention. In the second place I wouldn't be responsible to your father +for such an action. And in the third place, we quarrel enough as it +is--every time you stay to supper at my house after giving your lessons. +If you were my pupil, we'd come to blows. And now, Spitta, I must catch +the car. + +SPITTA + +My father is already informed. In a letter of twelve pages, I have given +him a full history of the change that has taken place within me.... + +HASSENREUTER + +I'm sure the old gentleman will feel flattered! And now come along with +me or I'll go insane! + + _HASSENREUTER forcibly takes SPITTA out with him. The door is heard + to slam. The room grows silent but for the uninterrupted roar of + Berlin, which can now be clearly heard. The trap-door to the loft is + now opened and WALBURGA HASSENREUTER clambers down in mad haste, + followed by MRS. JOHN._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Whispering vehemently._] What's the matter? Nothin' ain't happened. + +WALBURGA + +Mrs. John, I'll scream! I'll have to scream in another second! Oh, for +heaven's sake, I can't help it much longer, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Stuff a handkerchief between your teeth! There ain't nothin'! Why d'you +take on so? + +WALBURGA + +[_With chattering teeth, making every effort to suppress her sobs._] I'm +frightened! Oh, I'm frightened to death, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +I'd like to know what you're so scared about! + +WALBURGA + +Why, didn't you see that horrible man? + +MRS. JOHN + +That ain't nothin' so horrible. That's my brother what sometimes helps me +clean up your pa's things here. + +WALBURGA + +And that girl who sits with her back to the chimney and whines? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, your mother didn't act no different when you was expected to come +into the world. + +WALBURGA + +Oh, it's all over with me. I'll die if papa comes back. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well then hurry and get out an' don' fool roun' no more! + + [_MRS. JOHN accompanies the horrified girl along the passage, lets + her out, and then returns._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Thank God, that girl don' know but what the moon _is_ made o' cheese! + + [_She takes the uncorked bottle, pours out a glass full of wine and + takes it with her to the loft into which she disappears._ + + _The room is scarcely empty when HASSENREUTER returns._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Still in the door. Singing._] "Come on down, O Madonna Teresa!" [_He +calls:_] Alice! [_Still in the door._] Come on! Help me put up my iron +bar with a double lock before the door, Alice! [_He comes forward._] Any +one else who dares to interrupt our Sunday quiet--_anathema sit!_ Here! +You imp! Where are you, Alice? [_He observes the bottle and lifts it +against the light._] What? Half empty! The little scamp! [_From behind +the door of the library a pleasant woman's voice is heard singing +coloratura passages._] Ha, ha, ha, ha! Heavens and earth! She's tipsy +already. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _MRS. JOHN'S rooms on the second floor of the same house in the + attics of which HASSENREUTER has stored his properties. A high, deep, + green-tinted room which betrays its original use as part of a + barracks. The rear wall shows a double door which gives on the outer + hall. Above this door there hangs a bell connected by a wire with the + knob outside. To the right of the door a partition, covered with + wall-paper, projects into the room. This partition takes a + rectangular turn and extends to the right wall. A portion of the room + is thus partitioned off and serves as sleeping-chamber. From within + the partition, which is about six feet high, cupboards are seen + against the wall._ + + _Entering the room from the hall, one observes to the left a sofa + covered with oil-cloth. The back of the sofa is pushed against the + partition wall. The latter is adorned with small photographs: the + foreman-mason JOHN as a soldier, JOHN and his wife in their wedding + garb, etc. An oval table, covered with a faded cotton cloth, stands + before the sofa. In order to reach the entrance of the + sleeping-chamber from the door it is necessary to pass the table and + sofa. This entrance is closed by hangings of blue cotton cloth. + Against the narrow front wall of the partition stands a neatly + equipped kitchen cabinet. To the right, against the wall of the main + room, the stove. This corner of the room serves the--purposes of + kitchen and pantry. Sitting on the sofa, one would look straight at + the left wall of the room, which is broken by two large windows. A + neatly planed board has been fastened to the nearer of the windows to + serve as a kind of desk. Upon it are lying blue-prints, + counter-drawings, an inch-measure, a compass and a square. A small, + raised platform is seen beneath the farther window. Upon it stands a + small table with glasses. An old easy chair of cane and a number of + simple wooden chairs complete the frugal equipment of the room, which + creates an impression of neatness and orderliness such as is often + found in the dwellings of childless couples._ + + _It is about five o'clock of an afternoon toward the end of May. The + warm sunlight shines through the windows._ + + _The foreman-mason JOHN, a good-natured, bearded man of forty, sits + at the desk in the foreground taking notes from the building plans._ + + _MRS. JOHN sits sewing on the small platform, by the farther window. + She is very pale. There is something gentle and pain-touched about + her, but her face shows an expression of deep contentment, which is + broken only now and then by a momentary gleam of restlessness and + suspense. A neat new perambulator stands by her side. In it lies a + newborn child._ + +JOHN + +[_Modestly._] Mother, how'd it be if I was to open the window jus' a +speck an' was to light my pipe for a bit? + +MRS. JOHN + +Does you have to smoke? If not, you better let it be! + +JOHN + +No, I don't has to, mother. Only I'd like to! Never mind, though. A +quid'll be just as good in the end. + + [_With comfortable circumstantiality he prepares a new quid._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_After a brief silence._] How's that? You has to go to the public +registry office again? + +JOHN + +That's what he told me, that I had to come back again an' tell him +exackly ... that I had to give the exack place an' time when that little +kid was born. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Holding a needle in her mouth._] Well, why didn't you tell him that +right away? + +JOHN + +How was I to know it? I didn't know, you see. + +MRS. JOHN + +You didn't know that? + +JOHN + +Well, I wasn't here, was I? + +MRS. JOHN + +You wasn't. That's right. If you goes an' leaves me here in Berlin an' +stays from one year's end to another in Hamburg, an' at most comes to see +me once a month--how is you to know what happens in your own home? + +JOHN + +Don't you want me to go where the boss has most work for me? I goes where +I c'n make good money. + +MRS. JOHN + +I wrote you in my letter as how our little boy was born in this here +room. + +JOHN + +I knows that an' I told him that. Ain't that natural, I axes him, that +the child was born in our room? An' he says that ain't natural at all. +Well then, says I, for all I cares, maybe it was up in the loft with the +rats an' mice! I got mad like 'cause he said maybe the child wasn't born +here at all. Then he yells at me: What kind o' talk is that? What? says +I. I takes an interest in wages an' earnin' an' not in talk--not me, Mr. +Registrar! An' now I'm to give him the exack day an' hour ... + +MRS. JOHN + +An' didn't I write it all out for you on a bit o' paper? + +JOHN + +When a man's mad he's forgetful. I believe if he'd up and axed me: Is you +Paul John, foreman-mason? I'd ha' answered: I don' know. Well an' then +I'd been a bit jolly too an' taken a drink or two with Fritz. An' while +we was doin' that who comes along but Schubert an' Karl an' they says as +how I has to set up on account o' bein' a father now. Those fellers, they +didn't let me go an' they was waitin' downstairs in front o' the public +registry. An' so I kept thinkin' o' them standin' there. So when he axes +me on what day my wife was delivered, I didn't know nothin' an' just +laughed right in his face. + +MRS. JOHN + +I wish you'd first attended to what you had to an' left your drinkin' +till later. + +JOHN + +It's easy to say that! But if you're up to them kind o' tricks in your +old age, mother, you can't blame me for bein' reel glad. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right. You go on to the registry now an' say that your child was +borne by your wife in your dwellin' on the twenty-fifth o' May. + +JOHN + +Wasn't it on the twenty-sixth? 'Cause I said right along the +twenty-sixth. Then he must ha' noticed that I wasn't quite sober. So he +says: If that's a fac', all right; if not, you gotta come back. + +MRS. JOHN + +In that case you'd better leave it as it is. + + _The door is opened and SELMA KNOBBE pushes in a wretched + perambulator which presents the saddest contrast to MRS. JOHN'S. + Swaddled in pitiful rags a newly born child lies therein._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, no, Selma, comin' into my room with that there sick child--that was +all right before. But that can't be done no more. + +SELMA + +He just gasps with that cough o' his'n. Over at our place they smokes all +the time. + +MRS. JOHN + +I told you, Selma, that you could come from time to time and get milk or +bread. But while my little Adelbert is here an' c'n catch maybe +consumption or somethin', you just leave that poor little thing at home +with his fine mother. + +SELMA + +[_Tearfully._] Mother ain't been home at all yesterday or to-day. I can't +get no sleep with this child. He just moans all night. I gotta get some +sleep sometime! I'll jump outa the window first thing or I'll let the +baby lie in the middle o' the street an' run away so no policeman can't +never find me! + +JOHN + +[_Looks at the strange child._] Looks bad! Mother, why don't you try an' +do somethin' for the little beggar? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pushing SELMA and the perambulator out determinedly._] March outa this +room. That can't be done, Paul. When you got your own you can't be +lookin' out for other people's brats. That Knobbe woman c'n look after +her own affairs. It's different with Selma. [_To the girl._] You c'n come +in when you want to. You c'n come in here after a while an' take a nap +even. + + [_She locks the door._ + +JOHN + +You used to take a good deal o' interest in Knobbe's dirty little brats. + +MRS. JOHN + +You don' understan' that. I don' want our little Adelbert to be catchin' +sore eyes or convulsions or somethin' like that. + +JOHN + +Maybe you're right. Only, don't go an' call him Adelbert, mother. That +ain't a good thing to do, to call a child by the same name as one that +was carried off, unbaptised, a week after it was born. Let that be, +mother. I can't stand for that, mother, + + _A knocking is heard at the door. JOHN is about to open._ + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? + +JOHN + +Well, somebody wants to get in! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Hastily turning the key in the lock._] I ain't goin' to have everybody +runnin' in on me now that I'm sick as this. [_She listens at the door and +then calls out:_] I can't open! What d'you want? + +A WOMAN'S VOICE + +[_Somewhat deep and mannish in tone._] It is Mrs. Hassenreuter. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Surprised._] Goodness gracious! [_She opens the door._] I beg your +pardon, Mrs. Hassenreuter! I didn't even know who it was! + + _MRS. HASSENREUTER has now entered, followed by WALBURGA. She is a + colossal, asthmatic lady aver fifty. WALBURGA is dressed with greater + simplicity than in the first act. She carries a rather large + package._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +How do you do, Mrs. John? Although climbing stairs is ... very hard for +me ... I wanted to see how everything ... goes with you after the ... +yes, the very happy event. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm gettin' along again kind o' half way. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +That is probably your husband, Mrs. John? Well, one must say, one is +bound to say, that your dear wife, in the long time of waiting--never +complained, was always cheery and merry, and did her work well for my +husband upstairs. + +JOHN + +That's right. She was mighty glad, too. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Well, then we'll have the pleasure--at least, your wife will have the +pleasure of seeing you at home oftener than heretofore. + +MRS. JOHN + +I has a good husband, Mrs. Hassenreuter, who takes care o' me an' has +good habits. An' because Paul was workin' out o town you musn't think +there was any danger o' his leavin' me. But a man like that, where his +brother has a boy o' twelve in the non-commissioned officers' school ... +it's no kind o' life for him havin' no children o' his own. He gets to +thinkin' queer thoughts. There he is in Hamburg, makin' good money, an' +he has the chance every day and--well--then he takes a notion, maybe, +he'd like to go to America. + +JOHN + +Oh, that was never more'n a thought. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you see, with us poor people ... it's hard-earned bread that we +eats ... an' yet ... [_lightly she runs her hand through JOHN'S hair_] +even if there's one more an' you has more cares on that account--you see +how the tears is runnin' down his cheeks--well, he's mighty happy anyhow! + +JOHN + +That's because three years ago we had a little feller an' when he was a +week old he took sick an' died. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +My husband has already ... yes, my husband did tell me about that ... how +deeply you grieved over that little son of yours. You know how it is ... +you know how my good husband has his eyes and his heart open to +everything. And if it's a question of people who are about him or who +give him their services--then everything good or bad, yes, everything +good or bad that happens to them, seems just as though it had happened to +himself. + +MRS. JOHN + +I mind as if it was this day how he sat in the carridge that time with +the little child's coffin on his knees. He wouldn't let the gravedigger +so much as touch it. + +JOHN + +[_Wiping the moisture out of his eyes._] That's the way it was. No. I +couldn't let him do that. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Just think, to-day at the dinner-table we had to drink wine--suddenly, to +drink wine! Wine! For years and years the city-water in decanters has +been our only table drink ... absolutely the only one. Dear children, +said my husband.--You know that he had just returned from an eleven or +twelve day trip to Alsace. Let us drink, my husband said, the health of +my good and faithful Mrs. John, because ... he cried out in his beautiful +voice ... because she is a visible proof of the fact that the cry of a +mother heart is not indifferent to our Lord.--And so we drank your +health, clinking our glasses! Well, and here I'm bringing you at my +husband's special ... at his very special and particular order ... an +apparatus for the sterilisation of milk.--Walburga, you may unpack the +boiler. + + _HASSENREUTER enters unceremoniously through the outer door which has + stood ajar. He wears a top-hat, spring overcoat, carries a + silver-headed cane, in a word, is gotten up in his somewhat shabby + meek-day outfit. He speaks hastily and almost without pauses._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Wiping the sweat from his forehead._] Berlin is hot, ladies and +gentlemen, hot! And the cholera is as near as St. Petersburg! Now you've +complained to my pupils, Spitta and Käferstein, Mrs. John, that your +little one doesn't seem to gain in weight. Now, of course, it's one of +the symptoms of the general decadence of our age that the majority of +mothers are either--unwilling to nurse their offspring or incapable of +it. But you've already lost one child on account of diarrhoea, Mrs. John. +No, there's no help for it: we must call a spade a spade. And so, in +order that you do not meet with the same misfortune over again, or fall +into the hands of old women whose advice is usually quite deadly for an +infant--in order that these things may not happen, I say, I have caused +my wife to bring you this apparatus. I've brought up all my--children, +Walburga included, by the help of such an apparatus ...Aha! So one gets a +glimpse of you again, Mr. John! Bravo! The emperor needs soldiers, and +you needed a representative of your race! So I congratulate you with all +my heart. + + [_He shakes JOHN'S hand vigorously._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Leaning over the infant._] How much ... how much did he weigh at birth? + +MRS. JOHN + +He weighed exactly eight pounds and ten grams. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_With noisy joviality._] Ha, ha, ha! A vigorous product, I must say! +Eight pounds and ten grams of good healthy, German national flesh! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Look at his eyes! And his little nose! His father over again! Why, the +little fellow is really, really, the very image of you, Mr. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +I trust that you will have the boy received into the communion of the +Christian Church. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_With happy impressiveness._] Oh, he'll be christened properly, right in +the parochial church at the font by a clergyman. + +HASSENREUTER + +Right! And what are his baptismal names to be? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you know the way men is. That's caused a lot o' talk. I was +thinkin' o' "Bruno," but he won't have it! + +HASSENREUTER + +Surely Bruno isn't a bad name. + +JOHN + +That may be. I ain't sayin' but what Bruno is a good enough name. I don't +want to give no opinion about that. + +MRS. JOHN + +Why don't you say as how I has a brother what's twelve years younger'n me +an' what don't always do just right? But that's only 'cause there's so +much temptation. That boy's a good boy. Only you won't believe it. + +JOHN + +[_Turns red with sudden rage._] Jette ... you know what a cross that +feller was to us! What d'you want? You want our little feller to be the +namesake of a man what's--I can't help sayin' it--what's under police +soopervision? + +HASSENREUTER + +Then, for heaven's sake, get him some other patron saint. + +JOHN + +Lord protect me from sich! I tried to take an interest in Bruno! I got +him a job in a machine-shop an' didn't get nothin' outa it but annoyance +an' disgrace! God forbid that he should come aroun' an' have anythin' to +do with this little feller o' mine. [_He clenches his fist._] If that was +to happen, Jette, I wouldn't be responsible for myself!! + +MRS. JOHN + +You needn't go on, Paul! Bruno ain't comin'. But I c'n tell you this much +for certain, that my brother was good an' helpful to me in this hard +time. + +JOHN + +Why didn't you send for me? + +MRS. JOHN + +I didn't want no man aroun' that was scared. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aren't you an admirer of Bismarck, John? + +JOHN + +[_Scratching the back of his head._] I can't say as to that exackly. My +brothers in the masons' union, though, they ain't admirers o' him. + +HASSENREUTER + +Then you have no German hearts in your bodies! Otto is what I called my +eldest son who is in the imperial navy! And believe me [_pointing to the +infant_] this coming generation will well know what it owes to that +mighty hero, the great forger of German unity! [_He takes the tin boiler +of the apparatus which WALBURGA has unpacked into his hands and lifts it +high up._] Now then: the whole business of this apparatus is mere child's +play. This frame which holds all the bottles--each bottle to be filled +two-thirds with water and one-third with milk--is sunk into the boiler +which is filled with boiling water. By keeping the water at the +boiling-point for an hour and a half in this manner, the content--of the +bottles becomes free of germs. Chemists call this process sterilisation. + +JOHN + +Jette, at the master-mason's house, the milk that's fed to the twins is +sterilised too. + + _The pupils of HASSENREUTER, KÄFERSTEIN and DR. KEGEL, two young men + between twenty and twenty-five years of age, have knocked at the door + and then opened it._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Noticing his pupils._] Patience, gentlemen. I'll be with you directly. +At the moment I am busying myself with the problems of the nourishment of +infants and the care of children. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +[_His head bears witness to a sharply defined character: large nose, +pale, a serious expression, beardless, about the mouth a flicker of +kindly mischievousness. With hollow voice, gentle and suppressed._] You +must know that we are the three kings out of the East. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who still holds the apparatus aloft in his hands._] What are you? + +KÄFERSTEIN + +[_As before._] We want to adore the babe. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha, ha! If you are the kings out of the East, gentlemen, it seems +to me that the third of you is lacking. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +The third is our new fellow pupil in the field of dramaturgic activity, +the _studiosus theologiae_, who is detained at present at the corner of +Blumen and Wallnertheater streets by an accident partly sociological, +partly psychological in its nature. + +DR. KEGEL + +We made all possible haste to escape. + +HASSENREUTER + +Do you see, a star stands above this house, Mrs. John! But do tell me, +has our excellent Spitta once more made some public application of his +quackery for the healing of the so-called sins of the social order? Ha, +ha, ha, ha! _Semper idem!_ Why, that fellow is actually becoming a +nuisance! + +KÄFERSTEIN + +A crowd gathered in the street for some reason and it seems that he +discovered a friend in the midst of it. + +HASSENREUTER + +According to my unauthoritative opinion this young Spitta would have done +much better as a surgeon's assistant or Salvation Army officer. But +that's the way of the world: the fellow must needs want to be an actor. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Mr. Spitta, the children's tutor, wants to become an actor? + +HASSENREUTER + +That is exactly the plan he has proposed to me, mama.--But now, if you +bring incense and myrrh, dear Käferstein, out with them! You observe what +a many sided man your teacher is. Now I help my pupils, thirsty after +the contents of the Muses' breasts, to the nourishment they +desire--_nutrimentum spiritus_--again I.... + +KÄFERSTEIN + +[_Rattles a toy bank._] Well, I deposit this offering, which is a +fire-proof bank, next to the perambulator of this excellent offspring of +the mason, with the wish that he will rise to be at least a royal +architect. + +JOHN + +[_Having put cordial glasses on the table, he fetches and opens a fresh +bottle._] Well, now I'm goin' to uncork the _Danziger Goldwasser_. + +HASSENREUTER + +To him who hath shall be given, as you observe, Mrs. John. + +JOHN + +[_Filling the glasses._] Nobody ain't goin' to say that my child's +unprovided for, gentlemen. But I takes it very kindly o' you, gentlemen! +[_All except MRS. HASSENREUTER and WALBURGA lift up their glasses._] To +you health! Come on, mother, we'll drink together too. + + [_The action follows the words._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_In a tone of reproof._] Mama, you must, of course, drink with us. + +JOHN + +[_Having drunk, with jolly expansiveness._] I ain't goin' to Hamburg no +more now. The boss c'n send some other feller there. I been quarrelin' +with him about that these three days. I gotta take up my hat right now +an' go there; he axed me to come roun' to his office again at six. If he +don' want to give in, he needn't. It won't never do for the father of a +family to be forever an' a day away from his family ... I got a +friend--why, all I gotta do's to say the word 'n I c'n get work on the +layin' o' the foundations o' the new houses o' Parliament. Twelve years I +been workin' for this same boss! I c'n afford to make a change some time. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pats JOHN'S shoulder._] Quite of your opinion, quite! Our family life +is something that neither money nor kind words can buy of us. + + _ERICH SPITTA enters. His hat is soiled; his clothes show traces of + mud. His tie is gone. He looks pale and excited and is busy wiping + his hands with his handkerchief._ + +SPITTA + +Beg pardon, but I wonder if I could brush up here a little, Mrs. John? + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! For heaven's sake, what have you been up to, my good Spitta? + +SPITTA + +I only escorted a lady home, Mr. Hassenreuter--nothing else! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who has joined in the general, outburst of laughter called forth by +SPITTA'S explanation._] Well now, listen here! You blandly say: Nothing +else! And you announce it publicly here before all these people? + +SPITTA + +[_In consternation._] Why not? The lady in question, was very well +dressed; I've often seen her on the stairs of this house, and she +unfortunately met with an accident on the street. + +HASSENREUTER + +You don't say so? Tell us about it, dear Spitta! Apparently the lady +inflicted spots on your clothes and scratches on your hands. + +SPITTA + +Oh, no. That was probably the fault of the mob. The lady had an attack of +some kind. The policeman caught hold of her so awkwardly that she slipped +down in the middle of the street immediately in front of two omnibus +horses. I simply couldn't bear to see that, although I admit that the +function of the Good Samaritan is, as a rule, beneath the dignity of +well-dressed people on the public streets. + + _MRS. JOHN wheels the perambulator behind the partition and reappears + with a basin full of water, which she places on a chair._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Did the lady, by any chance, belong to that international high society +which we either regulate or segregate? + +SPITTA + +I confess that that was quite as indifferent to me in the given instance, +as it was to one of the omnibus horses who held his left fore foot +suspended in the air for five, six or, perhaps, even eight solid minutes, +in order not to trample on the woman who lay immediately beneath it. +[_SPITTA is answered by a round of laughter._] You may laugh! The +behaviour of the horse didn't strike me as in the least ludicrous. I +could well understand how some people applauded him, clapped their hands, +and how others stormed a bakery to buy buns with which to feed him. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Fanatically._] I wish he'd trampled all he could! [_MRS. JOHN'S remark +calls forth another outburst of laughter._] An' anyhow! That there Knobbe +woman! She oughta be put in some public place, that she ought, publicly +strapped to a bench an' then beaten--beaten--that's what! She oughta have +the stick taken to her so the blood jus' spurts! + +SPITTA + +Exactly, I've never been deluded into thinking that the so-called Middle +Ages were quite over and done with. It isn't so long ago, in the year +eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, as a matter of fact, that a widow +named Mayer was publicly broken on the wheel right here in the city of +Berlin on Hausvogtei Square,--[_He displays fragments of the lenses of +his spectacles._] By the way, I must hurry to the optician at once. + +JOHN + +[_To SPITTA._] You must excuse us. But didn't you take that there fine +lady home on this very floor acrost the way? Aha! Well, mother she +noticed it right off that that couldn't ha' been nobody but that Knobbe +woman what's known for sendin' girls o' twelve out on the streets! Then +she stays away herself an' swills liquor an' has all kinds o' dealin's +an' takes no care o' her own children. Then when she's been drunk an' +wakes up she beats 'em with her fists an' with an umbrella. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pulling himself together and bethinking himself._] Hurry, gentlemen! We +must proceed to our period of instruction. We're fifteen minutes behind +hand as it is and our time is limited. We must close the period quite +punctually to-day. I'm sorry. Come, mama. See you later, ladies and +gentlemen. + + [_HASSENREUTER offers his arm to his wife and leaves the room, + followed by KÄFERSTEIN and DR. KEGEL. JOHN also picks up his slouch + hat._ + +JOHN + +[_To his wife._] Good-bye. I gotta go an' see the boss. + + [_He also leaves._ + +SPITTA + +Could you possibly lend me a tie? + +MRS. JOHN + +I'll see what c'n be found in Paul's drawer. [_She opens the drawer of +the table and turns pale._] O Lord! [_She takes from the drawer a lock of +child's hair held together by a riband._] I found a bit of a lock o' hair +here that was cut off the head of our little Adelbert by his father when +he was lyin' in the coffin. [_A profound, grief-stricken sadness suddenly +comes over her face, which gives way again, quite as suddenly, to a gleam +of triumph._] An' now the crib is full again after all! [_With an +expression of strange joyfulness, the lock of hair in her hand, she leads +the young people to the door of the partition through which the +perambulator projects into the main room by two-thirds of its length. +Arrived there she holds the lock of hair close to the head of the living +child._] Come on! Come on here! [_With a strangely mysterious air she +beckons to WALBURGA and SPITTA, who take up their stand next to her and +to the child._] Now look at that there hair an' at this! Ain't it the +same? Wouldn't you say it was the same identical hair? + +SPITTA + +Quite right. It's the same to the minutest shade, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right! That's all right! That's what I wanted to know. + + [_Together with the child she disappears behind the partition._ + +WALBURGA + +Doesn't it strike you, Erich, that Mrs. John's behaviour is rather +peculiar? + +SPITTA + +[_Taking WALBURGA'S hands and kissing them shyly but passionately._] I +don't know, I don't know ... Or, at least, my opinion musn't count +to-day. The sombre state of my own mind colours all the world. Did you +get the letter? + +WALBURGA + +Yes. But I couldn't make out why you hadn't been at our house in such a +long while. + +SPITTA + +Forgive me, Walburga, but I couldn't come. + +WALBURGA + +And why not? + +SPITTA + +Because my mind was not at one with itself. + +WALBURGA + +You want to become an actor? Is that true? You're going to change +professions? + +SPITTA + +What I'll be in the end may be left to God. But never a parson--never a +country parson! + +WALBURGA + +Listen! I've had my fortune told from the cards. + +SPITTA + +That's nonsense, Walburga. You mustn't do that. + +WALBURGA + +I swear to you, Erich, that it isn't nonsense. The woman told me I was +betrothed in secret and that my betrothed is an actor. Of course I +laughed her to scorn. And immediately after that mama told me that you +wanted to be an actor. + +SPITTA + +Is that a fact? + +WALBURGA + +It's true--every bit of it. And in addition the clairvoyant said that we +would have a visitor who would cause us much trouble. + +SPITTA + +My father is coming to Berlin, Walburga, and it's undoubtedly true that +the old gentleman will give us not a little trouble. Father doesn't know +it, but my views and his have been worlds asunder for a long time. It +didn't need these letters of his which seem actually to burn in my pocket +and by which he answered my confession--it didn't need these letters to +tell me that. + +WALBURGA + +An evil, envious, venomous star presided over our secret meeting here! +Oh, how I used to admire my papa! And since that Sunday I blush for him +every minute. And however much I try, I can't, since that day, look +frankly and openly into his eyes. + +SPITTA + +Did you have differences with your father too? + +WALBURGA + +Oh, if it were nothing more than that! I was so proud of papa! And now I +tremble to think of even your finding it out. You'd despise us! + +SPITTA + +_I_ despise anyone? Dear child, I can't think of anything less fitting +for me! Look here: I'll set you an example in the matter of frankness. A +sister of mine, six years older than I, was governess in a noble family. +Well, a misfortune happened to her and ... when she sought refuge in the +house of her parents, my Christian father put her out of doors! I believe +he thought that Jesus would have done the same. And so my sister +gradually sank lower and lower and some day we can go and visit her in +the little suicides' graveyard near Schildhorn where she finally found +rest. + +WALBURGA + +[_Puts her arms around SPITTA._] Poor boy, you never told me a word of +that. + +SPITTA + +Circumstances have changed now and I speak of it. I shall speak of it to +papa too even if it causes a breach between us.--You're always surprised +when I get excited, and that I can't control myself when I see some poor +devil being kicked about, or when I see the rabble mistreating some poor +fallen girl. I have actual hallucinations sometimes. I seem to see ghosts +in bright daylight and my own sister among them! + + _PAULINE PIPERCARCKA enters, dressed as before. Her little face seems + to have grown paler and prettier._ + +PAULINE + +Good mornin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_From behind the partition._] Who's that out there? + +PAULINE + +Pauline, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline? I don't know no Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Pauline Pipercarcka, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Who? Oh, well then you c'n wait a minute, Pauline. + +WALBURGA + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Emerges from behind the partition and carefully draws the hangings._] +That's right. I got somethin' to discuss with this here young person. So +you young folks c'n see about getting out. + + _SPITTA and WALBURGA leave hastily. MRS. JOHN locks the door behind + them._ + +MRS. JOHN + +So it's you, Pauline? An' what is it you want? + +PAULINE + +What should I be wantin'? Somethin' jus' drove me here! Couldn't wait no +longer. I has to see how everythin' goes. + +MRS. JOHN + +How what goes? What's everythin'? + +PAULINE + +[_With a somewhat bad conscience._] Well, if it's well; if it's gettin' +on nicely. + +MRS. JOHN + +If what's well? If what's gettin' on nicely? + +PAULINE + +You oughta know that without my tellin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +_What_ ought I to know without your tellin' me? + +PAULINE + +I wants to know if anythin's happened to the child! + +MRS. JOHN + +What child? An' what could ha' happened? Talk plainly, will you? There +ain't a word o' your crazy chatter that anybody c'n understand! + +PAULINE + +I ain't sayin' nothin' but what's true, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, what is it? + +PAULINE + +My child ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Gives her a terrific box on the ear._] Say that again an' I'll bang my +boots about your ears so that you'll think you're the mother o' triplets. +An now: get outa here! An' don' never dare to show your face here again! + +PAULINE + +[_Starts to go. She shakes the door which is locked._] She's beaten me! +Help! Help! I don' has to--stand that! No! [_Weeping._] Open the door! +She's maltreated me, Mrs. John has! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Utterly transformed, embraces PAULINE, thus restraining her._] Pauline! +For God's sake, Pauline! I don' know what could ha' gotten into me! You +jus' be good now an' quiet down an' I'll beg your pardon. What d'you want +me to do? I'll get down _on_ my knees if you wants me to! Anythin'! +Pauline! Listen! Let me do _some_thin'! + +PAULINE + +Why d'you go 'n hit me in the face? I'm goin' to headquarters and say as +how you slapped me in the face. I'm goin' to headquarters to give notice! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Thrusts her face forward._] Here! You c'n hit me back--- right in the +face! Then it's all right; then it's evened up. + +PAULINE + +I'm goin' to headquarters ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Yes, then it's evened up. You jus' listen to what I says: Don't you see +it'll be evened up then all right! What d'you want to do? Come on now an' +hit me! + +PAULINE + +What's the good o' that when my cheek is swollen? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Striking herself a blow on the cheek._] There! Now my cheek is swollen +too. Come on, my girl, hit me an' don' be scared!--- An' then you c'n +tell me everythin' you got on your heart. In the meantime I'll go an' +I'll cook for you an' me, Miss Pauline, a good cup o' reel coffee made o' +beans--none o' your chicory slop, so help me! + +PAULINE + +[_Somewhat conciliated._] Why did you has to go an' be so mean an' rough +to a poor girl like me, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +That's it'--that's jus' what I'd like to know my own self! Come on, +Pauline, an' sit down! So! It's all right, I tells you! Sit down! It's +fine o' you to come an' see me! How many beatin's didn't I get from my +poor mother because sometimes I jus' seemed to go crazy an' not be the +same person no more. She said to me more'n onct: Lass, look out! You'll +be doin' for yourself some day! An' maybe she was right; maybe it'll be +that way. Well now, Pauline, tell me how you are an' how you're gettin' +along? + +PAULINE + +[_Laying down bank-notes and handfuls of silver, without counting them, +on the table._] Here is the money: I don't need it. + +MRS. JOHN + +I don' know nothin' about no money, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Oh, you'll know about the money all right! It's been jus' burnin' into +me, that it has! It was like a snake under my pillow ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, come now ... + +PAULINE + +Like a snake that crept out when I went to sleep. An' it tormented me an' +wound itself aroun' me an' squeezed me so that I screamed right out an' +my landlady found me lyin' on the bare floor jus' like somebody what's +dead. + +MRS. JOHN + +You jus' let that be right now, Pauline. Take a bit of a drink first of +all! [_She pours out a small glassful of brandy._] An' then come an' eat +a bite. It was my husband's birthday yesterday. + + [_She gets out some coffee-cake of which she cuts an oblong piece._ + +PAULINE + +Oh, no, I don' feel like eatin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +That strengthens you; that does you good; you oughta eat that! But I is +pleased to see, Pauline, how your fine constitootion helped you get back +your strength so good. + +PAULINE + +But now I want to have a look at it, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? What d'you want to have a look at? + +PAULINE + +If I could ha' walked I'd ha' been here long ago. I want to see now what +I come to see! + + _MRS. JOHN, whose almost creeping courtesies have been uttered with + lips aquiver with fear, pales ominously and keeps silent. She goes to + the kitchen cabinet, wrenches the coffee handmill out and pours beans + into it. She sits down, squeezes the mill between her knees, grasps + the handle, and stares with a consuming expression of nameless hatred + over at PAULINE._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Eh? Oh, yes! What d'you want to see? What d'you want to see now all of a +sudden? That what you wanted to throttle with them two hands o' yours, +eh? + +PAULINE + +Me? + +MRS. JOHN + +D'you want to lie about it? _I'll_ go and give notice about you! + +PAULINE + +Now you've tormented me an' jabbed at me an' tortured me enough, Mrs. +John. You followed me up; you wouldn't leave me no rest where I went. +Till I brought my child into the world on a heap o' rags up in your loft. +You gave me all kinds o' hopes an' you scared me with that rascal of a +feller up there! You told my fortune for me outa the cards about my +intended an' you baited me an' hounded me till I was most crazy. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' that's what you are. Yes, you're as crazy as you c'n be. _I_ +tormented you, eh? Is that what I did? I picked you up outa the gutter! I +fetched you outa the midst of a blizzard when you was standin' by the +chronometer an' stared at the lamplighter with eyes that was that +desperate scared! You oughta seen yourself! An' I hounded you, eh? Yes, +to prevent the police an' the police-waggon an' the devil hisself from +catchin' you! I left you no rest, eh? I tortured you, did I? to keep you +from jumpin' into the river with the child in your womb! [_Mocking her._] +"I'll throw myself into the canal, mother John! I'll choke the child to +death! I'll kill the little crittur with my hat pin! I'll go an' run to +where its father plays the zither, right in the midst o' the saloon, an' +I'll throw the dead child at his feet!" That's what you said; that's the +way you talked--all the blessed day long and sometimes half the night too +till I put you to bed an' petted you an' stroked you till you went to +sleep. An' you didn't wake up again till next day on the stroke o' +twelve, when the bells was ringin' from all the churches, Yes, that's the +way I scared you, an' then gave you hope again, an' didn't give you no +peace! You forgot all that there, eh? + +PAULINE + +But it's my child, Mrs. John ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Screams._] You go an' get your child outa the canal! + + [_She jumps up and walks hastily about the room, picking up and + throwing aside one object after another._ + +PAULINE + +Ain't I goin' to be allowed to see my child even? + +MRS. JOHN + +Jump into the water an' get it there! Then you'll have it! I ain't +keepin' you back. God knows! + +PAULINE + +All right! You c'n slap me, you c'n beat me, you c'n throw things at my +head if you wants to. Before I don' know where my child is an' before I +ain't seen it with my own eyes, nothin' an' nobody ain't goin' to get me +away from this place. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Interrupting her._] Pauline, I put it out to nurse! + +PAULINE + +That's a lie! Don't I hear it smackin' its lips right behind that there +partition. [_The child behind the partition begins to cry. PAULINE +hastens toward it. She exclaims with pathetic tearfulness, obviously +forcing the note of motherhood a little._] Don' you cry, my poor, poor +little boy! Little mother's comin' to you now! + + [_MRS. JOHN, almost beside herself, has sprung in front of the door, + thus blocking PAULINE'S way._ + +PAULINE + +[_Whining helplessly but with clenched fists._] Lemme go in an' see my +child! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_A terrible change coming over her face._] Look at me, girl! Come here +an' look me in the eye!--D'you think you c'n play tricks on a woman that +looks the way I do? [_PAULINE sits down still moaning._] Sit down an' +howl an' whine till ... till your throat's swollen so you can't give a +groan. But if you gets in here--then you'll be dead or I'll be dead an' +the child--he won't be alive no more neither. + +PAULINE + +[_Rises with some determination._] Then look out for what'll happen. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Attempting to pacify the girl once more._] Pauline, this business was +all settled between us. Why d'you want to go an' burden yourself with the +child what's my child now an' is in the best hands possible? What d'you +want to do with it? Why don't you go to your intended? You two'll have +somethin' better to do than listen to a child cryin' an' takin' all the +care an' trouble he needs! + +PAULINE + +No, that ain't the way it is! He's gotta marry me now! They all says +so--Mrs. Keilbacke, when I had to take treatment, she said so. They says +I'm not to give in; he has to marry me. An' the registrar he advised me +too. That's what he said, an' he was mad, too, when I told him how I +sneaked up into a loft to have my baby! He cried out loud that I wasn't +to let up! Poor, maltreated crittur--that's what he called me an' he put +his hand in his pocket an' gave me three crowns! All right. So we needn't +quarrel no more, Mrs. John. I jus' come anyhow to tell you to be at home +to-morrow afternoon at five o'clock. An' why? Because to-morrow an +official examiner'll come to look after things here. I don't has to worry +myself with you no more.... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Moveless and shocked beyond expression._] What? You went an' give +notice at the public registry? + +PAULINE + +O' course? Does I want to go to gaol? + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you tell the registrar? + +PAULINE + +Nothin' but that I give birth to a boy. An' I was so ashamed! Oh my God, +I got red all over! I thought I'd just have to go through the floor. + +MRS. JOHN + +Is that so? Well, if you was so ashamed why did you go an' give notice? + +PAULINE + +'Cause my landlady an' Mrs. Kielbacke, too, what took me there, didn't +give me no rest. + +MRS. JOHN + +H-m. So they knows it now at the public registry? + +PAULINE + +Yes; they had to know, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Didn't I tell you over an' over again? + +PAULINE + +You gotta give notice o' that! D'you want me to be put in gaol for a +investergation? + +MRS. JOHN + +I told you as how I'd give notice. + +PAULINE + +I axed the registrar right off. Nobody hadn't been there. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you say exackly? + +PAULINE + +That his name was to be Aloysius Theophil an' that he was boardin' with +you. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' to-morrow an officer'll be comin' in. + +PAULINE + +He's a gentlemen from the guardian's office. What's the matter with that? +Why don't you keep still an' act sensible. You scared me most to death a +while ago! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_As if absent-minded._] That's right. There ain't nothin' to be, done +about that now. An' there ain't so much to that, after all, maybe. + +PAULINE + +All right. An' now c'n I see my child, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +Not to-day. Wait till to-morrow, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Why not to-day? + +MRS. JOHN + +Because no good'd come of it this day. Wait till to-morrow, five o'clock +in the afternoon. + +PAULINE + +That's it. My landlady says it was written that way, that a gentleman +from the city'll be here to-morrow afternoon five o'clock. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pushing PAULINE out and herself going out of the room with her, in the +same detached tone._] All right. Let him come, girl. + + _MRS. JOHN has gone out into the hall for a moment. She now returns + without PAULINE. She seems strangely changed and absent-minded. She + takes a few hasty steps toward the door of the partition; then stands + still with an expression of fruitless brooding on her face. She + interrupts herself in this brooding and runs to the window. Having + reached it she turns and on her face there reappears the expression + of dull detachment. Slowly, like a somnambulist, she walks up to the + table and sits down beside it, leaning her chin on her hand. SELMA + KNOBBE appears in the doorway._ + +SELMA + +Mother's asleep, Mrs. John, an' I'm that hungry. Might I have a bite o' +bread? + + _MRS. JOHN rises mechanically and cuts a slice from the loaf of bread + with the air of one under an hypnotic influence._ + +SELMA + +[_Observing MRS. JOHN'S state of mind._] It's me! What's the matter, Mrs. +John? Whatever you do, don't cut yourself with the bread knife. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Lets the loaf and the bread-knife slip involuntarily from her hand to +the table. A dry sobbing overwhelms her more and more._] +Fear!--Trouble!--You don' know nothin' about that! + + [_She trembles and grasps after some support._ + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _The same decoration as in the first act. The lamp is lit. The dim + light of a hanging lamp illuminates the passage._ + + _HASSENREUTER is giving his three pupils, SPITTA, DR. KEGEL and + KÄFERSTEIN instruction in the art of acting. He himself is seated at + the table, uninterruptedly opening letters and beating time to the + rhythm of the verses with a paper cutter. In front of him stand, + facing each other, KEGEL and KÄFERSTEIN on one side, SPITTA on the + other, thus representing the two choruses in Schiller's "Bride of + Messina." The young men stand in the midst of a diagram drawn with + chalk on the floor and separated, like a chess-board, into sixty-four + rectangles. On the high stool in front of the office desk WALBURGA is + sitting. Waiting in the background stands the house steward QUAQUARO, + who might be the manager of a wandering circus and, in the capacity + of athlete, its main attraction. His speech is uttered in a guttural + tenor. He wears bedroom slippers. His breeches are held up by an + embroidered belt. An open shirt, fairly clean, a light jacket, a cap + now held in his hand, complete his attire._ + +DR. KEGEL AND KÄFERSTEIN + +[_Mouthing the verses sonorously and with exaggerated dignity._] + + "Thee salute I with reverence, + Lordliest chamber, + Thee, my high rulers' + Princeliest cradle, + Column-supported, magnificent roof. + Deep in its scabbard ..." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Cries in a rage._] Pause! Period! Period! Pause! Period! You're not +turning the crank of a hurdy-gurdy! The chorus in the "Bride of Messina" +is no hand-organ tune! "Thee salute I with reverence!" Start over again +from the beginning, gentleman! "Thee salute I with reverence, Lordliest +chamber!" Something like that, gentlemen! "Deep in its scabbard let the +sword rest." Period! "Magnificent roof." I meant to say: Period! But you +may go on if you want to. + +DR. KEGEL AND KÄFERSTEIN + + "Deep in its scabbard + Let the sword rest, + Fettered fast by your gateway + Moveless may lie Strife's snaky-locked monster. + For ..." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_As before._] Hold on! Don't you know the meaning of a full stop, +gentlemen? Haven't you any knowledge of the elements? "Snaky-haired +monster." Period! Imagine that a pile is driven there! You've got to +stop, to pause. There must be silence like the silence of the dead! +You've got to imagine yourself wiped out of existence for the moment, +Käferstein. And then--out with your best trumpeting chest-notes! Hold on! +Don't lisp, for God's sake. "For ..." Go on now! Start! + +DR. KEGEL AND KÄFERSTEIN + + "For this hospitable house's + Inviolable threshold + Guardeth an oath, the Furies' child...." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Jumps up, runs about and roars._] Oath, oath, oath, oath!!! Don't you +know what an oath is, Käferstein? "Guardeth an oath!!--the Furies' +child." This oath is said to be the child of the Furies, Dr. Kegel! +You've got to use your voice! The audience, to the last usher, has got to +be one vast quivering gooseflesh when you say that! One shiver must run +through every bone in the house! Listen to me: "For this house's ... +threshold Guardeth an oath!!! The Furies' child, The fearfullest of the +infernal deities!"--Go ahead! Don't repeat these verses. But you can stop +long enough to observe that an oath and a Munich beer radish are, after +all, two different things. + +SPITTA + +[_Declaims._] + + "Ireful my heart in my bosom burneth...." + +HASSENREUTER + +Hold on! [_He runs up to SPITTA and pushes and nudges the latter's arms +and legs in order to produce the desired tragic pose._]--First of all, +you lack the requisite statuesqueness of posture, my dear Spitta. The +dignity of a tragic character is in nowise expressed in you. Then you did +not, as I expressly desired you to do, advance your right foot from the +field marked ID into that marked IIC! Finally, Mr. Quaquaro is waiting; +so let us interrupt ourselves for a moment. So; now I'm at your service, +Mr. Quaquaro. That is to say, I asked you to come up because, in making +my inventory, it became clear that several cases and boxes cannot be +found or, in other words, have been stolen. Now, before lodging +information with the authorities which, of course, I am determined to do, +I wanted first to get your advice. I wanted to do that all the more +because, in place of the lost cases, there was found, in a corner of the +attic, a very peculiar mess--a find that could appropriately be sent to +Dr. Virchow. First there was a blue feather-duster, truly prehistoric, +and an inexpressible vessel, the use of which, quite harmless in itself, +is equally inexpressible. + +QUAQUARO + +Well, sir, I can climb up there if you want me to. + +HASSENREUTER + +Suppose you do that. Up there you'll meet Mrs. John, whom the find in +question has disquieted even more than it has me. These three gentlemen, +who are my pupils, won't be persuaded that something very like a murder +didn't take place up there. But, if you please, let's not cause a +scandal! + +KÄFERSTEIN + +When something got lost in my mother's shop in Schneidemühl, it was +always said that the rats had eaten it. And really, when you consider the +number of rats and mice in this house--I very nearly stepped on one on +the stairs a while ago--why shouldn't we suppose that the cases of +costumes were devoured in the same way. Silk is said to be sweet. + +HASSENREUTER + +Very excellent! Very good! You're relieved from the necessity of +indulging in any more notion-shopkeepers' fancies, my good Käferstein! +Ha, ha, ha! It only remains for you to dish up for us the story of the +cavalry man Sorgenfrei, who, according to your assertion, when this house +was still a cavalry barracks, hanged himself--spurred and armed--in my +loft. And then the last straw would be for you to direct our suspicions +toward him. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +You can still see the very nail he used. + +QUAQUARO + +There ain't a soul in the house what don't know the story of the soldier +Sorgenfrei who put an end to hisself with a rope somewhere under the +rooftree. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +The carpenter's wife downstairs and a seamstress in the second story have +repeatedly seen him by broad daylight nodding out of the attic window and +bowing down with military demeanour. + +QUAQUARO + +A corporal, they says, called the soldier Sorgenfrei a windbag an' gave +him a blow outa spite. An' the idjit took that to heart. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! Military brutalities and ghost stories! That mixture is +original, but hardly to our purpose. I assume that the theft, or whatever +it was, took place during those eleven or twelve days that I spent on +business in Alsace. So look the matter over and have the goodness, later, +to report to me. + + _HASSENREUTER turns to his pupils. QUAQUARO mounts the stairs to the + loft and disappears behind the trap-door._ + +HASSENREUTER + +All right, my good Spitta: Fire away! + + _SPITTA recites simply according to the sense and without any tragic + bombast._ + + "Ireful my heart in my bosom burneth, + My hand is ready for sword or lance, + For unto me the Gorgon turneth + My foeman's hateful countenance. + Scarce I master the rage that assails me. + Shall I salute him with fair speech? + Better, perchance, my ire avails me? + Only the Fury me affrighteth, + Protectress of all within her reach, + And God's truce which all foes uniteth." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who has sat down, supports his head on his hand and listens resignedly. +Not until SPITTA has ceased speaking for some moments does he look up, as +if coming to himself._] Are you quite through, Spitta? If so, I'm much +obliged!--You see, my dear fellow, I've really gotten into a deuce of a +situation as far as you are concerned: either I tell you impudently to +your face that I consider your method of elocution excellent--and in that +case I'd be guilty of a lie of the most contemptible kind: or else I tell +you that I consider it abominable and then we'd get into another beastly +row. + +SPITTA + +[_Turning pale._] Yes, all this stilted, rhetorical stuff is quite +foreign to my nature. That's the very reason why I abandoned theology. +The preacher's tone is repulsive to me. + +HASSENREUTER + +And so you would like to reel off these tragic choruses as a clerk of +court mumbles a document or a waiter a bill of fare? + +SPITTA + +I don't care for the whole sonorous bombast of the "Bride of Messina." + +HASSENREUTER + +I wish you'd repeat that charming opinion. + +SPITTA + +There's nothing to be done about it, sir. Our conceptions of dramatic art +diverge utterly, in some respects. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man alive, at this particular moment your face is a veritable monogram of +megalomania and impudence! I beg your pardon, but you're my pupil now and +no longer the tutor of my children. Your views and mine! You ridiculous +tyro! You and Schiller! Friedrich Schiller! I've told you a hundred times +that your puerile little views of art are nothing but an innate striving +toward imbecility! + +SPITTA + +You would have to prove that to me, after all. + +HASSENREUTER + +You prove it yourself every time you open your mouth! You deny the whole +art of elocution, the value of the voice in acting! You want to +substitute for both the art of toneless squeaking! Further you deny the +importance of action in the drama and assert it to be a worthless +accident, a sop for the groundlings! You deny the validity of poetic +justice, of guilt and its necessary expiation. You call all that a vulgar +invention--an assertion by means of which the whole moral order of the +world is abrogated by the learned and crooked understanding of your +single magnificent self! Of the heights of humanity you know nothing! You +asserted the other day that, in certain circumstances, a barber or a +scrubwoman might as fittingly be the protagonist of a tragedy as Lady +Macbeth or King Lear! + +SPITTA + +[_Still pale, polishing his spectacles._] Before art as before the law +all men are equal, sir. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aha? Is that so? Where did you pick up that banality? + +SPITTA + +[_Without permitting himself to be disconcerted._] The truth of that +saying has become my second nature. In believing it I probably find +myself at variance with Schiller and Gustav Freytag, but not at all with +Lessing and Diderot. I have spent the past two semesters in the study of +these two great dramaturgic critics, and the whole stilted French +pseudo-classicism is, as far as I'm concerned, utterly destroyed--not +only in creative art itself but in such manifestations as the boundless +folly of the directions for acting which Goethe prescribed in his old +age. These are mere superannuated nonsense. + +HASSENREUTER + +You don't mean it? + +SPITTA + +And if the German stage is ever to recuperate it must go back to the +young Schiller, the young Goethe--the author of "Götz"--and ever again to +Gotthold Ephraim Lessing! There you will find set down principles of +dramatic art which are adapted to the rich complexity of life in all its +fullness, and which are potent to cope with Nature itself! + +HASSENREUTER + +Walburga! I'm afraid Mr. Spitta is taking us for each other. Mr. Spitta, +you're about to give a lesson! Walburga, you and your teacher are free to +retire to the library.--If human arrogance and especially that of very +young people could be crystallised into one formation--humanity would be +buried under that rock like an ant under the granite masses of an +antediluvian mountain range! + +SPITTA + +But I wouldn't in any wise be refuted thereby. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man, I tell you that I've not only passed through two semesters of formal +study, but I have grown grey in the practice of the actor's art! And I +tell you that Goethe's catechism for actors is the alpha and the omega of +my artistic convictions! If you don't like that--get another teacher! + +SPITTA + +[_Pursuing his argument calmly._] According to my opinion, Goethe with +his senile regulations for actors denied, in the pettiest way, himself +and his whole original nature. What is one to say of his ruling that +every actor, irrespective of the quality of the character represented by +him, must--these are his very words--show an ogre-like expression of +countenance in order that the spectator be at once reminded of the nature +of lofty tragedy. Actually, these are his very words! + + _KÄFERSTEIN and KEGEL make an effort to assume ogre-like + expressions._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Get out your note-book, most excellent Spitta, and record your opinion, +please, that Manager Hassenreuter is an ass, that Schiller is an ass, +Goethe an ass, Aristotle, too, of course--[_he begins suddenly to laugh +like mad_]--and, ha, ha, ha! a certain Spitta a--night watchman! + +SPITTA + +I'm glad to see, sir, that, at least, you've recovered your good humour. + +HASSENREUTER + +The devil! I haven't recovered it at all! You're a symptom. So you +needn't think yourself very important.--You are a rat, so to speak. One +of those rats who are beginning, in the field of politics, to undermine +our glorious and recently united German Empire! They are trying to cheat +us of the reward of our labours! And in the garden of German art these +rats are gnawing at the roots of the tree of idealism. They are +determined to drag its crown into the mire!--Down, down, down into the +dust with you! + + _KÄFERSTEIN and KEGEL try to preserve their gravity but soon break + out into loud laughter, which HASSENREUTER is impelled to join. + WALBURGA looks on in wide-eyed astonishment. SPITTA remains serious._ + + _MRS. JOHN is now seen descending the stairs of the loft. After a + little while QUAQUARO follows her._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Perceives MRS. JOHN and points her out to SPITTA with violent +gesticulations as if he had just made an important discovery._] There +comes your tragic Muse! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Approaches, abashed by the laughter of HASSENREUTER, KEGEL and +KÄFERSTEIN._] Why, what d'you see about me? + +HASSENREUTER + +Nothing but what is good and beautiful, Mrs. John! You may thank God that +your quiet, withdrawn and peaceful life unfits you for the part of a +tragic heroine.--But tell me, have you, by any chance, had an interview +with ghosts? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Unnaturally pale._] Why do you ax that? + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps you even saw the famous soldier Sorgenfrei who closed his career +above as a deserter into a better world? + +MRS. JOHN + +If it was a livin' soul, maybe you might be right. But I ain't scared o' +no dead ghosts. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, Mr. Quaquaro, how did it look under the roof there? + +QUAQUARO + +[_Who has brought down with him a Swedish riding-boot._] Well, I took a +pretty good look aroun' an' I came to the conclusion that, at least, some +shelterless ragamuffins has passed the night there; though how they got +in I ain't sayin'. An' then I found this here boot.-- + + [_Out of the boot he draws an infant's bottle, topped by a rubber + nipple and half filled with milk._ + +MRS. JOHN + +That's easily explained. I was up there settin' things to rights an' I +had little Adelbert along with me. But I don' know nothin' about the +rest. + +HASSENREUTER + +Nobody has undertaken to assert that you do, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +When you considers how my little Adelbert came into the world ... an' +when you considers how he died ... nobody c'n come an' tell me nothin' +about bein' a reel mother ... But I gotta leave now, sir ... I can't be +comin' up here for two three days. Good-bye! I has to go to my +sister-in-law an' let Adelbert enjoy the country air a little. + + [_She trots off through the door to the outer hall._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Can you make anything of her wild talk? + +QUAQUARO + +There's been a screw loose there ever since her first baby came, an' all +the more after it took an' died. Now since she's got the second one, +there's two screws what's wobbly. Howsoever, she c'n count--that's a +fac'. She's got a good bit o' money loaned out at interest on pawned +goods. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, but what is the injured party--namely, myself--to do? + +QUAQUARO + +That depends on where the suspicion falls. + +HASSENREUTER + +In this house?--You'll admit yourself, Mr. Quaquaro ... + +QUAQUARO + +That's true all right. But it won't be long before we'll have a little +cleanin' up aroun' here! The widow Knobbe with all her crowd is goin' to +be put out! An' then there's a gang in wing B, where there's some tough +customers by what Policeman Schierke tells me. Well, they're goin' to +come from headquarters pretty soon and blow up that crowd. + +HASSENREUTER + +There must be a glee club somewhere in the house. At least I hear +excellent male voices singing from time to time things like "Germany, our +highest glory," and "Who has built thee, noble wood," and "In a cool +galley turneth." + +QUAQUARO + +Them's the very fellers! That's right! An' they do sing fine! The sayin' +is that bad men has no songs, but I wouldn't advise no one to fool with +_them_! I wouldn't go into that company my own self without Prince. +That's my bull dog. You just go an' lay information against 'em an' you +won't be doin' no harm, sir. + + [_QUAQUARO exit._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Referring to QUAQUARO._] The gleam in his eye demands security. His +lips demand cash. His fist portends immediate warning. He's a lucky +creature who doesn't dream of him at the end of the month. And whoever +dreams of him roars for help. A horrible, greasy fellow. But without him +the people who rent this old shell would get no money and the +army-treasurer could strike the income of these rentals from his +books.--[_The door bell rings._]--That Is Miss Alice Rütterbusch, the +young soubrette with whom, unfortunately, I haven't been able to make a +hard and fast contract yet on account of the way the aldermen of +Strassburg shilly shally about their final decision. After my +appointment, which I will secure by God's help, her engagement will be my +first managerial act.--Walburga and Spitta, march up into the loft! Count +the contents of the six boxes marked "Journalists" in order that we may +complete our inventory at the proper time.--[_To KÄFERSTEIN and DR. +KEGEL._] You may withdraw into the library in the meantime.... + + [_He steps forward in order to open the door._ + + _WALBURGA and SPITTA disappear swiftly and very willingly into the + loft; KÄFERSTEIN and KEGEL retire into the library._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_In the background._] If you please, step right in, my dear lady! I +_beg_ your pardon, sir! I was expecting a lady ... I was expecting a +young lady ... But, please, come in. + + _HASSENREUTER comes forward accompanied by PASTOR SPITTA. The latter + is sixty years old. A village parson, somewhat countrified. One might + equally well take him to be a surveyor or a landowner in a small way. + He is of vigorous appearance--short-necked, well-nourished, with a + squat, broad face like Luther's. He wears a slouch-hat, spectacles + and carries a cane and a coat of waterproof cloth over his arm. His + clumsy boots and the state of his other garments show that they have + long been accustomed to wind and weather._ + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Do you know who I am, Mr. Hassenreuter? + +HASSENREUTER + +Not quite exactly, but I would hazard ... + +PASTOR SPITTA + +You may, you may! You needn't hesitate to call me Pastor Spitta from +Schwoiz in Uckermark, whose son Erich--yes, that's it--has been employed +in your family as private tutor or something like that. Erich Spitta: +that's my son. And I'm obliged to say that with deep sorrow. + +HASSENREUTER + +First of all, I'm very glad, to have the privilege of your acquaintance. +I hasten at once to beg you, however, dear Pastor, not to be too much +worried, not to be too sorrowful concerning the little escapade in which +your son is indulging. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Oh, but I am greatly troubled, I am deeply grieved. [_Sitting down on a +chair he surveys the strange place in which he finds himself with +considerable interest._] It is hard to say; it is extremely difficult to +communicate to any one the real depth of anxiety. But forgive me a +question, sir: I was in the trophy-chamber.--[_He touches one of the +armored dummies with his cane._] What kind of armor is this? + +HASSENREUTER + +These figures are to represent the cuirassiers in Schiller's +"Wallenstein." + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Ah, ah, my idea of Schiller was so very different! [_Collecting +himself._] Oh, this city of Berlin! It confuses me utterly. You see a man +before you, sir, who is not only grieved, whom this Sodom of a city has +not only stirred to his very depths, but who is actually broken-hearted +by the deed of his son. + +HASSENREUTER + +A deed? What deed? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Is there any need to ask? The son of an honest man desiring to become an +... an ... an actor! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Drawing himself up. With the utmost dignity._] My dear sir, I do not +approve of your son's determination. But I am myself--_honi soit qui mal +y pense_--the son of an honest man and myself, I trust, a man of honour. +And I, whom you see before you, have been an actor, too. No longer than +six weeks ago I took part in the Luther celebration--for I am no less an +apostle of culture in the broadest sense--not only as manager but by +ascending the boards on which the world is shadowed forth as an actor! +From my point of view, therefore, your son's determination is scarcely +open to objection on the score of his social standing or his honourable +character. But it is a difficult calling and demands, above all, a high +degree of talent. I am also willing to admit that it is a calling not +without peculiar dangers to weak characters. And finally I have myself +proved the unspeakable hardships of my profession so thoroughly that I +would like to guard anyone else from entering it. That is the reason why +I box my daughters' ears if the slightest notion of going on the stage +seizes them, and why I would rather tie stones about their necks and +drown them where the sea is deepest than see them marry actors. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +I didn't mean to wound any one's feelings. I admit, too, that a simple +country parson like myself can't very well have much of a conception of +such things. But consider a father now--just such a poor country +parson--who has saved and hoarded his pennies in order that his son might +have a career at the university. Now consider, further, that this son is +just about to take his final examinations and that his father and his +mother--I have a sick wife at home--are looking forward with anxiety and +with longing, whichever you call it, toward the moment in which their son +will mount the pulpit and deliver the trial sermon before the +congregation of his choice. And then comes this letter. Why, the boy is +mad! + + _The emotion of the Pastor is not exactly consciously directed; it is + controlled. The trembling of the hand with which he searches for the + letter in his inner pocket and hands it to the manager is not quite + convincing._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Young men search after various aims. We mustn't be too much taken by +surprise if, once in a while, a crisis of this kind is not to be avoided +in a young man's life. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Well, this crisis _was_ avoidable. It will not be difficult for you to +see from this letter who is responsible for this destructive change in +the soul of a young, an excellent, and hitherto thoroughly obedient +youth. I should never have sent him to Berlin. Yes, it is this so-called +scientific theology, this theology that flirts with all the pagan +philosophers, that would change the Lord our God into empty smoke and +sublimate our blessed Saviour into thin air--it is this that I hold +responsible for the grievous mistake of my child. And to this may be +added other temptations. I tell you, sir, I have seen things which it is +impossible for me to speak of! I have circulars in every pocket--"Ball of +the Élite! Smart waitresses!" and so on! I was quietly walking, at half +past twelve one night, through the arcade that connects Friedrich street +with the Linden, and a disgusting fellow sidles up to me, wretched, +undergrown, and asks me with a kind of greasy, shifty impudence: Doesn't +the gentleman want something real fetching? And these show windows in +which, right by the pictures of noble and exalted personages, naked +actresses, dancers, in short the most shocking nudities are displayed! +And finally this Corso--oh, this Corso! Where painted and bedizened vice +jostles respectable women from the sidewalk! It's simply the end of the +world! + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, my dear Pastor, the world doesn't so easily come to an end--nor, +surely, will it do so on account of the nudities that offend or of the +vice which slinks through the streets at night. The world will probably +outlive me and the whole scurrilous interlude of humanity. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +What turns these young people aside from the right path is evil example +and easy opportunity. + +HASSENREUTER + +I beg your pardon, Pastor, but I have not observed in your son the +slightest inclination toward leading a frivolous life. He is simply +attracted to literature, and he isn't the first clergyman's son--remember +merely Lessing and Herder--who has taken the road of literary study and +creative art. Very likely be has manuscript plays in his desk even now. +To be sure, I am bound to admit that the opinions which your son defends +in the field of literature frighten even me at times! + +PASTOR SPITTA + +But that's horrible! That's frightful! That far exceeds my worst fears! +And so my eyes have been opened.--My dear sir, I have had eight children, +of whom Erich seemed our fairest hope and his next-oldest sister our +heaviest trial. And now, it seems, the same accursed city has demanded +them both as its victims. The girl developed prematurely, she was +beautiful ... and ... But I must mention another circumstance now, I +have, been in Berlin for three days and I haven't seen Erich yet. When I +tried to see him to-day, he was not at home in his rooms. I waited for a +while and naturally looked about me in my son's dwelling. And now: look +at this picture, sir! + + [_Replacing ERICH'S letter in his pocket he extracts therefrom a + small photograph and holds it immediately under HASSENREUTER'S eyes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Takes the picture and holds it at varying distances from him. He is +disconcerted._] Why should I look at this? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +The silly little face is of no importance. But pray look at the +inscription. + +HASSENREUTER + +Where? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +[_Reads._] "From Walburga to her only sweetheart." + +HASSENREUTER + +Permit me!--- What's the meaning of this? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +It simply means some seamstress if not, what is worse, some shady +waitress! + +HASSENREUTER + +H-m. [_He slips the picture into his pocket._] I shall keep this +photograph. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +It is in such filth that my son wallows. And consider the situation in +which it puts me: with what feelings, with what front shall I +henceforward face my congregation from the pulpit ...? + +HASSENREUTER + +Confound it, what business is that of mine? What have I to do with your +offspring, with your lost sons and daughters? [_He pulls out the +photograph again._] And furthermore, as far as this excellent and +sound-hearted young lady is concerned, you're quite mistaken in your +ideas about waitresses and such like. I'll say nothing more. All other +matters will adjust themselves. Good-bye. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +I confess frankly, I don't understand you. Probably this tone is the +usual one in your circles, I will go and not annoy you any longer. But as +a father I have the right before God, to demand of you that henceforth +you refuse to my deluded son this so-called dramatic instruction. I hope +I shall not have to look for further ways and means of enforcing this +demand. + +HASSENREUTER + +I won't only do that, but I'll actually put him out of doors. + + [_He accompanies the PASTOR to the door, slams it behind him and + returns alone._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Waving his arms through the air._] All that one can say here is: Plain +parson! [_He rushes halfway up the stairs to the loft._] Spitta! +Walburga! Come down here, will you? + + _WALBURGA and SPITTA come down._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_To WALBURGA, who looks at him questioningly._] Go to your high stool +over there and sit down on the humorous part of your anatomy! Well, and +you, my dear Spitta, what do you want? + +SPITTA + +You called us both, sir. + +HASSENREUTER + +Exactly. Now look me in the eye! + +SPITTA Certainly. + + [_He looks straight at HASSENREUTER._ + +HASSENREUTER + +You two want to make an ass of me. But you won't succeed! Silence! Not a +word! I would have expected something very different from you! This is a +striking proof of ingratitude. Keep still! Furthermore, a gentleman was +here just now! That gentleman is afraid in Berlin! March! Follow him! +Take him down into the street and try to make it clear to him that I'm +neither your bootblack nor his. + + [_SPITTA shrugs his shoulders, takes his hat and goes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Strides up to WALBURGA energetically and tweaks her ear._] And as for +you, my dear, you'll have your ears soundly boxed if ever again without +my permission you exchange two words with this rascal of a theologian +gone to smash! + +WALBURGA + +Ouch, papa, ouch! + +HASSENREUTER + +This fellow who is fond of making such an innocent face as if he couldn't +harm a fly and whom I was careless enough to admit to my house is, +unfortunately, a man behind whose mask the most shameless impudence lies +in wait. I and my house are in the service of true propriety. Do you want +to besmirch the escutcheon of oar honour as the sister of this fellow +seems to have done--a girl who disgraced, her parents by coming to an end +in the street and the gutter? + +WALBURGA + +I don't share your opinion about Erich, papa. + +HASSENREUTER + +What's that? Well, at least you know my opinion. Either you give him his +walking papers or else you can look out for yourself and find out what it +is to get along, away from your parental roof, in a way of life +regardless of honour, duty and decency! In that case you can go! I have +no use for daughters of that kind! + +WALBURGA + +[_Pale and sombre._] You are always saying, papa, that you too had to +make your way independently and without your parents. + +HASSENREUTER + +You're not a man. + +WALBURGA + +Certainly not. But think, for instance, of Alice Rütterbusch. + + [_Father and daughter look firmly into each other's eyes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Why should I? Have you a fever, eh? Or have you gone mad? [_He drops the +whole discussion, noticeably put out of countenance, and taps at the +library door._] Where did we leave off? Begin at the proper place. + + _KEGEL and KÄFERSTEIN appear._ + +KEGEL _and_ KÄFERSTEIN + +[_Declaim:_] + + "A wiser temper + Beseemeth age. + I, being reasonable, + Salute him first." + + _Led and directed by SPITTA appear PAULINE PIPERCARCKA in street + dress and MRS. KIELBACKE, who carries an infant on a pillow._ + +HASSENREUTER + +What do you want here? What kind of women are you bringing here to annoy +me? + +SPITTA + +It isn't my fault, sir. The women insisted on coming to you. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +No; all we wants is to see Mrs. John. + +PAULINE + +An' Mrs. John she's always up here with you! + +HASSENREUTER + +True. But I'm beginning to regret the fact, and I must insist, at all +events, that she hold her private receptions in her own rooms and not +here. Otherwise I'll soon equip the door here with patent locks and +mantraps.--What's the matter with you, my good Spitta? I suppose you'll +have to have the goodness to show these ladies the place they really want +to go to. + +PAULINE + +But Mrs. John ain't to be found in her rooms downstairs. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, she's not to be found up here either. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +The reason is because this here young lady has her little son boardin' +with Mrs. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +Glad to hear it! Please march now without further delay! Save me, +Käferstein! + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +An' now a gentleman's come from the city, from the office of the +government guardian office to see how the child is an' if it's well taken +care of an' in good condition. An' then he went into Mrs. John's room an' +we went with him. An' there was the child an' a note pinned to it what +said that Mrs. John was workin' for you up here. + +HASSENREUTER + +Where was the child boarding? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +With Mrs. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Impatiently._] That's simply a piece of imbecility. You are quite +wrong.--Spitta, you would have been much better employed accompanying the +old gentleman after whom I sent you than aiding these ladies to come +here. + +SPITTA + +I looked for the gentleman you speak of but he was already gone. + +HASSENREUTER + +These ladies don't seem to believe me. Will you kindly inform them, +gentlemen, that Mrs. John has no child in board, and that they are quite +obviously mistaken in the name. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +I am asked to tell you that you are probably mistaken in the name. + +PAULINE + +[_Vehemently and tearfully._] She has got my baby! She had my baby +boardin' with her. An' the gentleman came from the city an' he said that +the child wasn't in no good hands an' that it was neglected. She went an' +ruined my baby's health. + +HASSENREUTER + +There is no doubt but what you have mistaken the name of the woman of +whom you speak, Mrs. John has no child in board. + +PAULINE + +She had my baby in her claws, that's what! An' she let it starve an' get +sick! I gotta see her! I gotta tell her right out! She's gotta make my +little baby well again! I gotta go to court. The gentleman says as how I +gotta go to court an' give notice. + +HASSENREUTER + +I beg of you not to get excited. The fact is that you are mistaken! How +did you ever hit on the idea that Mrs. John has a child in board? + +PAULINE + +Because I gave it to her myself. + +HASSENREUTER + +But Mrs. John has her own child and it just occurs to me that she has +taken it along with her on a visit to her sister-in-law. + +PAULINE + +She ain't got no child. No, Mrs. John ain't got none! She cheats an' she +lies. She ain't got none. She took my little Alois an' she ruined him. + +HASSENREUTER + +By heaven, ladies, you are mistaken! + +PAULINE + +Nobody won't believe me that I had a baby. My intended he wrote me a +letter an' he says it ain't true an' that I'm a liar an' a low creature. +[_She touches the pillow on which the infant is resting._] It's mine an' +I'll prove it in court! I c'n swear it by the holy Mother o' God. + +HASSENREUTER + +Do uncover the child. [_It is done and HASSENREUTER observes the infant +attentively._]--H-m, the matter will not remain long in obscurity. In the +first place ... I know Mrs. John. If she had had this child in board it +could never look as it does. And that is true quite simply because, where +it is a question of children, Mrs. John has her heart in the right place. + +PAULINE + +I want to see Mrs. John. That's all I says. I don't has to tell my +business to everybody in the world. I c'n tell everythin' in court, down +to the least thing--the day an' the hour an' jus' exackly the place where +it was born! People is goin' to open their eyes; you c'n believe me. + +HASSENREUTER + +What you assert, then, if I understand you rightly, is that Mrs. John has +no baby of her own at all, and that the one which passes as such is in +reality yours. + +PAULINE + +God strike me dead if that ain't the truth! + +HASSENREUTER + +And this is the child in question? I trust that God won't take you at +your word this time.--You must know that I, who stand before you, am +manager Hassenreuter and I have personally had in my own hands the child +of Mrs. John, my charwoman, on three or four occasions. I even weighed it +on the scales and found it to weigh over eight pounds. This poor little +creature doesn't weigh over four pounds. And on the basis of this fact I +can assure you that this child is not, at least, the child of Mrs. John. +You may be right in asserting that it is yours. I am in no position to +throw doubt on that. But I know Mrs. John's child and I am quite sure +that it is, in no wise, identical with this. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +[_Respectfully._] No, no; that's right enough. It ain't identical. + +PAULINE + +This baby here is identical enough all right, even if it's a bit underfed +an' weakly. This business with the child is all straight enough! I'll +take an oath that it's identical all right. + +HASSENREUTER + +I am simply speechless. [_To his pupils._] Our lesson is ruled by an evil +star to-day, my dear boys. I don't know why, but the error which these +ladies are making engrosses me. [_To the women._] You may have entered +the wrong door. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +No, me an' the gentleman from the guardian's office an' the young lady +went an' fetched this here child outa the room what has the name plate o' +Mrs. John on it, an' took it out into the hall. Mrs. John wasn't there +an' her husband the mason is absent in Hamburg. + + _POLICEMAN SCHIERKE comes in, fat and good-natured._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, there's Mr. Schierke! What do you want here? + +SCHIERKE + +I understand, sir, that two women fled up here to you. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +We ain't fled at all. + +HASSENREUTER + +They were inquiring for Mrs. John. + +SCHIERKE + +May I be permitted to ax somethin' too? + +HASSENREUTER + +If you please. + +PAULINE + +Jus' let him ax. We don't has to worry. + +SCHIERKE + +[_To MRS. KIELBACKE._] What's your name? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +I'm Mrs. Kielbacke. + +SCHIERKE + +You're connected with the society for raisin' children, eh? Where do you +live? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +Linien street number nine. + +SCHIERKE + +Is that your child that you have there? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +That's Miss Pipercarcka her child. + +SCHIERKE + +[_To PAULINE._] An' your name? + +PAULINE + +Paula Pipercarcka from Skorzenin. + +SCHIERKE + +This woman asserts that the child is yours. Do you assert that too? + +PAULINE + +Sergeant, I has to ax for your protection because suspicions is cast on +me an' I'm innercent. The gentleman from the city did come to me. An' I +did get my child outa the room o' Mrs. John what I had it in board with +... + +SCHIERKE + +[_With a searching look._] Yes? Maybe it was the door across the way +where the restaurant keeper's widow Knobbe lives. Nobody knows what +you're up to with that child nor who sent you an' bribed you. You ain't +got a good conscience! You took the child an' slipped up here with it +while its rightful mother, the widow Knobbe, what it's been stolen from, +is huntin' all over the stairs an' halls for it an' while a detective is +standin' acrost the way. + +PAULINE + +I don't care about no detective. I'm ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You are refuted, my good girl. Can't you comprehend that? First you say +that Mrs. John has no child. Next you say--kindly attend to me--that you +had taken your child, which has been passing for Mrs. John's, out of the +latter's room. However; all of us here happen to know Mrs. John's child +and the one you have here is another. Is that clear to you? Hence your +assertion cannot, in any circumstances, be a correct one!--And now, +Schierke, you would do me a favour if you would conduct these ladies out +so that I can continue giving my lesson. + +SCHIERKE + +All right, but if I does that we'll get into that Knobbe crowd. Because +her child has been stolen. + +PAULINE + +It ain't me that done it; it's Mrs. John. + +SCHIERKE + +That's all right. [_Continuing his account to HASSENREUTER._] And they +says that the child has blue blood in it on its father's side. So Mrs. +Knobbe thinks as how it's a plot of enemies 'cause they grudges her the +alimony in some quarters an' a gentleman's eddication for the kid. +[_Someone is beating at the door with fists._] That's the Knobbe woman. +There she comes now! + +HASSENREUTER + +Mr. Schierke, you are responsible to me. If these people trespass on my +premises and I suffer any damages thereby, I'll complain to the chief of +police. I know Mr. Maddei very well. Don't be afraid, my dear boys. You +are my witnesses. + +SCHIERKE + +[_At the door._] You stay out there! You don't get in here! + + _A small mob howls outside of the door._ + +PAULINE + +They c'n holler all they wants to but they can't get my child. + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps this is the better way. You go into the library for the present. +[_He escorts PAULINE, MRS. KIELBACKE and the child into the library._] +And now, Mr. Schierke, we might risk letting that fury enter in here. + +SCHIERKE + +[_Opening the door slightly._] All right. But only Mrs. Knobbe! Come in +here a minute. + + _MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE appears. She is tall and emaciated and dressed + in a badly worn but fashionable summer gown. Her face bears the + stigma, of a dissolute life but gives evidence of a not ungentle + origin. Her air is curiously like that of a gentlewoman. She talks + affectedly and her eyes show addiction to alcohol and morphine._ + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Sailing in._] There is no cause for any anxiety, Mr. Hassenreuter. +Those without are principally little boys and girls who have come with me +because I am fond of children. Pray pardon me if I intrude. One of the +children told me that two women had sneaked up here with my little boy. I +am looking for my little son, named Helfgott Gundofried, who has actually +disappeared from my dwelling. At the same time I do not wish to incommode +you. + +SCHIERKE + +An' you better not do that if I has any say about it. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Disregarding these words except by a proud toss of the head._] To my +great regret I caused a certain amount of disturbance in the yard. From +the yard as a place of vantage it is possible to command every window and +I made inquiries of the poor cigar maker in the second story and of the +consumptive little seamstress in the third as to whether my Selma and my +little son were with either of them. But nothing is farther from my +intention than to create a scandal. I want you to know--- for I am quite +conscious of being in the presence of a distinguished, indeed, of a +famous man--you are to know that where Helfgott Gundofried is concerned I +am obliged to be strictly on my guard! [_With quivering voice and an +occasional application of her handkerchief to her eyes._] I am an +unfortunate woman who is pursued by fate, who has sunk low but who has +seen better days. I do not care to bore you with my troubles. But I am +being pursued and there are those who would rob me of my last hope. + +SCHIERKE + +Aw, hurry up an' say what you has to! + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_As before._] It is not enough that I was forced to lay aside my honest +name. Later I lived in Paris and then married a brutal person, a south +German inn-keeper, because I had the foolish thought that my affairs +might be bettered thereby. O these scoundrels of men! + +SCHIERKE + +This don't lead to nothin'! You cut it short, I tell you. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +But I am glad of the opportunity of standing, once more, face to face +with a man of culture and intellect. I could a tale unfold ... Popularly +I am known here as "the countess" and God is my witness that in my +earlier youth I was not far removed from that estate! For a time I was an +actress, too. What did I say! I could unfold a tale from my life, from my +past, which would have the advantage of not being invented! + +SCHIERKE + +Maybe not. Nobody c'n tell. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_With renewed emphasis._] My wretchedness is not invented, although it +may seem so when I relate how, one night, sunk in the deepest abysses of +my shame, I met on the street a cousin--the playmate of my youth--who is +now captain in the horse-guards. He lives in the world: I live in the +underworld ever since my father from pride of rank and race disowned me +because in my earliest youth I had made a mistake. Oh, you have no +conception of the dullness, the coarseness, the essential vulgarity that +obtains in those circles. I am a trodden worm, sir, and yet not for a +moment do I yearn to be there, in that glittering wretchedness.... + +SCHIERKE + +Maybe you don't mind comin' to the point now! + +HASSENREUTER + +If you please, Mr. Schierke, all that interests me. So suppose you don't +interrupt the lady for a while. [_To MRS. KNOBBE._] You were speaking of +your cousin. Didn't you say that he is a captain in the horse-guards? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +He was in plain clothes. He is, however, a captain in the horse-guards. +He recognised me at once and we dedicated some blessed though painful +hours to memories. Accompanying him there was--I will not call his +name--a very young lieutenant, a fair, sweet boy, delicate and brooding. +Mr. Hassenreuter, I have forgotten what shame is! Was I not even, the +other day, turned out of church? Why should a down-trodden, dishonoured, +deserted creature, more than once punished by the laws--why should such +an one hesitate to confess that _he_ became the father of Helfgott +Gundofried? + +HASSENREUTER + +Of this baby that's been stolen from you? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +Yes, stolen! At least it is so asserted! It may be! But though my enemies +are mighty and have every means at their command, I am not yet wholly +convinced of it. And yet it may be a plot concocted by the parents of the +child's father whose name you would be astonished to hear, for they +represent one of the oldest and most illustrious families. Farewell! +Whatever you may hear of me, sir, do not think that my better feelings +have been wholly extinguished in the mire into which I am forced to cast +myself. I need this mire in which I am on terms of equality with the +dregs of mankind. Here, look! [_She thrusts forward her naked arm._] +Forgetfulness! Insensibility! I achieve it by means of chloral, of opium. +Or I find it in the abysses of human life. And why not? To whom am I +responsible?--There was a time when my dear mama was scolded by my father +on my account! The maid had convulsions because of me! Mademoiselle and +an English governess tore each other's _chignons_ from their heads +because each asserted that I loved _her_ best--! Now ... + +SCHIERKE + +Aw, I tell you to shut it now! We can't take up people's time an' lock +'em up. [_He opens the library door._] Now tell us if this here is your +kid? + + _PAULINE, staring at MRS. KNOBBE with eyes full of hatred, comes out + first. MRS. KIELBACKE, carrying the child, comes next. SCHIERKE + removes the shawl, that has been thrown over the child._ + +PAULINE + +What d'you want o' me? Why d'you come chasin' me? I ain' no gypsy! I don' +go in people's houses stealin' their children! Eh? You're crazy, I +wouldn't do no such thing. I ain't hardly got enough to eat for myself +an' my own child. D'you s'pose I'm goin' to steal strange children an' +feed 'em till they're grown when the one I got is trouble an' worry +enough! + + _MRS. KNOBBE stares about her inquiringly and as if seeking help. + Rapidly she draws a little flask from her pocket and pours its + contents upon a handkerchief. The latter she carries swiftly to her + mouth and nose, inhaling the fragrance of the perfume to keep her + from fainting._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, why don't you speak, Mrs. Knobbe? This girl asserts that she is the +mother of the child--not you. + + _MRS. KNOBBE lifts her umbrella in order to strike out with it. She + is restrained by those present._ + +SCHIERKE + +That won't do! You can't practice no discipline like that here! You c'n +do that when you're alone in your nursery downstairs.--The main thing is: +who does here kid belong to? An' so--now--Mrs. Knobbe, you just take care +an' think so's to tell nothin' but the truth here! Well! Is it yours or +is it her'n? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Bursts out_] I swear by the holy Mother of God, by Jesus Christ, +Father, Son and Holy Ghost that I am the mother of this child. + +PAULINE + +An' I swears by the Holy Mother o' God ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You'd better not if you want to save your soul! We may have a case here +in which the circumstances are complicated in the extreme! It is +possible, therefore, that you were about to swear in perfectly good +faith. But you will have to admit that, though each of you may well be +the mother of twins--two mothers for one child is unthinkable! + +WALBURGA + +[_Who, like MRS. KNOBBE, has been staring steadily at the child._] Papa, +papa, do look at the child a moment first! + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +[_Tearfully and horrified._] Yes, the poor little crittur's been a-dyin', +I believe, ever since I was in the other room there! + +SCHIERKE + +What? + +HASSENREUTER + +How? [_Energetically he strides forward, and now regards the child +carefully too._] The child is dead. There's no question about that! It +seems that invisible to us, one has been in our midst who has delivered +judgment, truly according to the manner of Solomon, concerning the poor +little passive object of all this strife. + +PAULINE + +[_Who has not understood._] What's the matter? + +SCHIERKE + +Keep still!--You come along with me. + + _MRS. KNOBBE seems to have lost the power of speech. She puts her + handkerchief into her mouth. A moaning sob is heard deep in her + chest. SCHIERKE, MRS. KIELBACKE with the dead child, followed by MRS. + KNOBBE and PAULINE PIPERCARCKA, leave the room. A dull murmur is + heard from the outer hall. HASSENREUTER returns to the foreground + after he has locked the door behind those who have left._ + +HASSENREUTER + +_Sic eunt fata hominum._ Invent something like that, if you can, my good +Spitta. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The dwelling of the foreman-mason JOHN as in the second act. It is + eight o'clock on a Sunday morning._ + + _JOHN is invisible behind the partition. From his plashing and + snorting it is clear that he is performing his morning ablutions._ + + _QUAQUARO has just entered. His hand is still on the knob of the + outer door._ + +QUAQUARO + +Tell me, Paul, is your wife at home? + +JOHN + +[_From behind the partition._] Not yet, Emil. My wife went with the boy +out to my married sister's in Hangelsberg. But she's goin' to come back +this mornin'. [_Drying his hands and face, JOHN appears in the door of +the partition wall._] Good mornin' to you, Emil. + +QUAQUARO + +Mornin', Paul. + +JOHN + +Well, what's the news? I didn't come from the train till about half an +hour ago. + +QUAQUARO + +Yes, I saw you goin' into the house an' mountin' the stairs. + +JOHN + +[_In a jolly frame of mind._] That's right, Emil! You're a reglar old +watch-dog, eh? + +QUAQUARO + +Tell, me, Paul: How long has your wife'n the kid been out in Hangelsberg? + +JOHN + +Oh, that must be somethin' like a week now, Emil. D'you want anythin' of +her? I guess she paid her rent an' on time all right. By the way, I might +as well give you notice right now. We got it all fixed. We're goin' to +move on the first of October. I got mother to the point at last that we +c'n move outa this here shaky old barracks an' into a better +neighbourhood. + +QUAQUARO + +So you ain't goin' back to Hamburg no more? + +JOHN + +Naw. It's a good sayin': Stay at home an' make an honest livin'! I'm not +goin' outa town no more. Not a bit of it! First of all, it's no sort o' +life, goin' from one lodgin' to another. An' then--a man don' get no +younger neither! The girls, they ain't so hot after you no more ... No, +it's a good thing that all this wanderin' about is goin' to end. + +QUAQUARO + +Your wife--she's a fine schemer. + +JOHN + +[_Merrily._] Well, this is a brand new household what's jus' had a child +born into it. I said to the boss: I'm a newly married man! Then he axed +me if my first wife was dead. On the contrary an' not a bit of it, I +says. She's alive an' kickin', so that she's jus' given birth to a +kickin' young citizen o' Berlin, that's what! When I was travellin' along +from Hamburg this mornin' by all the old stations--Hamburg, Stendal, +Ultzen--an' got outa the fourth-class coach at the Lehrter station with +all my duds, the devil take me if I didn't thank God with a sigh. I guess +he didn't hear on account o' the noise o' the trains. + +QUAQUARO + +Did you hear, Paul, that Mrs. Knobbe's youngest over the way has been +taken off again? + +JOHN + +No. What chance did I have to hear that? But if it's dead, it's a good +thing, Emil. When I saw the poor crittur a week ago when it had +convulsions an' Selma brought it in an' me an' mother gave it a spoonful +o' sugar an' water--well, it was pretty near ready for heaven then. + +QUAQUARO + +An' you mean to tell me that you didn't hear nothin' o' the +circumstances, about the how an' the why o' that child's death? + +JOHN + +Naw! [_He fetches a long tobacco pipe from behind the sofa._] Wait a +minute! I'll light a pipe first! I didn't have no chanct to hear nothin'. + +QUAQUARO + +Well, I'm surprised that your wife didn't write you nothin' at all. + +JOHN + +Aw, since we has a child o' our own, mother's taken no interest in them +Knobbe brats no more. + +QUAQUARO + +[_Observing JOHN with lurking curiosity._] You're wife was reel crazy to +have a son, wasn't she? + +JOHN + +Well, that's natural. D'you think I wasn't? What's a man to work for? +What do I slave away for? It's different thing savin' a good lump o' +money for your own son from doin' it for your sister's children. + +QUAQUARO + +So you don't know that a strange girl came here an' swore that the Knobbe +woman's child wasn't hers but belonged to the girl? + +JOHN + +Is that so? Well, Mrs. Knobbe an' child stealin'--them two things don't +go together. Now if it'd been mother, that would ha' been more likely. +But not that Knobbe woman! But tell me, Emil, what's all this here +business about? + +QUAQUARO + +Well, one person says one thing an' another says another. The Knobbe +woman says that certain people has started a plot with detectives an' +such like to get hold o' the brat. An' there ain't no doubt o' this. It's +proved that the child was hers. C'n you maybe give me a tip as to where +your brother-in-law's been keepin' hisself the past few days? + +JOHN + +You mean the butcher in Hangelsberg? + +QUAQUARO + +Naw, I don' mean the husband o' your sister, but the feller what's +brother o' your wife. + +JOHN + +It's Bruno you mean? + +QUAQUARO + +Sure, that's the feller. + +JOHN + +How do I know? I'd sooner be watchin' if the dogs still plays on the +curb. I don't want to have no dealin's with Bruno. + +QUAQUARO + +Listen to me, Paul. But don't get mad. They knows at the police station +that Bruno was seen in company o' the Polish girl what wanted to claim +this here child, first right outside o' the door here an' then at a +certain place on Shore street where the tanners sometimes looses their +soakin' hides. An' now the girl's jus' disappeared. I don' know nothin' +o' the particulars, excep' that the police is huntin' for the girl. + +JOHN + +[_Resolutely putting aside the long pipe which he had lit._] I don' know, +but I can't take no enjoyment in it this mornin'. I don' know what's +gotten into me. I was as jolly as can be. An' now all of a sudden I feel +so dam' mean I'd like to go straight back to Hamburg an' hear an' see +nothin' more!--Why d'you come aroun' with stories like that? + +QUAQUARO + +I jus' thought I'd tell you what happened while you an' your wife was +away right here in your own house? + +JOHN + +In my own house? + +QUAQUARO + +That's it! Yessir! They says that Selma pushed the perambulator with her +little brother in here where the strange girl an' her friend came an' +took him an' carried him off. But upstairs, in the actor's place, they +caught her. + +JOHN + +What's that? + +QUAQUARO + +So up there the strange girl an' the Knobbe woman pretty near tore each +other's hair out over the child's body. + +JOHN + +What I'd like to know is how all that concerns me? Ain't there trouble +here over some girl most o' the time? Let 'em go on! I don' care! That is +to say, Emil, if there ain't more to it than you're tellin' me. + +QUAQUARO + +That's why I come to you! There is more. The girl said in front o' +witnesses more'n onct that that little crittur o' Knobbe's was her own +an' that she had expressly given it in board to your wife. + +JOHN + +[_First taken aback, then relieved. Laughing._] She ain't quite right in +her upper story. That's all. + + _ERICH SPITTA enters._ + +SPITTA + +Good morning, Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Good mornin', Mr. Spitta. [_To QUAQUARO, who is still loitering in the +door._] It's all right, Emil. I'll take notice o' what you says an' act +accordin'. + + _QUAQUARO exit._ + +JOHN + +Now jus' look at a feller like that, Mr. Spitta. He's more'n half a gaol +bird an' yet he knows how to make hisself a favourite with the district +commissioner at headquarters! An' then he goes aroun' pokin' his nose +into honest folks' affairs. + +SPITTA + +Has Miss Walburga Hassenreuter been asking after me, Mr. John? + +JOHN + +Not up to this time; not that I knows of! [_He opens the door to the +hall._] Selma! Excuse me a minute, will you? Selma! I gotta know what +that there girl c'n tell me. + + _SELMA KNOBBE enters._ + +SELMA + +[_Still at the door._] What d'you want? + +JOHN + +You shut the door a minute an' come in! An' now tell me, girl, what's all +this that happened in this room about your little dead brother and the +strange girl? + +SELMA + +[_Who has, obviously, a bad conscience, gradually comes forward +watchfully. She now answers glibly and volubly._] I pushed the +perambulator over into the room here. Your wife wasn't in an' so I thinks +that maybe here there'd be more quiet, 'cause my little brother, you +know, he was sick anyhow an' cryin' all the time. An' then, all of a +sudden, a gentleman an' a lady an' another woman all comes in here, an' +they picked the little feller right outa the carridge an' put clean +clothes on him an' carried him off. + +JOHN + +An' then the lady said as how it was her child an' how she'd given it in +board with mother, with my old woman? + +SELMA + +[_Lies._] Naw, not a bit. I'd know about that if it was so. + +JOHN + +[_Bangs his fist on the table._] Well, damn it all, it'd be a idjit's +trick to have said that. + +SPITTA + +Permit me, but she did say that. I take it you're talking of the incident +with the two women that took place upstairs at manager Hassenreuter's? + +JOHN + +Did you see that? Was you there when the Knobbe woman an' the other one +was disputin' about the little crittur? + +SPITTA + +Yes, certainly. I was present throughout. + +SELMA + +I tell you all I knows. An' I couldn't say no more if officer Schierke or +the tall police lieutenant hisself was to examine me for hours an' hours. +I don' know nothin'. An' what I don' know I can't tell. + +JOHN + +The lieutenant examined you? + +SELMA + +They wanted to take mama to the lock-up because people went an' lied. +They said that our little baby was starved to death. + +JOHN + +Aha! 's that so? Well, Selma, s'pose you go over there an' cook a little +coffee. + + _SELMA goes over to the stove where she prepares coffee for JOHN. + JOHN himself goes up to his working table, takes up the compass. Then + he draws lines, using a piece of rail as a ruler._ + +SPITTA + +[_Conquering his diffidence and shame._] I really hoped to meet your wife +here, Mr. John. Someone told me that your wife has been in the habit of +lending out small sums to students against security. And I am somewhat +embarrassed. + +JOHN + +Maybe that's so. But that's mother's business, Mr. Spitta. + +SPITTA + +To be quite frank with you, if I don't get hold of some money by +to-night, the few books and other possessions I have will be attached for +rent by my landlady and I'll be put into the street. + +JOHN + +I thought your father was a preacher. + +SPITTA + +So he is. But for that very reason and because I don't want to become a +preacher, too, he and I had a terrible quarrel last night. I won't ever +accept a farthing from him any more. + +JOHN + +[_Busy over his drawing._] Then it'll serve him right if you starve or +break your neck. + +SPITTA + +Men like myself don't starve, Mr. John. But if, by any chance, I were to +go to the dogs--I shouldn't greatly care. + +JOHN + +No one wouldn't believe how many half-starved nincompoops there is among +you stoodents. But none o' you wants to put your hand to some reel +work.--[_The distant sound of thunder is heard. JOHN looks out through +the window._]--Sultry day. It's thunderin' now. + +SPITTA + +Yon can't say that of me, Mr. John, that I haven't been willing to do +real work. I've given lessons, I've addressed envelopes for business +houses! I've been through everything and in all these attempts I've not +only toiled away the days but also the nights. And at the same time I've +ground away at my studies like anything! + +JOHN + +Man alive, go to Hamburg an' let 'em give you a job as a bricklayer. When +I was your age I was makin' as much as twelve crowns a day in Hamburg. + +SPITTA + +That may be. But I'm a brain worker. + +JOHN + +I know that kind. + +SPITTA + +Is that so? I don't think you do know that kind, Mr. John. I beg you not +to forget that your Socialist leaders--your Bebels and your +Liebknechts--are brain workers too. + +JOHN + +All right. Come on, then! Let's have some breakfast first. Things look +mighty different after a man's had a good bite o' breakfast. I s'pose you +ain't had any yet, Mr. Spitta? + +SPITTA + +No, frankly, not to-day. + +JOHN + +Well, then the first thing is to get somethin' warm down your throat. + +SPITTA + +There's time enough for that. + +JOHN + +I don' know. You're lookin' pretty well done up. An' I passed the night +on the train too. [_To SELMA, who has brought in a little linen bag filed +with rolls._] Hurry an' bring another cup over here. [_He has seated +himself at his ease on the sofa, dips a roll into the coffee and begins +to eat and drink._] + +SPITTA + +[_Who has not sat down yet._] It's really pleasanter to pass a summer +night in the open if one can't sleep anyhow. And I didn't sleep for one +minute. + +JOHN + +I'd like to see the feller what c'n sleep when he's outa cash. When a +man's down in the world he has most company outa doors too. [_He suddenly +stops chewing._]--Come here, Selma, an' tell me exackly just how it was +with that there girl an' the child that she took outa our room here. + +SELMA + +I don' know what to do. Everybody axes we that. Mama keeps axin' me about +it all day long; if I seen Bruno Mechelke; if I know who it was that +stole the costumes from the actor's loft up there! If it goes on that way +... + +JOHN + +[_Energetically._] Girl, why didn't you cry out when the gentleman and +the young lady took your little brother outa his carridge? + +SELMA + +I didn't think nothin' 'd happen to him excep' that he'd get some clean +clothes. + +JOHN + +[_Grasps SELMA by the wrist._] Well, you come along with me now. We'll go +over an' see your mother. + + _JOHN and SELMA leave the room. As soon as they are gone SPITTA + begins to eat ravenously. Soon thereafter WALBURGA appears. She is in + great haste and strongly excited._ + +WALBURGA + +Are you alone? + +SPITTA + +For the moment, yes. Good morning, Walburga. + +WALBURGA + +Am I too late? It was only by the greatest cunning, by the greatest +determination, by the most ruthless disregard of everything that I +succeeded in getting away from home. My younger sister tried to bar the +door. Even the servant girl! But I told mama that if they wouldn't let me +out through the door, they might just as well bar the window, else I'd +reach the street through it, although it's three stories high. I flew. +I'm more dead than alive. But I am prepared for anything. How was it with +your father, Erich? + +SPITTA + +We have parted. He thought that I was going out to eat husks with the +swine as the Prodigal Son did, and told me not to take it into my mind +ever again to cross the threshold of my father's house in my future +capacity as acrobat or bareback rider, as he was pleased to express it. +His door was not open to such scum! Well, I'll fight it down! Only I'm +sorry for my poor, dear mother.--You can't imagine with what abysmal +hatred a man of his kind considers the theatre and everything connected +with it. The heaviest curse is not strong enough to express his feelings. +An actor is, to his mind, _a priori_, the worst, most contemptible scamp +imaginable. + +WALBURGA + +I've found out, too, how papa discovered our secret. + +SPITTA + +My father gave him your picture. + +WALBURGA + +O Erich, if you knew with what awful, with what horrible names papa +overwhelmed me in his rage. And I had to be silent through it all. I +might have said something that would have silenced all his lofty moral +discourses and made him quite helpless before me. I was almost on the +point of saying it, too. But I felt so ashamed for him! My tongue refused +to form the words! I couldn't say it, Erich! Finally mama had to +intervene. He struck me! For eight or nine hours he locked me in a dark +alcove--to break my stubbornness, as he put it, Erich. Well, he won't +succeed! He won't break it! + +SPITTA + +[_Taking WALBURGA into his arms._] You dear, brave girl! I am beginning +to see now what I possess in having your love, what a treasure you are! +[_Passionately._] And how beautiful you look, Walburga! + +WALBURGA + +Don't! Don't!--I trust you, Erich; that's all. + +SPITTA + +And you shall not be disappointed, dearest. You see, a man like me in +whom everything is still in a ferment, who feels that he was born to +achieve something great and significant but something which, for the +present, he can make sufficiently clear neither to himself nor to the +world--such a man has, at twenty, every man's hand against his and is a +burden and a laughing-stock to all the world. But believe me: it will not +always be so! The germs of the future lie in us! The soil is being +loosened even now by the budding shoots! Unseen to-day, _we_ are the +harvest of the future! We _are_ the future! And the time will come when +all this great and beautiful world will be ours! + +WALBURGA + +Ah, go on, Erich! What you say heals my heart. + +SPITTA + +Walburga, I did more, last night! I flung straight out into my father's +face, just as I felt it, my accusation of the crime committed against my +sister. And that made the break definite and unbridgeable. He said +stubbornly: He had no knowledge of such a daughter as I was describing. +Such a daughter had no existence in his soul, and it seemed to him that +his son would also soon cease to exist there. O these Christians! O these +servants of the good shepherd who took the lost lamb with double +tenderness into his arms! O thou good Shepherd, how have your words been +perverted; How have your eternal truths been falsified into their exact +contrary. But to-day when I sat amidst the flash of lightning and the +roll of thunder in the _Tiergarten_ and certain Berlin hyaenas were +prowling about me, I felt the crushed and restless soul of my sister +close beside me. How many nights, in her poor life, may she not have sat +shelterless on such benches, perhaps on this very bench in the +_Tiergarten_, in order to consider in her loneliness, her degradation, +her outcast estate, how, two thousand years after the birth of Christ, +this most Christian world is drenched with Christianity and with the love +of its fellow-men! But whatever she thought, this is what I think; the +poor harlot, the wretched sinner who is yet above the righteous, who is +weighed down by the sins of the world, the poor outcast and her terrible +accusation shall never die in my soul! And into this flame of our goals +we must cast all the wretchedness, all the lamentations of the oppressed +and the disinherited! Thus shall my sister stay truly alive, Walburga, +and effect noble ends before the face of God through the ethical impulse +that lends wings to my soul, and that will be more powerful than all the +evil, heartless parson's morality in the world. + +WALBURGA + +You were in the _Tiergarten_ all night, Erich? Is that the reason why +your hands are so icy cold, and why you look so utterly worn out? Erich, +you must take my purse! No, please, you must! Oh, I assure you what is +mine is yours! If you don't feel that, you don't love me. Erich, you're +suffering! If you don't take my few pennies, I'll refuse all nourishment +at home! By heaven, I'll do it, I'll do it, unless you're sensible about +that! + +SPITTA + +[_Chokes down his rising tears and sits down._] I'm nervous; I'm +overwrought. + +WALBURGA + +[_Puts her purse into his pocket._] And you see, Erich, this is the real +reason why I asked you to meet me here. To add to all my misfortunes I +received yesterday this summons from the court. + +SPITTA + +[_Regards a document which she hands to him._] Look here? What's behind +this, Walburga? + +WALBURGA + +I'm quite sure that it must have some connection with the stolen goods +upstairs in the loft. But it does disquiet me terribly. If papa were to +discover this ... oh, what would I do then? + + _MRS. JOHN enters, carrying the child in her arms. She is dressed for + the street, and looks dusty and harassed._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Frightened, suspicious._] Well, what d'you want here? Is Paul home yet? +I jus' went down in the street a little with the baby. + + [_She carries the child behind the partition._ + +WALBURGA + +Erich, do mention the summons to Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why, Paul's at home. There's his things! + +SPITTA + +Miss Hassenreuter wanted very much to talk to you. She received a summons +to appear in court. It's probably about those things that were stolen +from the loft. You know. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Emerging from behind the partition._] What's that? You reelly got a +summons, Miss Walburga? Well, then you better look out! I ain't jokin'. +An' maybe you're thinkin' o' the black man! + +SPITTA + +What you're saying there is quite incomprehensible, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Taking up her domestic tasks._] Did you hear that 'way out in the +Lauben settlement, beyond the Halle Gate, the lightenin' struck a man an' +a woman an' a little girl o' seven this mornin'. It was right under a +tall poplar tree. + +SPITTA + +No, Mrs. John, we didn't hear that. + +MRS. JOHN + +The rain's splashin' down again. + + _One hears a shower of rain beginning to fall._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Nervously._] Come, Erich, let's get out into the open anyhow. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Speaking louder and louder in her incoherent terror._] An' I tell you +another thing: I was talking to the woman what was struck by lightenin' +jus' a short time before. An' she says--now listen to me, Mr. Spitta--if +you takes a dead child what's lyin' in its carridge an' pushes it out +into the sun ... but it's gotta be summer an' midday ... it'll draw +breath, it'll cry, it'll come back to life!--You don't believe that, eh? +But I seen that with my own eyes! + + [_She circles about the room in a strange fashion, apparently + becoming quite oblivious of the presence of the two young people._ + +WALBURGA + +Look, here, Mrs. John is positively uncanny! Let's go! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Speaking still louder._] You don' believe that, that it'll come to life +again, eh? I tell you, its mother c'n come an' take it. But it's gotta be +nursed right off. + +SPITTA + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In strange excitement accompanies the two young people to the door. +Speaking still more loudly._] You don' believe that! But it's the solemn +truth, Mr. Spitta! + + _SPITTA and WALBURGA leave the room._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still holding the door in her hand calls out after them._] Anybody that +don' believe that don' know nothin' o' the whole secret that I +discovered. + + _The foreman-mason JOHN appears in the door and enters at once._ + +JOHN + +Why, there you are, mother! I'm glad to see you. What's that there secret +you're talkin' about? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_As though awakening, grasps her head._] Me?--Did I say somethin' about +a secret? + +JOHN + +That you did unless I'm hard o' hearin'. An' it's reelly you unless it's +a ghost. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Surprised and frightened._] Why d'you think I might be a ghost? + +JOHN + +[_Pats his wife good-naturedly on the back._] Come now, Jette, don't bite +me. I'm reel glad, that I am, that you're here again with the little kid! +[_He goes behind the partition._] But it's lookin' a little measly. + +MRS. JOHN + +The milk didn't agree with him. An' that's because out there in the +country the cows is already gettin' green fodder. I got milk here from +the dairy company that comes from dry fed cows. + +JOHN + +[_Reappears in the main room._] That's what I'm sayin'. Why did you have +to go an' take the child on the train an' outa town. The city is +healthier. That's my notion. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm goin' to stay at home now, Paul. + +JOHN + +In Hamburg everythin' is settled, too. To-day at noon I'm goin' to meet +Karl an' then he'll tell me when I c'n start workin' for the new +boss!--Look here: I brought somethin' with me, too. + + [_He takes a small child's rattle from his breeches pocket and shakes + it._ + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? + +JOHN + +That's somethin' to bring a bit o' life into the place, 'cause it's +pretty quiet inside in Berlin here! Listen how the kid's crowin'. [_The +child is heard making happy little noises._] I tell you, mother, when a +little kid goes on that way--there ain't nothin' I'd take for it! + +MRS. JOHN + +Have you seen anybody yet? + +JOHN + +No!--Leastways only Quaquaro early this mornin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In timid suspense._] Well ...? + +JOHN + +Oh, never mind! Nothin! There was nothin' to it. + +MRS. JOHN [_As before._] What did he say? + +JOHN + +What d'you think he said? But if you're bound to know--'tain't no use +talkin' o' such things Sunday mornin'--he axed me after Bruno again. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pale and speaking hastily._] What do they say Bruno has done again? + +JOHN + +Nothin'. Here, come'n drink a little coffee, Jette, an' don' get excited! +It ain't your fault that you got a brother like that. We don't has to +concern ourselves about other people. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'd like to know what an old fool like that what spies aroun' all day +long has always gotta be talkin' about Bruno. + +JOHN + +Jette, don' bother me about Bruno--You see ...aw, what's the use ... +might as well keep still!... But if I was goin' to tell you the truth, +I'd say that it wouldn't surprise me if some day Bruno'd come to a pretty +bad end right out in the yard o' the gaol, too--a quick end. [_MRS. JOHN +sits down heavily beside the table. She grows grey in the face and +breathes with difficulty._] Maybe not! Maybe not! Don't take it to heart +so right off!--How's the sister? + +MRS. JOHN + +I don' know. + +JOHN + +Why, I thought you was out there visitin' her? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Looks at him absently._] Where was I? + +JOHN + +Well, you see, Jette, that's the way it is with you women! You're jus' +shakin', but oh no--you don' want to go to no doctor! An' it'll end +maybe, by your havin' to take to your bed. That's what comes o' +neglectin' nature. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Throwing her arms about JOHN'S neck._] Paul, you're goin' to leave me! +For God's sake, tell me right out that it's so! Don' fool me aroun' an' +cheat me! Tell me right out! + +JOHN + +What's the matter with you to-day, Henrietta? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pulling herself together._] Don' attend to my fool talk. I ain't had no +rest all night--that's it. An' then I got up reel early, an' anyhow, it +ain't nothin' but that I'm a bit weak yet. + +JOHN + +Then you better lie down flat on your back an' rest a little. [_MRS. JOHN +throws herself on the sofa and stares at the ceiling._] Maybe you'd +better comb yourself a bit afterwards, Jette!--It musta been mighty dusty +on the train for you to be jus' covered all over with sand the way you +are! [_MRS. JOHN does not answer but continues staring at the ceiling._] +I must go an' bring that there little feller into the light a bit. + + [_He goes behind the partition._ + +MRS. JOHN + +How long has we been married, Paul? + +JOHN + +[_Plays with the rattle behind the partition. Then answers_:] That was in +eighteen hundred and seventy-two, jus' as I came back from the war. + +MRS. JOHN + +Then you came to father, didn't you? An' you assoomed a grand position +an' you had the Iron Cross on the left side o' your chest. + +JOHN + +[_Appears, swinging the rattle and carrying the child on its pillow. He +speaks merrily._] That's so, mother. An' I got it yet. If you want to see +it, I'll pin it on. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still stretched out on the sofa._] An' then you came to me an' you said +that I wasn't to be so busy all the time ... goin' up an' down, runnin' +upstairs an' downstairs ... that I was to be a bit more easy-goin'. + +JOHN + +An' I'm still sayin' that same thing to-day. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' then you tickled me with your moustache an' kissed me right behind my +left ear! An' then ... + +JOHN + +Then it didn't take long for us to agree, eh? + +MRS. JOHN + +Yes, an' I laughed an', bit by bit, I looked at myself in every one o' +your brass buttons. I was lookin' different then! An' then you said ... + +JOHN + +Well, mother, you're a great one for rememberin' things, I must say! + +MRS. JOHN + +An' then you said: When we has a boy, an' that'll be soon, he c'n follow +the flag into the field too "with God for King an' country." + +JOHN + +[_Sings to the child, playing with the rattle._] + + "To heaven he turns his glances bold + Whence gaze the hero sires of old: + The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!"... + +Well, an' now that I has a little feller like that I ain't half so keen +on sendin' him to the war to be food for powder. + + [_He retires with the child behind the partition._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still staring at the ceiling._] Paul, Paul! Seems as if all that was a +hundred years ago! + +JOHN + +[_Reappears from behind the partition without the child._] Not as long +ago as all that. + +MRS. JOHN + +Look here, what d'you think? How would it be if you was to take me an' +the child an' go to America? + +JOHN + +Now listen here, Jette! What's gotten into you, anyhow? What is it? Looks +as if there was nothin' but ghosts aroun' me here! You know I has a good +easy temper! When the workmen heave bricks at each other, I don't even +get excited. An' what do they say? Paul has a comfortable nature. But +now: what's this here? The sun's shinin'; it's bright daylight! I can't +_see_ nothin'; that's a fac'. But somethin's titterin' an' whisperin' an' +creepin' aroun' in here. Only when I stretches out my hand I can't lay +hold on nothin'! Now I wants to know what there is to this here story +about the strange girl what came to the room. Is it true? + +MRS. JOHN + +You heard, Paul, that the young lady didn't come back no more. An' that +shows you, don't it ... + +JOHN + +I hear what you're sayin'. But your lips is fair blue an' your eyes look +as if somebody was tormentin' you. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Suddenly changing her attitude_] Yes. Why do you leave me alone year in +an' year out, Paul? I sits here like in a cave an' I ain't got a soul to +who I c'n say what I'm thinkin'. Many a time I've sat here an' axed +myself why I works an' works, why I skimps an' saves to get together a +few crowns, an' find good investments for your earnin's an' try to add to +'em. Why? Was all that to go to strangers? Paul, it's you who's been the +ruin o' me! + + [_She lays her head on the table and bursts out in sobs._ + + _Softly and with feline stealth BRUNO MECHELKE enters the room at + this moment. He has on his Sunday duds, a sprig of lilac in his hat + and a great bunch of it in his hand. JOHN drums with his fingers on + the window and does not observe him._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Has gradually realised BRUNO'S presence as though he were a ghost._] +Bruno, is that you? + +BRUNO + +[_Who has recognised JOHN in a flash, softly._] Sure, it's me, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +Where d'you come from? What d'you want? + +BRUNO + +I been dancin' all night, Jette! You c'n see, can't you, that I'm dam' +jolly? + +JOHN + +[_Has been staring steadily at BRUNO. A dangerous pallor has overspread +his face. He now goes slowly to a small cupboard, takes out an old army +revolver and loads it. MRS. JOHN does not observe this._] You! Listen! +I'll tell you somethin'--somethin' you forgot, maybe. There ain't no +reason on God's earth why I shouldn't pull this here trigger! You +scoundrel! You ain't fit to be among human bein's! I told you ... las' +fall it was ... that I'd shoot you down if I ever laid eyes on you in my +home again! Now go ... or I'll ... shoot. Y'understan'? + +BRUNO + +Aw, I ain't scared o' your jelly squirter. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Who observes that JOHN, losing control of himself, is slowly +approaching BRUNO with the weapon and raising it._] Then kill me too, +Paul. 'Cause he's my brother. + +JOHN + +[_Looks at her long, seems to awaken and change his mind._] All right. +[_He replaces the revolver carefully in the cupboard._] You're right, +anyhow, Jette! It's hell, Jette, that your name's got to be on the tongue +of a crittur like that. All right. The powder'd be too good, too. This +here little pistol's tasted the blood o' two French cavalry men! Heroes +they was! An' I don't want it to drink no dirt. + +BRUNO + +I ain' doubtin' that there's dirt in your head! An' if it hadn't been +that you board with my sister here I'd ha' let the light into you long +ago, you dirt eater, so you'd ha' bled for weeks. + +JOHN + +[_With tense restraint._] Tell me again, Jette, that it's your brother. + +MRS. JOHN + +Go, Paul, will you? I'll get him away all right! You know's well as I +that I can't help it now that Bruno's my own brother. + +JOHN + +All right. Then I'm one too many here. You c'n bill an' coo. [_He is +dressed for the street as it is and hence proceeds to go. Close by BRUNO +he stands still._] You scamp! You worried your father into his grave. +Your sister might better ha' let you starve behind some fence rather'n +raise you an' litter the earth with another criminal like you. I'll be +back in half an hour! But I won't be alone. I'll have the sergeant with +me! + + [_JOHN leaves by the outer door, putting on his slouch hat._ + + _So soon as JOHN has disappeared BRUNO turns and spits out after him + toward the door._ + +BRUNO + +If I ever gets hold o' you! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why d'you come, Bruno? Tell me, what's the matter? + +BRUNO + +Tin's what you gotta give me. Or I'll go to hell. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Locks and latches the outer door._] Wait till I close the door! Now, +what's the matter? Where d'you come from? Where has you been? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I danced about half the night an' then, about sunrise, I went out +into the country for a bit. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did Quaquaro see you comin' in, Bruno? Then you better look out that you +ain't walked into no trap. + +BRUNO + +No danger. I crossed the yard an' then went through the cellar o' my +friend what deals in junk an' after that up through the loft. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' what happened? + +BRUNO + +Don' fool aroun', Jette. I gotta have railroad fare. I gotta take to my +heels or I'll go straight to hell. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you do with that there girl? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I found a way, Jette! + +MRS. JOHN + +What's the meanin' o' that? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I managed to make her a little more accommodatin' all right! + +MRS. JOHN + +An' is it a sure thing that she won't come back now? + +BRUNO + +Sure. I don' believe that she'll come again! But that wasn't no easy +piece of work, Jette. But I tell you ... gimme somethin' to +drink--quick!... I tell you, you made me thirsty with your damned +business--thirsty, an' hot as hell. + + [_He drains a jug full of water._ + +MRS. JOHN + +People saw you outside the door with the girl. + +BRUNO + +I had to make a engagement with Arthur. She didn't want to have nothin' +to do with me. But Arthur, he came dancin' along in his fine clothes an' +he managed to drag her along to a bar. She swallowed the bait right down +when he told her as how her intended was waitin' for her there. [_He +trills out, capering about convulsively._] + + "All we does in life's to go + Up an' down an' to an' fro + From a tap-room to a show!" + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' then? + +BRUNO + +Then she wanted to get away 'cause Arthur said that her intended had gone +off! Then I wanted to go along with her a little bit an' Arthur an' +Adolph, they came along. Next we dropped in the ladies' entrance at +Kalinich's an' what with tastin' a lot o' toddy an' other liquors she got +good an' tipsy. An' then she staid all night with a woman what's Arthur's +sweetheart. All next day there was always two or three of us boys after +her, didn't let her go, an' played all kinds o' tricks, an' things got +jollier an' jollier. + + [_The church bells of the Sunday morning services begin to ring._ + +BRUNO + +[_Goes on._] But the money's gone. I needs crowns an' pennies, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Rummaging for money._] How much has you got to have? + +BRUNO + +[_Listening to the bells._] What? + +MRS. JOHN + +Money! + +BRUNO + +The old bag o' bones in the junk shop downstairs was thinkin' as how I'd +better get across the Russian frontier! Listen, Jette, how the bells is +ringin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +Why do you has to get acrost the frontier? + +BRUNO + +Take a wet towel, Jette, an' put a little vinegar on it. I been bothered +with this here dam' nosebleed all night. + + [_He presses his handkerchief to his nose._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Breathing convulsively, brings a towel._] Who was it scratched your +wrist into shreds that way? + +BRUNO + +[_Listening to the bells._] Half past three o'clock this mornin' she +could ha' heard them bells yet. + +MRS. JOHN + +O Jesus, my Saviour! That ain't true! That can't noways be possible! I +didn't tell you nothin' like that, Bruno! Bruno, I has to sit down. Oh! +[_She sits down._] That's what our father foretold to me on his dyin' +bed. + +BRUNO + +It ain't so easy jokin' with me. If you go to see Minna, jus' tell her +that I got the trick o' that kind o' thing an' that them goin's on with +Karl an' with Fritz has to stop. + +MRS. JOHN + +But, Bruno, if they was to catch you! + +BRUNO + +Well, then I has to swing, an' out at the Charity hospital they got +another stiff to dissect. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Giving him money._] Oh, that ain't true. What did you do, Bruno? + +BRUNO + +You're a crazy old crittur, Jette.--[_He puts his hand on her not without +a tremor of emotion._] You always says as how I ain't good for nothin'. +But when things can't go on no more, then you needs me, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, but how? Did you threaten the girl that she wasn't to let herself +be seen no more? That's what you ought to ha' done, Bruno! An' did you? + +BRUNO + +I danced with her half the night. An' then we went out on the street. +Well, a gentleman came along, y'understan'? Well, when I told him that I +had some little business o' my own to transact with the lady an' pulled +my brass-knuckles outa my breeches, o' course he took to his heels.--Then +I says to her, says I: Don't you be scared. If you're peaceable an' don' +make no outcry an' don' come no more to my sister axin' after the +child--well, we c'n make a reel friendly bargain. So she toddled along +with me a ways. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' then? + +BRUNO + +Well, she didn't want to! An' all of a sudden she went for my throat that +I thought it'd be the end o' me then an' there! Like a dawg she went for +me hot an' heavy! An' then ... then I got a little bit excited too--an' +then, well ... that's how it come ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Sunk in horror._] What time d'you say it was? + +BRUNO + +It must ha' been somewhere between three an' four. The moon had a big +ring aroun' it. Out on the square there was a dam' cur behind the planks +what got up an' howled. Then it began to drip an' soon a thunderstorm +came up. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Changed and with sudden self-mastery._] It's all right. Go on. She don' +deserve no better. + +BRUNO + +Good-bye. I s'pose we ain't goin' to see each other for years an' years. + +MRS. JOHN + +Where you goin' to? + +BRUNO + +First of all I gotta lie flat on my back for a couple o' hours. I'm goin' +to Fritz's. He's got a room for rent in the old police station right +acrost from the Fisher's Bridge. I'm safe there all right. If there's +anythin' of a outcry you c'n lemme know. + +MRS. JOHN + +Don' you want to take a peek at the child onct more? + +BRUNO + +[_Trembling._] Naw! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why not? + +BRUNO + +No, Jette, not in this here life! Good-bye, Jette. Hol' on a minute: Here +I got a horseshoe. [_He puts a horseshoe on the table._] I found it. +That'll bring you good luck. I don' need it. + + _Stealthily as he has come, BRUNO MECHELKE also disappears. MRS. + JOHN, her eyes wide with horror, stares at the spot where he stood. + Then she totters backward a few paces, presses her hands, clenched + convulsively as if in prayer, against her mouth, and collapses, still + trying in vain to stammer out a prayerful appeal to heaven._ + +MRS. JOHN + +I ain't no murderer! I ain't no murderer! I didn't want that to happen! + + + + +FIFTH ACT + + + _JOHN'S room. MRS. JOHN is asleep on the sofa. WALBURGA and SPITTA + enter from the outer hall. The loud playing of a military band is + heard from the street._ + +SPITTA + +No one is here. + +WALBURGA + +Oh, yes, there is, Erich. Mrs. John! She's asleep here. + +SPITTA + +[_Approaching the sofa together with WALBURGA._] Is she asleep? So she +is! I don't understand how anyone can sleep amidst this noise. + + _The music of the band trails off into silence._ + +WALBURGA + +Oh, Erich, sh! I have a perfect horror of the woman. Can you understand +anyhow why policemen are guarding the entrance downstairs and why they +won't let us go out into the street? I'm so awfully afraid that, maybe, +they'll arrest us and take us along to the station. + +SPITTA + +Oh, but there's not the slightest danger, Walburga! You're seeing ghosts +by broad daylight. + +WALBURGA + +When the plain clothes man came up to you and looked at us and you asked +him who he was and he showed his badge under his coat, I assure you, at +that moment, the stairs and the hall suddenly began to go around with me. + +SPITTA + +They're looking for a criminal, Walburga. It is a so-called raid that is +going on here, a kind of man hunt such as the criminal police is at times +obliged to undertake. + +WALBURGA + +And you can believe me, too, Erich, that I heard papa's voice. He was +talking quite loudly to some one. + +SPITTA + +You are nervous. You may have been mistaken. + +WALBURGA + +[_Frightened at MRS. JOHN, who is speaking in her sleep._] Listen to her: +do! + +SPITTA + +Great drops of sweat are standing on her forehead. Come here! Just look +at the rusty old horseshoe that she is clasping with both hands. + +WALBURGA + +[_Listens and starts with fright again._] Papa! + +SPITTA + +I don't understand you. Let him come, Walburga. The essential thing is +that one knows what one wants and that one has a clean conscience. I am +ready. I long for the explanation to come about. + + _A loud knocking is heard at the door._ + +SPITTA + +[_Firmly._] Come in! + + _MRS. HASSENREUTER enters, more out of breath than usual. An + expression of relief comes over her face as she catches sight of her + daughter._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Thank God! There you are, children! [_Trembling, WALBURGA throws herself +into her mother's arms._] Girlie, but what a fright you've given your old +mother. + + [_A pause in which only the breathing of MRS. HASSENREUTER is heard._ + +WALBURGA + +Forgive me, mama: I couldn't act differently. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Oh, no! One doesn't write letters containing such thoughts to one's own +mother. And especially not to a mother like me. If your soul is in pain +you know very well that you can always count on me for help and counsel. +I'm not a monster, and I was young myself once. But to threaten to drown +yourself ... and things like that ... no, that's all wrong. You shouldn't +have done that. Surely you agree with me, Mr. Spitta. And now this very +minute ... heavens, how you both look!... this very minute you must both +come home with me!--What's the matter with Mrs. John? + +WALBURGA + +Oh yes, help us! Don't forsake us! Take us with you, mama! Oh, I'm _so_ +glad that you're here! I was just paralysed with fright! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Very well, then. Come along. That would be the last straw if one had to +be prepared for such desperate follies from you, Mr. Spitta, or from this +child! At your age one should have courage. If everything doesn't go +quite smoothly you have no right to think of expedients by which one has +nothing to gain and everything to lose. We live but once, after all. + +SPITTA + +Oh, I have courage! And I'm not thinking of putting an end to myself as +one who is weary and defeated ... unless Walburga is refused to me. In +that case, to be sure, my determination is firm. It doesn't in the least +undermine my belief in myself or in my future that I am poor for the +present and have to take my dinner occasionally in the people's kitchen. +And I am sure Walburga is equally convinced that a day must come that +will indemnify us for all the dark and difficult hours of the present. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Life is long; and you're almost children to-day. It's not so very bad for +a student to have to take an occasional meal in the people's kitchen. It +would be much worse, however, for Walburga as a married woman. And I hope +for the sake of you both that you'll wait till something in the nature of +a hearthstone of your own with the necessary wood and coal can be +founded. In the meantime I've succeeded in persuading papa to a kind of +truce. It wasn't easy and it might have been impossible had not this +morning's mail brought the news of his definitive appointment as manager +of the theatre at Strassburg. + +WALBURGA + +[_Joyously._] Oh, mama, mama! That is a ray of sunshine, isn't it? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Sits up with a start._] Bruno! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Apologising._] Oh, we've wakened you, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Is Bruno gone? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Who? Who's Bruno? + +MRS. JOHN + +Why, Bruno! Don' you know Bruno? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Ah, yes, yes! That's the name of your brother. + +MRS. JOHN + +Was I asleep? + +SPITTA + +Fast asleep. But you cried out aloud in your sleep just now. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did you see, Mr. Spitta, how them boys out in the yard threw stones at my +little Adelbert's wee grave? But I got after 'em, eh? An' they wasn't no +bad slaps neither what I dealt out. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +It seems that you've been dreaming of your first little boy who died, +Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +No, no; all that's fac'! I ain't been dreamin'. An' then I took little +Adelbert an' I went with him to the registrar's office. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +But if your little boy's no longer alive ... how could you ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Aw, when a little child is onct born, it don't matter if it's dead ... +it's still right inside o' its mother. Did you hear that dawg howlin' +behind the board fence? An' the moon had a big ring aroun' it! Bruno, you +ain' doin' right! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Shaking MRS. JOHN._] Wake up, my good woman! Wake up, Mrs. John! You +are ill! Your husband ought to take you to see a physician. + +MRS. JOHN + +Bruno, you ain' doin' right! [_The bells are ringing again._] Ain't them +the bells? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +The service is over, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Wholly awake now, stares about her._] Why does I wake up? Why didn't +you take an ax when I was asleep an' knock me over the head with +it?--What did I say? Sh! Only don't tell a livin' soul a word, Mrs. +Hassenreuter. + + [_She jumps up and arranges her hair by the help of many hairpins._ + + _Manager HASSENREUTER appears in the doorway._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Starting at the sight of his family._] + + "Behold, behold, Timotheus, + _Here_ are the cranes of Ibicus!" + +Didn't you tell me there was a shipping agent's office in the +neighbourhood, Mrs. John?--[_To WALBURGA._] Ah, yes, my child! While, +with the frivolousness of youth you have been thinking of your pleasure +and nothing but your pleasure, your papa has been running about for three +whole hours again purely on business.--[_To SPITTA._] You wouldn't be in +such a hurry to establish a family, young man, if you had the least +suspicion how hard it is--a struggle from day to day--to get even the +wretched, mouldy necessary bit of daily bread for one's wife and child! I +trust it will never be your fate to be suddenly hurled one day, quite +penniless, into the underworld of Berlin and be obliged to struggle for a +naked livelihood for yourself and those dear to you, breast to breast +with others equally desperate, in subterranean holes and passages! But +you may all congratulate me! A week from now we will be in Strassburg. +[_MRS. HASSENREUTER, WALBURGA and SPITTA all press his hand._] Everything +else will be adjusted. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +You have fought an heroic battle for us during these past years, papa. +And you did it without stooping to anything unworthy. + +HASSENREUTER + +It was a fight like that of drowning men who struggle for planks in the +water. My noble costumes, made to body forth the dreams of poets, in what +dens of vice, on what reeking bodies have they not passed their +nights--_odi profanum vulgus_--only that a few pennies of rental might +clatter in my cashbox! But let us turn to more cheerful thoughts. The +freight waggon, alias the cart of Thespis is at the door in order to +effect the removal of our Penates to happier fields--[_Suddenly turning +to SPITTA._] My excellent Spitta, I demand your word of honour that, in +your so-called despair, you two do not commit some irreparable folly. In +return I promise to lend my ear to any utterances of yours characterised +by a modicum of good sense.--Finally: I've come to you, Mrs. John, +firstly because the officers bar all the exits and will permit no one to +go out; and secondly because I would like exceedingly to know why a man +like myself, at the very moment when his triumphant flag is fluttering in +the wind again, should have become the object of a malicious newspaper +report! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Dear Harro, Mrs. John doesn't understand you. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aha! Then let us begin _ab ovo_. I have letters here [_he shows a bundle +of them_] one, two, three, five--about a dozen! In these letters unknown +but malicious individuals congratulate me upon an event which is said to +have taken place in my storage loft. I would pay no attention to these +communications were they not confirmed by a news item in the papers +according to which a newborn infant is said to have been found in the +loft of a costumer in the suburbs ... a costumer, forsooth! I would have +said nothing, I repeat, if this item had not perplexed me. Undoubtedly +there is a case of mistaken identity involved here. In spite of that, I +don't like to have the report stick to me. Especially since this cub of a +reporter speaks of the costumer as being a bankrupt manager of barn +stormers. Read it, mama: "The Stork Visits Costumer." I'll box that +fellow's ears! This evening my appointment at Strassburg is to be made +public in the papers and at the same time I am to be offered as a kind of +comic dessert _urbi et orbi_. As if it were not obvious that of all +curses that of being made ridiculous is the worst! + +MRS. JOHN + +You say there's policemen at the door downstairs, sir? + +HASSENREUTER + +Yes, and their watch is so close that the funeral procession of Mrs. +Knobbe's baby has been brought to a standstill. They won't even let the +little coffin and the horrid fellow from the burial society who is +carrying it go out to the carriage. + +MRS. JOHN + +What child's funeral was that? + +HASSENREUTER + +Don't you know? It's the little son of Mrs. Knobbe which was brought up +to me in so mysterious a way by two women and died almost under my very +eyes, probably of exhaustion. _À propos_ ... + +MRS. JOHN + +The Knobbe woman's child is dead? + +HASSENREUTER + +_À propos_, Mrs. John, I was going to say that you ought really to know +how the affair of those two half-crazy women who got hold of the child +finally ended? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well now, tell me, ain't it like the very finger of God that they didn't +take my little Adelbert an' that he didn't die? + +HASSENREUTER + +Just why? I don't understand the logic of that. On the other hand, I have +been asking myself whether the confused speeches of the Polish girl, the +theft committed in my loft, and the milk bottle which Quaquaro brought +down in a boot--whether all these things had not something to do with the +notice in the papers. + +MRS. JOHN + +No, there ain't no connection between them things. Has you seen Paul, +sir? + +HASSENREUTER + +Paul? Ah yes; that's your husband. Yes, yes. Indeed I saw him in +conversation with detective Puppe, who visited me too in connection with +the theft. + + _JOHN enters._ + +JOHN + +Well, Jette, wasn't I right? This here thing's happened soon enough! + +MRS. JOHN + +What's happened? + +JOHN + +D'you want me to go an' earn the thousand crowns' reward what's offered +accordin' to placards on the news pillars by the chief o' police's office +for denouncin' the criminal? + +MRS. JOHN + +How's that? + +JOHN + +Don't you know that all this manoeuverin' o' police an' detectives is +started on account o' Bruno? + +MRS. JOHN + +How so? Where? What is it? What's been started? + +JOHN + +The funeral's been stopped an' two o' the mourners--queer customers they +is, too--has been taken prisoner. Yes, sir! That's the pass things has +come to, Mr. Hassenreuter. I'm a man, sir, what's tied to a women as has +a brother what's bein' pursued by the criminal police an' by detectives +because he killed a woman not far from the river under a lilac bush. + +HASSENREUTER + +But my dear Mr. John: God forbid that that be true! + +MRS. JOHN + +That's a lie! My brother don' do nothin' like that. + +JOHN + +Aw, don' he though, Jette? Mr. Hassenreuter, I was sayin' the other day +what kind of a brother that is! [_He notices the bunch of lilacs and +takes it from the table._] Look at this here! That there monster's been +in my home! If he comes back I'll be the first one that'll take him, +bound hand an' foot, an' deliver him up to justice! + + [_He searches through the whole room._ + +MRS. JOHN + +You c'n tell dam' fools there's such a thing as justice. There ain't no +justice, not even in heaven. There wasn't a soul here. An' that bit o' +lilac I brought along from Hangelsberg where a big bush of it grows +behind your sister's house. + +JOHN + +Jette, you wasn't at my sister's at all. Quaquaro jus' told me that! They +proved that at headquarters. You was seen in the park by the river ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Lies! + +JOHN + +An' 'way out in the suburbs where you passed the night in a arbour! + +MRS. JOHN + +What? D'you come into your own house to tear everythin' into bits? + +JOHN + +All right! I ain't sorry that things has come to this. There ain't no +more secrets between us here. I foretold all that. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Tense with interest._] Did that Polish girl who fought like a lioness +for Mrs. Knobbe's baby the other day ever show herself again? + +JOHN + +She's the very one. She's the one what they pulled out o' the water this +morning. An' I has to say it without bitin' my tongue off: Bruno Mechelke +took that girl's life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Quickly._] Then she was probably his mistress? + +JOHN + +Ask mother! I don' know about that! That's what I was scared of; that's +the reason I rather didn't come home at all no more, that my own wife was +loaded down with a crowd like that an' didn't have the strength to shake +it off. + +HASSENREUTER + +Come, children! + +JOHN + +Why so? You jus' stay! + +MRS. JOHN + +You don' has to go an' open the windows an' cry out everythin' for all +the world to hear! It's bad enough if fate's brought a misfortune like +that on us. Go on! Make a noise about it if you want to. But you won't +see me very soon again. + +HASSENREUTER + +And you mean to say that that ... + +JOHN + +That's jus' what I'll do! Jus' that! I'll call in anybody as wants to +know--outa the street, offa the hall, the carpenter outa the yard, the +boys an' the girls what takes their confirmation lessons--I'll call 'em +all an' I'll tell 'em what a woman got into on account o' her fool love +for her brother! + +HASSENREUTER + +And so that good-looking girl who laid claim to the child is actually +dead to-day? + +JOHN + +Maybe she was good-lookin'. I don' know nothin' about that, whether she +was pretty or ugly. But it's a fac' that she's lyin' in the morgue this +day. + +MRS. JOHN + +I c'n tell you what she was! She was a common, low wench! She had +dealin's with a Tyrolese feller that didn't want to have nothin' more to +do with her an' she had a child by him. An' she'd ha' liked to kill that +child while it was in her own womb. Then she came to fetch it with that +Kielbacke what's been in prison eighteen months as a professional +baby-killer. Whether she had any dealin's with Bruno, I don' know! Maybe +so an' maybe not! An' anyhow, I don' see how it concerns me what Bruno's +gone an' done. + +HASSENREUTER + +So you _did_ know the girl in question, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +How so? I didn't know her a bit! I'm only sayin' what everybody as knows +says about that there girl. + +HASSENREUTER + +You're an honourable woman: you're an honourable man, Mr. John. This +matter with your wayward brother is terrible enough as a fact, but it +ought not seriously to undermine your married life. Stay honest and ... + +JOHN + +Not a bit of it! I don't stay with such people; not anywhere near 'em. +[_He brings his fist down on the table, taps at the walls, stamps on the +floor._] Listen to the crackin'! Listen, how the plasterin' comes +rumblin' down behind the wall-paper! Everything rotten here, everythin's +worm eaten! Everythin's undermined by varmint an' by rats an' by mice. +[_He see-saws on a loose plank in the floor._] Every thin' totters! Any +minute the whole business might crash down into the cellar.--[_He opens +the door._] Selma! Selma! I'm goin' to pull outa here before the whole +thing just falls together into a heap o' rubbish! + +MRS. JOHN + +What do you want o' Selma? + +JOHN + +Selma is goin' to take that child an' I'll go with 'em on the train an' +take it out to my sister. + +MRS. JOHN + +You'll hear from me if you try that! Oh, you jus' try it! + +JOHN + +Is my child to be brought up in surroundin's like this, an' maybe some +day be driven over the roofs with Bruno an' maybe end in the +penitentiary? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Cries out at him._] That ain't your child at all! Y'understan'? + +JOHN + +'S that so? Well, we'll see if an honest man can't be master o' his own +child what's got a mother that's gone crazy an' is in the hands of a +crowd o' murderers. I'd like to see who's in the right there an' who's +the stronger. Selma! + +MRS. JOHN + +I'll scream! I'll tear open the windows! Mrs. Hassenreuter, they wants to +rob a mother o' her child! That's my right that I'm the mother o' my +child! Ain't that my right? Ain't that so, Mrs. Hassenreuter? They're +surroundin' me! They wants to rob me o' my rights! Ain't it goin' to +belong to me what I picked up like refuse, what was lyin' on rags +half-dead, an' I had to rub it an' knead it all I could before it began +to breathe an' come to life slowly? If it wasn't for me, it would ha' +been covered with earth these three weeks! + +HASSENREUTER + +Mr. John, to play the part of an arbitrator between married people is not +ordinarily my function. It's too thankless a task and one's experiences +are, as a rule, too unhappy. But you should not permit your feeling of +honour, justly wounded as, no doubt, it is, to hurry you into acts that +are rash. For, after all, your wife is not responsible for her brother's +act. Let her have the child! Don't increase the misery of it all by such +hardness toward your wife as must hurt her most cruelly and +unnecessarily. + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, that child's like as if it was cut outa my own flesh! I bought that +child with my blood. It ain't enough that all the world's after me an' +wants to take it away from me; now you gotta join 'em an' do the same! +That's the thanks a person gets! Why, it's like a pack o' hungry wolves +aroun' me. You c'n kill me! But you can't touch my baby! + +JOHN + +I comes home, Mr. Hassenreuter, only this mornin'. I comes home with all +my tools on the train, jolly as c'n be. I broke off all my connections in +Hamburg. Even if you don' earn so much, says I to myself, you'd rather be +with your family, an' take up your child in your arms a little, or maybe +take it on your knee a little! That was about the way I was thinkin'! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul! Here, Paul! [_She goes close up to him._] You c'n tear my heart out +if you want to! + + [_She stares long at him, then runs behind the partition, whence her + loud weeping is heard._ + + _SELMA enters from the hall. She is dressed in mourning garments and + carries a little wreath in her hand._ + +SELMA + +What is I to do? You called me, Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Put on your cloak, Selma. Ax your mother if you c'n go an' take a trip +with me to Hangelsberg. You'll earn a bit o' money doin' it. All you +gotta do is to take my child on your arm an' come along with me. + +SELMA + +No, I ain' goin' to touch that child no more. + +JOHN + +Why not? + +SELMA + +No; I'm afraid, Mr. John! I'm that scared at the way mama an' the police +lieutenant screamed at me. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Appears._] Why did they scream at you? + +SELMA + +[_Crying vociferously._] Officer Schierke even slapped my face. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, I'll see about that ... he oughta try that again. + +SELMA + +I can't tell why that Polish girl took my little brother away. If I'd +known that my little brother was goin' to die, I'd ha' jumped at her +throat first. Now little Gundofried's coffin stands on the stairs. I +believe mama has convulsions an' is lyin' down in Quaquaro's alcove. An' +me they wants to take to the charity organisation, Mrs. John. + + [_She weeps._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Then you c'n be reel happy. They can't treat you worse'n you was treated +at home. + +SELMA + +An' I gotta go to court! An' maybe they'll take me to gaol! + +MRS. JOHN + +On account o' what? + +SELMA + +Because they says I took the child what the Polish girl had up in the +loft an' carried it down to you. + +HASSENREUTER + +So a child actually was born up there. + +SELMA + +Certainly. + +HASSENREUTER + +In _whose_ loft? + +SELMA + +Why, where them actors lives! It ain't none o' my business! How is I to +know anythin' about it? All I c'n say is ... + +MRS. JOHN + +You better hurry on about your business now, Selma! You got a clean +conscience! You don' has to care for what people jabber. + +SELMA + +An' I don' want to betray nothin' neither, Mrs. John. + +JOHN + +[_Grasps SELMA, who is about to run away, and holds her fast._] Naw, you +ain't goin'! Here you stays! The truth! "I don' want to betray nothin'," +you says. You heard that, too, Mrs. Hassenreuter? An' Mr. Spitta an' the +young lady here heard it too. The truth! You ain't goin' to leave this +here spot before I don' know the rights o' this matter about Bruno an' +his mistress, an' if you people did away with that child! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, I swear before God that I ain't done away with it! + +JOHN + +Well ...? Out with what you know, girl! I been seein' for a long time +that there's been some secret scheming between you an' my wife. There +ain't no use no more in all that winkin' an' noddin'. Is that child dead +or alive? + +SELMA + +No, that child is alive all right. + +HASSENREUTER + +The one, you mean, that you carried down here under your apron or in some +such way? + +JOHN + +If it's dead you c'n be sure that you an' Bruno'll both be made a head +shorter'n you are! + +SELMA + +I'm tellin' you the child is alive. + +HASSENREUTER + +But you said at first that you hadn't brought down any child at all. + +JOHN + +An' you pretend to know nothin' o' that whole business, mother? [_MRS. +JOHN stares at him; SELMA gazes helplessly and confusedly at MRS. JOHN._] +Mother, you got rid o' the child o' Bruno an' that Polish wench an' then, +when people came after it, you went an' substitooted that little crittur +o' Knobbe's. + +WALBURGA + +[_Very pale and conquering her repugnance._] Tell me, Mrs. John, what +happened on that day when I so foolishly took flight up into the loft at +papa's coming? I'll explain that to you later, papa. On that occasion, as +became clear to me later, I saw the Polish girl twice: first with Mrs. +John and then with her brother. + +HASSENREUTER + +You, Walburga? + +WALBURGA + +Yes, papa. Alice Rütterbusch was with you that day, and I had made an +engagement to meet Erich here. He came to see you finally but failed to +meet me because I kept hidden. + +HASSENREUTER + +I can't say that I have any recollection of that. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_To her husband._] The girl has really passed more than one sleepless +night on account of this matter. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, Mrs. John, if you are inclined to attach any weight to the opinion +of a former jurist who exchanged the law for an artistic career only +after having been plucked in his bar examination--in that case let me +assure you that, under the circumstances, ruthless frankness will prove +your best defense. + +JOHN + +Jette, where did you put that there child? The head detective told me--I +jus' remember it now--that they're still huntin' aroun' for the child o' +the dead woman! Jette, for God's sake, don't you have 'em suspect you o' +layin' hands on that there newborn child jus' to get the proofs o' your +brother's rascality outa the world! + +MRS. JOHN + +_Me_ lay hands on little Adelbert, Paul? + +JOHN + +Nobody ain't talkin' o' Adelbert here. [_To SELMA._] I'll knock your head +off for you if you don' tell me this minute what's become o' the child o' +Bruno an' the Polish girl! + +SELMA + +Why, it's behind your own partition, Mr. John! + +JOHN + +Where is it, Jette? + +MRS. JOHN + +I ain't goin' to tell that. + + _The child begins to cry._ + +JOHN + +[_To SELMA._] The truth! Or I'll turn you over to the police, +y'understan'? See this rope? I'll tie you hand and foot! + +SELMA + +[_Involuntarily, in the extremity of her fear._] It's cryin' now! You +know that child well enough. Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Me? + + [_Utterly at sea he looks first at SELMA, then at HASSENREUTER. + Suddenly a suspicion flashes upon him as he turns his gaze upon his + wife. He believes that he is beginning to understand and wavers._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Don't you let a low down lie like that take you in, Paul! It's all +invented by the fine mother that girl has outa spite! Paul, why d'you +look at me so? + +SELMA + +That's low of you, mother John, that you wants to make me out so bad now. +Then I won't be careful neither not to let nothin' out! You know all +right that I carried the young lady's child down here an' put it in the +nice, clean bed. I c'n swear to that! I c'n take my oath on that! + +MRS. JOHN + +Lies! Lies! You says that my child ain't my child! + +SELMA + +Why, you ain't had no child at all, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Embraces her husband's knees._] Oh, that ain't true at all! + +JOHN + +You leave me alone, Henrietta! Don' dirty me with your hands! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, I couldn't do no different. I had to do that, I was deceived myself +an' then I told you about it in my letter to Hamburg an' then you was so +happy an' I couldn't disappoint you an' I thought: it's gotta be! We c'n +has a child this way too an' then ... + +JOHN + +[_With ominous calmness._] Lemme think it over, Jette. [_He goes to the +chest of drawers, opens a drawer and flings the baby linen and baby +dresses that he finds therein into the middle of the room._] C'n anybody +understan' how week after week, an' month after month, all day long an' +half the nights she could ha' worked on this trash till her fingers was +bloody? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Gathers up the linen and the dresses in insane haste and hides them +carefully in the table drawer and elsewhere._] Paul, don' do that! You +c'n do anythin' else! It's like tearin' the last rag offa my naked body! + +JOHN + +[_Stops, grasps his forehead and sinks into a chair._] If that's true, +mother, I'll be too ashamed to show my face again. + + [_He seems to sink into himself, crosses his arms over his head and + hides his face._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Mrs. John, how could you permit yourself to be forced into a course of so +much error and deception? You've entangled yourself in the most frightful +way! Come, children! Unhappily there is nothing more for us to do here. + +JOHN + +[_Gets up._] You might as well take me along with you, sir. + +MRS. JOHN + +Go on! Go on! I don' need you! + +JOHN + +[_Turning to her, coldly._] So you bargained for that there kid someway +an' when its mother wanted it back you got Bruno to kill her? + +MRS. JOHN + +You ain't no husband o' mine! How could that be! You been bought by the +police! You took money to give me up to my death! Go on, Paul, you ain't +human even! You got poison in your eyes an' teeth like wolves'! Go on an' +whistle so they'll come an' take me! Go on, I says! Now I see the kind o' +man you is an' I'll despise you to the day o' judgment! + + [_She is about to run from the room when policeman SCHIERKE and + QUAQUARO appear._ + +SCHIERKE + +Hold on! Nobody can't get outa this room. + +JOHN + +Come right in, Emil! You c'n come in reel quiet, officer. Everything in +order here an' all right. + +QUAQUARO + +Don't get excited, Paul! This here don' concern you! + +JOHN + +[_With rising rage._] Did you laugh, Emil? + +QUAQUARO + +Man alive, why should I? Only Mr. Schierke is to take that there little +one to the orphan house in a cab. + +SCHIERKE + +Yessir! That's right. Where is the child? + +JOHN + +How is I to know where all the brats offa junk heaps that witches use in +their doin's gets to in the end? Watch the chimney! Maybe it flew outa +there on a broomstick. + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul!--Now it _ain't_ to live! No, outa spite! Now it don' _has_ to live! +Now it's gotta go down under the ground with me! + + [_With lightning-like rapidity she has run behind the partition and + reappears at once with the child and makes for the door. HASSENREUTER + and SPITTA throw themselves in front of the desperate woman, intent + on saving the child._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Stop! I'll interfere now! I have the right to do so at this point! +Whomever the little boy may belong to--so much the worse if its mother +has been murdered--it was born on my premises! Forward, Spitta! Fight for +it, my boy! Here your propensities come properly into play! Go on! +Careful! That's it! Bravo! Be as careful as though it were the Christ +child! Bravo! That's it! You yourself are at liberty, Mrs. John. We don't +restrain you. You must only leave us the little boy. + + _MRS. JOHN rushes madly out._ + +SCHIERKE + +Here you stays! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +The woman is desperate. Stop her! Hold her! + +JOHN + +[_With a sudden change._] Look out for mother! Mother! Stop her! Catch +hold o' her! Mother! Mother! + + _SELMA, SCHIERKE and JOHN hurry after MRS. JOHN. SPITTA, + HASSENREUTER, MRS. HASSENREUTER and WALBURGA busy themselves about + the child, which lies on the table._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Carefully wrapping the infant._] The horrible woman may be desperate +for all I care! But for that reason she needn't destroy the child. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +But, dearest papa, isn't it quite evident that the woman has pinned her +love, silly to the point of madness as it is, to this very infant? +Thoughtless and harsh words may actually drive the unhappy creature to +her death. + +HASSENREUTER + +I used no harsh words, mama. + +SPITTA + +An unmistakable feeling assures me that the child has only now lost its +mother. + +QUAQUARO + +That's true. Its father ain't aroun' an' don' want to have nothin' to do +with it. He got married yesterday to the widow of a man who owned a +merry-go-roun'! Its mother was no better'n she should be! An' if Mrs. +Kielbacke was to take care of it, it'd die like ten outa every dozen what +she boards. The way things has come aroun' now--it'll have to die too. + +HASSENREUTER + +Unless our Father above who sees all things has differently determined. + +QUAQUARO + +D'you mean Paul, the mason? Not now! No sir! I knows him! He's a ticklish +customer where his honour is concerned. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Just look how the child lies there! It's incomprehensible! Fine +linen--even lace! Neat and sweet as a doll! It makes one's heart ache to +think how suddenly it has become an utterly forlorn and forsaken orphan. + +SPITTA + +Where I judge in Israel ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You would erect a monument to Mrs. John! It may well be that many an +element of the heroic, much that is hiddenly meritorious, lurks in these +obscure fates and struggles. But not even Kohlhaas of Kohlhaasenbrück +with his mad passion for justice could fight his way through! Let us use +practical Christianity! Perhaps we could permanently befriend the child. + +QUAQUARO + +You better keep your hands offa that! + +HASSENREUTER + +Why? + +QUAQUARO + +Unless you're crazy to get rid o' money an' are anxious for all the +worries an' the troubles you'll have with the public charities an' the +police an' the courts. + +HASSENREUTER + +For such things I have no time to spare, I confess. + +SPITTA + +Won't you admit that a genuinely tragic fatality has been active here? + +HASSENREUTER + +Tragedy is not confined to any class of society. I always told you that! + + _SELMA, breathless, opens the outer door._ + +SELMA + +Mr. John! Mr. John! Oh, Mr. John! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Mr. John isn't here. What do you want, Selma? + +SELMA + +Mr. John, you're to come out on the street! + +HASSENREUTER + +Quiet, quiet now! What is the matter? + +SELMA + +[_Breathlessly._] Your wife ... your wife ... The whole street's crowded +... 'buses an' tram-cars ... nobody can't get through ... her arms is +stretched out ... your wife's lyin' on her face down there. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Why, what has happened? + +SELMA + +Lord! Lord God in Heaven! Mrs. John has killed herself. + + +THE END + + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, by +Gerhart Hauptmann + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORKS OF GERHART HAUPTMANN, VOL II *** + +***** This file should be named 9972-8.txt or 9972-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/9/9/7/9972/ + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Thomas Berger +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/9972-8.zip b/9972-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..18848dd --- /dev/null +++ b/9972-8.zip diff --git a/9972.txt b/9972.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3b91d44 --- /dev/null +++ b/9972.txt @@ -0,0 +1,17603 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, by +Gerhart Hauptmann + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann + Volume II + +Author: Gerhart Hauptmann + +Posting Date: November 23, 2011 [EBook #9972] +Release Date: February, 2006 +First Posted: November 5, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORKS OF GERHART HAUPTMANN, VOL II *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Thomas Berger +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + + + + +THE DRAMATIC WORKS + +OF + +GERHART HAUPTMANN + +(Authorized Edition) + + + +Edited By LUDWIG LEWISOHN + +Assistant Professor in The Ohio State University + + + +VOLUME TWO: SOCIAL DRAMAS + + +1913 + + + + +CONTENTS + + +INTRODUCTION +_By the Editor_. + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL (Fuhrmann Henschel) +_Translated by the Editor_. + +ROSE BERND (Rose Bernd) +_Translated by the Editor_. + +THE RATS (Die Ratten) +_Translated by the Editor_. + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +The first volume of the present edition of Hauptmann's Dramatic Works is +identical in content with the corresponding volume of the German edition. +In the second volume _The Rats_ has been substituted for two early prose +tales which lie outside of the scope of our undertaking. Hence these two +volumes include that entire group of dramas which Hauptmann himself +specifically calls social. This term must not, of course, be pressed too +rigidly. Only in _Before Dawn_ and in _The Weavers_ can the dramatic +situation be said to arise wholly from social conditions rather than from +the fate of the individual. It is true, however, that in the seven plays +thus far presented all characters are viewed primarily as, in a large +measure, the results of their social environment. This environment is, in +all cases, proportionately stressed. To exhibit it fully Hauptmann uses, +beyond any other dramatist, passages which, though always dramatic in +form, are narrative and, above all, descriptive in intention. The silent +burden of these plays, the ceaseless implication of their fables, is the +injustice and inhumanity of the social order. + +Hauptmann, however, has very little of the narrow and acrid temper of the +special pleader. He is content to show humanity. It is quite conceivable +that the future, forgetful of the special social problems and the +humanitarian cult of to-day, may view these plays as simply bodying forth +the passions and events that are timeless and constant in the inevitable +march of human life. The tragedies of _Drayman Henschel_ and of _Rose +Bernd_, at all events, stand in no need of the label of any decade. They +move us by their breadth and energy and fundamental tenderness. + +No plays of Hauptmann produce more surely the impression of having been +dipped from the fullness of life. One does not feel that these men and +women--Hanne Schael and Siebenhaar, old Bernd and the Flamms--are called +into a brief existence as foils or props of the protagonists. They led +their lives before the plays began: they continue to live in the +imagination long after Henschel and Rose have succumbed. How does +Christopher Flamm, that excellent fellow and most breathing picture of +the average man, adjust his affairs? He is fine enough to be permanently +stirred by the tragedy he has earned, yet coarse enough to fall back into +a merely sensuous life of meaningless pleasures. But at his side sits +that exquisite monitor--his wife. The stream of their lives must flow on. +And one asks how and whither? To apply such almost inevitable questions +to Hauptmann's characters is to be struck at once by the exactness and +largeness of his vision of men. Few other dramatists impress one with an +equal sense of life's fullness and continuity, + +"The flowing, flowing, flowing of the world." + +The last play in this volume, _The Rats_, appeared in 1911, thirteen +years after _Drayman Henschel_, nine years after _Rose Bernd_. A first +reading of the book is apt to provoke disappointment and confusion. Upon +a closer view, however, the play is seen to be both powerful in itself +and important as a document in criticism and _Kulturgeschichte_. It +stands alone among Hauptmann's works in its inclusion of two separate +actions or plots--the tragedy of Mrs. John and the comedy of the +Hassenreuter group. Nor can the actions be said to be firmly interwoven: +they appear, at first sight, merely juxtaposed. Hauptmann would +undoubtedly assert that, in modern society, the various social classes +live in just such juxtaposition and have contacts of just the kind here +chronicled. His real purpose in combining the two fables is more +significant. Following the great example, though not the precise method, +of Moliere, who produced _La Critique de l'Ecole des Femmes_ on the +boards of his theater five months after the hostile reception of _L'Ecole +des Femmes_, Hauptmann gives us a naturalistic tragedy and, at the same +time, its criticism and defense. His tenacity to the ideals of his youth +is impressively illustrated here. In his own work he has created a new +idealism. But let it not be thought that his understanding of tragedy and +his sense of human values have changed. The charwoman may, in very truth, +be a Muse of tragedy, all grief is of an equal sacredness, and even the +incomparable Hassenreuter--wind-bag, chauvinist and consistent +_Goetheaner_--is forced by the essential soundness of his heart to blurt +out an admission of the basic principle of naturalistic dramaturgy. + +The group of characters in _The Rats_ is unusually large and varied. The +phantastic note is somewhat strained perhaps in Quaquaro and Mrs. Knobbe. +But the convincingness and earth-rooted humanity of the others is once +more beyond cavil or dispute. The Hassenreuter family, Alice Ruetterbusch, +the Spittas, Paul John and Bruno Mechelke, Mrs. Kielbacke and even the +policeman Schierke--all are superbly alive, vigorous and racy in speech +and action. + +The language of the plays in this volume is again almost wholly +dialectic. The linguistic difficulties are especially great in _The Rats_ +where the members of the Berlin populace speak an extraordinarily +degraded jargon. In the translation I have sought, so far as possible, to +differentiate the savour and quaintness of the Silesian dialect from the +coarseness of that of Berlin. But all such attempts must, from their very +nature, achieve only a partial success. The succeeding volumes of this +edition, presenting the plays written in normal literary German, will +offer a fairer if not more fascinating field of interpretation. + +LUDWIG LEWISOHN. + + + + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL + + + + +_LIST OF PERSONS_ + + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL. + +MRS. HENSCHEL. + +HANNE SCHAeL (_later MRS. HENSCHEL_). + +BERTHA. + +HORSE DEALER WALTHER. + +SIEBENHAAR. + +KARLCHEN. + +WERMELSKIRCH. + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH. + +FRANZISKA WERMELSKIRCH. + +HAUFFE. + +FRANZ. + +GEORGE. + +FABIG. + +HILDEBRANT. + +VETERINARIAN GRUNERT. + +FIREMAN. + +Time: Toward the end of the eighteen sixties. +Scene: The "Gray Swan" hotel in a Silesian watering place. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _A room, furnished peasant fashion, in the basement of the "Grey + Swan" hotel. Through two windows set high in the left wall, the + gloomy light of a late winter afternoon sickers in. Under the windows + there stands a bed of soft wood, varnished yellow, in which MRS. + HENSCHEL is lying ill. She is about thirty-six years of age. Near the + bed her little six-months-old daughter lies in her cradle. A second + bed stands against the back wall which, like the other walls, is + painted blue with a dark, plain border near the ceiling. In front, + toward the right, stands a great tile-oven surrounded by a bench. A + plentiful supply of small split kindling wood is piled up in the + roomy bin. The wall to the right has a door leading to a smaller + room. HANNE SCHAeL, a vigorous, young maid servant is very busy in the + room. She has put her wooden pattens aside and walks about in her + thick, blue stockings. She takes from the oven an iron pot in which + food is cooking and puts it back again. Cooking spoons, a twirling + stick and a strainer lie on the bench; also a large, thick + earthenware jug with a thin, firmly corked neck. Beneath the bench + stands the water pitcher. HANNE'S skirts are gathered up in a thick + pad; her bodice is dark grey; her muscular arms are bare. Around the + top of the oven is fastened a square wooden rod, on which long + hunting stockings are hung up to dry, as well as swaddling clothes, + leathern breeches and a pair of tall, water-tight boots. To the right + of the oven stand a clothes press and a chest of drawers--old + fashioned, gaily coloured, Silesian pieces of furniture. Through the + open door in the rear wall one looks out upon a dark, broad, + underground corridor which ends in a glass door with manicoloured + panes. Behind this door wooden steps lead upward. These stairs are + always illuminated by a jet of gas so that the panes of the door + shine brightly. It is in the middle of February; the weather without + is stormy._ + + _FRANZ, a young fellow in sober coachman's livery, ready to drive + out, looks in._ + +FRANZ + +Hanne! + +HANNE + +Eh? + +FRANZ + +Is the missis asleep? + +HANNE + +What d'you suppose? Don't make so much noise! + +FRANZ + +There's doors enough slammin' in this house. If that don't wake her up--! +I'm goin' to drive the carriage to Waldenburg. + +HANNE + +Who's goin'? + +FRANZ + +The madam. She's goin' to buy birthday presents. + +HANNE + +Whose birthday is it? + +FRANZ + +Little Karl's. + +HANNE + +Great goin's on--those. To hitch up the horses on account o' that fool of +a kid an' travel to Waldenburg in such weather! + +FRANZ + +Well, I has my fur coat! + +HANNE + +Those people don't know no more how to get rid o' their money! We got to +slave instead! + + _In the passage appears, slowly feeling his may, the veterinarian + GRUNERT. He is a small man in a coat of black sheep's fur, cap and + tall boots. He taps with the handle of his whip against the door post + in order to call attention to his presence._ + +GRUNERT + +Isn't Henschel at home yet? + +HANNE + +What's wanted of him? + +GRUNERT + +I've come to look at the gelding. + +HANNE + +So you're the doctor from Freiburg, eh? Henschel, he's not at home. He +went to Freiburg carryin' freight; seems to me you must ha' met him. + +GRUNERT + +In which stall do you keep the gelding? + +HANNE + +'Tis the chestnut horse with the white star on his face, I believe they +put him in the spare stall. [_To FRANZ._] You might go along an' show him +the way. + +FRANZ + +Just go straight across the yard, 's far as you can, under the big hall, +right into the coachman's room. Then you c'n ask Frederic; he'll tell +you! + + [_Exit GRUNERT._ + +HANNE + +Well, go along with him. + +FRANZ + +Haven't you got a few pennies change for me? + +HANNE + +I s'pose you want me to sell my skin on your account? + +FRANZ + +[_Tickling her._] I'd buy it right off. + +HANNE + +Franz! Don't you--! D'you want the woman to wake up? You don't feel reel +well, do you, if you can't wring a few farthings out o' me! I'm fair +cleaned out. [_Rummaging for the money._] Here! [_She presses something +into his hand._] Now get out! + + [_The bell rings._ + +FRANZ + +[_Frightened._] That's the master. Good-bye. + + [_He goes hastily._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Has waked up and says weakly._] Girl! Girl! Don't you hear nothin'? + +HANNE + +[_Roughly._] What d'you want? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I want you to listen when a body calls you! + +HANNE + +I hear all right! But if you don't talk louder I can't hear. I got only +just two ears. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Are you goin' to cut up rough again? + +HANNE + +[_Surly._] Ah, what do I--! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Is that right, eh? Is it right o' you to talk rough like that to a sick +woman? + +HANNE + +Who starts it, I'd like to know! You don't hardly wake up but what you +begin to torment me. Nothin's done right, no matter how you do it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's because you don't mind me! + +HANNE + +You better be doin' your work yourself. I slaves away all day an' half o' +the night! But if things is that way--I'd rather go about my business! + + [_She lets her skirts fall and runs out._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Girl! Girl!--Don't do that to me! What is it I said that was so bad? O +Lord, O Lord! What'll happen when the men folks comes home? They wants to +eat! No, girl ... girl! + + [_She sinks back exhausted, moans softly, and begins to rock her + baby's cradle by means of a cord which is within her reach._ + + _Through the glass door in the rear KARLCHEN squeezes himself in with + some difficulty. He carries a dish full of soup and moves carefully + and timidly toward MRS. HENSCHEL'S bed. There he sets down the dish + on a wooden chair._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, Karlchen, is that you! Do tell me what you're bringin' me there? + +KARLCHEN + +Soup! Mother sends her regards and hopes you'll soon feel better and that +you'll like the soup, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, little lad, you're the best of 'em all. Chicken soup! 'Tis not +possible. Well, tell your mother I thank her most kindly. D'you hear? +Don't go an' forget that! Now I'll tell you somethin', Karlchen! You c'n +do me a favour, will you? See that rag over there? Get on this bench, +will you, an' pull the pot out a bit. The girl's gone off an' she put it +too far in. + +KARLCHEN + +[_After he has found the rag mounts the bench cheerfully and looks into +the oven. He asks:_] The black pot or the blue one, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What's in the blue pot? + +KARLCHEN + +Sauerkraut. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Agitated._] Pull it out! That'll be boilin' to nothin'!--Eh, what a +girl, what a girl! + +KARLCHEN + +[_Has pulled the pot in question forward._] Is this right? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You c'n let it stand that way! Come here a bit now an' I'll give you a +piece o' whip cord. [_She takes the cord from the window-sill and gives +it to him._] An' how is your mother? + +KARLCHEN + +She's well. She's gone to Waldenburg to buy things for my birthday. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not well, myself. I think I'm goin' to die! + +KARLCHEN + +Oh, no, Mrs. Henschel! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, you c'n believe me; I'm goin' to die. For all I care you can +say so to your mother. + +KARLCHEN + +I'm goin' to get a Bashly cap, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, you c'n believe me. Come over here a bit. Keep reel still an' +listen. D'you hear how it ticks? D'you hear how it ticks in the rotten +wood? + +KARLCHEN + +[_Whose wrist she holds in her fevered grasp._] I'm afraid, Mrs. +Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, never mind. We all has to die! D'you hear how it ticks? Do you? What +is that? 'Tis the deathwatch that ticks. [_She falls back._] One ... two +... one ...--Oh, what a girl, what a girl! + + _KARLCHEN, released from her grasp, withdraws timidly toward the + door. When his hand is on the knob of the glass door a sudden terror + overtakes him. He tears the door open and slams it behind him with + such force that the panes rattle. Immediately thereupon a vigorous + cracking of whips is heard without. Hearing this noise MRS. HENSCHEL + starts up violently._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's father comin'! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Out in the hallway and yet unseen._] Doctor, what are we goin' to do +with the beast? + + [_He and the veterinarian are visible through the doorway._ + +GRUNERT + +He won't let you come near him. We'll have to put the twitch on him, I +think. + +HENSCHEL + +[_He is a man of athletic build, about forty-five years old. He wears a +fur cap, a jacket of sheep's fur under which his blue carter's blouse is +visible, tall boots, green hunting stockings. He carries a whip and a +burning lantern._] I don't know no more what's wrong with that beast. I +carted some hard coal from the mine yesterday. I came home an' unhitched, +an' put the horses in the stable, an'--that very minute--the beast throws +hisself down an' begins to kick. + + [_He puts his long whip in a corner and hangs up his cap._ + + _HANNE returns and takes up her work again, although visibly + enraged._ + +HENSCHEL + +Girl, get a light! + +HANNE + +One thing after another! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Puts out the light in the lantern and hangs it up._] Heaven only knows +what all this is comin' to. First my wife gets sick! Then this here horse +drops down! It looks as if somethin' or somebody had it in for me! I +bought that gelding Christmas time from Walther. Two weeks after an' the +beast's lame. I'll show him. Two hundred crowns I paid. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Is it rainin' outside? + +HENSCHEL + +[_In passing._] Yes, yes, mother; it's rainin'.--An' it's a man's own +brother-in-law that takes him in that way. + + [_He sits down on the bench._ + + _HANNE has lit a tallow candle and puts it into a candle stick of + tin, which she sets on the table._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're too good, father. That's what it is. You don't think no evil o' +people. + +GRUNERT + +[_Sitting down at the table and writing a prescription._] I'll write down +something for you to get from the chemist. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +No, I tell you, if that chestnut dies on top o' everythin' else--! I +don't believe God's meanin' to let that happen! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Holding out his leg to HANNE._] Come, pull off my boots for me! That +was a wind that blew down here on the road from Freiburg. People tell me +it unroofed the church in the lower village more'n half, [_To HANNE._] +Just keep on tuggin'! Can't you get it? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_To HANNE._] I don't know! You don't seem to learn nothin'! + + [_HANNE succeeds in pulling off one boot. She puts it aside and + starts on the other._ + +HENSCHEL + +Keep still, mother! You don't do it any better! + +HANNE + +[_Pulls off the second boot and puts it aside. Then in a surly voice to +HENSCHEL._] Did you bring me my apron from Kramsta? + +HENSCHEL + +All the things I'm axed to keep in my head! I'm content if I c'n keep my +own bit of business straight an' get my boxes safe to the railroad. What +do I care about women or their apron-strings? + +GRUNERT + +No, you're not famous for caring about them. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' it'd be a bad thing if he was! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Slips on wooden pattens and rises. To HANNE._] Hurry now! Hurry! We got +to get our dinner. This very day we still has to go down to the smithy. + +GRUNERT + +[_Has finished writing his prescription, which he leaves lying on the +table. He slips his note book and pencil back into his pocket and says as +he is about to go:_] You'll hurry this to the chemist's. I'll look in +early in the morning. + + [_HENSCHEL sits down at the table._ + + _HAUFFE comes in slowly. He has wooden pattens on and leathern + breeches and also carries a lighted lantern._ + +HAUFFE + +That's dirty weather for you again! + +HENSCHEL + +How's it goin' in the stable? + +HAUFFE + +He's goin' to end by knockin' down the whole stall. + + [_He blows out the light in the lantern and hangs it up next to + HENSCHEL'S._ + +GRUNERT + +Good night to all of you. All we can do is to wait. We doctors are only +human too. + +HENSCHEL + +To be sure. We know that without your telling us! Good night; I hope you +won't overturn. [_GRUNERT goes._] Now tell me, mother, how is it with +you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh. I've been worritin' so much again! + +HENSCHEL + +What is it that worries you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Because for all I c'n do, I'm not able to lend a hand even. + + _HANNE places a disk of dumplings and one of sauerkraut on the table; + she takes forks from the table drawer and puts them on the table._ + +HENSCHEL + +The girl's here to do the work! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A girl like her is that thoughtless! + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, we gets enough to eat an' everythin' seems to go smoothly.--If you +hadn't got up out o' bed too soon the first time, you might be dancin' +this day! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +O Lord, me an' dancin'. What an idea! + + _HANNE has prepared three plates, putting a small piece of pork on + each. She now draws up a stool for herself and sits down at the + table._ + +HAUFFE + +There's not much left o' the oats, neither. + +HENSCHEL + +I bought some yesterday; thirty sacks. Saturday a load o' hay'll come +too. The feed gets dearer all the time. + +HAUFFE + +If the beasts is to work they has to eat. + +HENSCHEL + +But people thinks they live on air, an' so everybody wants to cut down +the carting charges. + +HAUFFE + +He said somethin' like that to me too. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who said that--the inspector? + +HENSCHEL + +Who else but him? But this time he met the wrong man. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, well, I'm not sayin', but that's the end of everythin'! What's to +become of us these hard times? + +HANNE + +The inspector of roads was here. He wants you to send him teams for the +big steam roller, I believe. They're in Hinterhartau now. + + _Behind the glass door MR. SIEBENHAAR is seen descending the stairs. + He is little over forty. Most carefully dressed; black broadcloth + coat, white waist-coat, light-coloured, English trousers--an elegance + of attire derived from the style of the 'sixties. His hair, already + grey, leaves the top of his head bald; his moustache, on the + contrary, is thick and dark blond. SIEBENHAAR wears gold-rimmed + spectacles. When he desires to see anything with exactness, he must + use, in addition, a pair of eye-glasses which he slips in behind the + lenses of his spectacles. He represents an intelligent type._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Approaches the open door of the room. In his right hand he holds a +candle-stick of tin with an unlit candle in it and a bunch of keys; with +his left hand he shades his sensitive eyes._] Has Henschel come back yet? + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, Mr. Siebenhaar. + +SIEBENHAAR + +But you're just at your dinner. I have something to do in the cellar. We +can talk that matter over later. + +HENSCHEL + +No, no; you needn't put nothin' off on my account. I'm through! + +SIEBENHAAR + +In that case you'd better come up to see me. [_He enters the room and +lights his candle by the one which is burning on the table._] I'll only +get a light here now. We're more undisturbed in my office.--How are you, +Mrs. Henschel? How did you like the chicken-soup? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, goodness, gracious! I clean forgot about it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Is that so, indeed? + +HANNE + +[_Discovering the dish of chicken soup._] That's true; there it stands. + +HENSCHEL + +That's the way that woman is! She'd like to get well an' she forgets to +eat and to drink. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_As a violent gust of wind is felt even indoors._] Do tell me: what do +you think of it? My wife's driven over to Waldenburg, and the weather is +getting wilder and wilder. I'm really beginning to get worried. What's +your opinion? + +HENSCHEL + +I s'pose it sounds worse than it is. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, well, one shouldn't take such risks. Didn't you hear that rattling? +The wind broke one of the large windows in the dining-hall looking out +over the verandah. You know. It's a tremendous storm! + +HENSCHEL + +Who'd ha' thought it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That'll be costin' you a good bit again! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Leaving the room by way of the passage to the left._] There's nothing +inexpensive except death. + +HENSCHEL + +He's got his bunch o' troubles like the rest of us. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What do you think he wants o' you again, father? + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin'! How c'n I tell? I'll hear what he says. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I do hope he won't be askin' for money again. + +HENSCHEL + +Don't begin talkin' nonsense, mother. + +HANNE + +But if them people is as hard up as all that, why does the woman has to +have a twenty shillin' hat? + +HENSCHEL + +You hold your tongue! No one asked you! You poke your nose over your +kneadin' board an' not into other folks' affairs! It takes somethin' to +keep a hotel like this goin'. Two months in the year he makes money. The +rest o' the time he has to do the best he can. + +HAUFFE + +An' he had to go an' build atop o' that! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' 'twas that as got him in worse'n ever. He should ha' let it be. + +HENSCHEL + +Women don't understand nothin' o' such affairs. He had to build; he +couldn't do no different. We gets more an' more people who come here for +their health nowadays; there wasn't half so many formerly. But in those +times they had money; now they wants everythin' for nothin'. Get the +bottle. I'd like to drink a nip o' whiskey. + +HAUFFE + +[_Slowly clasping his knife and getting ready to rise._] Forty rooms, +three big halls, an' nothin' in 'em excep' rats an' mice. How's he goin' +to raise the interest? + + [_He rises._ + + _FRANZISKA WERMELSKIRCH peeps in. She is a pretty, lively girl of + sixteen. She wears her long, dark hair open. Her costume is slightly + eccentric: the skirts white and short, the bodice cut in triangular + shape at the neck, the sash long and gay. Her arms are bare above the + elbows. Around her neck she wears a coloured ribbon from which a + crucifix hangs down._ + +FRANZISKA + +[_Very vivaciously._] Wasn't Mr. Siebenhaar here just now? I wish you a +pleasant meal, ladies and gentlemen! I merely took the liberty of asking +whether Mr. Siebenhaar hadn't been here just now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Gruffly._] We don't know nothin'. He wasn't with us! + +FRANZISKA + +No? I thought he was! + + [_She puts her foot coquettishly on the bench and ties her shoe + strings._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar here an' Mr. Siebenhaar there! What are you always wantin' +of the man? + +FRANZISKA + +I? nothing! But he's so fond of gooseliver. Mama happens to have some and +so papa sent me to tell him so.--By the way, Mr. Henschel, do you know +that you might drop in to see us again, too! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You just let father bide where he is! That'd be a fine way! He's not +thinkin' about runnin' into taverns these days. + +FRANZISKA + +We're broaching a new keg to-day, though. + +HENSCHEL + +[_While HAUFFE grins and HANNE laughs._] Mother, you stick to your own +affairs. If I should want to go an' drink a glass o' beer I wouldn't be +askin' nobody's consent, you c'n be sure. + +FRANZISKA + +--How are you anyhow, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, to-morrow I'll be gettin' me a sash too an' take to rope-dancin'. + +FRANZISKA + +I'll join you. I can do that splendidly. I always practice on the +carriage shafts. + +HENSCHEL + +So that's the reason why all the shafts are bent! + +FRANZISKA + +Do you see, this is the way it's done; this is the way to balance +oneself. [_Imitating the movements of a tight rope dancer, she prances +out by the door._] Right leg! Left leg! _Au revoir!_ + + [_Exit._ + +HAUFFE + +[_Taking down his lantern._] She'll go off her head pretty soon if she +don't get no husband. + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If she had to lend a hand an' work good an' hard, she'd get over that +foolishness. + +HANNE + +She's not allowed to come upstairs. Mrs. Siebenhaar won't have her. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' she's right there. I wouldn't bear it neither. + +HANNE + +She's always chasin' an' sniffin' around Mr. Siebenhaar. I'm willin' +people should please theirselves. But she's goin' it hard. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +The Siebenhaars ought to put them people out. The goin's on with the men +an' the wenches. + +HENSCHEL + +Aw, what are you talkin' about, mother? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, in the tap room. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, they has to live same as anybody. D'you want to see 'em put in the +streets? Wermelskirch's not a bad fellow at all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But the woman's an old witch. + +HENSCHEL + +If he pays his rent nothin' won't happen to him on that account. An' not +on account o' the girl by a long way. [_He has arisen and bends over the +cradle._] We've got a little thing like that here too, an' nobody's goin' +to put us out for that! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, that would be ...! She's asleep all the time; she don't seem to want +to wake up! + +HENSCHEL + +There's not much strength in her.--Mother, sure you're not goin' to +die!--[_Taking his cap from the nail._] Hanne, I was just foolin' you a +while ago. Your apron is lyin' out there in the waggon. + +HANNE + +[_Eagerly._] Where is it? + +HENSCHEL + +In the basket. Go an' look for it! + + [_HENSCHEL leaves by way of the middle door; HANNE disappears into + the small adjacent room._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +So he brought her the apron after all! + + _HANNE runs quickly through the room again and goes out by the middle + door._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he brought her the apron after all! + + _SIEBENHAAR enters carefully, carrying his candle and keys as before + and, in addition, two bottles of claret._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +All alone, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he brought the apron ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +It's me, Mrs. Henschel. Did you think it was a stranger? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't hardly believe ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +I hope I didn't wake you up. It's me--Siebenhaar. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +To be sure. Yes. To be sure. + +SIEBENHAAR + +And I'm bringing you a little wine which you are to drink. It will do you +good.--Is it possible you don't recognize me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, now, that'd be queer. You are, sure--you are our Mr. Siebenhaar. +Things hasn't come to such a pass with me yet. I recognise you all +right!--I don't know: has I been dreamin' or what? + +SIEBENHAAR + +You may have been. How are you otherwise? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But sure enough you're Siebenhaar. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Perhaps you thought I was your husband! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't know ... I reely can't say ... I was feelin' so queer ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +Seems to me you're not lying comfortably. Let me straighten your pillows +a bit. Does the doctor see you regularly? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With tearful excitement._] I don't know how it is--they just leaves me +alone. No, no, you're Mr. Siebenhaar, I know that. An' I know more'n +that: you was always good to me an' you has a good heart, even if +sometimes you made an angry face. I can tell you: I'm that afraid! I'm +always thinkin': it don't go quick enough for him. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What doesn't go quick enough? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Bursting into tears._] I'm livin' too long for him--! But what's to +become o' Gustel? + +SIEBENHAAR + +But, my dear Mrs. Henschel, what kind of talk is that? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Sobbing softly to herself._] What's to become o' Gustel if I die? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Mrs. Henschel, you're a sensible woman! And so do listen to me! If one +has to lie quietly in bed, you see, the way you have had to do +unfortunately--week after week--why then one naturally has all kinds of +foolish thoughts come into one's head. One has all sorts of sickly +fancies. But one must resist all that resolutely, Mrs. Henschel! Why, +that would be a fine state of affairs, if that--! Such stuff! Put it out +of your mind, Mrs. Henschel! it's folly! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Dear me, I didn't want to believe it: I know what I says! + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's just what you don't know. That's just what, unfortunately, you +don't know at present. You will simply laugh when you look back upon, it +later. Simply laugh! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Breaking out passionately._] Didn't he go an' see her where she sleeps! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Utterly astonished but thoroughly incredulous._] Who went to see whom? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Henschel! The girl! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Your husband? And Hanne? Now look here; whoever persuaded you of that is +a rascally liar. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' when I'm dead he'll marry her anyhow! + + _HENSCHEL appears in the doorway._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +You're suffering from hallucinations, Mrs. Henschel! + +HENSCHEL + +[_In good-natured astonishment._] What's the matter, Malchen? Why are you +cryin' so? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you mustn't leave your wife alone! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Approaches the bed in kindly fashion._] Who's doin' anythin' to you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Throws herself in sullen rage on her other side, turning her back to +HENSCHEL and facing the wall._] ... Aw, leave me in peace! + +HENSCHEL + +What's the meanin' o' this? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Snarling at him through her sobs._] Oh, go away from me! + + _HENSCHEL, visibly taken aback, looks questioningly at SIEBENHAAR, + who polishes his glasses and shakes his head._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Softly._] I wouldn't bother her just now. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_As before._] You're wishin' me into my grave! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To HENSCHEL, who is about to fly into a rage._] Sh! Do me the favour to +keep still! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A body has eyes. A body's not blind! You don't has to let me know +everythin'. I'm no good for nothin' no more; I c'n go! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Controlling himself._] What do you mean by that, Malchen? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's right! Go on pretendin'! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Perplexed in the extreme._] Now do tell me--anybody ...! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Things c'n go any way they wants to ... I won't be deceived, an' you c'n +all sneak aroun' all you want to! I c'n see through a stone wall! I c'n +see you for all--yes--for all! You thinks: a woman like that is easy to +deceive. Rot, says I! One thing I tell you now--If I dies, Gustel dies +along with me! I'll take her with me! I'll strangle her before I'd leave +her to a damned wench like that! + +HENSCHEL + +But mother, what's come over you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're wishin' me into my grave! + +HENSCHEL + +Hold on, now, hold on! Or I'll be gettin' wild! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Warning him softly._] Be calm, Henschel. The woman is ill. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Who has overheard._] Ill? An' who was it made me ill? You two--you an' +your wench! + +HENSCHEL + +Now I'd like to know who in the world put notions like that into your +head? The girl an' I! I don't understand the whole blasted thing! I'm +supposed to have dealin's with her? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Don't you fetch aprons an' ribands for her? + +HENSCHEL + +[_With renewed perplexity._] Aprons and ribands? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, aprons and ribands. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, that's the queerest thing--! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Don't you think everythin' she does right an' fine? D'you ever give her a +angry word? She's like the missis of the house this very day. + +HENSCHEL + +Mother, keep still: I'm advisin' you! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +'Tis you that has to keep still, 'cause there's nothin' you c'n say! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Standing by the bed._] Mrs. Henschel, you must collect yourself! All +this you're saying is the merest fancy! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're no better'n he; you don't do no different! An' the poor +women--they dies of it! [_Dissolved in self-pitying tears._] Well, let +'em die! + + _SIEBENHAAR gives a short laugh with an undertone of seriousness, + steps up to the table and opens one of the bottles of wine + resignedly._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Sitting on the edge of the bed speaks soothingly_] Mother, mother--you +turn over now an' I'll say a word to you in kindness. [_He turns her over +with kindly violence._] Look at it this way, mother: You've been havin' a +dream. You dreamed--that's it! Our little dog, he dreams queer things too +now an' then. You c'n see it. But now wake up, mother! Y'understan'? The +stuff you been talkin'--if a man wanted to make a load o' that the +strongest freight waggon'd break down. My head's fair spinnin' with it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Having looked for and found a glass which he now fills._] And then you +raked me over the coals too! + +HENSCHEL + +Don't take no offence, sir. A woman like that! A man has his troubles +with her.--Now you hurry up, mother, an' get well, or some fine day +you'll be tellin' me I been to Bolkenhain an' stole horses. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Here, drink your wine and try to gain some strength. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If only a body could be sure! + + _SIEBENHAAR supports her while she drinks._ + +HENSCHEL + +What's wrong now again? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_After she has drunk._] Could you give me a promise? + +HENSCHEL + +I'll give you any promise you wants. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If I dies, would you go an' marry her? + +HENSCHEL + +Don't ask such fool questions. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes or no! + +HENSCHEL + +Marry Hanne? [_Jestingly._] O' course I would! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I mean it--serious ...! + +HENSCHEL + +Now I just wish you'd listen to this, Mr. Siebenhaar! What's a man to +say? You're not goin' to die! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But if I does? + +HENSCHEL + +I won't marry her anyhow! Now you see? An' now you know it! We can make +an end o' this business. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Can you promise it? + +HENSCHEL + +Promise what? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That you wouldn't go an' marry the girl! + +HENSCHEL + +I'll promise, too; I'm willin' to. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' you'll give me your hand in token? + +HENSCHEL + +I'm tellin' you: Yes. [_He puts his hand into hers._] But now it's all +right. Now don't worry me no more with such stuff. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _A beautiful forenoon in May._ + + _The same room as in the first act. The bed, in which MRS. HENSCHEL + lay, is no longer there. The window which it covered is wide open. + HANNE, her face toward the window, her sleeves turned up above her + elbows, is busy at the washtub._ + + _FRANZ, his shirt-sleeves and trousers also rolled up, his bare feet + in wooden pattens, comes in carrying a pail. He has been washing + waggons._ + +FRANZ + +[_With awkward merriment._] Hanne, I'm comin' to see you! Lord A'mighty! +Has you got such a thing as some warm water? + +HANNE + +[_Angrily throwing the piece of linen which she has on the washboard back +into the tub and going over to the oven._] You come in here a sight too +often! + +FRANZ + +Is that so? What's wrong, eh? + +HANNE + +[_Pouring hot water into the pail._] Don't stop to ask questions. I got +no time. + +FRANZ + +I'm washin' waggons; I'm not idlin' neither. + +HANNE + +[_Violently._] You're to leave me alone! That's what you're to do! I've +told you that more'n once! + +FRANZ + +What am I doin' to you? + +HANNE + +You're not to keep runnin' after me! + +FRANZ + +You've forgotten, maybe, how it is with us? + +HANNE + +How 'tis with us? No ways; nothin'! You go you way an' I goes mine, an' +that's how it is! + +FRANZ + +That's somethin' bran' new! + +HANNE + +It's mighty old to me! + +FRANZ + +That's how it seems.--Hanne, what's come between us! + +HANNE + +Nothin', nothin'! Only just leave me alone! + +FRANZ + +Has you anythin' to complain of? I been true to you! + +HANNE + +Oh, for all I care! That's none o' my business! Carry on with anybody you +want to! I got nothin' against it! + +FRANZ + +Since when has you been feelin' that way? + +HANNE + +Since the beginnin' o' time! + +FRANZ + +[_Moved and tearful._] Aw, you're just lyin', Hanne! + +HANNE + +You don't need to start that way at me. 'Twon't do you no good with me! I +don't let a feller like you tell me I'm lyin'! An' now I just want you to +know how things is. If your skin's that thick that you can't be made to +notice nothin' I'll tell you right out to your face: It's all over +between us! + +FRANZ + +D'you really mean that, Hanne? + +HANNE + +All over--an' I want you to remember that. + +FRANZ + +I'll remember it all right! [_More and more excited and finally weeping +more than speaking._] You don't need to think I'm such a fool; I noticed +it long before to-day. But I kept thinkin' you'd come to your senses. + +HANNE + +That's just what I've done. + +FRANZ + +It's all the way you look at it. I'm a poor devil--that's certain; an' +Henschel--he's got a chest full o' money. There's one way, come to think +of it, in which maybe you has come to your senses. + +HANNE + +You start at me with such talk an' it just makes things worse an' worse. +That's all. + +FRANZ + +It's not true, eh? You're not schemin' right on to be Mrs. Henschel? I'm +not right, eh? + +HANNE + +That's my business. That don't concern you. We all has to look out for +ourselves. + +FRANZ + +Well, now, supposin' I was to look out for myself, an' goes to Henschel +an' says: Hanne, she promised to marry me; we was agreed, an' so.... + +HANNE + +Try it, that's all I says. + +FRANZ + +[_Almost weeping with pain and rage._] An' I will try it, too! You take +care o' yourself an' I'll take care o' myself. If that's the way you're +goin' to act, I c'n do the same! [_With a sudden change of front._] But I +don't want to have nothin' more to do with you! You c'n throw yourself at +his head for all I cares! A crittur like you isn't good enough for me! + + [_Exit hastily._ + +HANNE + +So it worked at last. An' that's all right. + + _While HANNE continues busy at her washing, WERMELSKIRCH appears in + the passage at the rear. He is a man in the fifties; the former actor + is unmistakable in him. He wears a thread-bare dressing-gown, + embroidered slippers, and smokes a very long pipe._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Having looked in for a while without being noticed by HANNE._] Did you +hear him cough? + +HANNE + +Who? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why, a guest--a patient--has arrived upstairs. + +HANNE + +'Tis time they began to come. We're in the middle of May. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Slowly crosses the threshold and hums throatily._] + + A pulmonary subject I, + Tra la la la la, bum bum! + It can't last long until I die, + Tra la la la la, bum bum! + +[_HANNE laughs over her washing._] Things like that really do one good. +They show that the summer is coming. + +HANNE + +One swallow don't make no summer, though! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Clears a space for himself on the bench and sits down._] Where is +Henschel? + +HANNE + +Why he went down, to the cemetery to-day. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +To be sure, it's his wife's birthday. [_Pause._] It was a deuce of a blow +to him, that's certain.--Tell me, when is he coming back? + +HANNE + +I don't know why he had to go an' drive there at all. We needs the horses +like anything an' he took the new coachman with him too. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I tell you, Hanne, anger spoils one's appetite. + +HANNE + +Well, I can't help bein' angry! He leaves everythin' in a mess. The 'bus +is to leave on time! An' the one-horse carriage sticks in the mud out +there an' Hauffe can't budge it! The old fellow is as stiff as a goat! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Yes, things are beginning to look busy. The _chef_ upstairs starts in +to-day. It's beginning to look up in the tap-room too. + +HANNE + +[_With a short derisive laugh._] You don't look, though, as if you had +much to do! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Taking no offence._] Oh, that comes later, at eleven o'clock. But then +I'm like a locomotive engine! + +HANNE + +I believe you. There'll be a lot o' smoke. You won't let your pipe get +cold whatever happens. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Smiling a little._] You're pleased to be pointed in your +remarks--pointed as a needle.--We've got to-day, for our table music, +wait now, let me think--: First of all, a bass violin; secondly, two +cellos; thirdly, two first violins and two second violins. Three first, +two second, three second, two first: I'm getting mixed up now. At all +events we have ten men from the public orchestra. What are you laughing +at? Do you think I'm fooling you? You'll see for yourself. The bass +violin alone will eat enough for ten. There'll be work enough to do! + +HANNE + +[_Laughing heartily._] Of course: the cook'll have a lot to do! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Simply._] My wife, my daughter, the whole of my family--we have to work +honestly and hard.--And when the summer is over we've worked ourselves to +the bone--for nothing! + +HANNE + +I don't see what you has to complain of. You've got the best business in +the house. Your taproom don't get empty, if it's summer or winter. If I +was Siebenhaar upstairs, you'd have to whistle a different tune for me. +You wouldn't be gettin' off with no three hundred crowns o' rent. There +wouldn't be no use comin' around me with less'n a thousand. An' then +you'd be doin' well enough for yourself! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Has arisen and walks about whistling._] Would you like anything else? +You frighten me so that my pipe goes out! + + _GEORGE, a young, alert, neat waiter comes very rapidly down the + stairs behind the glass door, carrying a tray with breakfast service. + While still behind the door he stops short, opens the door, however, + and gazes up and down the passage way._ + +GEORGE + +Confound it all! What's this place here? + +HANNE + +[_Laughing over her tub._] You've lost your way! You has to go back! + +GEORGE + +It's enough, God knows, to make a feller dizzy, No horse couldn't find +his way about this place. + +HANNE + +You've just taken service here, eh? + +GEORGE + +Well o' course! I came yesterday. But tell me, ladies an' gentlemen! +Nothin' like this has ever happened to me before. I've been in a good +many houses but here you has to take along a kind o' mountain guide to +find your way. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Exaggerating the waiter's Saxonian accent._] Tell me, are you from +Dresden, maybe? + +GEORGE + +Meissen is my native city. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_As before._] Good Lord A'mighty, is that so indeed? + +GEORGE + +How do I get out of here, tell me that! + +HANNE + +[_Alert, mobile, and coquettish in her way in the waiter's presence._] +You has to go back up the stairs. We has no use down here for your +swallow tails. + +GEORGE + +This is the first story, eh? Best part o' the house? + +HANNE + +You mean the kennels or somethin' like that? We'll show you--that we +will! The very best people live down here! + +GEORGE + +[_Intimately and flirtatiously._] Young woman, do you know what? You come +along an' show me the way? With you I wouldn't be a bit afraid, no matter +where you lead me to. I'd go into the cellar with you or up into the hay +loft either. + +HANNE + +You stay out o' here! You're the right kind you are! We've got enough of +your sort without you. + +GEORGE + +Young woman, do you want me to help with the washin'? + +HANNE + +No! But if you're aimin' at it exackly, I c'n help you to get along! +[_Half drawing a piece of linen out of the suds._] Then you'd be lookin' +to see where your starched shirt-front went to! + +GEORGE + +O dear! You're not goin' to mess me up that way, are you? Well, well, +that wouldn't do! We'd have to have a talk about that first! That so, +young woman? Well, o' course! We'll talk about it--when I has time, +later. + + [_He mounts the stairs and disappears._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +He won't lose his way very often after this! Siebenhaar will see to it +that he gets to know the way from the dining hall to the kitchen.--Hanne, +when is Henschel coming back? + +HANNE + +About noon, I s'pose! D'you want me to give him a message? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Tell him--don't forget, now--tell him that I--send him my regards. + +HANNE + +Such foolishness. I might ha' thought ...! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Passing her with a slight bow._] Thoughts are free ... I wish you a +good morning. + + [_Exit._ + +HANNE + +[_Alone, washing vigorously._] If only Henschel wasn't such a fool! + + _Above the cellar, outside, the pedlar FABIG, kneeling down, looks in + at the window._ + +FABIG + +Good mornin', young woman! How are you? How's everythin'? + +HANNE + +Who are you anyhow? + +FABIG + +Why--Fabig, from Quolsdorf. Don't you know me no more? I'm bringin' you a +greetin' from your father. An' he wants me to tell you ... Or maybe you'd +want me to come in? + +HANNE + +Aw, I know. I believe you. He wants money again. Well, I has none myself. + +FABIG + +I told him that myself. He wouldn't believe me. Are you all alone, young +woman? + +HANNE + +Why d'you ax? + +FABIG + +[_Lowering his voice._] Well now you see, there's more'n one thing I has +on my heart. An', through the window, people might be hearin' it. + +HANNE + +Oh well, I don't care. You c'n come in! [_FABIG disappears from the +window._] That that feller had to be comin' to-day ...! + + [_She dries her hands._ + + _FABIG enters. He is a poorly clad, strangely agile, droll pedlar, + with a sparse beard, about thirty-six years old._ + +FABIG + +A good mornin' to you, young woman. + +HANNE + +[_Fiercely._] First of all, I'm no young woman but a girl. + +FABIG + +[_With cunning._] Maybe so. But from all I hears you'll be married soon. + +HANNE + +That's nothin' but a pack o' mean lies--that's what it is. + +FABIG + +Well, that's what I heard. It's no fault o' mine. People is sayin' it all +over; because Mrs. Henschel died ... + +HANNE + +Well, they can talk for all I care. I does my work. That's all that +concerns me. + +FABIG + +That's the best way. I does that way myself. There's little that folks +hasn't said about me some time ... In Altwasser they says I steals +pigeons. A little dog ran after me ... o' course, they said I stole it. + +HANNE + +Well now, if you got anythin' to say to me, go ahead an' don't waste +words. + +FABIG + +Now you see, there you are. That's what I always says too. People talks a +good deal more'n they ought to. They has a few rags to sell an' they +talks an' talks as if it was an estate. But I'll say just as little as +possible. What I wants to tell you about, young woman--now don't fly up: +the word just slipped out!--I meant to say: lass--what I wants to tell +you about is your daughter. + +HANNE + +[_Violently._] I has no daughter, if you want to know it. The girl that +father is takin' care of, is my sister's child. + +FABIG + +Well now, that's different, that is. We've all been thinkin' the girl was +yours. Where is your sister? + +HANNE + +Who knows where she is? She's not fool enough to tell us. She thinks, +thinks she: they c'n have the trouble an' see how they gets along. + +FABIG + +Well, well, well! There you see again how folks is mistaken. I'd ha' +taken any oath ... an' not me, not me alone, but all the folks over in +Quolsdorf, that you was the mother o' that child. + +HANNE + +Yes, I knows right well who says that o' me. I could call 'em all by +name! They'd all like to make a common wench o' me. But if ever I lays my +hands on 'em I'll give 'em somethin' to remember me by. + +FABIG + +Well, it's a bad business--all of it! Because this is the way it is: the +old man, your father, I needn't be tellin' you--things is as they is--he +don't hardly get sober. He just drinks in one streak. Well, now that your +mother's been dead these two years, he can't leave the little thing--the +girl I mean--at home no more. The bit o' house is empty. An' so he drags +her around in the pubs, in all kinds o' holes, from one village taproom +to the next. If you sees that--it's enough to stir a dumb beast with +pity. + +HANNE + +[_With fierce impatience._] Is it my fault that he swills? + +FABIG + +By no means an' not at all. Nobody c'n keep your old man from doin' his +way! 'Tis only on account o' the child, an' it's that makes a body feel +sorry. But if that there little one can't be taken away from him an' +given in the care o' decent folks, she won't live no ten weeks after +this. + +HANNE + +[_Hardening herself._] That don't concern me. I can't take her. I got all +I can do to get along! + +FABIG + +You'd better come over to Quolsdorf some time an' look into it all. +That'd be best, too. The little girl ... 'tis a purty little thing, with +bits o' hands an' feet like that much porcelain, so dainty an' delicate. + +HANNE + +She's not my child an' she don't concern me. + +FABIG + +Well, you better come over an' see what's to be done. It's hard for +people to see such things goin' on. If a man goes into an inn, in the +middle of the night or some time like that--I got to do that, you see, in +the way o' business--an' sees her sittin' there with the old man in the +midst o' tobacco smoke--I tell you it hurts a body's soul. + +HANNE + +The innkeepers oughtn't to serve him nothin'. If they was to take a stick +an' beat him out o' their places, maybe he'd learn some sense.--A +waggon's just come into the yard. Here you got a sixpence. Now you get +along an' I'll be thinkin' it all over. I can't do nothin' about it this +minute. But if you goes aroun' here in the inns an' talks about it--then +it's all over between us. + +FABIG + +I'll take good care, an' it don't concern me. If it's your child or your +sister's child--I'm not goin' to poke my nose in the parish register, nor +I'm not goin' to say nothin' neither. But if you want a bit o' good +advice,'tis this: Tell Henschel straight out how 'tis. He won't tear your +head off by a long way! + +HANNE + +[_With increasing excitement as HENSCHEL'S voice grows more clearly +audible._] Oh this here jabberin'! It's enough to drive you crazy. + + [_Exit into the adjoining room._ + + _HENSCHEL enters slowly and seriously. He wears a black suit, a top + hat and white knitted gloves._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Remains standing and looks at FABIG with an expression of slow +recollection. Simply and calmly._] Who are you? + +FABIG + +[_Alertly._] I buy rags, waste paper, furniture, cast off clothes, +anythin' that happens to be aroun'. + +HENSCHEL + +[_After a long glance, good-naturedly but with decision._] Out with the +fellow! + + _FABIG withdraws with an embarrassed smile._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Takes off his top-hat and wipes his forehead and neck with a +manicoloured handkerchief. Thereupon, he places his hat on the table and +speaks toward the door of the next room:_] Girl, where are you? + +HANNE + +I'm with Gustel here in the little room. + +HENSCHEL + +All right. I c'n wait. [_He sits down with a sigh that is almost a +groan._] Yes, yes, O Lord--a man has his troubles. + +HANNE + +[_Enters busily._] The dinner'll be ready this minute. + +HENSCHEL + +I can't eat; I'm not hungry. + +HANNE + +Eatin' and drinkin' keeps body an' soul together. I was once in service +with a shepherd, an' he said to us more'n one time: If a body has a +heartache or somethin' like that, even if he feels no hunger, 'tis best +to eat. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, cook your dinner an' we'll see. + +HANNE + +You shouldn't give in to it. Not as much as all that. You got to resign +yourself some time. + +HENSCHEL + +Was that man Horand, the bookbinder, here? + +HANNE + +Everythin's attended to. He made forty new billheads. There they are on +the chest. + +HENSCHEL + +Then the work an' the worry begins again. Drivin' in to Freiburg mornin' +after mornin' an' noon after noon haulin' sick people across the hills. + +HANNE + +You're doin' too much o' the work yourself. Old Hauffe is too slow by +half. I can't help it--if I was you I'd get rid o' him. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Gets up and goes to the window._] I'm sick of it--of the whole haulin' +business. It c'n stop for all I care. I got nothin' against it if it +does. To-day or to-morrow; it's the same to me. All you got to do is to +take the horses to the flayers, to chop up the waggons for kindlin' wood, +an' to get a stout, strong bit o' rope for yourself.--I think I'll go up +an' see Siebenhaar. + +HANNE + +I was wantin' to say somethin' to you when I got a chance. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, what is it, eh? + +HANNE + +You see, it's not easy for me. No, indeed. [_Elaborately tearful._] But +my brother--he needs me that bad. [_Weeping._] I'll have to leave--that's +sure. + +HENSCHEL + +[_In extreme consternation._] You're not right in your mind. Don't start +that kind o' business! + + _HANNE, shedding crocodile tears, holds her apron to her eyes._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well now, look here, lass: you're not goin' to play me that kind of a +trick now! That would be fine! Who's goin' to manage the house? Summer's +almost with us now an' you want to leave me in the lurch? + +HANNE + +[_With the same gesture._] 'Tis the little one I feels sorry for! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't take care of her, who's goin' to? + +HANNE + +[_After a space collecting herself apparently by an effort of the will. +Quietly:_] It can't be done no different. + +HENSCHEL + +Everythin' c'n be done in this world. All you needs is to want to do +it.--You never said nothin' about it before. An' now, suddenly, you talk +about your brother!--Maybe I been offendin' you some way? Don't you feel +suited with me no more? + +HANNE + +There's no end to the gossip that's goin' round. + +HENSCHEL + +What kind o' gossip? + +HANNE + +Oh, I don't know. I'd rather be goin out o' the way of it. + +HENSCHEL + +I'd like to know just what you mean! + +HANNE + +I does my work an' I takes my pay! An' I won't have nobody say such +things o' me. When the wife was still alive I worked all day; now that +she's dead, I don't do no different. People c'n say all they wants to; +I'm tryin' to make you think I'm fine, an' I want dead people's shoes. +I'd rather go into service some other place. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Relieved._] You needn't say no more if that's all it is! + +HANNE + +[_Takes up some piece of work as an excuse for leaving the room._] No, +no, I'll go. I can't never stay! + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Talking after her._] You c'n let people talk an' not say much yourself. +All them tongues has to wag for an occupation. [_He takes off his black +coat and hangs it up. Sighing._] The pack o' troubles don't get no +smaller. + + _SIEBENHAAR comes in slowly. He carries a decanter full of water and + a glass._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +Good morning, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +Good mornin' Mr. Siebenhaar, + +SIEBENHAAR + +Am I disturbing you? + +HENSCHEL + +Not a bit; not at all. You're very welcome. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Placing the decanter and the glass on the table._] I've got to drink +the medicinal spring water again. I'm having that old trouble with my +throat. Well, dear me, a man has to die of something! + +HENSCHEL + +You must just go ahead an' drink the waters. They'll cure you. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Yes, that's just what I'm doing. + +HENSCHEL + +An' not from the Mill Spring nor from the Upper Spring. Ours is the best. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well now, to change the subject. [_Half lost in thought he has been +toying with a sprig of ivy. Now he observes this, starts slightly, runs +his eyes over the top-hat and HENSCHEL himself and says suddenly:_] This +was your wife's birthday, wasn't it? + +HENSCHEL + +She'd ha' been thirty-six years old to-day. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Is it possible? + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, yes, yes. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I'd better leave you alone now. But when it's agreeable to +you--to-morrow maybe, I'd like to talk over some business with you. + +HENSCHEL + +I'd rather you went ahead right now. + +SIEBENHAAR + +It's about the thousand crowns ... + +HENSCHEL + +Before we says any more, Mr. Siebenhaar. You c'n just keep that money +till winter. Why should I be lyin' to you? You see? I don't need the +money. I don't care exackly when I gets it; an' that it's safe, I'm +satisfied o' that. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, Henschel, in that case I'm very grateful to you. You're doing me a +great favour. During the summer I take in money; you know that. Just now +it would have been difficult for me. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you see, so we c'n agree fine. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR. + +[_Walking to and fro._] Yes, yes, I sometimes wonder over myself. I grew +up in this house. And yet, to-day, if I could but make a decent closing +out, I could leave it quite calmly. + +HENSCHEL + +I wouldn't like to go, I must say. I wouldn't hardly know where to go to. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Things have moved ahead with you, Henschel. But the same set of +conditions that has counted in your favour, has been that against which +I've had to struggle to keep my head above water. + +HENSCHEL + +The shoe pinches one man in this place an' another man in that. Who's +goin' to say which is worse off? You see, I got a good, hard blow, too. +An' if I'm goin' to recover ... well, I don't hardly feel like myself +yet. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, there's a time for everything! You'll have to conquer that now. +You must go out among people, hear things, see things, drink a glass of +beer once in a while, plunge into business, perhaps--somehow, put an end +to this sad business. It can't be helped, and so--forward! + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis just as you say! You're quite right! + +SIEBENHAAR + +To be sure, your wife was the best, most faithful woman. There's only one +opinion about that. But you are in the full current of life, Henschel; +you're in your best years; you still have a great deal to do in the +world: who knows how much. You needn't forget your wife on that account; +on the contrary. And that's entirely out of the question in the case of a +man like you. But you must honour her memory in a saner way. This kind of +brooding does no good. I've been watching you for a good while and I +determined, without saying anything, to make a really strong appeal to +you one day. You're letting yourself be actually downed. + +HENSCHEL + +But what's a man to do against it? You're right--that you are; but times +I hardly know what to do! You say: Plunge into business. But there's +somethin' lackin' all around. Four eyes sees better'n two; four +hands--they c'n do a sight more. Now I got all these coaches here in the +summer! An' there's no one to see to things at home! 'Tis not easy, I c'n +tell you that. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I thought that Hanne was quite a capable girl. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you see, she's given me notice, too.--'Tis too hard for a man to +get along without a wife. Yon can't depend on no one. That's just it; +that's just what I says! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Why don't you marry, Henschel? + +HENSCHEL + +'Twould be best!--What c'n I do without a wife? A man like me can't get +along without one. I was thinking in fact, of goin' upstairs an' askin' +the missis if, maybe, she could give me some advice in that direction. +She died an' left me alone in the midst of all these worries.--An', also, +to tell you the truth, this business of mine's not what it used to be. +How long is it goin' to be before the railroad comes here? Well, you see, +we'd put by a little, an' we wanted to buy a small inn--maybe in two +years or so. Well, that can't be done without a woman neither. + +SIEBENHAAR + +True. You won't be able to get along this way permanently. You can't +remain a widower the rest of your life. If for no other reason but for +the child's sake. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what I always says. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Of course I have no right to interfere in your affairs. Still, we're old +friends. To wait, Henschel, just on account of what people will +think--that's sheer nonsense, no more, no less. If you are quite +seriously thinking of marrying again, it would be better both for you and +for the child if you did it soon. You needn't be overhasty; assuredly +not! But if you've quite made up your mind, then--go straight ahead! Why +should you hesitate? [_After a pause during which HENSCHEL scratches his +head._] Have you any one particular in view? + +HENSCHEL + +--If I got some one in view? That's what you'd like to know? Maybe I has. +Only I can't marry her. + +SIEBENHAAR + +But why not? + +HENSCHEL + +You know it yourself. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I? I know it? How's that? + +HENSCHEL + +All you got to do is a little thinkin'. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Shaking his head._] I can't say that I recall at this moment. + +HENSCHEL + +Didn't I have to go an' promise my wife ... + +SIEBENHAAR. + +------?--Oh, yes!!--You mean the girl--Hanne?-- + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +I been thinkin' an' thinkin'. There's no use in denyin' it. When I wakes +up during the night, I can't sleep for a couple o' hours sometimes. I got +to be thinkin' of it all the time. I can't get over it any way!--The +girl's a good girl. She's a bit young for an old fellow like me, but she +c'n work enough for four men. An' she's taken very kindly to Gustel; no +mother could do more'n she. An' the girl's got a head on her, that's +sure, better'n mine. She c'n do sums better'n I can. She might go an' be +a calculator. She knows a bit o' business to the last farthing, even if +six weeks have come an' gone since. I believe she could make a fool o' +two lawyers. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, if you're so thoroughly convinced of all that ...! + +HENSCHEL + +There wouldn't be no better wife for me! An' yet ... an' yet! I can't get +over it. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +I do remember quite dimly now what you mean. It was quite at the end of +her life.--But I confess to you quite frankly: I didn't take that matter +so very seriously. Your wife was in a very excited condition. And that +was caused largely by her illness.--I can't think that that is the main +question. The real question must finally be whether Hanne is really +suitable for you! She has her advantageous qualities: no doubt about +that. There are things about her that I like less. However: who hasn't +some faults. People say that she has a child. + +HENSCHEL + +That she has. I've inquired. Well, even so. I don't care nothin' about +that. Was she to wait for me, eh? She didn't know nothin' about me when +that happened. She's hot-blooded; all right. That'll come out somehow. +When the pears is ripe, they falls to the ground. On that account--no, +that don't trouble me none. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, then! The other matter is trivial. Perhaps not trivial exactly. I +can well understand how it's taken hold of you. Still, one must get free +of it. To be bound by it, in spite of one's saner thought--that's clearly +folly, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +I've said that to myself ten times over. You see, my wife she didn't +never want anythin' but what was for my best good. I mean, in the days +when she was well. She wouldn't want to stand in my way. Wherever she is, +maybe, she'd want to see me get along. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Assuredly. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, I went out to her grave to-day. The missis had a wreath put there +too. I thought to myself I'd better go there, that's what I thought. +Maybe she'll be sendin' you some message. Mother, I said in my thoughts, +give me a sign. Yes or no! Anyway you answers, that way it'll be! An' I +stood, there half an hour.--I prayed, too, an' I put it all to her--just +to myself, o' course--about the child an' the inn an' that I don't know +what to do in my business--but she didn't give me no sign. + + _HANNE enters throwing sidelong glances at the two men, but at once + going energetically to work. She puts the washbench and tub aside and + busies herself at the stove._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To HENSCHEL._] God give the dead peace and blessedness. You are a man; +you're in the midst of life. Why should you need signs and miracles? We +can find our way in this world by depending with fair certainty on our +reason. You simply go your way. You're captain on your own ship. +Overboard with all these fancies and sickly notions! The more I think of +your plan, the more rational it seems to me ... + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, what do you say about it? + +HANNE + +I don't know. How c'n I tell what you're talkin' about? + +HENSCHEL + +You just wait: I'll tell you later. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, good morning, Henschel. I'll see you later. Meanwhile--good luck! + +HENSCHEL + +I'll hope I'll have it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I'm not worried about you. You had a lucky way with you always. + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +Yon shouldn't be sayin' it! 'Tis bad luck. + +HANNE + +If you spits three times, it'll take the curse off. + + [_Pause._] + +HANNE + +I can't help thinkin' as you're too good. + +HENSCHEL + +What makes you think so? + +HANNE + +People just robs you: that's what I says. + +HENSCHEL + +Did you think he wanted somethin' of me? + +HANNE + +Well, what else? He ought to be ashamed to come beggin' o' poor people. + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, you don't know what you're sayin'. + +HANNE + +I knows well enough. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what you don't. An' you couldn't know. But some day, later on, +you'll come to understand.--Now I'll be goin' to the taproom an' buy me a +mug o' beer. It'll be the first time these eight weeks. After that we c'n +eat, an' after the dinner then--listen to me--then we might say a word to +each other. Then we c'n see how everythin' c'n be straightened out.--Or, +maybe, you don't care about it? + +HANNE + +You was sayin' yourself: We c'n see. + +HENSCHEL + +An' that's what I says now. We c'n wait. + + [_Exit._ + + [_Pause._] + +HANNE + +[_Works on undisturbed. When HENSCHEL is out of hearing, she suddenly +ceases, scarcely mastering her joyous excitement, she dries her hands and +tears off her apron. In involuntary triumph:_] I'll show you. Watch out! + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _The same room as tn the two preceding acts._ + + _It is evening toward the end of November. A fire is burning in the + oven; a lighted candle stands on the table. The middle door is + closed. Muffled dance music penetrates into the room from the upper + stories of the house._ + + _HANNE, now MRS. HENSCHEL, sits by the table and knits; she is neatly + and suitably clad in a dress of blue cotton, and wears a red kerchief + across her breast._ + + _HILDEBRANT, the smith, enters. A small, sinewy person._ + +HILDEBRANT + +Good evenin', missis, where's your husband? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Gone to Breslau. He's fetchin' three new horses. + +HILDEBRANT + +Then I s'pose he won't be comin' home to-day, eh? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Not before Monday. + +HILDEBRANT + +Well, this is Saturday.--We've brought back the board waggon. It's +downstairs in the entry way. We had to renew all the four tires. Where's +Hauffe? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He hasn't been with us this long time. + +HILDEBRANT + +So he hasn't. 'Tis nonsense I'm talkin'. I mean the new servant. Is +Schwarzer here? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He's gone along to Breslau. + +HILDEBRANT + +Fact is I knows all about Hauffe. He comes down to the smithy an' just +stands aroun'. He's got nothin' to do yet. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +People says he's beginnin' to drink. + +HILDEBRANT + +I believes it. That's the way it goes. 'Tis bad for an old fellow like +that; nobody wants him now.--What's goin' on up there to-day? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Dancin'! + +HILDEBRANT + +How'd it be if we was to go up there too, missis. Why shouldn't we be +joinin' in a little waltz too? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +They'd open their eyes pretty wide up there if we did.--But what is it +you want of Henschel? + +HILDEBRANT + +His honour, the judge, has a chestnut stallion that don't want to let +hisself be shoed. So we wanted to ax Henschel to step over. If he can't +get any beast to stand still, why then--! Well, good evenin', Mrs. +Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Good evenin'. + + _HILDEBRANT withdraws._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL. + +[_Listens to a dragging noise out in the passage._] What kind of a noise +is that there? [_She steps forward and opens the door._] Who's makin' all +that racket out there? + +FRANZISKA + +[_Comes dancing in._] Get out of the way, Mrs. Henschel! I have no time. + + [_She whirls about in the room to the measure of the waltz heard from + above._] + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, this is a fine way to act! What's the matter with you? Did a mad +dog bite you, maybe? + + _FRANZISKA dances on and hums the melody of the waltz._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_More and more amused._] For heaven's sake! Somethin's goin' to happen +to you!--No, girl, you're goin' clear out o' your mind! + +FRANZISKA + +[_Sinks exhausted into a chair as the music breaks off._] Oh, Mrs. +Henschel, I could dance myself to death! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing._] At this here rate I believes you! It makes a body feel +dizzy just to watch you. + +FRANZISKA + +Don't you dance at all? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Me? If I dance? To be sure I do. 'Twasn't once or twice only that I got a +pair o' new shoes an' danced 'em to pieces in one night! + +FRANZISKA + +Come and dance with me then! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why don't you go upstairs an' dance with the folks there? + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, if only I might! Do you know what I'll do? I'll sneak up! I'll sneak +into the gallery! Have you ever been up there? The bags of prunes stand +up there. I go up there quite boldly and look down, and eat prunes. Why +shouldn't I look down from there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' maybe Siebenhaar'll send for you to come down. + +FRANZISKA + +I just stare down as bold as you please. I don't care a bit. And whenever +a lady dances with Mr. Siebenhaar, I pelt her with plum pits. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're crazy about Siebenhaar--that's certain! + +FRANZISKA + +Well, he's a real swell--that's what none of the others are. [_The music +is heard again._] Ah, they're starting. That's a polka! [_Dancing +again._] I'd like to dance with Mr. Siebenhaar this minute. D'you know +what I'd do? I'd just kiss him before he knew what was happening. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Siebenhaar'd be too old for me! + +FRANZISKA + +Your husband is just as old, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Look here, girl, I want you to know that my husband is a good five years +younger. + +FRANZISKA + +Well, he looks much older anyhow. Why, he looks so old and wrinkled. No, +I wouldn't care to kiss him. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You better see about getting out o' here, or I'll take a broom an' help +you along! Don't you abuse my husband! An' where would I get a better +one? You wait till you're a few years older an' you'll see what it means +in this world to have a husband! + +FRANZISKA + +I won't marry at all. I'll wait till some fine, rich gentleman +comes--some summer--for his health--a Russian, by preference--and then +I'll let him take me out into the world. I want to see the world--to +wander far--I want to go to Paris. And then I'll write you about myself, +Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I do believe you'll run off some day! + +FRANZISKA + +You can wager anything that I will. Mr. Siebenhaar was in Paris, too, you +know, during the revolution in 'forty-eight, and he can tell you the most +interesting stories! Oh, I'd like to see a revolution like that some day +too. They build barricades ... + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! Franziska! Where are you keeping yourself again? + +FRANZISKA + +Sh! Don't say anything! + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! Franziska! + +FRANZISKA + +Sh! Keep still! He wants me to serve at the bar. And that's horrid and I +won't do it! + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! + +FRANZISKA + +It's papa's or mama's place to do that. Or they can hire a waiter. I +won't be turned into a bar maid. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's not the worst kind o' thing! + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, if there were real gentlemen to serve! But they're just +well--attendants, coachmen and miners. Much obliged for such company! I +don't care about it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If I was you, I'd do that reel easy. An' I'd be gettin' good tips. You +could save a good many pennies an' put by a nice sum. + +FRANZISKA + +I won't accept pennies and farthings. And if some time Mr. Siebenhaar or +the architect or Dr. Valentiner gives me a present, I spend it on +sweetmeats right away. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Ah, that's just it. You're your father's daughter. An' your mother wasn't +much different neither. You people don't take care o' the business you +has! If you'd ha' done so you'd have money out at interest this day. + +FRANZISKA + +We're not as stingy as you, that's all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not stingy. But you got to keep your substance together. + +FRANZISKA + +People say you're stingy, though! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +People c'n be--! An' you too! Hurry now an' get out o' here! I'm sick o' +your jabberin' now! An' you don't need to come back here neither! I +haven't been longin' for you, exackly! 'Tis best not to see or hear +anything o' the whole crowd o' you. + +FRANZISKA + +[_Turning once more at the door, with angry malice._] Do you know what +else people say? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't want to know nothin'! Get out o' here! You look out that you +don't get to hear things about yourself! Who knows what's between you an' +Siebenhaar? You two knows it an' I knows it too. Otherwise you'd ha' been +kicked out twenty times over with your slovenly management! Teach me to +know Siebenhaar! + +FRANZISKA + +Fy, fy and fy again! + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +The baggage! + + _The middle door has remained open. SIEBENHAAR and the waiter GEORGE, + coming from different directions along the passage way, are seen to + meet at the door. GEORGE affects the height of Vienna fashions--hat, + cane, long overcoat, gay tie._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +What are you after here? + +GEORGE + +You'll forgive me but I have some business with Drayman Henschel. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel is not at home. You've been told three times now that there is +no place for you in my house. If you can't remember that henceforth I +shall be compelled to have your memory assisted by--the constable. + +GEORGE + +I beg your pardon very humbly, Mr. Siebenhaar, but I begs to submit that +I don't come to see you. These people lives in your house. An' you can't +prove nothin' as touchin' the question of my honour. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very well. Only, if I should meet you again I'll have the porter kick you +out. So you had better act accordingly. + + [_Exit._ + +GEORGE + +_[Enters the room cursing.]_ I'll take that there risk! We'll see about +that later! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Closes the door, with difficulty mastering her rage toward +SIEBENHAAR._] We're here, too, I'd have him know. Just let him try it! +This here is our room, not his room, an' anybody that comes here comes to +us an' not to him! He's got no right to say nothin' about it! + +GEORGE + +We'll just wait an' see--that's all I says. He might have to pay good an' +dear for that. That kind o' thing takes a man to the pen. He got hisself +into a nasty mess with Alphonse, who was here two years ago. But he'd be +gettin' into a worse mess with me. A hundred crowns o' damages'd be too +little for me. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he hasn't got no hundred crowns in his pocket--the damned bankrupt! +He's been borrowing of everybody in the county. He's got nothin' but +debts; you hear that on all sides. 'Twon't be long before there won't be +nothin' left an' he'll have to leave the house hisself instead o' puttin' +other people out of it! + +GEORGE + +[_Has recovered his overcoat, hung up his hat, and is now picking off the +little feathers from his coat and trousers._] That's right! An' that's no +secret to nobody. Even the people that come here year in an' out says the +same. An' nobody is sorry for him; no, they're willin' it should happen +to him. My present boss, he can't stand him neither. He gets reel +venomous if you so much as mention Siebenhaar's name. [_Takes a +pocket-mirror and comb from his pocket and smooths his hair._] Lord +knows, he says, there's more tricks to that man than a few. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I believes that; I s'ppose he's right there. + +GEORGE + +Now then, Hanne, has you got somethin' warm for me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why didn't you come yesterday? + +GEORGE + +You thinks I c'n get off every day, don't you? 'Twas hard enough to get +to come here to-day! Yesterday I was busy till three o'clock in the +mornin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL: + +What was it happened? + +GEORGE + +There was a meetin' o' the fire board. They bought a new engine, an' so +they wanted to celebrate the purchase. That's how they came to have a +meetin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +All they wants is an excuse to swill. An' all that while I sat till late +at night and waited. Once--I don't know, but it must ha' been a bird +flyin' against the window--I thought 'twas you, an' so I went to the +window an' opened it. After that I was that mad, I couldn't sleep half +the night. + +GEORGE + +Oh, pshaw! What's the use o' havin' things like that spoil one's temper. +[_He puts his arms around her._] That's nothin'! Nothin' at all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Frees herself from his embrace._] Oh, I don't know! 'Tis true--I don't +know how it comes--but things seem to go contrary with a body. Henschel +sits aroun' at home the whole week, an' now that he's gone for a bit, we +has to let the time slide away! + +GEORGE + +Well, we got plenty o' time to-day. He don't come back till Monday, I +thought. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who knows if it's true! + +GEORGE + +I don't know no reason why it shouldn't be true! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That man is bound to sit aroun' at home. 'Twasn't half as bad formerly. +He used to go on trips weeks at a time; nowadays he whines if he's got to +sleep away from home a single night. An' if he says: I'll stay three +days, he mostly comes back on the second--Listen ... I believe they've +come already! Who else'd be crackin' whips like that in the yard? + +GEORGE + +[_After he has listened, in a restrained tone:_] The devil take 'em +all--the whole damned crowd! A man hasn't had time to get warm a bit. I +s'pose I'll have to leave right off, eh? I thought it'd be mighty +different, I must say! + + [_He slips his overcoat back on and takes up his hat._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Tears his hat from his head._] You stay right here! What d'you want to +run off for? D'you think I got to be scared o' Henschel. He's got to come +to my terms. I don't has to think about him. If you'd come yesterday!--I +told you ...! Then nobody wouldn't ha' interrupted us, no Henschel an' no +Siebenhaar. To-day the devil's broke loose! + + _The horse dealer WALTHER enters--a handsome, vigorous fellow of + forty. Bashly cap, fur jacket, hunting stockings and tall boots; his + mits are fastened by cords._ + +WALTHER + +Missis, your husband is outside in the yard. I'm just comin' in for a +minute to bid you good evenin'. I got to ride off again straight way. +He's bought some fine Flemish horses. An' he's brought along something +else, for you too. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I thought he wouldn't be comin' back till Monday. + +WALTHER + +An' that's the way it would ha' been. But we couldn't ride on horseback +no farther'n Kanth. There we had to take the train with the horses or +they'd ha' broken their necks an' their limbs. Travellin' was that bad on +account o' the sleet. + +GEORGE + +You makes better time with the train--that's certain! + +WALTHER + +What kind of a feller is that there? Why, you're tryin' to be invisible, +eh? Well, if that isn't little George--I do believe! Why, you looks like +a natural born baron! + +GEORGE + +A man earns more over there in the "Star" hotel. I has a much more +profitable position. Here I had to work till my clothes dropped from me +in rags. I was most naked in the end; now I'm beginnin' to buy somethin' +again. + +WALTHER + +Now guess, missis, what your husband has brought home for you! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, what is it? + +WALTHER + +I wager you'll be mighty glad of that present! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +We'll see. It depends on what it is. + +WALTHER + +Good luck to you then. I got to hurry or my wife'll get ugly. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Good luck to you. + +GEORGE + +I might as well come along. Good night, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Didn't you want to see Henschel about somethin'? + +GEORGE + +There's plenty o' time for that. There's no hurry. + +WALTHER + +If you got somethin' to say to him you'd better wait till to-morrow. He's +got different kinds o' things in his mind to-day. D'you know what he's +bringin' you, missis? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What should he be bringin' me? Don't talk so much nonsense. + +WALTHER + +Why, he's bringin' you your daughter! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--What's that he's bringin'? I didn't hear right! + +WALTHER + +We was in Quolsdorf and fetched her. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're drunk, the two o' ye, eh? + +WALTHER + +No, no, I'm tellin' you the truth. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who did you get? + +WALTHER + +He didn't tell me nothin' about it. All of a sudden we was in the pub at +Quolsdorf an' sat down there. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, an' what then? + +WALTHER + +We was sittin' there an' then, after a little while, your father came in +with the bit of a girl. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +'Tis no girl o' mine! + +WALTHER + +I don't know nothin' about that! I knows this much though: he's got the +child out there. He went up to your father an' he said: The child's a +pretty child.--Then he took her in his arms an' petted her. Shall I take +you with me, he axes her, an' she was willin' right off. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, an' my father? + +WALTHER + +Well, your father didn't know who Henschel was! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Better an' better! An' is that all? + +WALTHER + +[_Almost addressing GEORGE now._] No, there was nothin' more. He just +took the little one out an' said to your father: I'll let the lass ride +horseback. An' she kept cryin' out: Lemme ride! Lemme ride! Then Henschel +mounted his great Flemish horse an' I had to hand the child up to him. +After that he said: Good-bye, an' rode off. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' father just stood there an' looked on? + +WALTHER + +What was he goin' to do about it? The whole village might ha' turned out +for all the good it would ha' done. When once Henschel lays his hands on +somethin'--I wouldn't advise nobody to cross him! An' there's no one in +the county that likes to pick a quarrel with him neither! Your father, he +didn't know what was goin' on. Then suddenly, o' course, he roared like +fury an' cried out an' cursed more'n enough. But the people just laughed. +They knew Henschel. An' he--Henschel--he just said reel quiet: Good luck +to you, father Schael; I'm takin' her along. The mother is waitin' for her +at home. Stop drinkin'! he said, an' maybe there'll be a place with us +for you some day, too. + +GEORGE + +Good-bye, I think I'll maybe drop in to-morrow. + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' so he thinks I'm goin' to keep her here. I'll never do that--never in +the world. She's no child o' mine! How would I be lookin' before people? +First in Quolsdorf, then here! Didn't I work an' worry enough? Day an' +night, you might say, I was busy with Gustel. An' now the weary trouble +is to begin all over again. That'd be fine, wouldn't it? He'd better take +care! + + _HENSCHEL appears in the middle door. He is also clad in leathern + breeches, fur jacket, tall boots, etc., just as he has dismounted. He + leads by the hand a little girl of six--ragged and unwashed._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Almost merrily referring to HANNE'S last words, which he has +overheard._] Who's to take care? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--Oh, I don't know! + +HENSCHEL + +Look, Hanne, look who comes here! [_To the child._] Go ahead, Berthel, +an' say good evenin'. Go on an' say it! Say: Good evenin', mama! + + _BERTHEL leaving HENSCHEL unwillingly and walks, encouraged by + friendly little shoves from him, diagonally across the room to where + HANNE, assuming a disgruntled attitude, sits on the bench._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_To the child, who stands helplessly before her._] What do you want +here? + +BERTHEL + +I rode on such a pitty horsie? + + _HENSCHEL and WALTHER laugh heartily._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well now we'll keep her here. Hallo, Hanne! Are you angry about anythin'? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You are sayin' you wouldn't be back till Monday. There's not a bite for +supper in the house now. + +HENSCHEL + +There'll be a bit o' bread an' bacon. + + [_He hangs up his cap._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Pulling ungently at BERTHEL'S clothes._] How'd you get this way? + +HENSCHEL + +You'll soon have to buy her somethin' to put on! She's got hardly nothin' +on her little body. 'Twas a good thing I had plenty o' blankets along, or +she'd ha' been half froze on the way. [_After he has removed his fur +jacket and warmed his hands._] Best thing would be to put her right +straight in a tub. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Best thing would ha' been if you'd ha' left her where she was. + +HENSCHEL + +What did you say? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Nothin'. + +HENSCHEL + +I thought you were sayin' somethin'.--Into the tub with her! An' then to +bed! An' you might go over her head a bit! I believe she's got a little +colony there. [_BERTHEL cries out._] What's the matter? Don't tug at her +so rough! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, don't cry, girl! That'd be the last straw! + +HENSCHEL + +You must be a bit friendly with her. The lass is thankful for every kind +word. Be quiet, Berthel, be quiet! + +BERTHEL + +I want to go to father! + +HENSCHEL + +You're with mother now! Mother is good!--I'm reel satisfied that we has +her with us. 'Twas the highest time. A bit longer an' we might ha' had to +look for her in the graveyard. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That wasn't half as bad as you're tryin' to make out. + +HENSCHEL + +[_In some consternation but still kindly._] What's the meanin' o' that? + + [_Pause._] + +WALTHER + +Well, good luck to you all. I'll have to be goin'. + +HENSCHEL + +Wait a bit an' drink a glass o' toddy. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If there were only some rum in the house! + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you can fetch it from Wermelskirch's! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't want to have nothin' to do with those people! + +WALTHER + +No, no. I got to go home. I got no time. I got to be ridin' half an hour +yet. [_To HANNE._] I don't want to be a bother to you. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who mentioned such a thing? + +WALTHER + +[_Humorously._] Nothin'! I didn't say nothin' at all. God forbid! I won't +let myself in for nothin'. You're a hard customer. Good-bye an' good +luck! + +HENSCHEL + +Good-bye, an' don't forget a greetin' to the wife! + +WALTHER + +[_Already from outside._] All right! Good night! I won't forget nothin'. + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well, didn't I do the right thing this time? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What is I to say to people? + +HENSCHEL + +--You're not goin' to be ashamed o' your own daughter! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who's sayin' I is, eh? 'Tis all the same to me! You're willin' to have +'em say evil o' me. You force 'em to it! [_Harshly to the child._] Here, +drink this milk! An' then off to bed with you! [_BERTHEL drinks._] + +HENSCHEL + +Are you goin' to go on this way? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Go on how? + +HENSCHEL + +With the child! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not goin' to bite her; there's no fear! + + [_She takes the still weeping child into the little room to bed._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Speaking after her._] She's not here to be bitten. I needn't ha' +brought her, you know! + + [_A brief pause, after which HANNE returns._ + +HENSCHEL + +A man can't never know how to please you. There's no gettin' along with +women folks. You always acted as if.... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With tears of rage._] That's a lie if you want to know it! + +HENSCHEL + +What's a lie! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_As above._] I never bothered you about Berthel. I never so much as +mentioned her to you! + +HENSCHEL + +I didn't say you had. Why d'you howl so? On that account, because you +didn't say nothin', I wanted to help you in spite o' your silence. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But couldn't you ha' asked? A man ought to say somethin' before he does a +thing like that! + +HENSCHEL + +Well now, I'll tell you somethin': This is Saturday night. I hurried all +I could so's to be at home again. I thought you'd meet me different! But +if it's not to be, it can't be helped. Only, leave me in peace! You +understand! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Nobody's robbin' you o' your peace. + +HENSCHEL + +D'you hear me? I want my peace an' that's all. You brought me to that +point. I didn't think nothin' but what was good doin' this thing. Gustel +is dead. She won't come back no more. Her mother took her to a better +place. The bed is empty, an' we're alone. Why shouldn't we take care o' +the little lass? That's the way I thinks an' I'm not her father! You +ought to think so all the more, 'cause you're the child's mother! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There you are! You're beginnin' to throw it up to me this minute! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't stop I'll go to Wermelskirch an' not come back all night! +D'you want to drive me out o' the house?--I'm always hopin' things'll be +different, but they gets worse ... worse! I thought maybe if you had your +child with you, you'd learn a little sense. If these goin's on don't end +soon ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +All I say is this: If she stays in the house an' if you tell people that +she's mine ... + +HENSCHEL + +They all know it! I don't have to tell 'em. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Then you c'n take your oath on it--I'll run away! + +HENSCHEL + +Run, run all you can--all you want to! You ought to be ashamed o' +yourself to the bottom o' your heart! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The tap room in WERMELSKIRCH'S public house. A flat, whitewashed + room with a door leading to the inner rooms of the house on the left. + The rear wall of this room is broken, toward its middle. The opening + leads to a second, smaller, oblong room. On the right wall of this + second room there is a glass door leading out into the open and, + farther forward, a window. On the rear wall of the main room the bar + is situated, filled with square whisky-bottles, glasses, etc. The + beer is also on draught there. Highly varnished tables and chairs of + cherry wood are scattered about the room. A red curtain divides the + two rooms. In the oblong rear room are also chairs and tables and, in + the extreme background, a billiard table. Lithographs, representing + mainly hunting scenes, are hung on the walls._ + + _WERMELSKIRCH, in a dressing gown and smoking a long pipe, sits on + the left, himself playing the piano. Three members of the voluntary + fire-corps play billiards. In the foreground to the right HAUFFE sits + brooding over a glass of whisky. He is noticeably shabby. MRS. + WERMELSKIRCH, a gipsy-like, slovenly old woman, is rinsing glasses + behind the bar. FRANZISKA is crouching on a window ledge at the right + playing with a kitten. The waiter GEORGE is standing at the bar over + a glass of beer. He has an elegant spring suit on, as well as + patent-leather shoes, kid-gloves and a top-hat set far back on his + head._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Plays and sings._] + + "When I was prince in realms Arcadian, + I lived in splendour and in wealth." + +GEORGE + +[_Who has accompanied the music by dancing gestures._] Go on, go on with, +that! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Coughing affectedly._] Can't be done! Quite hoarse! Anyhow ... +pshaw!... I'll try again. + + "When I was prince ...." [_He coughs._] + + "When I was prince in realms Arcadian, + I lived in splen ... I lived in splen ... "! + +The devil take it! + +GEORGE + +Aw, why don't you go on? That was quite right! That was fine! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I see myself trying! It's all over with me! + +GEORGE + +I don't understand you! That's the finest kind o' chamber music! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Laughing._] Chamber music! + +GEORGE + +Well, maybe not! I don't know the differences so well. Hallo, Miss +Franziska, what are you laughin' at? + +FRANZISKA + +I'm laughing at your beautiful patent-leather boots. + +GEORGE + +Go right ahead! You don't expect me to go barefoot. Give that man over +there a glass of beer. How would you like a bit o' cordial, Miss +Franziska? You're right, my boots is pretty fine ones. They cost me +twenty crowns. Why not? I c'n stand the expense; I'm able to do it! In +the "Sword" hotel a man c'n at least earn somethin'. To be sure, while I +was at the "Star" I couldn't ha' bought no boots like this. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +So you like it better at the "Sword"? + +GEORGE + +I should say so! A boss like I got now, a reel good fellow--I never had +before long's I've been in the business. We're like old friends--like +brothers. I could say most anythin' to him! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, that's very different from Siebenhaar. + + _FRANZISKA laughs out._ + +GEORGE + +An' that just shows you: Pride goeth before a fall. Two or three weeks +an' he'll be under the hammer. Then I c'n buy myself his gold watch. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +You'd better buy the whole house! + +GEORGE + +Not just now. You got to wait for the proper time to do a thing like +that. An' anyhow, it's sold. Your health, gentlemen!... Your health, +gentlemen! When you're through, I'll order more! What's the name o' the +man that bought the house? Exner? Eh? He's goin' to bottle the spring +water an' export it. He's goin' to rent out the hotel.--I'd rent it this +minute if I had the money. + +HAUFFE + +Why don't you go to Henschel? He'll give it to you. + +GEORGE + +That wouldn't be as much out o' the question as you thinks. + +HAUFFE + +No, that a fac'! You're on pretty good terms with the wife! + + [_FRANZISKA laughs aloud._] + +GEORGE + +Well, why shouldn't I be. That there woman's not half bad. I tell you, a +fellow that knows how, c'n make the women feed out o' his hand! + +HAUFFE + +Well, if you know enough to make Mrs. Henschel feed out o' your hand, you +must know your business pretty well. I'll say that for you. + + _FABIG enters, the cord of his pack around his shoulders. He sits + down modestly in a corner._ + +GEORGE + +Well, there you are; that's what I'm tellin' you! There's pretty few that +could come up to me that way. But a man has to be on the lookout, or he'd +get a good beatin' an' that's all! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, you're not through with it yet yourself. [_SIEBENHAAR enters from +the left._] Where Henschel strikes down the grass stops growing. Your +servant, Mr. Siebenhaar! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Somewhat pale._] Good morning! + +GEORGE + +I think I'll play a game o' billiards. + + [_He takes up his glass and disappears behind the curtain in the + rear._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Sitting down at a table near the piano._] Weren't you just singing, Mr. +Wermelskirch? Don't let me interrupt you, please. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +What? I? Singing? That's hardly possible! You know how deeply this +business affects me. But if you say so it must be true. Permit me to sit +down by you. Bring me a glass of beer, too, Franziska! + +SIEBENHAAR + +When one considers that you were completely hoarse three or four years +ago, you must admit that you've recuperated remarkably. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +You're quite right. But what good does it do me? I've half way crawled +out of the slough. But who knows what'll happen now? + +FRANZISKA + +[_Places a glass of beer before SIEBENHAAR; to WERMELSKIRCH:_] I'll bring +yours at once. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Having drunk._] What do you mean by that, exactly? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I don't know that I can tell you very exactly what I do mean. But I feel +something in my bones. I believe there'll be a change in the weather. +Jesting aside--I have all kinds of omens that are familiar to an old +actor. When the waters here began to do me so much good, I knew certainly +that ten horses couldn't drag me away. And it wasn't a month before my +road company had gone to smash. Now I suppose I'll have to wander on in +the same old way again--who knows whither? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Who knows whither? That's the way of the world. As for me--I'm not sorry! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Ah, but you're a man in the prime of life. The world has a place for a +man like you everywhere. It's different with an old fellow like me. If I +lose my means of making a living, I mean, if I'm given notice, what is +there left me, I'd like to know? I might actually get me a hurdy-gurdy +and Franziska could go about and collect the pennies. + +FRANZISKA + +That wouldn't embarrass me a bit, papa! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Not if it were to rain gold pieces! + +FRANZISKA + +And, anyhow, papa, how you always talk! You could go back on the stage! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Not even at a monkey-show, girlie! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Did Mr. Exner intimate anything to you? According to what he told me he +meant to leave everything pretty much as it is. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, I hardly belong to what could be summed up as "everything." + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Approaching the table in great excitement._] I must say, Mr. +Siebenhaar, I must say ... And you can take my word for it! I'm an old +woman of fifty and I've seen a good deal of the world, but the way we've +been treated here--that's really--I don't know what to call it--but it's +just vulgar malice, the lowest kind of scheming, pure meanness. You can +take my word for that! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Oh, mother, are you starting in too? You'd better withdraw, if you don't +mind, and retire behind your barricade! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +I'd like to know what our little Fanny did to that woman! + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, never mind, mama! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +On the contrary! Are we to put up with everything? Isn't one to offer any +resistance if that woman robs us of our very bread--if she spreads +slander about our daughter? [_To SIEBENHAAR._] Did the child ever offend +you in any way? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mama, mama! Come along now, mama, and rest a while. So! You spoke your +part very well indeed. You can repeat it to-night. + + [_He leads her behind the bar where her sobbing is heard for some + time after._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Having resumed his seat._] She's quite right at bottom. I've heard all +kinds of rumours too, to the effect that Henschel will rent the barroom. +And, of course, his wife is behind that! + +HAUFFE + +An' who else'd be back of it I'd like to know? If there's anythin' low +happenin' in the village nowadays, you don't has to go an ax who's back +of it! That Henschel woman's got the devil in her! + +FABIG + +An' she's had her eye on the barroom this long time. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To_ HAUFFE.] One hardly ever sees you any longer, Hauffe? Where did you +land? + +HAUFFE + +Where d'you suppose? In misery an' hunger' An' who gave me the shove? +That damned crittur of a woman! Who else'd do it, I'd like to know! I +never had no trouble with Henschel! + +FABIG + +His wife has the breeches on--that's all! + +HAUFFE + +I wasn't quick enough for her no more. I'm not as young as I was--that's +a fac'! An' I don't go hangin' aroun' no woman's apron strings neither. +An' that there is what she wants. That's what you got to do with her! +She's a hot one--you might say--she don't never get enough.--But as for +workin': I c'n work! Them young fellers that she hires--they're that +stinkin' lazy.... I could do as much as any three of 'em. + +SIEBENHAAR + +One feels sorry for old Henschel. + +HAUFFE + +If he's satisfied, I don't care. But he ought to know why my bones is +stiff! They didn't get stiff with lazyin' aroun', an' if that man has a +chest full o' money to-day, he knows who it is that helped him earn a +good lot of it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +I recall very well that you even worked for Wilhelm Henschel's father. + +HAUFFE + +Well, who else but me! That's the way it is! An' I fed Wilhelm's horses +eighteen years an' more--hitched 'em up an' unhitched 'em--went on trips +summer an' winter. I drove 's far's Freiburg an' 's far's Breslau: I had +to drive 'way to Bromberg. Many a night I had to sleep in the waggon. I +got my ears an' my hands frost bitten: I got chilblains on both feet big +as pears. An' now he puts me out! Now I c'n go! + +FABIG + +That's all the woman's doin's: he's a good man. + +HAUFFE + +Why did he go an' load hisself with that wench! Now he can look out for +hisself! An' he couldn't hardly wait to do it decent. His first wife--she +wasn't hardly cold when he ran to get married to this one! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, no one knew her, of course. + +FABIG + +I knew her well enough. O Lord--that I did! If he'd ha' axed me, I could +ha' told him! If he wanted to send Gustel after her mother, there wasn't +no surer way for him to take: all he had to do was to make Hanne the +child's step-mother. + +HAUFFE + +Ah yes, yes ... well, well ... I'm not sayin' nothin' more. There's many +a one has shaken his head about that! But that'll be comin' home to him +some day. First people just wondered; now they'd believe anythin' of him. + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's undoubtedly mere idle talk. + + _The horse dealer WALTHER enters in riding boots, hunting jacket and + cap. His whip is in his hand. He sits down at one of the tables and + beckons FRANZISKA to bring him beer._ + +HAUFFE + +You c'n say that. Maybe it's true. But if the dead was to come back an' +was to say their say--'tis old Mrs. Henschel that could tell you a thing +or two. She couldn't live an' she didn't want to live! An' what's the +main thing--she wasn't to live! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Hauffe, you'd better take care! If Henschel were to get wind of that ... + +HAUFFE + +I wouldn't have to take care if he did! I'd say that to anyone's face. +Old Mrs. Henschel--she was meant to die! If they pisened her, I couldn't +say; I wasn't on the spot. But that thing didn't happen no natural way. +She was a well woman; she might ha' lived thirty years. + + _SIEBENHAAR drinks and rises._ + +WALTHER + +I c'n bear witness that she was well. She was my own sister an' I ought +to know. She was in the way an' had to go. + + _SIEBENHAAR leaves quietly._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Would you like a little snuff, gentlemen? [_Softly and confidentially._] +And don't you think, gentlemen, that you're going a little far? It seems +so to me. I wish you would watch the man. He sat here till quite late +yesterday. The man sighed so pitifully--there was no one else here--that +I really felt very sorry for him. + +HAUFFE + +'Tis his bad conscience that's botherin' him! + +WALTHER + +Don't talk to me about Henschel! I'm sick o' hearin' about him. He an' +me--we're through with each other this long time. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +No, no, Mr. Siebenhaar is right. One ought to feel sorry for him. + +WALTHER + +He c'n think about it what he pleases. I don't care. But what I ought to +think about Henschel--there's nobody that need tell me nothin' about +that! + + _HENSCHEL and the smith HILDEBRANT enter at the right. HENSCHEL is + carrying little BERTHA, more neatly dressed than formerly, on his + arm. A little pause of embarrassment falls upon the men._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Welcome, Mr. Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +Good mornin', all of ye. + +FRANZISKA + +Well, Berthel, how are you? + +HENSCHEL + +Say thank you! Well, can't you talk?--We gets along. A body has to be +satisfied. Good mornin', brother. [_He stretches out his hand carelessly +to WALTHER who takes it in the same fashion._] How are you? How's +everythin'? + +WALTHER + +I gets along as usual. 'Twouldn't be bad if it was better! You're a +reg'lar nurse girl nowadays! + +HENSCHEL + +True, true! 'Tis almost that! + +WALTHER + +You're hardly ever seen without the girl. Can't you leave her with her +mother? + +HENSCHEL + +She's always scourin' an' workin'. The little thing is just in her way! +[_He sits down on a bench along the wall near the bar, not far from his +brother-in-law. He keeps the little girl on his lap. HILDEBRANT sits down +opposite him._] How is it, Hildebrant, what shall we have? I think we've +earned a bumper o' beer? Two of 'em, then, an two glasses o' brandy. + +HILDEBRANT + +That son of a--actually broke my skin! + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin' but a foal neither an' has the strength o'--... Good mornin', +Hauffe. + +HAUFFE + +Mornin'. + +HENSCHEL + +He's a bit surly. Let's not bother him. + +FABIG + +Mr. Henschel, won't you buy something o' me? A needle box for the wife, +maybe, or a pretty little comb to stick in the hair! [_All laugh._] +George, the waiter, he bought one too. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing good-naturedly with the others._] Don't you come botherin' me +with your trash! [_To WERMELSKIRCH._] Give him a measure o' beer!--'Tis a +quaint little chap he is. Who is it? + +HILDEBRANT + +'Tis Fabig from Quolsdorf, I think--the most mischievous little scamp in +the county. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, I got a little native from Quolsdorf here too. + +FABIG + +[_To BERTHA._] We're good old friends, eh? + +BERTHA + +[_To FABIG._] Why don't you dive me some nuts? + +FABIG + +Aha, she knows who I is! I'll look an' see if I c'n find some! + +BERTHA + +Outside in the waggon! + +FABIG + +No, they're here in my pocket! [_He gives them to the child._] You see, +you don't get out o' the pubs. Long ago your grandfather took you along; +now you got to go about with Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +[_To BERTHA._] Tell him to attend to his bit o' trash! Tell him you're +bein' looked out for! Tell him that! + + _GEORGE comes vivaciously out of the billiard room._ + +GEORGE + +[_Without noticing HENSCHEL._] Well,--I never saw the likes o' that! That +there feller c'n eat glass like anythin'. Put it down on the reckoning, +Miss Franziska: a lot o' beer! There's five o' us! + +FRANZISKA + +[_Has taken BERTHA on her arm. She goes with the child behind the bar._] +Bertha won't permit it; I can't do it now! + +GEORGE + +Good heavens, Mr. Henschel, there you are too! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Without noticing GEORGE, to HILDEBRANT._] Your health, Hildebrant! + + [_They clink their glasses and drink._ + +FABIG + +[_To GEORGE who, a little taken aback, lights his cigar at one of the +tables._] Tell me this, mister George, you're a kind of a wizard, eh? + +GEORGE + +Well, I do declare! What makes you think so? + +FABIG + +'Cause a while ago, you was gone like a light that's blown out. + +GEORGE + +Well, what's the use o' huntin' for disagreeable things. Siebenhaar an' +me--we can't agree, that's all. + +FABIG + +[_With the gesture of boxing another's ears._] People do say that +somethin' happened.--[_Passing by, to HAUFFE._] Did you win in the +lottery? eh? + +HAUFFE + +You damned vermin! + +FABIG + +Yes, that's just what I am. + +HENSCHEL + +Is it true that you're working down at Nentwich's now? + +HAUFFE + +What business is it o' yours? + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing and quite even-tempered._] Now look at that feller. He pricks +like a weasel wherever you touches him. + +WALTHER + +I s'pose you'll be our host here pretty soon now? + +HENSCHEL + +[_After he has glanced at him in astonishment._] That's the first ever +I've heard of it! + +WALTHER + +Oh, I thought! I don't know exackly who 'twas that told me. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Drinking: indifferently._] Whoever told you that must ha' been +dreamin'! + + [_Pause._] + +HILDEBRANT + +In this here house everythin' is bein' turned upside down now. An' what I +says is this: You'll be all sighin' to have Siebenhaar back some day. + +HENSCHEL + +[_To HAUFFE._] You might go over to Landeshut. I got two coach horses +standin' there. You might ride them in for me. + +HAUFFE + +The hell I will--that's what I'll do for you. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing and calmly._] Well, now you c'n sit there till you gets blue +in the face. I won't concern myself that much about you! + +HAUFFE + +You c'n keep busy sweepin' before your own door. + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis well, 'tis well. We'll let that there be. + +HAUFFE + +You got filth enough in your own house! + +HENSCHEL + +Hauffe, I tell you right now: I wouldn't like to do it. But if you're +goin' to start trouble here--I tell you that--I'll kick you out! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Peace, gentlemen! I beg of you: peace! + +HAUFFE + +You're not the host here an' you can't kick nobody out! You has no more +right to say anythin' here than me! I don't let you nor nobody tell me to +hold my tongue. No, not you an' not your wife, no matter how you scheme, +you two! That don't scare me an' don't bother me that much! + + _Without any show of anger, HENSCHEL grasps HAUFFE by the chest and + pushes him, struggling in vain, toward the door. Just before reaching + it he turns slightly, opens the door, puts HAUFFE out, and closes it + again. During this scene the following colloquy takes place:_ + +HAUFFE + +Let go, I tell you! I just warn you: let go! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mr. Henschel, that won't do; I can't permit that! + +HENSCHEL + +I gave you fair warnin'! There's no help for you now. + +HAUFFE + +Are you goin' to choke me? Let go, I tell you! You're not the host here! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_From behind the bar._] What's the meaning of this? That will never do, +Ludwig! You can't permit yourself to be treated that way! + +FABIG + +[_While HENSCHEL, holding HAUFFE, is rapidly approaching the door._] You +might as well let it be. There's nothin' to be done. That there man--he's +like an athlete. He'll bite his teeth into the edge of a table, and he'll +lift the table up for you so steady, you won't notice a glass on it +shakin'. If he went an' took the notion, I tell you, we'd all be flyin' +out into the street different ways! + + _HAUFFE has been put out, HENSCHEL returns._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Resuming his seat amid a general silence._] He wouldn't give no +rest--he's that stubborn. + +FIRST FIREMAN + +[_Who has come in out of the billiard room and drunk a glass of whisky at +the bar._] I'd like to pay. A man had better go. In the end anybody +might be flyin' out o' here, you know. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Yon take another glass of beer. That would be the last straw. After all, +I am still master here. + +WALTHER + +If that's the way you're goin' to do, Henschel, when you stands behind +the bar and runs this here place instead o' Wermelskirch--you won't keep +many customers, I c'n tell you that! + +HENSCHEL + +Customers like that don't matter. + +WALTHER + +You won't be able to pick 'em out, though. Hauffe don't pay with +counterfeit money neither. + +HENSCHEL + +He c'n pay anyway he wants to, for all I care. But I tell you again now: +Don't start that there business over again. I won't be takin' this place +at all. If I was goin' to take it, I ought to know better than anybody +else. Well, then: if I'm ready to buy a pub some day--I'll let you know! +Afterward you c'n give me your advice. An' if you don't like the place +an' don't patronise it--well, then, Lord A'mighty, you don't has to! + + _The FIREMAN goes out slamming the door angrily behind him._ + +WALTHER + +I s'pose it's just as well to go.... + + [_He prepares to pay his score._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mr. Henschel, surely that isn't right of you. You drive my customers out. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, my goodness! Now tell me: If that man runs out, what has I to do +with it? For my part he can stay here till mornin'. + +WALTHER + +[_Pocketing his money again._] You got no right to put anybody out o' +here. You're not the host. + +HENSCHEL + +Anythin' else you know? + +WALTHER + +People knows a good deal. Only they rather keep still. Wermelskirch knows +that best of all! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why I exactly? Now, look here, that's ... + +HENSCHEL + +[_Firmly and collectedly._] What is't you know? Out with it! One o' you +knows one thing an' another another, an' altogether you don't know that +much! + + [_Pause._] + +WALTHER + +[_In a changed tone._] If you were only the same man you used to be! But +God only knows what's gotten into you! In those days you had a standin' +among men. People came from far an' wide to get your advice. An' what you +said, that was--you might say--almost like the law o' the land. 'Twas +like Amen in church. An' now there's no gettin' along with you! + +HENSCHEL + +Go right ahead with your preachin'. + +WALTHER + +Very well, I s'pose you're noticin' it all yourself. Formerly, you had +nothin' but friends. Nowadays nobody comes to you no more; an' even if +they did want to come they stay away on account o' your wife. Twenty +years Hauffe served you faithful. Then, suddenly, he don't suit your +wife, an' you take him by the scruff an' put him out. What's the meanin' +o' that! That woman has but to look at you an' you're jumpin' at her +beck, instead o' goin' an' takin' a stout rope an' knockin' the +wickedness out o' her! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't keep still this minute--I'll take you by the scruff too. + +GEORGE + +[_To HENSCHEL._] Don't forget yourself, whatever you do, Mr. Henschel! +That man don't know no better, you see. + + [_Exit rapidly into the billiard room._ + +WALTHER + +I believe, Henschel, if a man comes nowadays an' tells you the truth, +you're capable o' flingin' him against the wall. But a feller like that, +a worthless windbag like George--he c'n lie to you day an' night. Your +wife an' he--they c'n compete with each other makin' a fool o' you! If +you want to be cheated--all right! But if you got a pair o' eyes left in +your head, open 'em once an' look around you an' look at that there +feller good an' hard. Them two deceive you in broad daylight! + +HENSCHEL + +[_About to hurl himself upon WALTHER, masters his rage._] What did you +say--eh? Nothin'! Aw, it's all right. + + [_Pause._] + +FABIG + +It's reg'lar April weather this day. Now the sun shines an' now it blows +again. + +HAUFFE'S VOICE + +[_From without._] I'll pay you back for this! You watch out! You c'n let +it be now! We'll meet again: we'll meet at court--that's where. + +WALTHER + +[_Finishes his glass._] Good-bye. I'm meanin' well by you, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Lays his hand about WALTHER'S wrist._] You stay here! Y' understan'? + +WALTHER + +What is I to do here? + +HENSCHEL + +You'll see for yourself. All I says is: You stay! [_To FRANZISKA._] Go +down an' tell my wife she's to come up! + + _FRANZISKA goes._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +But, dear Mr. Henschel, I beg you, for heaven's sake, don't cause a +scandal here! The police will be coming at me next, and then ... + +HENSCHEL + +[_In an outburst of towering, withering rage--bluish-red of face._] I'll +beat you all to death if Hanne don't come here--now!!! + +WALTHER + +[_In helpless perplexity._] Wilhelm, Wilhelm, don' go an' commit some +foolishness now! I wish I hadn't said nothin'. An' it didn't mean +nothin'. You know yourself how people will talk! + +HILDEBRANT + +Wilhelm, you're a good man. Come to your senses! My God, how you look! +Think, man, think! Why, you fairly roared! What's the matter with you? +That must ha' been heard all over the house! + +HENSCHEL + +Anybody c'n hear me now that wants to. But you stay here an' Hanne is to +come here. + +WALTHER + +Why should I be stayin' here? I don't know what for! Your affairs--they +don't concern me a bit. I don't mingle in 'em an' I don't want to! + +HENSCHEL + +Then you should ha' thought before you spoke! + +WALTHER + +Everythin' else that's between us'll be settled in court. There we'll see +who's in the right. I'll get hold o' my money; never fear! Maybe you're +wife'll think it over once or twice before she goes an' perjures herself. +The rest don't concern me. I tell you to let me go. I has no time. I has +to go to Hartau, an' I can't be kept waitin' here. + + _SIEBENHAAR re-enters._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +What's happened here? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Goodness, gracious, I don't know! I don't know what Mr. Henschel wants! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Who continues to imprison WALTHER'S wrist._] Hanne is to come here: +that's all. + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_To SIEBENHAAR._] The men were drinking their beer quite peacefully. +Suddenly Mr. Henschel came in and began a dispute as though he were +master here. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_With a deprecating gesture._] All right; all right. [_To HENSCHEL._] +What's happened to you, Henschel? + +HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar, it's no fault o' mine. I couldn't help things comin' +about this way. You may think what you please, Mr. Siebenhaar. I give you +my word--'twasn't my fault. + +SIEBENHAAR + +You needn't excuse yourself to me, Henschel. I know you're a man of +peace. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes. I was in your father's service long ago, an' even if it looks that +way a thousand times over--it wasn't my fault that this here has +happened. I don't know myself what I has done. I never was +quarrelsome--that's certain! But now things has come about ...! They +scratch an' they bite at me--all of 'em! An' now this man here has said +things o' my wife that he's got to prove--prove!!--or God help him! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Why don't you let the people gossip? + +HENSCHEL + +Proofs! Proofs! Or God help him! + +WALTHER + +I can prove it an' I will. There are not many people in this room that +don't know it as well as I. That there woman is on an evil way. 'Tis no +fault o' mine, an' I wouldn't ha' mentioned it. But I'm not goin' to let +you strike me. I'm no liar. I always speaks the truth! Ask it of anybody! +Ask Mr. Siebenhaar here on his honour an' conscience! The sparrows is +twitterin' it on every roof--an' worse things 'n that! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Think over what you're saying carefully, Walther. + +WALTHER + +He forces me to it! Why don't he let me go? Why is I to suffer for other +people? You know it all as well as I? How did you used to stand with +Henschel in other years when his first wife was alive? D'you think people +don't know that? An' now you don't cross his threshold. + +SIEBENHAAR + +The relations between us are our private affair. And I will not permit +remark or interference. + +WALTHER + +All right. But if first his wife dies, though she's as well as anybody, +an' when Gustel goes an' dies eight weeks later, then, I'm thinkin' it's +more'n a private affair! + +HENSCHEL + +What?--Hanne is to come! + + _MRS. HENSCHEL enters suddenly and quickly, just as she has come from + her work and still drying her hands._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What're you roarin' about so? + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis well that you're here.--This man here says-- + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Makes a movement as if to go._] Damned rot that it ... + +HENSCHEL + +You're to stay here! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Are you all drunk together? What're you thinkin' of, anyhow? D'you think +I'm goin' to stay here an' play monkey tricks for you? + + [_She is about to go._ + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, I advise you ... This man here says ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Aw, he c'n say what he wants to, for all I cares! + +HENSCHEL + +He says that you deceive me before my face an' behind my back! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What? What? What? What? + +HENSCHEL + +That's what he says! Is he goin' to dare to say that? An' that ... my +wife ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Me? Lies! Damned lies! + + [_She throws her apron over her face and rushes out._ + +HENSCHEL + +That I ... that my wife ... that we together ... that our Gustel ... 'Tis +well! 'Tis well! + + [_He releases WALTHER'S hand and lets his head sink, moaning, on the + table._ + +WALTHER + +I won't be made out a liar here. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE FIFTH ACT + + + _The same room as in the first three acts. It is night, but the + moonlight throws a moderate brightness into the room. It is empty. + Several days have passed since the occurrences in the fourth act._ + + _A candle is lit in the small adjoining room; at the end of a few + seconds HENSCHEL enters, carrying the candle in a candlestick of tin. + He wears leathern breeches but his feet are cased in bedroom + slippers. Slowly he approaches the table, gazes hesitatingly first + backward, then toward the window, finally puts the candlestick on the + table and sits down by the window. He leans his chin on his hand and + stares at the moon._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Invisible, from the adjoining chamber, calls:_] Husband! Husband! What +are you doin' out there?--the same mortal foolishness all the time! +--[_She looks in, but half-clad._] Where are you? Come 'n go to bed! 'Tis +time to sleep! To-morrow you won't be able to go out again! You'll be +lyin' like a sack o' meal and everythin' 'll go upside down in the yard. +[_She comes out, half-clad as she is, and approaches HENSCHEL +hesitatingly and fearfully._] What are you doin', eh? + +HENSCHEL + +--Me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why are you sittin' there an' not sayin' a word? + +HENSCHEL + +I'm lookin' at the clouds. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, no, my goodness; it's enough to confuse a person's head! What's to be +seen up there, I'd like to know! The same worry, night after night. +There's no rest in the world for nobody no more. What are you starin' at? +Say somethin', won't you? + +HENSCHEL + +Up there!... That's where they are! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're dreaming, eh? You, Wilhelm, wake up! Lay down in your bed an' go +to sleep. There's nothin' but clouds up there! + +HENSCHEL + +Anybody that has eyes c'n see what there is! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' anybody that gets confused in his mind goes crazy. + +HENSCHEL + +I'm not confused. + +MRS. HENSCHEL I'm not sayin' that you are! But if you go on actin' this +way, you will be! + + [_She shivers, pulls on a jacket, and stirs the ashes in the oven + with a poker._ + +HENSCHEL + +What time is it? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A quarter of two. + +HENSCHEL + +You've got a watch hangin' to you; it used to hang behind the door. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What fancies is you goin' to have next? 'Tis hangin' where it always did. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Rising._] I think I'll go over to the stables a bit. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I tells you to go to bed, or I'll raise an alarm. You got nothin' to do +in the stable now! 'Tis night, an' in bed is where you belong! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Remains standing quietly and looking at HANNE._] Where's Gustel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What are you botherin' for? She's lyin' in bed asleep! What are you +always worritin' over the girl for? She don't lack for nothin'! I don't +do nothin' to her! + +HENSCHEL + +She don't lack for nothin'. She's gone to bed. She's gone to sleep +betimes--Gustel has. I don't mean Berthel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Wailing, stuffs her apron into her mouth._] I'll run away! I won't stay +here! + +HENSCHEL + +--Go to bed, go! I'll come too. Your cryin' can't help no more now. 'Tis +our Lord alone knows whose fault it is. You can't help it; you don't need +to cry.--Our Lord an' me--we two, we knows. + + _[He turns the key in the door._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Hastily turning it back again._] Why d'you lock the door? I won't stand +bein' locked in. + +HENSCHEL + +I don't rightly know why I turned the key. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Them people has gone an' addled your brains for you! They'll have to +answer some day for the things they've put into your head! I took as good +care o' your girl as I did o' my own. She wouldn't ha' died o' that! But +I can't wake the dead. If a body is to die, she dies--in this world. +There's no holdin' people like that; they has to go. There never was much +strength in Gustel--you know that as well as I. Why do you go axin' me +an' lookin' at me as if I done God knows what to her! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Suspiciously._] Maybe you did somethin'. 'Tis not impossible. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Beside herself._] Oh, if somebody'd foretold this--I'd ha' gone beggin' +my bread first. No, no, O my goodness, if I'd ha' known that! To have to +listen to things like that! Didn't I want to go? An' who kept me back? +Who held me fast in the house here? I could ha' made my livin' any time! +I wasn't afraid; I could always work. But you didn't let up. Now I got my +reward. Now _I_ got to suffer for it! + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis true, maybe, that you has to suffer for it. Things comes _as_ they +come. What c'n a body do? + + [_He locks the door again._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to leave the door open, Wilhelm, or I'll cry for help! + +HENSCHEL + +--Sh! Keep still! Did you hear? There's somethin' runnin' along the +passage. D'you hear? Now it goes to the washstand. D'you hear the +splashin'? She's standin' there an' washin' herself! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You! Wilhelm! You're dreamin'! The wash-stand is in here! + +HENSCHEL + +That's just it! I know very well! They can't deceive me. I know what I +know, [_Hurriedly._] That's all I say.--Come, come, let's go to bed. +Time'll show. + + [_While he approaches the door of the next room, Mrs. HENSCHEL softly + unlocks the door to the hall and slips out._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Taking down a whip from the frame of the door._] Why, that's my old +Triest whip! Where does that old thing come from? I haven't seen it for +over a year. That was bought in mother's time. [_He listens._] What d'you +say? Eh?--O' course ... Certainly.--Nothin'!--Well, s'posin'! An' why +not? 'Tis well!--I know what I has to do!--I won't be stubborn.--You let +that be too. + + _SIEBENHAAR enters by the door which is slightly ajar. By means of + gestures he signifies to WERMELSKIRCH, who follows him, that the + latter is to remain behind, also to MRS. HENSCHEL. He is fully clad + except that he wears a silk kerchief instead of a collar. + WERMELSKIRCH is in his dressing-gown._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +Good evening, Mr. Henschel! What? Are you still up? You're not well, eh? +What's the matter with you? + +HENSCHEL + +[_After he has, for several seconds, regarded him with perplexity; +simply:_] I just can't sleep. I don't get sleepy at all! I'd like to take +some medicine, if I knew any. I don't know how it comes. God knows! + +SIEBENHAAR + +I'll tell you somethin', old friend: You go quietly to bed now, and +to-morrow, real early, I'll send the doctor in. You must really take some +serious step now. + +HENSCHEL + +No doctor won't be able to help me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +You mustn't say that; we'll see about that! Doctor Richter knows his +business. My wife couldn't sleep for weeks; her head ached as if it would +burst. Last Monday she took a powder, and now she sleeps all night like +the dead. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes ... well, well ... 'Tis possible! I'd like it well enough if I +could sleep.--Is the madam reel sick? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Oh, we're all a little under the weather. When once Monday is past, +everything will straighten out again. + +HENSCHEL + +I s'pose you has to turn over the property on Monday. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Yes, I hope it will be possible to arrange it by Monday. In the meantime +the work is heaping up so--what with writing and making the +inventory--that I scarcely get out of my clothes. But come now, Henschel, +and go to bed. One man has one trouble and another has another. Life is +no joke and we must all see how we can best fight our way through. And +even if many strange thoughts pass through your head--don't take them to +heart so! + +HENSCHEL + +Thank you many times, Mr. Siebenhaar. Don't take anythin' in ill part, +please. An' good luck to you an' your wife! + +SIEBENHAAR + +We'll see each other again to-morrow, Henschel. You owe me no thanks for +anything. We've done each other many a service in the years that we've +lived together here. And those services compensate for each other. We +were good friends and, surely, we will remain such. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Silently takes a few steps toward the window and looks out._]--Ah, +them's queer things here. Time don't stand still in this world. Little +Karl, he never came to see us no more ... I can't make no objection. +Maybe you was right. The lad couldn't ha' learned nothin' good here. +'Twas different--once! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I don't know what you mean now! + +HENSCHEL + +An' you didn't cross my threshold neither. 'Tis nine months since you +did. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I had too much to worry me; that's all. + +HENSCHEL + +Those were the very times you used to come before. No, no, I know. You +were right. An' the people are right too--all of 'em. I can't take no +pride in myself no more. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you must take some rest now. + +HENSCHEL + +No, no; we c'n talk about it a bit. You see, I know 'tis all my fault--I +know that, an' with that we can let it be. But before I went an' took +this woman--Hanne, I mean--before that it all began ... slowly it began, +slowly--but downhill right along. First thing, a good bonehandled whip +broke. After that, I remember it right well, I drove over my dog an' he +died. 'Twas the best little dog I had. Then, one right after another, +three o' my horses died; an' one of 'em was the fine stallion that cost +me five hundred crowns. An' then, last of all ... my wife died. I noticed +it well enough in my own thoughts that fate was against me. But when my +wife went away from me, I had a minute in my own mind when I thought to +myself: Now it's enough. There's not much else that c'n be taken from me. +But you see, there was somethin' else.--I don't want to talk about +Gustel. A man loses first his wife an' then a child--that's common. But +no: a snare was laid for me an' I stepped into it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Who laid a snare for you? + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe the devil; maybe, too, somebody else. It's throttlin' me--that's +certain. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's a most unhappy notion of yours ... + +HENSCHEL + +An' I'm denyin' nothin'. A bad man I've come to be, only it's no fault o' +mine. I just, somehow, stumbled into it all. Maybe it's my fault too. You +c'n say so if you want to. Who knows? I should ha' kept a better watch. +But the devil is more cunnin' than me. I just kept on straight ahead. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you're just your own worst enemy. You're fighting phantoms +which have no existence at any time or place. The devil has done nothing +to you, nor have you stepped into any snare. And no one is throttling you +either. That is all nonsense. And such fancies are dangerous. + +HENSCHEL + +We'll see; we c'n wait an' see. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, tell me something definite. You won't be able to do it, however you +try. You are neither bad, as you say, nor are you burdened by any guilt. + +HENSCHEL + +Ah, I know better. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, what is your guilt? + +HENSCHEL + +Here stood the bed. An' she was lyin' in it. An' here I gave her my +promise. I gave her my promise an' I've broken it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +What promise was that? + +HENSCHEL + +You know well enough!--I broke it an' when I did that, I was lost. I was +done for. The game was up.--An' you see: now she can't find no rest. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Are you speaking of your dead wife? + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis of her, of her exackly that I'm speakin'. She can't find no rest in +the grave. She comes an' she goes an' she finds no rest.--I curry the +horses; there she stands. I take a sieve from the feed-bin, an' I see her +sittin' behind the door. I mean to go to bed in the little room; 'tis she +that's lyin' in the bed an' lookin' at me.--She's hung a watch aroun' my +neck; she knocks at the wall; she scratches on the panes.--She puts her +finger on my breast an' I'm that smothered, I has to gasp for air. No, +no, I know best. You got to go through a thing like that before you know +what it is. You can't tell about It. I've gone through a deal--you c'n +believe me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, this is my last word to you: Gather all the strength you have +in you; plant yourself firmly on both legs. Go and consult a physician. +Tell yourself that you are ill, very ill, but drive these phantoms away. +They are mere cobwebs of the brain, mere fancies. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what you said that there time, too. Just so or somethin' like it +you said. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very likely, and I'm willing to stand by it now. What you did in the +matter of your marriage, it was your entire right to do. There was no +question of any sin or guilt. + + _WERMELSKIRCH steps forward._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Henschel, come over to me. We'll light the gas and play cards. We'll +drink beer or whatever you want to and smoke a pipe with it; then the +ghosts can come if they want to. In two hours it will be bright daylight. +Then we can drink some coffee and take a walk. The devil is in this if +you can't be made to be your old self again. + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe so; we c'n try it all right. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well then, come along. + +HENSCHEL + +I won't go to your place no more. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +On account of that little nonsense the other day? That was only a +misunderstanding. And all that has been cleared up. I simply won't let +Hauffe come in any more. The fellow is always drunk; that's a fact. +Things are often said in heat that simply enter at one ear and pass out +at the other. And that's the way to treat such incidents, I always do. + +HENSCHEL + +An' that'd be best too. You're quite right. But no--I won't be comin' +into the barroom no more. I'm goin' to travel about a good bit, I think. +Maybe they won't follow me all roun'. An' now sleep well. I'm feelin' +sleepy too. + +SIEBENHAAR + +How would it be, Henschel, if you came up with me? There's light upstairs +and my office is heated. There we can all three play a little game. I +wouldn't lie down to-night anyhow. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes; we could be doin' that together. 'Tis long since I've touched a +card. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's right. Go on up. You wouldn't be able to sleep nohow. + +HENSCHEL + +I'm not goin'! Y' understand me now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, if you're goin' to stay, then I won't. God knows what you'll be up +to this night. You'll begin to be playin' aroun' with knives again. Yes, +that's what he did yesterday. A body's not sure o' her life no more. + +HENSCHEL + +You won't see me goin' up there. He advised me to do what I did, an' then +he was the first one to despise me for doin' it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I never despised you. You're an honourable fellow, through and +through; don't talk nonsense now. There are certain fates that come upon +men. And what one has to bear is not easy. You have grown ill, but you +have remained a good man. And for that truth I'll put my hand in the +fire! + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe that's true too, Mr. Siebenhaar.--Let it be; we'll talk about +somethin' else. 'Tisn't your fault; I always said that. An' I can't blame +my brother-in law neither. He knows where he gets all that from, 'Tis she +herself goes roun' to people an' tells 'em. She's everywhere--now here +an' now there. I s'pose she was with her brother too. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Who is it that goes about among people? Not a soul is thinking of that +affair of the other night, That's quite forgotten by this time. + +HENSCHEL + +It sticks to me--it does--turn it any way you please. _She_ knows how to +go about it. She's everywhere, an' she'll persuade folks. An' even, if +people was goin' to be silent for my sake an' wasn't after me like so +many dogs--nothin' c'n do any good. It'll stick to me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, we won't go away until you've put that, out of your mind. You +must calm, yourself entirely. + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, I'm sensible now an' quiet, reel quiet. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very well. In that case we can talk quite frankly. You see for yourself +how your wife repents. That waiter fellow is gone; he's far away by this +time and you'll never set your eyes on him again. Anyone may fall into +sin--no matter who it is. And so take each other's hands. Bury that +matter, hide it out of sight and be at peace. + +HENSCHEL + +I don't has to make no peace with her. [_To HANNE._] I c'n give you my +hand! I don't mind. That you've gone an' made a mistake--the Lord c'n +judge that in this world. I won't condemn you on that account.--If only +... about Gustel ... if only we could know somethin' ... about that ... +for certain! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You c'n both kill me this minute. May I drop dead if I did any harm to +Gustel!! + +HENSCHEL + +That's what I've been sayin': It'll stick to me.--Well, we c'n talk it +over again to-morrow. Before we get through talkin' about that, many a +drop o' water'll have time to run into the sea, I'm thinkin'. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why don't you build a comfortable fire and cook a cup of hot coffee. +After rain comes the sunshine. That's the way it is between married +people. There will be storms in every marriage. But after the storm +everything grows greener. The main thing is: Bye, baby, bye--[_He +imitates the gesture of one rocking a child in his arms._]--That's the +right way. That's the thing that you two must get for yourselves. +[_Jovially patting HENSCHEL'S shoulder._] That's what the old man likes. +You two must get together and buy a toy like that. Confound it, Henschel! +It would be queer if that weren't easy. A giant of a man like you! Good +night all. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Everything changes. One must have courage. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Just keep cool and dress warmly--that's it! + + _SIEBENHAAR and WERMELSKIRCH withdraw. HENSCHEL goes slowly to the + door and is about to lock it again._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to leave that open! + +HENSCHEL + +All right; I don't mind.--What are you doin' there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Who has been bending down before the oven, draws herself up quickly._] +I'm makin' a fire. Don't you see that? + +HENSCHEL + +[_Sitting down, heavily by the table._] For my part you c'n light the +lamp too. + + [_He pulls out the drawer of the table._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What are you lookin' for? + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Then you c'n push it back in. [_She steps forward and shuts the drawer._] +I s'ppose you want to wake Berthel up? + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +Monday he's goin'. Then we'll be alone. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who's goin' on Monday? + +HENSCHEL + +Siebenhaar. The Lord knows how we'll get along with the new owner. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He's a rich man. He won't borrow money of you at least. + +HENSCHEL + +--Hanne, one of us two'll have to go. One of us two. Yes, yes,'tis true. +You c'n look at me. That can't be changed. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm to go away? You want to drive me away? + +HENSCHEL + +We'll see about that later--_who_ has to go! Maybe 'twill be me, an' +maybe 'twill be you. If I was to go ... I know this for sure--you +wouldn't be scared about yourself. You're able to look after the business +like a man.--But 's I said: it don't matter about me. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If one of us has to go--I'll go. I'm still strong enough. I'll leave an' +nobody needn't see me no more. The horses an' the waggons--they're all +yours. You got the business from your father an' you can't go an' leave +it. I'll go an' then the trouble'll be over. + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis easy sayin' that. We got to consider one thing at a time. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There's no use in drawin' it out. What's over and done with is over. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Rising heavily and going toward the adjoining room._] An' Berthel? +What's to become o' the lass? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +She'll have to go to father, over in Quolsdorf. + +HENSCHEL + +[_At the door of the bedroom._] Let it be. To-morrow is another day. +Everythin' changes, as Siebenhaar says. To-morrow, maybe, everythin' 'll +look different. + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +[_Invisible in the next room._] Berthel is sweating all over again. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That won't do her no harm to be sweatin' a bit. The drops are runnin' +down my neck too. Oh, what a life--[_She opens a window._]--a body'd +rather be dead. + +HENSCHEL + +What are you talkin' about? I don't understand. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Lie down on your side an' leave me alone. + +HENSCHEL + +Are you comin' too? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +It's most day now. + + [_She winds the clock._] + +HENSCHEL + +Who's windin' the clock? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to keep still now. If Berthel was to wake up it'd be a fine to do. +She'd howl for half an hour. [_She sits down at the table and leans both +elbows upon it._] 'Twould be best if a body got up an' went away, + + _SIEBENHAAR peers in._ + +SIEBENHAAR I'm lookin' in once more. Is your husband calmer now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, he lay down to sleep. [_She calls._] Husband! Wilhelm! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Sh! You'd better be grateful. Hurry and go to bed yourself. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There's nothin' else left to do. I'll go an' try. [_She goes to the door +of the bedroom, stands still as if spellbound and listens._] Wilhelm! You +might answer.--[_Louder and more frightened._] Wilhelm! You're not to +frighten me this way! Maybe you think I don't know that you're still +awake!!--[_In growing terror._]--Wilhelm, I tell you!... [_BERTHEL has +waked up and wails._] Berthel, you look out an' keep still! Keep still or +I don't know what'll happen!--Wilhelm! Wilhelm! + + [_She almost shrieks._ + + SIEBENHAAR looks in again. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What's the matter, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I call an' call an' he don't answer! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Are you crazy? Why do you do that? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--'Tis so still ... Somethin's happened. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What?--[_He takes up the candle and goes toward the bedroom door._] +Henschel, have you fallen asleep? + + [_He enters the bedroom._ + + [_Pause._] + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Not daring to follow him._] What is it? What is it? What's goin' on? + + _WERMELSKIRCH looks in._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Who's in there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar.--'Tis so still. Nobody don't answer.-- + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Very pale and holding BERTHEL on his arm hurries out of the bedroom._] +Mrs. Henschel, take your child and go up to my wife. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Already with the child in her arms._] For God's sake, what has +happened? + +SIEBENHAAR + +You'll find that out all too soon. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With a voice that is first repressed and at last rises to a scream._] O +God, he's done hisself some harm! + + _[She runs out with the child._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Shall I call the doctor? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Too late! He could give no help here. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +ROSE BERND + + + + +LIST OF PERSONS + + +BERND. + +ROSE BERND. + +MARTHEL. + +CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. + +MRS. FLAMM. + +ARTHUR STRECKMANN. + +AUGUST KEIL. + +HAHN. HEINZEL. GOLISCH. KLEINERT. _Field Labourers_ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH. + +THE HEAD MAID SERVANT. + +THE ASSISTANT MAID SERVANT. + +A CONSTABLE. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _A level, fertile landscape. It is a clear, warm, sunny morning in + May. Diagonally from the middle to the foreground extends a path. The + fields on either side are raised slightly above it. In the immediate + foreground a small potato patch on which the green shoots are already + visible. A shallow ditch, covered with field flowers, separates the + path from the fields. To the left of the path on a slope about six + feet in height an old cherry tree, to the right hazelnut and + whitethorn bushes. Nearly parallel with this path, but at some + distance in the background, the course of a brook is marked by + willows and alder trees. Solitary groves of ancient trees add a + park-like appearance to the landscape. In the background, left, from + among bushes and tree-tops arise the gables and the church steeple of + the village. A crucifix stands by the wayside in the foreground, + right. It is Sunday._ + + _ROSE BERND, a beautiful, vigorous peasant girl of twenty-two + emerges, excited and blushing, from the bushes at the left and sits + down on the slope, after having peered shyly and eagerly in all + directions. Her skirt is caught up, her feet are bare, as are her + arms and neck. She is busily braiding one of her long, blonde + tresses. Shortly after her appearance a man comes stealthily from the + bushes on the other side. It is the landowner and magistrate, + CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. He, too, gives the impression of being embarrassed + but at the same time amused. His personality is not undignified; his + dress betrays something of the sportsman, nothing of the dandy--laced + boots, hunter's hose, a leather bottle slung by a strap across his + shoulder. Altogether FLAMM is robust, unspoiled, vivid and + broad-shouldered and creates a thoroughly pleasant impression. He + sits down on the slope at a carefully considered distance from ROSE. + They look at each other silently and then break out into + inextinguishable laughter._ + +FLAMM + +[_With rising boldness and delight sings ever louder and more heartily, +beating time like a conductor._] + + "In heath and under greenwood tree, + There is the joy I choose for me! + I am a huntsman bold + I am a huntsman bold!" + +ROSE + +[_Is at first frightened by his singing; then, more and more amused, her +embarrassment gives way to laughter._] Oh, but Mr. Flamm ... + +FLAMM + +[_With a touch of jaunty boldness._] Sing with me, Rosie! + +ROSE + +Oh, but I can't sing, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Ah, that isn't true, Rosie. Don't I hear you often and often singing out +on the farm: + + "A huntsman from the Rhineland ..." Well! + "Rides through the forest green." + +ROSE + +But I don't know that song a bit, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +You're not to say Mr. Flamm! Come now! + + "Girlie, come and move + Here to my favourite si-i-ide!" + +ROSE + +[_Anxiously._] The people will be comin' from church in a minute, Mr. +Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Let 'em come! [_He gets up and takes his rifle from the hollow cherry +tree to the left._] I'd better hang it around again anyhow. So.--And now +my hat and my pipe! Good. They can come whenever they please. [_He has +slung his gun across his shoulder, straightened his hat which is +ornamented with a cock's feather, taken a short pipe out of his pocket +and put it between his lips._] Look at the wild cherries. They're thick. +[_He picks up a handful of them and shows them to ROSE. With heartfelt +conviction:_] Rosie, I wish you were my wife! + +ROSE + +Goodness, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +I do, so help me! + +ROSE + +[_Nervously trying to restrain him_] Oh no, no! + +FLAMM + +Rosie, give me your dear, good, faithful little paw. [_He holds her hand +and sits down._] By heaven, Rosie! Look here, I'm a deucedly queer +fellow! I'm damned fond of my dear old woman; that's as true as ... + +ROSE + +[_Hiding her face in her arm._] You make me want to die o' shame. + +FLAMM + +Damned fond of her I tell you ... but--[_His patience snaps._]--this +doesn't concern her a bit! + +ROSE + +[_Again tempted to laugh against her will._] Oh, but how you talk, Mr. +Flamm! + +FLAMM + +[_Filled with hearty admiration of her._] Oh, you're a lovely woman! You +are lovely! You see: my wife and I ... that's a queer bit of business, +that is. Not the kind of thing that can be straightened out in a minute. +You know Henrietta ... She's sick. Nine solid years she's been bedridden; +at most she creeps around in a wheel chair.--Confound it all, what good +is that sort o' thing to me? + + [_He grasps her head and kisses her passionately._ + +ROSE + +[_Frightened under his kisses._] The people are comin' from church! + +FLAMM + +They're not thinking of it! Why are you so worried about the people in +church to-day? + +ROSE + +Because August's in church too. + +FLAMM + +That long-faced gentry is always in church! Where else should they be? +But, Rosie, it isn't even half past ten yet; and when the service is over +the bells ring. No, and you needn't be worried about my wife either. + +ROSE + +Oh, Christopher, she keeps lookin' at a body sometimes, so you want to +die o' shame. + +FLAMM + +You don't know my old lady; that's it. She's bright; she can look through +three board walls! But on that account ...! She's mild and good as a lamb +... even if she knew what there is between us; she wouldn't take our +heads off. + +ROSE + +Oh, no! For heaven's sake, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +Nonsense, Rosie! Have a pinch, eh? [_He takes snuff._] I tell you once +more: I don't care about anything! [_Indignantly._] What is a man like me +to do? What, I ask you? No, don't misunderstand me! Surely you know how +seriously I think of our affair. Let me talk ahead once in a while. + +ROSE + +Mr. Christie, you're so good to me ...! [_With a sudden ebullition of +tenderness, tears in her eyes, she kisses FLAMM'S hand._] So good ... but +... + +FLAMM + +[_Moved and surprised._] Good to you? No wonder! Deuce take me, Rosie. +That's very little, being good to you. If I were free, I'd marry you. You +see, I've lost the ordinary way in life! Not to speak of past affairs! +I'm fit for ... well, I wonder what I _am_ fit for! I might have been a +royal chief forester to-day! And yet, when the governor died, I went +straight home and threw over my career. I wasn't born for the higher +functions of society. All this even is too civilised for me. A block +house, a rifle, bear's ham for supper and a load of lead sent into the +breeches of the first comer--that would be ...! + +ROSE + +But that can't be had, Mr. Flamm! And ... things has got to end sometime. + +FLAMM + +[_Half to himself._] Confound it all to everlasting perdition! Isn't +there time enough left for that spindle-shanked hypocrite? Won't there be +far too much left for that fellow anyway? No> girlie, I'd send him about +his business. + +ROSE + +Oh, but I've kept him danglin' long enough. Two years an' more he's been +waitin'. Now he's urgent; he won't wait any longer. An' things can't go +on this way no more. + +FLAMM + +[_Enraged._] That's all nonsense; you understand. First you worked +yourself to the bone for your father. You haven't the slightest notion of +what life is, and now you want to be that bookbinder's pack horse. I +don't see how people can be so vulgar and heartless as to make capital +out of another human being in that way! If that's all you're looking +forward to, surely there's time enough. + +ROSE + +No, Christie ... It's easy to talk that way, Mr. Flamm! But if you was +put into such circumstances, you'd be thinkin' different too.--I know how +shaky father's gettin'! An' the landlord has given us notice too. A new +tenant is to move in, I believe! An' then it's father's dearest wish that +everythin's straightened out. + +FLAMM + +Then let your father marry August Keil, if he's so crazy about the +fellow. Why, he's positively obsessed. It's madness the way he's taken +with that man! + +ROSE + +You're unjust, Mr. Flamm; that's all. + +FLAMM + +Say rather ... Well, what? What was I going to say?... I can't bear that +sanctimonious phiz! My gorge rises at the sight of him. God forgive me, +Rosie, and forgive you especially! Why shouldn't I be open with you? It +may be that he has his merits. They say, too, that he's saved up a few +shillings. But that's no reason why you should go and drown yourself in +his paste-pot! + +ROSE + +No, Christopher! Don't talk that way! I musn't listen to such talk, the +dear Lord knows!--August, he's been through a lot!--His sickness an' his +misfortunes--that goes right to a person's soul ... + +FLAMM + +A man can never understand you women folks. You're an intelligent and +determined girl, and suddenly, on one point, your stupidity is simply +astonishing--goose-like, silly! It goes straight to your soul, does it? +From that point of view you might as well marry an ex-convict, if pity or +stupidity are reasons. You ought to raise a bit of a row with your father +for once! What's hurting August? He grew up in the orphan house and +succeeded in making his way for all that. If you won't have him, his +brethren in the Lord will find him another. They're expert enough at +that! + +ROSE + +[_With decision._] No, that won't do. And--it has got to be, Mr. +Flamm.--I'm not sorry for what's happened, though I've had my share o' +sufferin' in quiet. All to myself, I mean. But never mind. An' nothin' +can change that now. But it's got to come to an end some day--it can't +never an' never go on this way. + +FLAMM + +Can't go on? What do you mean by that exactly? + +ROSE + +Just ... because things is no different in this world. I can't put him +off no longer; an' father wouldn't bear with it. An' he's quite right in +that matter. Dear Lord ha' mercy! 'Tis no easier on that account! But +when it'll all be off a body's soul ... I don't know--[_She touches her +breast._] they calls it, I believe, strain o' the heart, Oh, times are +when I has real pains in my heart ... An' a person can't feel that way +all the time. + +FLAMM + +Well, then there's nothing more to be done just now. It's time for me to +be getting home. [_He gets up and throws the rifle across his shoulder._] +Another time then, Rosie. Good-bye! + + _ROSE stares straight in front of her without answering._ + +FLAMM + +What's the matter, Rosie? Won't there be another time? + + _ROSE shakes her head._ + +FLAMM + +What, have I hurt you, Rosie? + +ROSE + +There'll never be another time--like this--Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +[_With despairing passion._] Girl, I don't care if it costs me everything +... + + [_He embraces her and kisses her again and again._ + +ROSE + +[_Suddenly in extreme terror._] For the love o' ... some one's comin', +Mr. Flamm! + + _FLAMM in consternation, jumps up and disappears behind a bush._ + + _ROSE gets up hastily, straightens her hair and her dress and looks + anxiously about her. As no one appears she takes up the hoe and + begins to weed the potato patch. After a while there approaches, + unnoticed by her, the machinist ARTHUR STRECKMANN dressed in his + Sunday coat. He is what would generally be called a handsome + man--large, broad-shouldered, his whole demeanour full of + self-importance. He has a blond beard that extends far down his + chest. His garments, from his jauntily worn huntsman's hat to his + highly polished boots, his walking coat and his embroidered + waistcoat, are faultless and serve to show, in connection with his + carriage, that STRECKMANN not only thinks very well of himself but is + scrupulously careful of his person and quite conscious of his unusual + good looks._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_As though but now becoming conscious of ROSE'S presence, in an +affectedly well-modulated voice._] Good day, Rosie. + +ROSE + +[_Turns frightened._] Good day, Streckmann. [_In an uncertain voice_] +Why, where did you come from? From church? + +STRECKMANN + +I went away a bit early. + +ROSE + +[_Excitedly and reproachfully._] What for? Couldn't you put up with the +sermon? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Boldly._] Oh, it's such beautiful weather out. An' that's why! I left +my wife in the church too. A feller has got to be by himself once in a +while. + +ROSE + +I'd rather be in church. + +STRECKMANN + +That's where the women folks belongs. + +ROSE + +I shouldn't wonder if you had your little bundle o' sins. You might ha' +been prayin' a bit. + +STRECKMANN + +I'm on pretty good terms with the Lord. He don't keep such very +particular accounts o' my sins. + +ROSE + +Well, well! + +STRECKMANN + +No, he don't bother with me much. + +ROSE + +A vain, fool--that's what you is! + + _STRECKMANN laughs in a deep and affected tone._ + +ROSE + +If you was a real man, you wouldn't have to go an' beat your wife at +home. + +STRECKMANN + +[_With a gleam in his eyes._] That shows that I'm a real man! That shows +it! That's proper! A man's got to show you women that he's the master. + +ROSE + +Don't be fancyin' such foolishness. + +STRECKMANN + +That's so, for all you say. Right _is_ right. An' I never failed to get +what I was wantin' that way. + + _ROSE laughs constrainedly._ + +STRECKMANN + +People says you're goin' to leave Flamm's service. + +ROSE + +I'm not in Flamm's service at all. You see now that I'm doin' other +things. + +STRECKMANN + +You were helpin' at Flamm's no later'n yesterday. + +ROSE + +Maybe so! Maybe I was or maybe I wasn't! Look after your own affairs. + +STRECKMANN + +Is it true that your father has moved? + +ROSE + +Where to? + +STRECKMANN + +With August over into Lachmann's house. + +ROSE + +August hasn't even bought the house yet. Those people--they knows more +than I. + +STRECKMANN + +An' they says too that you'll be celebratin' your weddin' soon. + +ROSE + +They can be talkin' for all I care. + +STRECKMANN + +[_After a brief silence approaches her and stands before her with legs +wide apart._] Right you are! You can marry him any time. A fine girl like +you don't need to hurry so; she can have a real good time first! I +laughed right in his face when he told me. There's no one believes him. + +ROSE + +[_Quickly._] Who's been sayin' it? + +STRECKMANN + +August Keil. + +ROSE + +August himself? An' this is what he gets from his silly talkin'. + +STRECKMANN + +[_After a silence._] August he's such a peevish kind.... + +ROSE + +I don't want to hear nothing. Leave me alone! Your quarrels don't concern +me! One o' you is no better'n another. + +STRECKMANN + +Well, in some things--when it comes to bein' bold. + +ROSE + +Oh, heavens! That boldness o' yours. We knows that. Go about an' asks the +women folks a bit. No, August isn't that kind. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Laughs with lascivious boastfulness._] I'm not denyin' that. + +ROSE + +An' you couldn't. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looking at her sharply through half-closed lids._] It's not comfortable +to make a fool o' me. What I wants of a woman--I gets. + +ROSE + +[_Jeeringly._] Oho! + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, oho! What would you wager, Rosie! You been makin' eyes at me many a +time. + + [_He has approached and offered to put his arms around her._ + +ROSE + +Don't be foolish, Streckmann! Keep your hands off o' me! + +STRECKMANN + +If it was.... + +ROSE + +[_Thrusts him away._] Streckmann! I've been tellin' you! I don't want to +have nothin' to do with you men. Go your own way. + +STRECKMANN + +What am I doin' to you?--[_After a silence with a smile that is half +malicious, half embarrassed._] You wait! You'll be comin' to me one o' +these days! I'm tellin' you: you'll be comin' to me yourself some day! +You can act as much like a saint as you wants to.--D'you see that cross? +D'you see that tree? Confound it! There's all kinds o' things! I've been +no kind o' a saint myself! But ... right under a cross ... you might be +sayin' just that ... I'm not so very partic'lar, but I'd take shame at +that. What would your father be sayin' or August? Now, just f'r instance: +this pear tree is hollow. Well an' good. There was a rifle in there. + +ROSE + +[_Has been listening more and more intently in the course of her work. +Deadly pale and quivering she bursts out involuntarily:_] What are you +sayin'? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'!--I'm sayin' nothin' more.--But when a feller hasn't no notion of +nothin' an' is thinkin' no ill, a wench like you acts as high an' mighty! + +ROSE + +[_Losing self-control and leaping in front of him in her terror._] What +is't you say? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Calmly returning her terrible gaze._] I said: A wench like you. + +ROSE + +An' what's the meanin' o' that? + +STRECKMANN + +That's got no special meanin'. + +ROSE + +[_Clenches her fists and pierces him with her eyes in an intense passion +of rage, hate, terror and consternation until in the consciousness of her +powerlessness she drops her arms and utters almost whiningly the words:_] +I'll know how to get my good right about this! + + [_Holding her right arm before her weeping eyes and wiping her face + with the left, she returns, sobbing brokenly, to her work._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks after her with his old expression of malicious coldness and +determination. Gradually he is seized with a desire to laugh and finally +bursts out:_] That's the way things go! Don't worry a bit.--What do you +take me for anyhow, Rose? What's the row about? This kind o' thing don't +do no harm! Why shouldn't a person fool her neighbours? Why not? Who made +'em so stupid? Them as can do it are the finest women in the world! Of +course, a man like me knows how things are! You can believe me--I've +always known about you. + +ROSE + +[_Beside herself._] Streckmann! I'll do myself some harm! Do you hear? Or +else go away from our bit o' patch! Go ... I ... something awful will +happen, I tell you! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Sits down and claps his flat hands over his knees._] For goodness' +sake! Don't carry on so! D'you think I'll be goin' about everywhere an' +tellin' what I know an' rakin' you over the coals? How does it concern +me, I'd like to know, what your goin's on are? + +ROSE + +I'll go home an' hang myself on a beam! That's what Mary Schubert did +too. + +STRECKMANN + +That was a different thing with her! That girl had different things on +her conscience! An' I didn't have nothin' to do with her.--But if every +woman was to go an' hang herself on account o' what you've done--there +wouldn't be no more women in this world. That sort o' thing happens +wherever you look--everywhere--that's the way things is. O' course, I +have to laugh. That father o' yours, he carries himself so high! The way +he stares at a feller that's gone a bit off the narrow way. It's enough +to make you want to go an' hide your face. Well--people ought to begin at +home ... + +ROSE + +[_Trembling in the terror of her heart._] O dear Lord, have mercy! + +STRECKMANN + +Can you deny that I'm right? You people stick in piety up to the very +eyes--your father an' August Keil an' you too! A feller like me can't +compete with you there. + +ROSE + +[_With a new outburst of despair._] It's a lie ... a lie! You saw +nothing! + +STRECKMANN + +No? Saw nothing? Well, I'll be...! Then I must ha' been dreamin'. That's +what it must ha' been! If that wasn't Squire Flamm from Diessdorf! I +haven't had a drop o' anythin' to-day. Didn't he play at drivin' you by +the braids o' your hair? Didn't he throw you into the grass? [_With +uncontrollable, hard laughter._] He had a good hold on you! + +ROSE + +Streckmann, I'll beat your head in with my hoe! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Still laughing._] Listen to that! What now? You're not goin' to cut up +so rough! Why shouldn't you ha' done it? I don't blame you. First come, +first served: that's the way o' the world. + +ROSE + +[_Weeping and moaning in her helpless grief and yet working +convulsively._] A feller like that, presumes to ...! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Enraged and brutally._] It's you that presumes! 'Tisn't me that does! +Not that I'd mind presumin' a good deal. If Flamm's good enough, it's +certain that I am! + +ROSE + +[_Sobbing and crying out in her despair._] I've been a decent girl all my +life long! Let anybody come an' say somethin' against me if he can! I +took care o' three little brothers an' sisters! Three o'clock in the +mornin' I've gotten up, an' not so much as taken a drop o' milk! An' +people knows that! Every child knows it! + +STRECKMANN + +Well, you needn't make such a noise about it! The bells is ringin' and +the people is comin' from church. You might be a bit sociable with a +feller. You people are just burstin' with pride. Maybe it's true ... +things look as if it was. I'm not sayin' but what you're a good worker +an' a good saver. But otherwise you're no better'n other folks. + +ROSE + +[_Gazing into the distance; in extreme fear._] Isn't that August that's +comin' there? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks in the same direction toward the village. Contemptuously_:] +Where? Oh, yes, that's him! There they both are! They're just walkin' +around the parson's garden. Well, what about it? You think I ought to be +gettin' away? I'm not afeard o' them psalm-singin' donkeys. + +ROSE + +[_In quivering fear._] Streckmann, I've saved up twelve crowns ... + +STRECKMANN + +Rosie, you know you've saved more than that. + +ROSE + +All right, I'll give you all my bit o' savin's! I don't care for the +money ... I'll bring it to you, to the last farthing. Streckmann, only +have pity ... + + [_She seeks to grasp his hands beseechingly, but he draws them away._ + +STRECKMANN + +I takes no money. + +ROSE + +Streckmann! For the sake o' all good things in the world ... + +STRECKMANN + +Well now, I can't see why you don't act sensible. + +ROSE + +If one person in the village finds that out.... + +STRECKMANN + +It depends on you! Nobody needn't know. All you need to do is not to +force it on 'em ... [_With sudden passion._] What's at the bottom of +it?--I'm crazy about you ... + +ROSE + +Where's the woman or girl you're not crazy about! + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe it's so. I can't change things. A man like me who has to go the +round o' all the estates in the country with his threshin' machine--he +don't have worry because he's not talked about. I know best how it is +with me. Before ever Flamm came--I'm not mentionin' August--I'd thrown an +eye on you. An' nobody knows what it's cost me. [_With iron +stubbornness._] But the devil fetch me now! Come what may, Rosie! There's +no more use tryin' to joke with me! I happened to come upon somethin' +to-day! + +ROSE + +An' what is it? + +STRECKMANN + +You'll see soon enough. + + _MARTHEL, ROSE'S younger sister, comes skipping along the field-path. + She is neatly dressed in her Sunday garments and is still + pronouncedly child-like._ + +MARTHEL + +[_Calls out._] Rose, is that you? What are you doin' here? + +ROSE + +I've got to finish hoein' the patch. Why didn't you stop to finish it o' +Saturday? + +MARTHEL + +Oh, dearie me, Rosie, if father sees you! + +STRECKMANN + +If there's a bit o' profit in it, he won't do nothing very bad. You let +old Bernd alone for that! + +MARTHEL + +Who is that, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Oh, don't ask me! + + _Old BERND and AUGUST KEIL are approaching along the field-path from + the village. The old, white-haired man, as well as the other who is + about thirty-five years old, is dressed in his Sunday coat and each + carries a hymn book. Old BERND has a white beard; his voice has a + certain softness as though he had had and been cured of a severe + pulmonary affection. One might imagine him to be a dignified retired + family coachman. AUGUST KEIL, who is a bookbinder, has a pale face, + thin, dark moustache and pointed beard. His hair is growing notably + thin and he suffers from occasional nervous twitching. He is lean, + narrow-chested; his whole appearance betrays the man of sedentary + employment._ + +BERND + +Isn't that Rosie? + +AUGUST + +Yes, father Bernd. + +BERND + +You can't nowise make the girl stop that. When the fit takes her, she's +got to go an' toil--if it's weekday or holiday. [_He is quite near her by +this time._] Is there not time enough o' weekdays? + +AUGUST + +You do too much, Rosie! There's no need o' that! + +BERND + +If our good pastor saw that, it'd hurt him to the very soul. He wouldn't +trust his own eyes. + +AUGUST + +An' he's been askin' for you again. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Suggestively._] They say, too, as he wants her to be his housekeeper. + +BERND + +[_Noticing him for the first time._] Why, that's Streckmann! + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, here I am, life-size. That girl, she's as busy as an ant or a bee! +She'll be workin' if her sides crack. She's got no time to be sleepin' in +the church. + +BERND + +It's little sleepin' we does there, I tell you. You might better say that +them as are out here do the sleepin' an' don't want no awakenin'. The +Bridegroom is at hand ... + +STRECKMANN + +An' that's certainly true! But the bride, meantime, runs off! + +AUGUST + +You're in a merry mood this day. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, that I am. I could hug a curbstone ... or the handle o' your +collection bag. I do feel most uncommonly jolly. I could laugh myself +sick. + +BERND + +[_To ROSE._] Put up your things an' we'll go home! Not that way! That way +I'm not goin' home with you! Put your hoe in the hollow of the tree! +Carryin' that o' Sunday would give offence. + +AUGUST + +There's them that even gads about with guns. + +STRECKMANN + +An' devils that take no shame carryin' a whisky-bottle. + + [_He pulls his bottle out of his pocket._ + +AUGUST + +Each man does those things on his own responsibility. + +STRECKMANN + +True. An' at his own expense! Come, take courage an' have a drink with me +for once. + + [_He holds out the bottle to AUGUST who pays no attention to him._ + +BERND + +You know well enough that August drinks no spirits!--Whereabouts is your +threshin' machine now? + +STRECKMANN + +But you, father Bernd; you can't go an' refuse to take a drop with me! +You've been a distiller yourself! My machine is on the great estate down +below. + +BERND + +[_Takes the bottle hesitatingly._] Just because it's you, Streckmann, +otherwise I wouldn't be touchin' it. When I was manager of the estate, I +had to do a good many things! But I never liked to distil the drink an' I +didn't touch it in them days at all. + +STRECKMANN + +[_To AUGUST who has placed a spade in the hollow of the cherry tree._] +You just look at that tree! Piff, paff! All you got to do is to take your +aim and let it fly. + +BERND + +There's people that goes hunting o' Sundays. + +STRECKMANN + +Squire Flamm. + +BERND + +Just so. We ha' met him. 'Tis bad. I'm sorry for them folks. + + _STRECKMANN throws cock-chafers at ROSE._ + +ROSE + +[_Trembling._] Streckmann! + +BERND + +What's wrong? + +AUGUST + +What's the meanin' o' that? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! We've got a little private quarrel! + +AUGUST + +You can have your little quarrels. But it'd be better if you had 'em +without her. + +STRECKMANN + +[_With malicious hostility._] You take care, August! Watch out! + +BERND + +Peace! Don't be quarrelsome! In God's name! + +STRECKMANN + +The dam' carrion always spits at me! + +AUGUST + +Carrion is a dead beast ...! + +STRECKMANN + +August, let's be at peace. Father Bernd is right; people ought to like +each other! An' it isn't Christian the way you act sour like! Come on +now! Have a drink! You're not good-lookin', your worst enemy'd have to +admit that, but you're fine when it comes to readin' an' writin' an' +you've got your affairs pretty well arranged! Well, then, here's to your +weddin'--an early one an' a merry one! + + _BERND takes the bottle and drinks since AUGUST remains quite + unresponsive._ + +STRECKMANN + +I take that real kind o' you, father Bernd. + +BERND + +When it comes to drinkin' to a happy weddin', I makes an exception! + +STRECKMANN + +Exactly! That's proper! That's right!--It isn't as if I was a horse-boy +to-day as in the old times on the estate when you had the whip hand o' +me. I've gotten to be a reputable kind o' feller. Anybody that's got a +head on his shoulders makes his way. + +BERND + +God bestows his favours on them he wants to.--[_To AUGUST._] Drink to a +happy weddin'. + +AUGUST + +[_Takes the bottle._] May God grant it! We don't have to drink to it. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Slapping his thigh._] An' may he give plenty o' little Augusts, so that +the grandfather can be glad. An' the oldest of 'em all must grow up to be +a squire!--But now you ought to let Rosie have a drink too. + +BERND + +You're weepin', Rosie. What's troublin' you? + +MARTHEL + +The tears keep runnin' out o' her eyes all the time. + +AUGUST + +[_To ROSE._] Drink a drop, so's to let him have his will. + + _ROSE takes the bottle, overcoming her repugnance by a violent + effort._ + +STRECKMANN + +Right down with it now! Let's be jolly! + + _ROSE drinks trembling and hands back the bottle to AUGUST with + undisguised disgust._ + +BERND + +[_Softly in his paternal pride to STRECKMANN._] There's a girl for you! +He'd better keep a good hold o' her. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _The large living room in FLAMM'S house. The large, low room which is + on a level with the ground has a door at the right leading to the + outer hall. A second door in the rear hall leads into a smaller + chamber, filled with hunting implements, etc., which FLAMM calls his + den. When this door is open, garments and rifles and stuffed bird + heads are to be seen covering the walls of the smaller room. In it + stands, also, the chest of drawers in which FLAMM stores the + documents kept by him as magistrate. The large room with its three + windows on the left side, its dark beams and its furnishings creates + an impression of home-likeness and comfort. In the left corner stands + a large sofa covered with material of an old-fashioned, flowery + pattern. Before it stands an extension table of oak. Above the door + of the den hangs a glass case containing a group of stuffed + partridges. Immediately to the right of this door a key-rack with + keys. Not far from this stands a bookcase with glass doors which is + filled with books. Upon this bookcase stands a stuffed owl and next + to it hangs a cuckoo clock. A great tile oven of dappled blue + occupies the right corner of the room. In all the three windows of + the left wall are potted plants in bloom. The window beside the table + is open as well as the one farther forward. In front of the latter + MRS. FLAMM is sitting in an invalid's chair. All the windows have + mull curtains. Not far from the window nearest to the spectator there + is an old chest of drawers covered by a lace scarf upon which are to + be seen glasses, bric-a-brac and family mementos of various kinds. On + the wall above hang family photographs. Between the oven and the door + that leads to the outer hall stands an old-fashioned grand piano and + an embroidered piano-stool. The keyboard of the instrument is turned + toward the tile oven. Above the piano there are glass cases + containing a collection of butterflies. In the foreground, to the + right, a brightly polished roller-top desk of oak with a simple + chair. Several such chairs are set against the mall near the desk. + Between the windows an old armchair covered with brown leather. Above + the table a large brass lamp of English manufacture is suspended. + Above the desk hangs the large photograph of a handsome little boy of + five. The picture is in a simple wooden frame wreathed in fresh field + flowers. On top of the desk a large globe of glass covers a dish of + forget-me-nots. It is eleven o'clock in the forenoon on a magnificent + day of late spring._ + + _MRS. FLAMM is an attractive, matronly woman of forty. She wears a + smooth, black alpaca dress with a bodice of old-fashioned cut, a + small cap of white lace on her head, a lace collar and soft lace + cuffs which all but cover her emaciated, sensitive hands. A book and + a handkerchief of delicate material lie in her lap. MRS. FLAMM'S + features are not without magnanimity and impressiveness. Her eyes are + light blue and piercing, her forehead high, her temples broad. Her + hair, already gray and thin is plainly parted in the middle. From + time to time she strokes it gently with her finger tips. The + expression of her face betrays kindliness and seriousness without + severity. About her eyes, her nose and her mouth there is a flicker + of archness. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looks thoughtfully out into the open, sighs, becomes absorbed in her +book for a moment, then listens and closes her book after inserting a +bookmark. Finally she turns toward the door and speaks in a slightly +raised, sympathetic voice._] Whoever is out there ... come in! [_A tap is +heard, the door to the hall is slightly opened and the head of old BERND +is seen._] Well, who is it? Ah, that's father Bernd, our deacon and +trustee. Come right in! I'm not going to bite you. + +BERND + +We was wantin' to speak to the squire. + + [_He enters, followed by AUGUST KEIL. Both are once more in their + best clothes._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, well, you do look solemn. + +BERND + +Good mornin', Missis. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good day to you, father Bernd.--My husband was in his den there a minute +ago. [_Referring to AUGUST._] And there is your future son-in-law too. + +BERND + +Yes, by God's help, Mrs. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, then, do take a seat. I suppose you want to make official +announcement of the marriage? It's to be at last. + +BERND + +Yes, thanks be to God; everythin' is in readiness now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm glad o' that. This waiting leads to very little. If something is to +be, then 'tis better to have it done! So the girl has made up her mind to +it at last? + +BERND + +Yes. An' it's like takin' a stone off my heart. She has kept us all +hangin' about this long time. Now she wants to hurry of her own free +will. She'd rather have the weddin' to-day than to-morrow. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm very glad of that, Mr. Keil! Very glad, indeed, Bernd. Christie! I +think my husband will be here presently! So this matter has been adjusted +at last! Well, father Bernd, I think you ought to feel that you're lucky! +You must be well content. + +BERND + +An' so I am! You're right indeed, Mrs. Flamm! Day before yesterday we +talked it all over. An' God has given us an especial blessin' too. For +August went to see the lady of Gnadau an' she was so extraordinar' +kind-hearted as to loan him a thousand crowns. An' with that he can go +an' buy the Lachmann house now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that true? Is that possible? Now there you see again how life is, +father Bernd. When your master let you go without a bit o' pension or +anything for your old age, you were quite desperate and hopeless. An' +'twas an unfeeling thing to do! But now God has turned everything to +good. + +BERND + +So it is! But men has too little faith! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, then! Now you're well off! In the first place the house is right +opposite the church, an' then it has a good bit o' land that goes with +it! And Rose, well, I'm sure she knows how to manage. Yes, you can really +be satisfied. + +BERND + +The blessin's that a lady like that can spread! Next to God ... it's to +her we owe the most. If I'd been in her service an' had ruined my health +as I did workin' for my master, I wouldn't ha' had to complain. + +MRS. FLAMM + +You have nothing more to complain of now, Bernd. + +BERND + +My goodness, no! In one way not! + +MRS. FLAMM + +You can't count on gratitude in this world. My father was chief forester +for forty years an' when he died my mother knew want for all that.--You +have an excellent son-in-law. You can live in a pleasant house and you'll +even have your own land to work on. And that everything goes from better +to better--well, you can let your children see to that. + +BERND + +An' that's what I hope for too. No, I haven't no doubt o' that at all. A +man who has worked himself up in the world that way by carryin' tracts +... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Weren't you thinking once of being a missionary? + +AUGUST + +Unfortunately my health was too bad for that. + +BERND + +... An' learned readin' an' writin' an' his trade too the while, an' is +so upright an' Christian--well, I feel that I can lay down my head in +peace if it is to lay it down to my last sleep. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do you know, by the way, father Bernd, that my husband is giving up his +office as magistrate? He'll hardly marry your girl. + +BERND + +They're in a hurry.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +I know, I know. Rose is helpin' along too. She was in to see me this +morning. If you wouldn't mind, going to look ... right behind the yard +... Christie!... There he is.... + +FLAMM + +[_Not yet visible, calls:_] Presently! In a moment! + +MRS. FLAMM + +It's official business. + + _FLAMM, without coat or waistcoat, appears in the door of his den. + His gleaming white shirt is open in front. He is busy cleaning the + barrels of a shotgun._ + +FLAMM + +Here I am. The machinist Streckmann was here just now. I'd like to have +my threshing done at once, but the machine is down there on the estate +and they're far from being done ... Dear me! Surely that's father Bernd. + +BERND + +Yes, Mr. Flamm, we have come here. We were wantin' to.... + +FLAMM + +One thing after another! Patience! [_He examines the barrels of the gun +carefully._] If you have official business for the magistrate, you'd +better wait a little while. Steckel will be my successor and he will take +these matters a deal more solemnly. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Holding her crocheting needle to her chin and observing her husband +attentively._] Christie, what silly stuff are you talking? + +AUGUST + +[_Who, pale from the first, has grown paler at the mention of +STRECKMANN'S name, now arises solemnly and excitedly._] Your honour, we +want to announce a marriage.--I am ready, by God's help, to enter into +the holy state of matrimony. + +FLAMM + +[_Stops looking at the gun. Lightly._] Is it possible? And are you in +such a hurry about it? + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Banteringly._] How does that concern you, Christie? Dear me, let the +good folks marry in peace! You're a reg'lar preacher, you are! If that +man had his will, father Bernd, there wouldn't be hardly anything but +single men and women. + +FLAMM + +Well, marriage is a risky business,--You're the bookbinder August Keil. + +AUGUST + +At your service. + +FLAMM + +You live over in Wandriss? And you've bought the Lachmann house? + +AUGUST + +Exactly. + +FLAMM + +And you want to open a book-shop? + +AUGUST + +A book and stationery shop. Yes. Probably, + +BERND + +He thinks o' sellin' mostly devotional books. + +FLAMM + +There's some land that belongs to the Lachmann house, isn't there? It +must be there by the big pear tree? + +BERND _and_ AUGUST + +[_At the same time._] Yes. + +FLAMM + +Why then our properties adjoin! [_He lays down the barrels of the gun, +searches in his pockets for a bunch of keys and then calls out through +the door:_] Minna! Come and wheel your mistress out! + + [_Resignedly though unable to control his disquiet, he sits down at + the desk._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +A very chivalrous man! But he's in the right! I'm in the way just now! +[_To the neat maid who has come in and stepped behind her._] Come, my +girl, wheel me into the den. An' you might well pin up your hair more +smoothly. + + _MRS. FLAMM and the MAID disappear in the den._ + +FLAMM + +I'm really sorry for the Lachmanns. [_To KEIL._] You invested your +savings in a mortgage on that property, didn't you? [_AUGUST coughs +excitedly and in embarrassment._] Well, that's all the same in the end! +Whoever owns that property, though, has cause to congratulate +himself.--So you want to marry? Well, all that's wanting is the lady! How +is that? Is the lady stubborn? + +AUGUST + +[_Very much wrought up and quite determined._] We're at one entirely, so +far as I know. + +BERND + +I'll go an' fetch her, Mr. Flamm. + + [_Exit rapidly._ + +FLAMM + +[_Who has opened the desk in obvious absentmindedness, observes BERND'S +departure too late._] Nonsense, there's no such terrible hurry. [_For a +few moments he gazes in some consternation at the door through which +BERND has disappeared. Then he shrugs his shoulders._] Do as you please! +Exactly as you please! I can light a pipe in the meanwhile. [_He gets up, +takes a tobacco pouch from the bookcase and a pipe from a rack on the +wall, fills the pipe and lights it. To AUGUST._] Do you smoke? + +AUGUST + +No. + +FLAMM + +Nor take snuff? + +AUGUST + +No. + +FLAMM + +And you drink no whisky, no beer, no wine? + +AUGUST + +Nothing except the wine in the sacrament. + +FLAMM + +Iron principles, I must say! Quite exemplary!--Come in! I thought someone +was knocking. Or wasn't there? Those confounded ...! You practise a bit +of quackery now and then as a diversion, don't you? [_AUGUST shakes his +head._] I thought you healed by prayer? Seems to me I heard something +like that. + +AUGUST + +That would be somethin' very different from quackery. + +FLAMM + +In what respect? + +AUGUST + +Faith can move mountains. And whatever is asked in the right spirit ... +there the Father is still almighty to-day. + +FLAMM + +Come in! Surely someone's been knocking again! Come in! Come in! Confound +it all! [_Old BERND, very pale himself, urges ROSE to enter. She is pale +and resists him. She and FLAMM look steadfastly into each other's eyes +for a moment. Thereupon FLAMM continues:_] Very well! Just wait one +little minute. + + [_He goes into the den as though to search for something._ + + _The following colloquy of BERND, ROSE and AUGUST is carried on in + eager whispers._ + +BERND + +What was Streckmann sayin' to you? + +ROSE + +Who? But, father ... + +BERND + +Streckmann was out there, talkin' an' talkin' to her! + +ROSE + +Well, what should he ha' been talkin' to me about? + +BERND + +That's what I'm askin' you. + +ROSE + +An' I know about nothin'. + +AUGUST + +You ought to have no dealin's with such a scamp! + +ROSE + +Can I help it if he talks to me? + +BERND + +You see, you must confess that he's been talkin' to you! + +ROSE + +An' if he has! I didn't listen to him-- + +BERND + +I'll have to be givin' notice about that feller Streckmann. I'll have to +get the help o' the law against him. We was walkin' past there a while +ago where they're workin' with that threshin' machine. You hear? They're +beginnin' again! [_From afar the humming and rumbling of the machine is +heard._] An' then he called out somethin' after us. I couldn't just +rightly hear what it was. + +AUGUST + +If a girl talks as much as two words to that man, her good repute is +almost ruined. + +ROSE + +Well, go an' get yourself a better girl. + +FLAMM + +[_Re-enters. He has put on a collar and a hunting coat. His demeanour is +firm and dignified._] + +Good morning, everybody. Now what can I do for you? When is this wedding +to take place? What's the trouble? You don't seem to be in agreement. +Well, won't you please say something? Well, my good people, it doesn't +look as though you were really ready. Suppose you take my advice: go home +and think it all over once more. And when you've quite made up your minds +come in again. + +AUGUST + +[_Dictatorially._] The matter'll be adjusted now. + +FLAMM + +I have surely nothing against it, Keil. [_About to make the necessary +notes with a pencil._] When is the ceremony to take place? + +BERND + +As soon as ever it's possible, we was thinkin'. + +AUGUST + +Yes; in four or five weeks if it could be done. + +FLAMM + +In four or five weeks? So soon as that? + +AUGUST + +Yes, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Then I must beg you to name the exact date. It's very difficult to make +such arrangements so rapidly and.... + +ROSE + +[_Involuntarily from the depth of her painful excitement._] An' it might +well wait a bit longer'n that. + +FLAMM + +What do you mean, Rosie? I should say Miss Bernd. We've known, each other +all our lives. But one shouldn't--be so familiar with a girl who's +betrothed. However, it seems, then, that you are not in agreement.... + +AUGUST + +[_Who has started violently at ROSE'S words, has stared at her +uninterruptedly since. Now he fights down his emotion and says with +unnatural calm:_] Very well then. Good-bye and good luck to you, father +Bernd. + +BERND + +Stay right where you are, August, I tell you! [_To ROSE._] An' as for +you! I'm tellin' you now that you must make up your mind one way or +t'other! D'you understand? Long enough has I had patience with you, an' +August too, more than was need. We went an' took your foolishness upon +ourselves. We was thinkin': Patience, patience! The Almighty will bring +the lass to her senses. But things gets worse an' worse with you. Three +days ago you give me your sacred promise an' plighted your troth to +August, an' you yourself was hard put to it to wait. An' to-day comes an' +you want to be shirkin'. What's the meanin' o' that? What do you think o' +yourself? D'you think you can dare anything because you've been a good, +decent lass? Because you've had self-respect an' been industrious, an' no +man can say evil o' you? Is that the reason? Ah, you're not the only one +o' that kind. That's no more'n our dooty! An' we're not permitted to +think anything of ourselves on that account! There's others as don't go +gaddin' to the dance! There's others as has taken care o' her brothers +an' sisters an' kept house for an old father! They're not all slovens an' +gadabouts even though you're a pious, decent lass! An' how would things +ha' been if you had been different? The street would ha' been your home! +No girl like that could be a daughter o' mine! This man here, August, he +has no need o' you! A man like that has but to stretch out his hand ... +an' he can have any girl he wants, even if her people are of the best. He +might be havin' a very different wife from yourself! Truly, a man's +patience can't bear everything! It'll snap sometime! Pride, arrogance, +recklessness--that's what it is in you! Either you keep your promise, +or.... + +FLAMM + +Now, now, father Bernd! You must be gentle! + +BERND + +Your honour, you don't know how it's been! A girl that leads on and makes +a fool of an honest man that way--she can't be no daughter o' mine! + +AUGUST + +[_Nearly weeping._] What have you got to reproach me with, Rose? Why are +you so hard toward me? 'Tis true, I never had no confidence in my good +fortune? An' why should I have? I'm made for misfortune! An' that's what +I've always told you, father Bernd, in spite of it all I've taken thought +an' I've worked an' God has given his blessin' so that I've not fallen by +the wayside. But I can weep; these things aren't for me! That would ha' +been too much of a blessin'. I grew up in an orphan house! I never knew +what it was to have a home! I had no brother an' no sister ... well, a +man can still hold fast to his Saviour.--It may be I'm not much to look +at, lass! But I asked you an' you said yes. 'Tis the inner man that +counts! God looks upon the heart ... You'll be bitter sorry some day! + + [_He tries to go but BERND holds him back._ + +BERND + +Once more! Here you stay, August!--D'you understand, Rosie! I means these +words: This man here ... or ... no, I can't permit that! That man here +was my friend an' support long before he asked you to be his wife. When I +was down with the sickness an' couldn't earn nothin', an' no one was good +to us--he shared his bit o' bread with us! [_AUGUST, unable to master his +emotion any longer, takes his hat and goes out._] He was like an angel o' +the Lord to us!--August! + +ROSE + +I'm willin'. Can't you give me a little time? + +BERND + +He's given you three years! The good pastor has tried to persuade you ... +Now August is tired out! Who's to blame him for't? Everything must end +somewhere! He's in the right! But now you can look after yourself an' see +what becomes o' you ... I can't take no more pride in such a daughter. + + [_Exit._ + +FLAMM Well, well, well, well! This is the damnedest ...! + + _ROSE has become alternately red and deathly pale. It is clear that + she is struggling with emotions so violent that she can scarcely hold + them in check. After BERND has gone out the girl seems to fall into a + state of desperate numbness._ + +FLAMM + +[_Closing the public registration book and finding courage to look at +ROSE._] Rose! Wake up! What's the matter with you? Surely you're not +going to worry about all that ranting? [_A fever seems to shake her and +her great eyes are full of tears._] Rose! Be sensible! What's the ...? + +ROSE + +I know what I want--and--maybe--I'll be able to put it through! An'--if +not--it don't matter--neither! + +FLAMM + +[_Walks up and down excitedly, stopping to listen at the door._] +Naturally. And why not? [_Apparently absorbed in the key-rack from which +he takes several keys, whispers in feverish haste._] Rose! Listen! Rose, +do you hear me? We must meet behind the outbuildings! I must talk it all +over with you once more. Ssh! Mother's in there in the den. It's not +possible here! + +ROSE + +[_Uttering her words with difficulty but with an iron energy._] Never an' +never, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +I suppose you want to drive us all mad? The devil has gotten into you! +I've been running around after you for the better part of a month, trying +to say a sensible word to you and you avoid me as if I were a leper! +What's the result? Things of this kind! + +ROSE + +[_As before._] An' if everythin' gets ten times worse'n it is--_no_! You +can all beat down on me; I don't deserve no better! Go on an' wipe your +boots on me, but ... + +FLAMM + +[_Who is standing by the table, turns suddenly with indignant +astonishment toward ROSE. He strives to master his rage. Suddenly however +he brings down his fist on the table top with resounding violence._] I +will be damned to all ...! + +ROSE + +For heaven's sake ... + + _MRS. FLAMM, wheeled by a maid servant, appears at the door of the + den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What is the trouble, Christopher? + + _FLAMM who has turned deadly pale, pulls himself together + energetically, takes his hat and cane from the wall and goes out + through the door at the right._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looks at her husband in consternation, shakes her head at his abrupt +departure and then turns questioningly to ROSE._] What has happened? +What's the matter with him? + +ROSE + +[_Overwhelmed by her profound wretchedness._] Oh, dear Mrs. Flamm, I'm +that unhappy! + + [_She sinks down before MRS. FLAMM and buries her head in the + latter's lap._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Now do tell me!... For pity's sake, lass ... what's come over you! What +is it? You're like a different creature. I can't never understand that! +[_To the maid who has wheeled her in._] I don't need you now; you can +come back later! Get everything ready in the kitchen. [_The maid leaves +the room._] Now then! What is the trouble? What has happened? Tell me +everything! It'll ease you! What? What is't you say? Don't you want to +marry that pasty August? Or maybe you're carryin' some other fellow +around in your thoughts? Dear me! one o' them is about as good as +another, an' no man is worth a great deal. + +ROSE + +[_Controlling herself and rising._] I know what I wants and that's the +end o't! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that true? You see, I was afraid you didn't know! Sometimes a woman +don't know, especially a young one like you. An' then, maybe, an older +woman can help a bit. But if you know what you want,'tis well! You'll be +findin' your own way out o' your trouble. [_Putting on her spectacles, +with a keen glance._] Rosie, are you ill maybe? + +ROSE + +[_Frightened and confused._] Ill? How ...? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Why, don't people get ill? You used to be so different formerly. + +ROSE + +But I'm not ill! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm not sayin' it. I just ask. I ask because I want to know! But we must +understand each other rightly! 'Tis true! Don't let's talk round about +the thing we want to know, or play hide an' seek.--You're not afraid that +I don't mean well? [_ROSE shakes her head vigorously._] An 'twould be +strange if you did. That's settled then. You used to play with my little +Kurt. You two grew up together until it pleased God to take my only +child.--An' that very time your mother died too an' I remember--she was +lyin' on her deathbed--that she was askin' me that I might, if possible, +look after you a bit. + +ROSE + +[_Staring straight before her._] The best thing for me would be to jump +into the river! If things is that way ... God forgive me the sin! + +MRS. FLAMM + +If things are that way? How? I don't understand you! You might well speak +a bit more clearly.--In the first place, I'm a woman myself, an' it won't +astonish me. An' then--I've been a mother myself, even if I have no +children now. Lass, who knows what's wrong with you? I've been watchin' +you for weeks an' weeks; maybe you didn't notice anything, but now I want +you to come out with the truth.--Wheel me over to that chest o' drawers. +[_ROSE obeys her._] So! Here in these drawers are old things--a child's +clothes an' toys. They were Kurt's ... Your mother said to me once: My +Rose, she'll be a mother o' children! But her blood is a bit too hot!--I +don't know. Maybe she was right. [_She takes a large doll from one of the +drawers._] Do you see? Things may go as they want to in this world, but a +mother is not to be despised.--You and Kurt used to play with this doll. +'Twas you mainly that took care o' her, washed her, fed her, gave her +clean linen, an' once--Flamm happened to come up--you put her to your +breast.--You brought those flowers this morning, didn't you? The +forget-me-nots in the little dish yonder? An' you put flowers on Kurt's +grave o' Sunday. Children an' graves--they're women's care. [_She has +taken a little child's linen shift from the drawer, she unfolds it, +holding it by the sleeves, and speaks from behind it._] Didn't you, +Rosie? An' I thank you for it, too. Your father, you see, he's busy with +his missionary meetin's an' his Bible lessons an' such things. All people +are sinners here, says he, an' he wants to make angels of 'em. It may be +that he's right, but I don't understand those things. I've learned one +thing in this world, an' that is what it is to be a mother an' how a +mother is blessed with sorrows. + + _ROSE overwhelmed and moaning has sunk down beside MRS. FLAMM and + kisses the latter's hands again and again in gratitude and as a sign + of confession._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Shows by a sudden gleam in her eyes that she understands the truth and +has received the confession. But she continues to speak quietly._] You +see, lass, that's what I've learned. I've learned that one thing which +the world has forgotten. I don't know very much about anything else. As +much as most people, maybe, an' that's not any real knowledge. [_She lays +down the child's shift carefully on her lap._] Well, now you go home an' +be of good courage! I'll be thinkin' things over for you. 'Tis well so +far. I'll ask you no more just now. You're different now ... all's +different. An' I'll be doubly careful. I don't want to know anything, but +I want you to depend on me. Little I care, anyhow, who the father is--if +'tis a councillor or a beggar. It's we who have to bring the children +into the world, an' no one can help us there. Three things you must think +about--how about your father, and about August ... an' something more. +But I have time enough! I'll think it all over an' I'll feel that I'm +still good for something in this world. + +ROSE + +[_Has arisen and passed again into a state of moral numbness._] No, no, +Mrs. Flamm, don't do that! You can't! Don't take no interest in me! I've +not deserved it of him nor of no one! I know that! I've got to fight it +through--alone! There's no help in others for me; it's ... no, I can't +tell you no clearer!... You're as good to me as an angel! Dear God, +you're much too good! But it's no use! I can't take your help. +Good-bye.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Wait a little! I can't let you go this way. Who knows what you may be +doin'? + +ROSE + +No, you can be reel quiet about that, Mrs. Flamm. I'm not that desperate +yet. If there's need, I can work for my child. Heaven's high an' the +world is wide! If it was just me, an' if it wasn't for father an' if +August didn't seem so pitiful ... an' then, a child ought to have a +father! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good. You just be resolute. You were always a brave girl. An' 'tis better +if you can keep your courage up!--But, if I've understood you rightly, I +can't see at all why you want to fight against the weddin'. + +ROSE + +[_Becomes sullen, pale and fearful._] What can I say? I don't hardly +know! An' I don't want to fight against it no more. Only ... +Streckmann.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Be open with me, you understand? For my part you can go home now! But +come back to-morrow! An' listen to this thing I say: Be glad! A woman +ought to be glad of her child.... + +ROSE + +An' God knows that I am! An' I will fight it all through! Only--nobody +can't help me to do it! + + [_Exit quickly._ + +MRS. FLAMM [_Alone. She looks after ROSE, sighs, takes the child's shift +from her lap, unfolds it as before and says:_] Ah, lass,'tis a good +fortune that you have, not an evil! There's none that's greater for a +woman! Hold it fast! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _A fertile landscape. In the foreground, to the right, on a + triangular piece of greensward slightly below the level of the + fields, there stands an old pear tree, at the foot of which a spring + empties into a primitive basin of stone. The middle distance is of + meadow land. In the background a pool, bordered by reeds and dotted + by water plants, lies in a grove of alder trees and bushes of + hazelnut, willow and beech. The meadows extend on either side + encircled by immemorial oaks, elms, beeches and birch trees. Between + the foliage of the trees and bushes the church spires of distant + villages are visible. To the left, behind the bushes, arise the + thatched roofs of the field barns._ + + _It is a hot afternoon of early August._ + + _From afar is heard the hum of the threshing machine. BERND and + AUGUST KEIL come from, the right. They are worn out from labour and + from the heat. The men are clad only in their shirts, breeches, boots + and caps. Each carries a hoe across his shoulder, a scythe in his + hand, and carries at his belt a cowherd's horn and whetstone._ + +BERND + +'Tis hot an' to spare to-day. A man must rest a bit! But a feelin' o' +peace comes to you workin' on your own ground. + +AUGUST + +The trouble is I'm not used to mowin'. + +BERND + +You went an' did your share right bravely. + +AUGUST + +Yes, yes! But how long can I do it? All my limbs are twitchin' an' +hurtin' me now. + +BERND + +You can rest content, my son. A man's got to be used to that kind o' +work. An' in your case 'tis only an exception. But, 's I said, you could +well go an' be a gard'ner. + +AUGUST + +For the space of a day. On the second I'd collapse. There's no use; I'm +but a broken reed. I went to the county physician again. 'Twas the same +as always. He just shrugged his shoulders. + +BERND + +You're well now an' in God's hands. The most you might do is to put a few +rusty nails in water an' drink the rinsings two or three times a week. +That purifies the blood an' strengthens the heart.--I only hope the +weather'll keep on this way. + +AUGUST + +The heat's too terrible. When we were mowin', I thought I heard thunder. + +BERND + +[_Kneeling down on the edge of the basin and drinking from the surface of +the spring._] Water is the best drink for all they say. + +AUGUST + +How late is it? + +BERND + +'Tis about four o'clock, I'm wonderin' what keeps Rose with our evenin' +meal. [_He raises his scythe and looks at the blade. AUGUST does the +same._] Will you have to sharpen? Mine will do a bit longer. + +AUGUST + +I can try it this way a while longer. + +BERND + +[_Throws himself on the grass under the pear tree._] You'd better come +an' sit down by me. An' if, maybe, you got your Testament with you, we +might refresh ourselves with the Good Word. + +AUGUST + +[_Sitting down exhausted and glad to be free._] All I say is: Thanks and +praise be to the Lord. + +BERND + +D'you see, August, I said to you then: Let her be! The lass will find her +own way! Now she's come to her senses! In the old days, before your time, +often an' often I worried about her. A kind o' stubbornness used to come +over her from time to time. An' 'twas always best to let her +be!--Sometimes it seemed, as God lives, as if the lass was runnin' +against a wall--a strong wall that nobody else couldn't see, an' as if +she had to grope her way around it first. + +AUGUST + +What got into her that day ... I'm thankin' God on my knees ... but that +day I didn't know what to make of it! Suddenly she--how that came about +...? No, I can't see the rights of it to this day. + +BERND + +An' how different did she act this time when we went down to the +magistrate. + +AUGUST + +I'm glad that it's no longer Squire Flamm. + +BERND + +Yes, an' this time she didn't say a word an' in four or five minutes +everythin' was straight. That's the way she is. 'Tis the way o' women. + +AUGUST + +D'you think it had somethin' to do with Streckmann? He called out some +words behind you that day, an' first he had talked to her. + +BERND + +It may be so, an' it may not be so. I can't tell you. Times is when one +can't get a word out o' her. 'Tis not a good thing. An' on that account +I'm glad that she'll be the wife of a man who can influence her an' take +that sullen way from her. You two are meant for one another. 'Tis well! +The girl needs to be led, an' you have a kind hand an' a gentle one. + +AUGUST + +When I see that Streckmann, I feel as if I had to look upon the evil one +hisself.... + +BERND + +Maybe she thought as the feller meant mischief. He's been a sinner from +his childhood on! Many a time his mother complained of it!... It may be! +'Twouldn't surprise no one in him. + +AUGUST + +When I see that man, I don't seem to be myself no longer. Hot an' cold +shudders run down my back, an' I come near to accusin' our Heavenly +Father ... because he didn't make me a Samson in strength. Such times, +God forgive me, I have evil thoughts. [_The whizzing of Streckmann's +engine is heard._] There he is! + +BERND + +Don't take no notice of him. + +AUGUST + +I won't. An' when 'tis all over, I'll shut myself up in my four walls an' +we can lead a quiet life. + +BERND + +A good, quiet life--God grant it! + +AUGUST + +And I don't want to know nothin' of the world no more! The whole business +fills me with horror! I have taken such a disgust to the world and to +men, that I ... Father, I don't hardly know how to say it ... but when +the bitterness o' things rises up into my throat--then I laugh! Then I +have a feelin' of peace in the thought of death; and I rejoice in it like +a child. + + _A number of thirsty field labourers, an old woman and two young + girls, all from the estate of the magistrate FLAMM, come hurriedly + across the fields. They are HAHN, HEINZEL, GOLISCH, OLD MRS. GOLISCH, + OLD KLEINERT, THE HEAD MAID SERVANT and her ASSISTANT. The men are + clad in trousers, the women have their skirts gathered up, shawls + over their breasts and manicoloured kerchiefs on their heads._ + +HAHN + +[_Thirty years old, bronzed and vigorous._] I'm always the first at the +fountain! The rest o' ye c'n run all ye want to! Ye can't never ketch up +with me! [_He kneels down and leans over the spring._] Eh, but I'd like +to jump right in. + +THE ASSISTANT MAID + +Don't ye dare! We've got a thirst too. [_To the HEAD MAID SERVANT._] Have +ye a bit of a cup with ye to dip up the water? + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +Hold on there! I comes first. + +HEINZEL + +[_Pulls the two women back by the shoulders and thrusts himself between +them up to the spring._] First comes the men, then the women folks. + +KLEINERT + +There's space enough here for us all. Eh, father Bernd? Wish you a good +meal. + +BERND + +Yes, yes. Only no meal's been brought for us to eat yet. We're waitin' +for it--waitin' in vain. + +GOLISCH + +I ... I ... I'm wet enough to be wrung out! My tongue is lyin' in my +mouth, dry as a piece o' charred wood. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Water! + +KLEINERT + +Here 'tis, enough for us all! + + _They all drink greedily, some immediately from the surface of the + mater, some out of their hollowed hands, others out of their hats or + out of little cups and bottles. The sounds of swallowing and of deep + relieved breathing are clearly audible._ + +HEINZEL + +[_Getting up._] Water's a good thing but beer would be a better. + +HAHN + +An' a bit o' brandy wouldn't come amiss neither. + +GOLISCH + +August, you might be treatin' us to a quart. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +He'd better invite us all to the weddin'. + +GOLISCH + +We're all comin' to the weddin'. They says it's to be soon. + +HEINZEL + +I'm not comin'. What for? To swill cold water? I needn't go no farther +than the spring for that. Or for the sake of a little coffee. + +HAHN + +An' prayin' an' singin' for dessert. An' mebbe, there's no tellin', the +parson from Jenkau will come over an' see if we know the ten +commandments. + +HEINZEL + +Or the seven beatitudes on top o' that! That'd be a fine state of +affairs. I've long forgot it all. + +KLEINERT + +You folks had better stop teasin' August. I'm tellin' you now, if I had a +girl of my own, I wouldn't be wantin' no better son-in-law. He knows his +business! You always know where to find him. + + _The working men and women have scattered themselves at ease in a + semicircle and are eating their evening meal; coffee in tin pots and + great wedges of bread from which they cut pieces with their + clasp-knives._ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +There comes Rosie Bernd around from behind the farm. + +GOLISCH + +Look an' see, will you, how that girl can jump. + +KLEINERT + +She can lift a sack o' wheat and drag it to the very top o' the barn. +This very mornin' I saw her with a great heavy chest o' drawers on a +wheelbarrow, trundlin' it over to the new house. That there girl has got +sap an' strength. She'll take care o' her household. + +HAHN + +If I could get along in the world like August in other respecks, my +faith, I wouldn't a bit mind tryin'; I'd see what bein' pious can do for +a man. + +GOLISCH + +You've got to know how to run after good fortune; then you'll get hold of +it. + +HAHN + +When you consider how he used to go around from village to village with a +sack full o' tracts; an' how, after that, he used to be writin' letters +for people ... an' now, to-day, he's got the finest bit o' property an' +can marry the handsomest girl in the county. + + _ROSE BERND approaches. In a basket she is carrying the evening meal + for AUGUST and OLD BERND._ + +ROSE + +A good afternoon to you. + +SEVERAL VOICES + +Good evenin'!--Good evenin'! Many thanks! + +GOLISCH + +You're lettin' your sweetheart starve, Rosie. + +ROSE + +[_Merrily unpacking the food._] Don't you worry! He don't starve so easy +as that. + +HEINZEL + +You must be feedin' him well, Rosie, or he'll put on no flesh. + +GOLISCH + +That's true. He'll be a sight too lean for you, lass. + +BERND + +Where have you been keepin' yourself so long? We've been waitin' this +half hour. + +AUGUST + +[_In a subdued but annoyed voice._] An' now the whole crowd is here +again! An' we might have been through this long time. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Let him scold, lass, an' don't mind it. + +ROSE + +Who's scoldin'? There's no one here to scold. August wouldn't do it in a +lifetime. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Even so! But that's right: you shouldn't care nothin' about it. + +HEINZEL + +'Cause, if he don't scold now, that'll be comin' later. + +ROSE + +I'm not afraid o' that ever comin'. + +GOLISCH + +You're mighty friendly, all of a sudden. + +ROSE + +We was always agreed with each other, wasn't we, August? What are you +laughin' at? [_She kisses him. Laughter is heard among the people._] + +GOLISCH + +Well, well, and I thought as I might be climbin' into her window some +day. + +KLEINERT + +If you did, you'd be carrying home your bones in a handkerchief! + +THE HEAD MAID SERVANT + +[_Sarcastically._] O Lordy, Lordy! I'd try it all the same. You can't +never tell. + +BERND + +[_Sombre but calm._] Take care what you're sayin', woman. + +KLEINERT + +Hear what he says, I tell you! Be careful of what you're sayin'. Old +Bernd, he don't take no jokes. + +ROSE + +She's not sayin' anythin' special. Let her be. + +KLEINERT + +[_Lighting his pipe._] He may be lookin' real mild now, but when he lets +go, you won't hardly believe it. I know how it used to be when he was +manager of the estate; the women folks didn't have much cause for +laughin' then. He got the upper hand o' ten like you; there wasn't no +gaddin 'about with fellers for them! + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +Who's gaddin' about with fellers, I'd like to know! + +KLEINERT + +You'd better be askin' the machinist, Streckmann, + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +[_Crimson._] For all I care you can ask the Lord hisself! + + [_All present laugh._ + + _The machinist STRECKMANN appears. He is dusty and comes straight + from the threshing machine. He shows the effects of liquor._ + +STRECKMANN + +Who's talkin' about the machinist Streckmann aroun' here? He's right +here! He's standin' right here. Anybody wantin' to pick a quarrel with +him? Good day to you all! Hope you're havin' a pleasant meal. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Talk of the devil an' he appears. + +STRECKMANN + +An' you're the devil's grandmother, I suppose. [_He takes off his cockade +and wipes the sweat from his forehead._] I tell you people I can't keep +up with this: this kind o' work uses a man up skin and bones!--Hello, +August! Good day to you, Rosie! Well, father Bernd--Great God, can't +anybody answer? + +HEINZEL + +Let him be! Some people's better off than they can stand. + +STRECKMANN + +The Lord lets his own people have an easy time. A feller like me works +and works and can't get ahead. [_He has assumed a reclining position and +squeezed himself between HEINZEL and KLEINERT. He now hands his whisky +bottle to HEINZEL._] Let her go aroun'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +You live the best life of us all, Streckmann! What in Heaven's name has +you to complain about? You drinks your drinks and makes three times over +what we do--all for standin' by the machine a bit. + +STRECKMANN + +What I want is work for my brain. I got a head on me. That's what you +bran-heads can't understand. Of course! What does an old woman know about +that! An', anyhow--the trouble I got.... + +GOLISCH + +Lord, Streckmann and trouble-- + +STRECKMANN + +More than enough!--there's somethin' that sticks into me, I can tell +you--sticks into my belly and into my heart. I feel so rotten bad I'd +like to be doin' somethin' real crazy. [_To the ASSISTANT MAID._] Lass, +shall I lie down with you? + +ASSISTANT MAID + +I'll bang you over the head with a whetstone! + +GOLISCH + +That's just what's troublin' him; everythin' gets black before his eyes, +he don't see nothin' more, an' sudden like, he's lyin' abed with a lass. + + [_Loud laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +Yon can laugh, ye ragamuffins, laugh all ye want to! It's no laughin' +matter with me, I can tell ye. [_Blustering:_] I'll let the machine +squeeze off one of my arms! Or ye can run the piston through me if ye +want to! Kill me, for all I care. + +HAHN + +Or mebbe you'd like to set a barn afire. + +STRECKMANN + +By God! There's fire enough inside of me. August there, he's a happy man +... + +AUGUST + +Whether I'm happy or whether I'm unhappy, that don't concern no one in +this world. + +STRECKMANN + +What am I doin' to you? Can't you be sociable with a feller? + +AUGUST + +I'll look for my society elsewhere. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks at him long with smouldering hatred; represses his rage and +grasps the whisky bottle which has been handed back to him._] Give it to +me! A feller's got to drown his sorrow!--[_To ROSE._] You needn't be +lookin' at me; a bargain's a bargain. [_He gets up._] I'm goin'!--I don't +want to come between you. + +ROSE + +You can go or you can stay for all I care. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +[_Calling STRECKMANN back._] Look here, Streckmann, what was that +happened t'other day? About three weeks ago at the threshin' machine?... + + [_Men and women burst into laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +That's all over. I don't know nothin' about that. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +An' yet, you swore by all that was good and holy.... + +KLEINERT + +You people stop your gossippin'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +He needn't be talkin' so big all the time. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Comes back._] And I tell you what I says, that I puts through. I'll be +damned if I don't! Let it go at that. I don't say no more. + + [_Exit._ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH It's done just as easy without talkin'. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Comes back, is about to speak out, but restrains himself._] Never mind! +I don't walk into no such trap! But if you want to know exactly what it's +all about, ask August there or father Bernd. + +BERND + +What's all this about? What's this we're supposed to know? + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +'Twas that time you went to the magistrate's, 'twas that time! An' didn't +Streckmann pass you on the road an' didn't he cry out somethin' after ye? + +KLEINERT + +It's about time for you to be stoppin'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +An' why, I'd like to know? That's all nothin' but a joke ... People +wonders if that there time you all agreed, or if Rosie wasn't so willin' +to join in! + +BERND + +God Almighty forgive you all for your sins! What I wants to ask you is +this: Why can't the whole crowd o' you leave us in peace? Or is it that +we ever did any harm to any o' ye? + +GOLISCH + +An' we're not doin' any wrong neither. + +ROSE + +An' whether I was willin' on that day or not--you needn't give yourself +no concern about that! I'm willin' now an' that settles it, + +KLEINERT + +That's the right way, Rosie! + +AUGUST + +[_Who has hitherto been reading, with apparent absorption, in his New +Testament, now closes the book and arises._] Come, father, let's go to +work. + +HAHN + +That takes it out o' you more than pastin' prayer books together or +stirrin' the paste in your pot! + +HEINZEL + +And how do you think he'll feel after the weddin'? A girl like Rosie--she +makes demands! + + [_Laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Also laughing._] Gee ...! I almost said somethin' I oughtn't to!--[_He +steps back among the people._] I'll give you a riddle to guess. Shall I? +Still waters run deep! 'Tis bad. You mustn't taste blood--no, no! The +thirst only gets worse an' worse--that's all. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +What's that? Where did you get the taste o' blood? + +BERND + +I suppose he means the taste for whisky! + +STRECKMANN + +I'm goin' my way! Good-bye! I'm a good feller! Good-bye, father Bernd! +Good-bye, August! Good-bye, Rosie! [_To AUGUST._] What's wrong?--August, +don't be showin' off. 'Tis all well! I'm willin'! You'll not see me +again! But you--you've got reason enough to be grateful to me. You've +always been an underhanded kind o' crittur! But I've given my consent to +let things be! I've given my consent an' everything can go smoothly. + + [_STRECKMANN goes._ + +ROSE + +[_With violent energy._] Let him talk, August; pay no attention to him. + +KLEINERT + +Flamm is comin'! [_He looks at his watch._] 'Tis over half an hour! + + [_The whistle of the engine is heard._ + +HAHN + +[_During the general stir._] Forward, Prussians! It's misery whistlin' +for us! + + _The workingmen and the maids disappear swiftly with their scythes. + ROSE, OLD BERND and AUGUST remain alone on the scene._ + +BERND + +All the evil on earth seems broken loose here' What's all that Streckmann +is sayin'? Tell me, Rose, do you understand it? + +ROSE + +No, an' I've got better things to be thinkin' of! [_She gives AUGUST a +friendly nudge on the head._] Isn't it so, August? We have no time for +nonsense! We have to hurry these comin' six weeks. + + [_She gathers up the remnants of the meal in her basket._ + +AUGUST + +Come over to us a bit later. + +ROSE + +I must wash and iron and sew buttonholes. 'Tis almost time now. + +BERND + +We'll be comin' to our supper after seven. + + [_Exit._ + +AUGUST + +[_Before he goes, earnestly:_] Do you care for me, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Yes, I do care for you. + + _AUGUST disappears and ROSE is left alone. The hum of the threshing + machine is heard as well as the muttering of thunder on the horizon. + After ROSE has replaced bread, butter, the coffee pots and cups into + her basket, she straightens herself up and seems to become aware of + something in the distance which attracts her and holds her captive. + With sudden, determination, she snatches up the head kerchief that + has fallen to the ground and hurries off. Before she has disappeared + from view, however, FLAMM becomes visible on the scene and calls to + her._ + +FLAMM + +Rose! Wait there! Confound it all! [_Rose stands still with her face +turned away._] You are to give me a drink! I suppose I'm worth a draught +of water. + +ROSE + +There's plenty of water here. + +FLAMM + +I see. I'm not blind. But I don't care to drink like the beasts. Have you +no cups in your basket? [_ROSE pushes the cover of her basket aside._] +Well, then! You even have a cup of Bunzlauer ware! I like to drink out of +that best of all. [_She hands him the cup, still with averted face._] I +beg your pardon. You might practise a little politeness! I suppose you'll +have to force yourself to it this one more time. [_ROSE walks over to the +spring, rinses the cup, fills it with water, sets it down next to the +spring and then returns to her basket. She picks the latter up and waits +with her back to FLAMM._] No, Rosie--that won't do at all. You might get +rid of some gaol bird in that fashion. I don't know the habits of such +persons very exactly. As things are, I'm still the magistrate Flamm. Am I +going to get a drink or am I not? Well: One ... two ... three ... and ... +there's an end to this, I' beg for some decency! No more nonsense! [_ROSE +has returned to the spring, has picked up the cup and now holds it out to +FLAMM, still refusing to look at him._] So! Higher, though, a little +higher! I can't get at it yet! + +ROSE + +But you must hold it. + +FLAMM + +How can I drink this way? + +ROSE + +[_Amused against her will, turns her face to him._] Oh, but.... + +FLAMM + +That's better already!--That's good!--[_Apparently unintentionally and as +if merely to hold the cup, he puts his own hands upon ROSE'S which +support it. His mouth at the rim he lowers himself more and more--until +he kneels on one knee._] So! Thank you, Rosie! Now you can let me go. + +ROSE + +[_Making gentle efforts to disengage herself._] Oh, no! Do let me be, Mr. +Flamm! + +FLAMM + +Is that so? You think, then, that I ought to let you be? Now, when at +last I've succeeded in catching you! No, lassie,'tis not so easy as that. +It won't do and you needn't ask it of me. You needn't wear yourself out! +You can't escape me! First of all, look me square in the eyes once more! +I haven't changed! I know; I know about--everything! I've had 'a talk +with the magistrate Steckel about your having agreed to everything now. I +thank God that I'm no longer the official who attends to the matchmaking! +Another man takes care of the man-traps now. I even know the date of the +funeral ... I'll be ... I meant the wedding, of course. And in addition, +I've talked to myself, too. Rose, 'tis a hard nut! I hope we won't break +our teeth on it! + +ROSE + +I dare not stand this way with you here. + +FLAMM + +You must. Whether you may or not--I don't care! In fact I don't give a +tinker's damn! If this thing is really decreed in the council of God, as +the song has it--I want a dismissal in all due form: I refuse to be just +coolly shunted off.--Rose, is there anything in the past for which I need +to ask your forgiveness? + +ROSE + +[_Touched, shakes her head with energy._] Nothin', nothin' at all, Mr. +Flamm. + +FLAMM + +No? Is that honest? [_ROSE nods a hearty affirmation._] Well, I'm glad of +that, at least! I hoped it would be so. Then at least we can keep +something that's harmonious in our memories. Ah, Rose, it was a good, +good time.... + +ROSE + +An' you must go back to your wife.... + +FLAMM + +A good time! And it rushes past ... past! And what do we keep of it? + +ROSE + +You must be kind, very kind to your wife, Mr. Flamm. She's an angel; 'tis +she that saved me! + +FLAMM + +Come, let's sit down under the pear tree! Very well. But why talk of it? +I'm always kind to my wife. Our relations are the very friendliest. Come, +Rose! Tell me all about that. What d'you mean by that? Saved? What did +she save you from, Rose? I'd naturally like to know that! What was the +matter with you? Mother did drop all sorts of hints; but I was no wiser +for them. + +ROSE + +Mr. Christopher ... Mr. Flamm! I can't sit down here. An' it don't +matter! It can't lead to anythin'. 'Tis all over an' past now--well--'tis +all dead an' gone. I know God will forgive me the sin. An' He won't lay +it up against the poor, innocent child neither. He's too merciful to do +that! + +FLAMM + +[_Alluding to the hum of the threshing machine which grows louder and +louder._] That confounded buzzing all the time!--What did you say, Rose? +Sit down just a moment. I won't harm you; I won't even touch you! I give +you my word, Rose. Have some confidence in me! I want you to speak +out--to tell what's on your heart! + +ROSE + +I don't know ... there's ... there's just nothin' more to say! When once +I'm married, you can go an' ask the good missis. Maybe she'll tell you +then what was the trouble with me. I haven't told August nothin' either. +I know he's good. I'm not afraid o' that. He's soft o' heart an' a good +Christian man. An' now: Good-bye, Christie--keep well.--We've a long life +ahead of us now an', maybe, we can be reel faithful an' do penance an' +work hard an' pay off the debt. + +FLAMM + +[_Holding ROSE'S hand fast in his._] Rose, stay one moment. It's all +right and I must be satisfied. I'm not coming to your wedding, God knows! +But even if I don't come to your wedding, still I admit that you're +right.--But, oh, lass, I've loved you so truly, so honestly.... I can +never tell you how much! And it's been, upon my word, as far back as I +can think.--You had crept into my heart even in the old days when you +were a child and were always so honest ... so frank about a thousand +little things--so straight and true, however things were. No sneakiness, +no subterfuge--whatever the consequences. I've known women enough in +Tarant and in Eberswalde at the agricultural college and in the army, and +I was usually lucky with them--ridiculously so. And yet I never knew true +happiness except through you. + +ROSE + +Oh, Christie, I've loved you too! + +FLAMM + +Why you've been in love with me ever since you were a little thing! Why +you used to make eyes at me.... Do you believe you'll ever think of it? +And think of the mad, old sinner Flamm? + +ROSE + +That I will. I have a pledge.... + +FLAMM + +You mean the ring with the bit of stone? And won't you come to our house +some time? + +ROSE + +No, that can't be. That would cut a body too sorely to the heart. That +wouldn't be nothin' but double sufferin' an' misery! There's got to be an +end to it all. I'll bury myself in the house! There's work an' moil +enough for two! 'Tis a new life that's beginnin' an' we mustn't look back +on the old life. There's nothin' but sorrow an' heart's need on this +earth; we has to wait for a better place. + +FLAMM + +And so this is to be our last farewell, Rose? + +ROSE + +Father an' August will be wonderin' now. + +FLAMM + +And if the little fishes in the river were to stand on their tails in +wonderment and the bitterns on the trees did the same--I wouldn't lose +one second--now! So it's to be all, all over and done with? And you won't +even come to see mother? + +ROSE + +[_Shaking her head._] I can't look her in the face no more! Maybe some +day! Maybe in ten years or so! Maybe all this'll be conquered then. +Good-bye, Mr. Christie! Good-bye, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +So be it. But, lass, I tell you, if it weren't for mother ... now ... +even now ... I wouldn't fool around much ... I wouldn't give you much +time.... + +ROSE + +Yes, if it wasn't for that little word "if"! If August wasn't livin', an' +father wasn't--who knows what I'd do. I'd like to go out into the wide +world. + +FLAMM + +And I with you, Rose! Well, then we know what's in our hearts.--And now +you might give me your hand once more.... [_He presses her hand and their +glances melt hotly into each other in this last farewell._] So it is. +What was to be, must be! I suppose we must leave each other now. + + [_He turns resolutely and walks away with firm steps and without + looking back._ + +ROSE [_Looking after him, mastering herself, with tense volition:_] What +must be, must be!--'tis well now!-- + + [_She put back the can into her basket and is about to walk in the + opposite direction._ + + _STRECKMANN appears._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_With pale, contorted face, creeping and basely hesitant in demeanour._] +Rose! Rose Bernd! D'you hear? That was that rascally Flamm again! If ever +I gets my hand on him ... I'll smash every bone in his carcase!--What's +up? What did he want again! But I'm tellin' you this: things don't go +that way! I won't bear it! One man is as good as another! I won't let +nobody turn me off this way! + +ROSE + +What d'you say? Who are you anyhow? + +STRECKMANN + +Who am I? Damn it, you know that well enough! + +ROSE + +Who are you? Where did I ever see you? + +STRECKMANN + +Me? Where you saw me? _You?_ You can look for somebody else to play your +monkey tricks on! + +ROSE + +What do you want? What are you? What business has you with me? + +STRECKMANN + +What business? What I wants? Nothin' much, y'understand? God ... don't +scream so! + +ROSE + +I'll call for all the world to come if you don't get out o' my way this +minute! + +STRECKMANN + +Think o' the cherry tree! Think o' the crucifix.... + +ROSE + +Who are you! Lies! Lies! What do you want with me? Either you get away +from here straightway ... or I'll cry out for some one to come an' help +me! + +STRECKMANN + +Girl, you've lost your senses! + +ROSE + +Then I won't have to drag 'em around with me no longer! Who are you! +Lies! You've seen nothin'! I'll cry out! I'll shriek as long as I has +breath in my body, if you don't go this very second. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Frightened._] I'm goin', Rosie. It's all right. + +ROSE + +But now! This minute! Y'understand! + +STRECKMANN + +Right away! For all I care! An' why not? [_He makes a farcical gesture as +though avoiding a shower of rain._] + +ROSE + +[_Half-mad with rage and scorn._] There he runs! The vile scoundrel! When +you see a fellow like that from behind, you see the best side o' him! Fy, +I says! He's all smooth an' spruce on the outside, an' his innards rotten +as dirt. A body could die o' disgust! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Turns, pale and sinister._] Ah ...! An' is that so indeed! You don't +never mean it!... 'Tis not very appetisin' the way you makes it out. Why +was you so hot after it, then? + +ROSE + +I? Hot after you? + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe you've forgotten already? + +ROSE + +Scoundrel! + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe I am. + +ROSE + +Scoundrel! Ruffian! Why do you go sniffin' around me now! Who are you? +What has I done? You stuck to my heels! You followed me an' baited me an' +snapped at me ... Rascal ... worse'n a dog ... + +STRECKMANN + +'Twas you that ran after me! + +ROSE + +What ...? + +STRECKMANN + +You came to my house an' made things hot for me! + +ROSE + +An' you ... + +STRECKMANN + +Well, what? + +ROSE + +An' you? An' you? + +STRECKMANN + +Well, I don't refuse a good thing that's offered. + +ROSE + +Streckmann! You has to die some day! D'you hear? Think o' your last hour! +You has to stand before your Judge some day! I ran to you in the awful +terror o' my heart! An' I begged you for the love o' God not to put +nothin' between me an' August. I crept on my knees before you--an' you +say, you, I ran after you! What was it truly? You committed a crime--a +crime against me! An' that's worse'n a scoundrel's trick! 'Twas a +crime--doubly and trebly! An' the Lord'll bring it home to you! + +STRECKMANN + +Listen to that! I'll take my chances! + +ROSE + +Is that what you say? You'll take your chances in that court? Then a +person can spit in your face! + +STRECKMANN + +Think o' the cherry tree! Think o' the crucifix! + +ROSE + +An' you swore to me that you'd never mention it again! You swore by all +that's holy. You put that hand o' yours on the cross, an' by the cross +you swore--an' now you're beginnin' to persecute me again! What do you +want? + +STRECKMANN + +I'm as good as Flamm. An' I don't want no more goin's on between you an' +him! + +ROSE + +I'll jump into his bed, scoundrel! An' it wouldn't concern you that much! + +STRECKMANN + +Well, we'll see what'll be the end of all that! + +ROSE + +What? 'Tis violence that you did to me! You confused me! You broke me +down! You pounced on me like a wild beast! I know! I tried to get out by +the door! An' you took hold an' you rent my bodice an' my skirt! I bled! +I might ha' gotten out by the door! Then you shot the latch! That's a +crime, a crime! An' I'll denounce.... + + _BERND and AUGUST appear on the scene. After them KLEINERT and + GOLISCH and the other field hands._ + +BERND + +[_Close to STRECKMANN._] What's all this? What did you do to my lass? + +AUGUST + +[_Pulls BERND back and thrusts himself forward._] 'Tis my place, father. +What did you do to Rosie? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! + +BERND + +[_Coming forward again._] What did you do to the lass? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! + +AUGUST + +[_Approaching STRECKMANN once more._] You'll tell us now what you did to +her! + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! The devil! I say nothin'! + +AUGUST + +You'll either be tellin' us now what you did to her--or ... + +STRECKMANN + +Or? Well, what? What about "or"?--Hands off!... Take your hands from my +throat!! + +KLEINERT + +[_Trying to separate them._] Hold on, now. + +STRECKMANN + +Hands off, I tell you! + +BERND + +You'll have to take the consequences now! Either ... + +AUGUST + +What did you do to the girl? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Backing, in sudden fright, toward the pear tree, cries out:_] Help! + +AUGUST + +What did you do to the girl? Answer me that! I got to know that! + + [_He has freed himself and faces STRECKMANN._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Lifts his arm and strikes AUGUST full in the face._] There's my answer! +That's what I did! + +KLEINERT + +Streckmann! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Catch hold o' August! He's fallin'! + +HEAD MAID + +[_Supports the falling man._] August! + +BERND + +[_Paying no attention to AUGUST, but addressing STRECKMANN:_] You'll have +to account for this! It'll be brought home to you! + +STRECKMANN + +What? On account o' that there wench that's common to anybody as wants +her.... + + [_Withdraws._ + +BERND + +What was that he said ...? + +KLEINERT + +[_Who is helping the MAID, HAHN, GOLISCH and MRS. GOLISCH support +AUGUST._] His eye is out! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Father Bernd, August didn't fare so very well this time.... + +KLEINERT + +'Tis an evil wooin' that he has! + +BERND + +What? How? Christ In Heaven! [_He goes to him._] August! + +AUGUST + +My left eye hurts that bad! + +BERND + +Rose, bring some water! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +'Tis a misfortune. + +BERND + +Rose, fetch some water! D'you hear me? + +GOLISCH + +That'll mean a good year o' prison! + +ROSE + +[_Suddenly awakening from a dazed condition._] He says ... he says ... +What's the meanin' o' ... Didn't I get a doll o' Christmas.... + +THE MAID + +[_To ROSE._] Are you asleep? + +ROSE + +... There's no tellin' what ... No, lass: it can't be done! Such things +don't come to good! ... Mebbe a girl can't do without a mother. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The same room in FLAMM'S house as in the second act. It is a + Saturday afternoon toward the beginning of September. FLAMM is + sitting over his accounts at the roller-top desk. Not far from the + door to the hall stands STRECKMANN._ + +FLAMM + +According to this there is due you the sum of twelve pounds, ten +shillings, sixpence. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +What was wrong with the machine? You stopped working one forenoon? + +STRECKMANN + +I had a summons to appear in the county court that day. There wasn't +nothin' wrong with the machine. + +FLAMM + +Was that in connection with the trouble about ... Keil? + +STRECKMANN + +Yes. An' besides that Bernd sued me for slanderin' his daughter. + +FLAMM + +[_Has taken money from a special pigeon hole and counts it out on the +large table._] Here are twelve pounds and eleven shillings. So you owe me +sixpence. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Pockets the money and gives FLAMM a small coin._] An' so I'm to tell +the head bailiff that by the end o' December you'll be ready for me +again. + +FLAMM + +Yes, I want you for two days. Say, by the beginning of December. I'd like +to empty the big barn at that time. + +STRECKMANN + +By the beginnin' o' December. All right, Mr. Flamm. Good-bye. + +FLAMM + +Good-bye, Streckmann. Tell me, though, what's going to be the outcome of +that affair? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Stops and shrugs his shoulders._] It isn't goin' to be much of an +outcome for me! + +FLAMM + +Why? + +STRECKMANN + +I suppose I'll have to suffer for it. + +FLAMM + +What consequences a little thing will sometimes have!--How did it happen +that you quarreled? + +STRECKMANN + +I can't say as I can remember clearly. That day--I must ha' been off my +head--but the truth is I just can't get it straight how it did happen. + +FLAMM + +The bookbinder is known to be a very peaceable man. + +STRECKMANN + +An' yet he's always quarrelin' with me! But the thing's just gone from +me.--All I know is that they fell on me just like hungry wolves! I +thought they was tryin' to kill me right there! If I hadn't been thinkin' +that, my hand wouldn't ha' slipped the way it did. + +FLAMM + +And the man's eye couldn't--be saved? + +STRECKMANN + +No, an' it makes a feller feel sorry. But ... there's nothin' to be done. +The misfortune isn't on my conscience. + +FLAMM + +A thing of that kind is bad enough in itself. And when the courts take a +hand in it, that only makes it worse. I'm especially sorry for the girl. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes; I'm thin an' wasted with the misery of it. It's gone straight to my +heart. I tell you, your honour, I don't know what it is to sleep no more. +I haven't got nothin' against August really. But, as I said, I just can't +account for it. + +FLAMM + +You ought to go over and see Bernd some day. If you insulted his daughter +and weren't in a clear state of mind, you could simply retract what you +said. + +STRECKMANN + +That's none o' my business. That's his'n. Of course, if he knew what'll +come out--he'd take back his accusation. Somebody else ought to tell him. +He's not doin' the girl no service by it. That's how things is. Good-bye, +your honour. + +FLAMM + +Good-bye. + + _STRECKMANN leaves the room._ + +FLAMM [_Excitedly, to himself._] If one could only get at the throat of a +creature like that! + + _MRS. FLAMM is wheeled in by a maid from FLAMM'S den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What are you muttering about again?--[_At a gesture from her the maid +retires._]--Did you have any annoyance? + +FLAMM + +Oh, yes; a little. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Wasn't that Streckmann? + +FLAMM + +The handsome Streckmann. Yes, that was the handsome Streckmann. + +MRS. FLAMM + +How is that affair getting on now, Christie? Did you talk about Keil? + +FLAMM + +[_Scribbling._] Oh, pshaw! My head is full of figures. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do I disturb you, Christie? + +FLAMM + +No; only you must keep quiet. + +MRS. FLAMM + +If I can't do anything else--you can be sure I can do that. + + [_Silence._] + +FLAMM + +[_Bursting out._] I'll be damned and double damned! There are times when +one would like to take a gun and simply shoot down a scoundrel like that! +There'd be no trouble about taking that on one's conscience. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But, Christie, you really frighten me. + +FLAMM + +It isn't my fault! I'm frightened myself!--I tell you, mother, that man +is so low, so rotten with evil ... I tell you ... at least he has spells +when he's that way ... that a man like myself, who is no saint either, +feels as if his very bowels were turning in him! There's no end to that +kind of corruption. A man may think he knows life inside out, that he's +digested some pretty tough bits himself--but things like that--crimes--I +tell you, one never gets beyond the elements in that kind of knowledge! + +MRS. FLAMM + +What has roused you so again? + +FLAMM + +[_Writing again._] Oh, I'm only speaking in general. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I thought it was somehow connected with Streckmann. Because, Christie, I +can't rid myself of the thought of that affair. And when it's convenient +to you some day, I'd like to have a good talk with you about it! + +FLAMM + +With me? How does Streckmann concern me? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Not Streckmann exactly--not the man. But surely old Bernd and Rose. As +far as the girl is concerned, 'tis bitter earnest for her--the whole +thing! And if I weren't tied down here as I am, I would have gone over to +see her long ago. She's never seen here any more. + +FLAMM + +You ... you want to go and see Rose? What do you want of her? + +MRS. FLAMM + +But, don't you see, Christie--you understand that--she isn't exactly the +first comer! I ought to see about setting her affairs to rights a bit! + +FLAMM + +Ah well, mother! Do what you think is your duty. I hardly think that +you'll accomplish much for the girl. + +MRS. FLAMM + +How is that, Christie? What do you mean? + +FLAMM + +One shouldn't mix up into other people's affairs. All you get for your +pains is ingratitude and worry. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Even so! We can bear the worry, an' ingratitude--that's what you expect +in this world. An' as far as Rose Bernd is concerned, I always felt as if +she were more than half my own child. You see, Christie, as far as I can +think back--when father was still chief forester--her mother already came +to wash for us. Afterward, in the churchyard, at our little Kurt's +grave--I see the girl standin' as clear as if it was to-day, even though +I was myself more dead than alive. Except you an' me, I can tell you +that, nobody was as inconsolable as the girl. + +FLAMM + +Do as you please, as far as I'm concerned! But what are your intentions +exactly? I can't think what you're after, child! + +MRS. FLAMM + +First, I'm going to be real curious now. + +FLAMM + +What about? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Oh, about nothing you can describe exactly! You know, usually, I don't +interfere in your affairs. But now ... I'd like real well to know ... +what's come over you this while past? + +FLAMM + +Over me? I thought you were talking about Rose Bernd. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But now I'm talking about you, you see. + +FLAMM + +You can spare yourself the trouble, mother. My affairs are no concern of +yours. + +MRS. FLAMM + +You say that! 'Tis easily said. But if a person sits still as I have to +do and sees a man growing more an' more restless, an' unable to sleep o' +nights, an' hears him sighin' an' sighin', and that man happens to be +your own husband--why, you have all kinds of thoughts come over you! + +FLAMM + +Now, mother, you've gone off your head entirely. You seem to want to make +me look utterly foolish! _I_ sigh! Am I such an imbecile? I'm not a +lovelorn swain. + +MRS. FLAMM + +No, Christie, you can't escape me that way! + +FLAMM + +Mother, what are you trying to do? Do you want, simply, to be tiresome, +to bore me? Eh? Or make the house too disagreeable to stay in? Is that +your intention? If so, you're going about it the best way possible. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't care what you say; you're keeping something secret! + +FLAMM + +[_Shrugging his shoulders._] Do you think so?--Well, perhaps I _am_ +keeping something from you! Suppose it is so, mother.... You know me.... +You know my nature in that respect.... The whole world could turn upside +down and not get that much [_he snaps his fingers_] out of me! As for +annoyance ... everyone has his share of it in this world! Yesterday I had +to dismiss one of the brewers; day before yesterday I had to send a +distiller to the devil. And, all in all, apart from such incidents, the +kind of life one has to live here is really flat and unprofitable enough +to make any decent individual as cross as two sticks. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Why don't you seek company? Drive in to town! + +FLAMM + +Oh, yes, to sit in the inn playing at cards with a crowd of Philistines +or to be stilted with his honour, the prefect of the county! God forbid! +I have enough of that nonsense! It couldn't tempt me out of the house! If +it weren't for the bit of hunting a man could do--if one couldn't +shoulder one's gun occasionally, one would be tempted to run away to sea. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, you see! There you are! That's what I say! You've just changed +entirely! Till two, three months ago, you was as merry as the day's long; +you shot birds an' stuffed them, increased your botanical collection, +hunted birds' eggs--and sang the livelong day! 'Twas a joy to see you! +An' now, suddenly, you're like another person. + +FLAMM + +If only we had been able to keep Kurt! + +MRS. FLAMM + +How would it be if we adopted a child? + +FLAMM + +All of a sudden? No, mother. I don't care about it now. Before, you +couldn't make up your mind to it; now I've passed that stage too. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis easily said: Take a child into the house! First of all it seemed to +me like betraying Kurt ... yes, like a regular betrayal ... that's what +the very thought of It seemed to me. I felt--how shall I say it?--as if +we were putting the child away from us utterly--out of the house, out of +his little room an' his little bed, an', last of all, out of our +hearts.--But the main thing was this: Where can you get a child in whom +you can hope to have some joy?--But let that rest where it is. Let's go +back to Rose once more!--Do you know how it is with her, Christopher? + +FLAMM + +Oh, well! Of course; why not? Streckmann has cast a slur upon her conduct +and old Bernd won't suffer that! 'Tis folly, to be sure, to bring suit in +such a matter.--Because it is the woman who has to bear the brunt of it +in the end. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I wrote a couple of letters to Rose and asked the lass to come here. In +her situation, Christopher, she may really not know what to do nor where +to turn. + +FLAMM + +Why do you think so? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Because Streckmann is right! + +FLAMM + +[_Taken aback and with a show of stupidity._] What, mother? You must +express yourself more clearly. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Now, Christie, don't let your temper get the better of you again! I've +kept the truth from you till now because I know you're a bit harsh in +such matters. You remember the little maid that you put straight out o' +the house, and the trunk-maker to whom you gave a beating! Now this lass +o' ours made a confession to me long ago--maybe eight weeks. An' we have +to consider that 'tis not only Rose that's to be considered now, but ... +a second being ... the one that's on the way. Did you understand me? Did +you? + +FLAMM + +[_With self-repression._] No! Not entirely, mother, I must say frankly. +I've got a kind of a ... just to-day ... it comes over me ... the blood, +you know ... it seems to go to my head suddenly, once in a while. It's +like a ... it's horrible, too ... like an attack of dizziness! I suppose +I'll have to ... at least, I think I'll have to take the air a bit. But +it's nothing of importance, mother. So don't worry. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looking at him through her spectacles._] And where do you want to go +with your cartridge belt? + +FLAMM + +Nowhere! What did I want to do with the cartridge belt? [_He hurls the +belt aside which he has involuntarily picked up._] One learns nothing ... +is kept in the dark about everything! And then a point comes where one +suddenly feels blind and stupid ... and a stranger ... an utter stranger +in this world. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Suspiciously._] Will you tell me, Christie, the meanin' of all this? + +FLAMM + +It hasn't any, mother--not the slightest ... none at all, in fact. And +I'm quite clear in my head again, too--quite! Only now and then a feeling +comes over me, a kind of terror, all of a sudden, I don't know how ... +and I feel as if there were no solid footing under me any longer, and as +if I were going to crash through and break my neck. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis strange things you are saying to-day, Christie. [_A knocking is +heard at the door._] Who's knocking there? Come in! + +AUGUST + +[_Still behind the scenes._] 'Tis only me, Mrs. Flamm. + + _FLAMM withdraws rapidly into his den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Oh, 'tis you, Mr. Keil. Just step right in. + + _AUGUST KEIL appears on the scene. He is paler than formerly, more + emaciated and wears dark glasses. His left eye is hidden by a black + patch._ + +AUGUST + +I have come, Mrs. Flamm, to bring Rose's excuses to you. Good-day, Mrs. +Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good-day to you, Mr. Keil. + +AUGUST + +My betrothed had to go to the county court to-day, or she would ha' come +herself. But she'll be comin' in this evenin'. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm real pleased to get a chance to see you. How are you getting on? Sit +down. + +AUGUST + +God's ways are mysterious! An' when His hand rests heavy on us, we +mustn't complain. On the contrary, we must rejoice. An' I tell you, Mrs. +Flamm, that's almost the way I'm feelin' nowadays. I'm content. The worse +things gets, the gladder I am. 'Tis layin' up more an' more treasures in +heaven. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Taking a deep and difficult breath._] I trust you are right, Mr. +Keil.--Did Rose get my letters? + +AUGUST + +She gave them to me to read. An' I told her, it wouldn't do--that she'd +have to go to see you now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I must tell you, Keil, I'm surprised that, after all these recent +happenin's, she never once found her way here. She knows that she'll find +sympathy here. + +AUGUST + +She's been reel afraid o' people recently. An', Mrs. Flamm, if you'll +permit me to say so, you mustn't take it ill. First of all she had her +hands full with tendin' to me. I was so in need o' care--an' she did a +good work by me! An' then, since that man slandered her so terrible, she +scarce dared go out o' the room. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't take offence, Keil. Oh, no! But how is she otherwise? An' what +does she do? + +AUGUST + +'Tis hard to say, that's certain. To-day, for instance, when she had to +go to court at eleven o'clock--'twas a regular dance she led us! She +talked so strange, Mrs. Flamm, 'twas enough to scare a body out o' his +wits.--First of all she didn't want to be goin' at all; next she thought +she wanted to take me with her. In the end she was gone like a flash an' +cried out to me that I wasn't to follow. Times she kept weepin' all +day!--Naturally, a man has his thoughts. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What kind o' thoughts? + +AUGUST + +About several things.--Firstly, this mishap that came to me! She spoke of +it to me many a time. That's cut her straight to the heart! An' about +father Bernd an' that he has taken that business o' Streckmann so +serious. + +MRS. FLAMM + +We're all alone here, Mr. Keil. Why shouldn't we speak openly for once. +Did it never occur to you ... I mean about this Streckmann matter ... to +you or, maybe to father Bernd--that there might be some truth in it? + +AUGUST + +I don't let myself have no thoughts about that. + +MRS. FLAMM + +That's right! I don't blame you for that in the least. There are times in +life when one can't do better than stick one's head in the sand like an +ostrich. But that isn't right for a father! + +AUGUST + +Well, Mrs. Flamm, as far as old Bernd goes, his mind is as far as the sky +from any suspicion that somethin' mightn't be quite right. His +conviction's as firm as a rock. He'd let you chop off his hands for it. +Nobody wouldn't believe how strictly he thinks about things o' that kind. +His honour was there too an' tried to persuade him to withdraw his +charge.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Excitedly._] Who was there? + +AUGUST + +His honour, Mr. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +My husband? + +AUGUST + +Yes! He talked to him a long time. You see, as for me--I've lost an eye, +to be sure--but I don't care to have Streckmann punished. Vengeance is +mine, saith the Lord. But father--he can't be persuaded to think +peaceably about this matter. Ask anythin' o' me, says he, but not that! + +MRS. FLAMM + +You say my husband went to see old Bernd? + +AUGUST + +Yes, that time he got the summons. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What kind o' summons was that? + +AUGUST + +To appear before the examining magistrate. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_With growing excitement._] Who? Old Bernd? + +AUGUST + +No; Mr. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Was my husband examined too? What did he have to do with the affair? + +AUGUST + +Yes, he was examined too. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Deeply affected._] Is that so? That's news to me! I didn't know about +that. Nor that Christie went to see old Bernd!... I wonder where my +smellin' bottle is?--No, August, you might as well go home now. I'm a bit +... I don't know what to call it! An' any special advice I can't give +you, the way it all turns out. There's something that's gone through an' +through me. Go home an' wait to see how everything goes. But if you love +the lass truly, then ... look at me: I could tell you a tale! If a body +is made that way: whether 'tis a man that the women run after, or a woman +that all the men are mad about--then there's nothin' to do but just to +suffer an' suffer and be patient!--I've lived that way twelve long +years. [_She pats her hand to her eyes and peers through her fingers._] +An' if I want to see things at all, I have to see them from behind my +hands. + +AUGUST + +I can't never believe that, Mrs. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Whether you believe me or not. Life don't ask us if we want to believe +things. An' I feel exactly like you: I can't hardly realise it either. +But we have to see how we can reconcile ourselves to it--I made a promise +to Rose! 'Tis easy promisin' an' hard keepin' the promise sometimes in +this world. But I'll do the best in my power.--Good-bye--I can't expect +you to ... God must take pity on us. That's all. + + _AUGUST, deeply moved, grasps the hand which MRS. FLAMM offers him + and withdraws in silence._ + + MRS. FLAMM leans her head far back and, lost in thought, looks up. + She sighs twice deeply and with difficulty. FLAMM enters, very pale, + looks sidewise at his wife and begins to whistle softly. He opens the + book case and pretends to be eagerly hunting for something._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Yes, yes; there it is--you whistle everything down the wind! But this ... +this ... I wouldn't ha' thought you capable of. + + _FLAMM swings around, falls silent, and looks straight at her. He + lifts both hands slightly and shrugs his shoulders very high. Then, + he relaxes all his muscles and gazes simply and without + embarrassment--thoughtfully rather than shamefacedly--at the floor._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +You men take these things very lightly! What's to happen now? + +FLAMM + +[_Repeating the same gesture but less pronouncedly._] That's what I don't +know.--I want to be quite calm now. I should like to tell you how that +came about. It may be that you will be able to judge me less harshly +then. If not ... why, then I should be very sorry for myself. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't see how a body can fail to judge such recklessness harshly. + +FLAMM + +Recklessness? I don't think that it was mere recklessness. What would you +rather have it be, mother--recklessness, or something more serious? + +MRS. FLAMM + +To destroy the future of just this girl, for whom we have to bear all the +responsibility! We made her come to the house! An' she an' her people had +blind confidence in us! 'Tis enough to make one perish o' shame! It looks +as if one had ... that ... in view! + +FLAMM + +Are you done, mother? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Far from it! + +FLAMM + +Well, then I'll have to wait a bit longer. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Christie, what did I tell you that day when you out with it an' said +you wanted to marry me? + + +FLAMM + +What was it? + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm much too old for you. A woman can be sixteen years younger than her +husband, but not three or four years older. I wish you had listened to me +then! + +FLAMM + +Isn't it real idle to dish up those old stories now? Haven't we something +more important to do?--I may be wrong, but it seems to me that we have, +mother.--I've had no notion until to-day of what Rose means to me. +Otherwise I'd have acted very differently, of course. Now it's got to be +seen if there's anything that can be retrieved. And for that very reason, +mother, I was going to beg you not to be petty, and I wanted first of all +to try to see whether you could gain some comprehension of what really +happened. Up to the moment when it was agreed that that tottery manikin +was to marry Rose--our relations were strictly honourable. But when that +marriage was determined on--it was all over.--It may be that my ideas are +becoming confused. I had seen the girl grow up ... some of our love for +little Kurt clung to her. First of all I wanted to protect her from +misfortune, and finally, one day, all of a sudden, the way such things +happen ... even old Plato has described that correctly in the passage in +Phaedrus about the two horses:--the bad horse ran away with me and then +... then the sea burst in and the dykes crashed down. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis a real interesting story that you've told me, an' even tricked out +with learned allusions. An' when you men do that--you think there's no +more to say. A poor woman can look out then to see how to get even! Maybe +you did it all just to make Rose happy, an' sacrificed yourself into the +bargain ... There's no excuse for such things! + +FLAMM + +Very well, mother. Then we'll adjourn the session. Remember though, that +when Kurt died, I couldn't bear to see the girl around the house. Who +kept her and persuaded her to come back? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Because I didn't want life to become so dead around us. I didn't keep her +for my sake. + +FLAMM + +And I have said nothing for your sake. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Every tear is wasted that one might shed for you an' your kind. But you +can spare me your speeches, Flamm. + + _The MAID brings in the afternoon coffee._ + +THE MAID + +Rose Bernd's out in the kitchen. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Come, girl! Wheel me out! [_To FLAMM._] You can help shove me aside. +Somewhere in the world there'll be a little room for me! I won't be in +the way. You can call her in when I'm gone. + +FLAMM + +[_Sternly, to the MAID._] Tell the girl to wait for a moment. [_The MAID +leaves the room._] Mother, you have to say a word to her! I can't.... My +hands are tied. + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' what am I to say to her, Flamm? + +FLAMM + +Mother, you know that better than I! You know very well ... you spoke of +it yourself.... For heaven's sake, don't be petty at this moment! She +mustn't go from our door in any such fashion! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I can't clean her boots, Flamm! + +FLAMM + +And I don't want you to! It isn't a question of that! But you sent for +her yourself.--You can't change so completely in a moment as to forget +all compassion and sympathy. What did you say to me a while ago? And if +the lass goes to the devil ... you know I'm not such a scoundrel that I'd +care to drag out my life any longer. It's one thing or the other--don't +forget that! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, Christie ... you men are not worth it, to be sure. An' yet, in the +end, what is a body to do?--The heart bleeds! 'Tis our own fault. Why +does a woman deceive herself again an' again, when she's old enough an' +sensible enough to know better! An' don't deceive yourself about this +thing either, Christie.... I'm willin'! I can do it! I'll talk to her! +Not for your sake, but because it's right. But don't imagine that I can +make whole what you've broken.--You men are like children in that +respect! + + _The MAID comes back._ + +THE MAID + +She don't want to wait no more! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Send her in! + + _The MAID withdraws again._ + +FLAMM + +Be sensible, mother! On my word of honour.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +You needn't give it! You needn't break it! + + _FLAMM leaves the room. MRS. FLAMM sighs and picks up her crochet + work again. Thereupon ROSE BERND enters._ + +ROSE + +[_Showily dressed in her Sunday clothes. Her features are peaked and +there is a feverish gleam in her eyes._] Good-day, madam. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good-day! Sit down. Well, Rose, I've asked you to come here ... I suppose +you've kept in mind what we talked about that time. There's many a thing +that's changed since then!... In many respects, anyhow! But that made me +want to talk to you all the more. That day, to be sure, you said I +couldn't help you, that you wanted to fight it all out alone! An' to-day +a good bit has grown clear to me--your strange behaviour that time, an' +your unwillingness to let me help you.--But I don't see how you're goin' +to get along all alone. Come, drink a cup o' coffee. [_ROSE sits down on +the edge of a chair by the table._] August was here to see me a while +ago. If I had been in your shoes, lass, I'd have risked it long ago an' +told him the truth. [_Looking sharply at her._] But now, the way things +has gone--I can't even advise you to do it! Isn't that true? + +ROSE + +Oh, but why, madam? + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis true, the older a person gets, the less can she understand mankind +an' their ways. We've all come into the world the same way, but there's +no mention to be made o' that! From the Emperor an' the archbishop down +to the stable boy--they've all gotten their bit o' life one way ... one +way ... an' 'tis the one thing they can't besmirch enough. An' if the +stork but flies past the chimney-top--the confusion of people is great. +Then they run away in every direction. A guest like that is never +welcome! + +ROSE + +Oh, madam, all that would ha' been straightened up this long time, if it +hadn't ha' been for this criminal an' scoundrel here ... this liar ... +this Streckmann ... + +MRS. FLAMM + +No, girl. I don't understand that. How can you bear to say that the man +lies? 'Tis your shape that almost tells the story now! + +ROSE + +He lies! He lies! That's all I know. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But in what respect does he lie? + +ROSE + +In every respeck an' in every way! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't believe you've really thought it all out! Do you remember who I +am? Think, lass, think! In the first place you confessed it all to me, +and furthermore, I know more than what you said: I know all that you +didn't say. + +ROSE + +[_Shivering with nervousness but obdurate._] An' if you was to kill me, I +couldn't say what I don't know. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that so? Oh! Is that your policy now? I must say I didn't take you for +a girl of that kind! It comes over me unexpectedly! I hope you talked a +little plainer than that when you were questioned in court. + +ROSE + +I said just the same thing there that I'm tellin' you. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Girl, come to your senses! You're talking dreadful folly! People don't +lie that way before the Judge! Listen to what I'm tellin' you! Drink a +bit o' coffee, an' don't be frightened! Nobody's pursuing you, an' I +won't eat you up either!--You haven't acted very well toward me: no one +could say that you had! You might at least have told me the truth that +day; maybe an easier way out could ha' been found. 'Tis a hard matter +now! An' yet, we won't be idle, an' even to-day, maybe, some way o' +savin' you can be found! Some way it may be possible yet! Well then!... +An' especially ... this much is certain ... an' you can trust to that +surely ... you shan't, either of you, ever suffer any need in this world! +Even if your father abandons you and August, maybe, goes his own way, +I'll provide for you an' for your child. + +ROSE + +I don't hardly know what you mean, madam! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, girl, then I'll tell you straight out! If you don't know that an' +have forgotten it, then it's simply because you have a bad conscience! +Then you've been guilty of something else! An', if you _has_ another +secret, it's connected with nobody but with Streckmann. Then, he's the +fellow that's bringin' trouble upon you! + +ROSE + +[_Violently._] No, how can you think such a thing o' me! You say that ... +oh, for the good Lord's sake ... how has I deserved it o' you!... If only +my little Kurt ... my dear little fellow ... + + [_She wrings her hands hysterically in front of the child's picture._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Rose, let that be, I beg o' you! It may be that you've deserved well o' +me in other days. We're not arguin' about that now! But you're so +changed, so ... I can never understand how you've come to change so! + +ROSE + +Why didn't my little mother take me to herself! She said she would when +she died. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Come to your senses, lass. You're alive. What is your trouble? + +ROSE + +It has nothin' to do with Streckmann! That man has lied his soul black. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What did he lie about? Did he make his statements under oath? + +ROSE + +Oath or no oath! I says he lies, lies ... + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' did you have to take an oath too? + +ROSE + +I don't know.--I'm not such a wicked lass ... If that was true,'twould be +a bitter crime!... An' that August lost his eye ... it wasn't I that was +the cause o' it. The pains that poor man had to suffer ... they follows +me day an' night. An' he might well despise me if they didn't. But you +try an' work an' pray to save somethin' from the flames o' the world ... +an' men comes an' they breaks your strength. + + _FLAMM enters in intense excitement._ + +FLAMM + +Who is breaking your strength? Look at mother here! On the contrary, we +want to save you! + +ROSE + +'Tis too late now! It can't be done no more. + +FLAMM + +What does that mean? + +ROSE + +Nothin'!--I can't wait no longer. Good-bye, I'll go my ways. + +FLAMM + +Here you stay! Don't move from this spot! I was at the door and heard +everything, and now I want to know the whole truth. + +ROSE + +But I'm tellin' you the truth! + +FLAMM + +About Streckmann too? + +ROSE + +There wasn't nothin' between us. He lies! + +FLAMM + +Does he say that there was something between you? + +ROSE + +I say nothin' but that he lies! + +FLAMM + +Did he swear to that lie? + + _ROSE is silent._ + +FLAMM + +[_Regards ROSE long and searchingly. Then:_] Well, mother, think as +charitably of me as you can. Try to forgive me as much as possible. I +know with the utmost certainty that that matter doesn't concern me in the +least any longer! I simply laugh at it! I snap my fingers at it. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_To ROSE._] Did you deny everything? + +ROSE + +... + +FLAMM + +I spoke the truth in court, of course. Streckmann doesn't lie at such +times neither. Perjury is a penitentiary crime--a man doesn't lie under +such circumstances! + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' didn't you tell the truth, girl? You lied when you were under oath, +maybe?--Haven't you any idea what that means an' what you've done? How +did you happen to do that? How could you think o' such a thing? + +ROSE + +[_Cries out brokenly._] I was so ashamed! + +MRS. FLAMM + +But Rose ... + +FLAMM + +Every word is wasted! Why did you lie to the judge? + +ROSE + +I was ashamed, I tell ye!... I was ashamed! + +FLAMM + +And I? And mother? And August? Why did you cheat us all? And you probably +cheated Streckmann in the end too? And I wonder with whom else you +carried on!... Yes, oh, yes; you have a very honest face. But you did +right to be ashamed! + +ROSE + +He baited me an' he hunted me down like a dog! + +FLAMM + +[_Laughing._] Oh, well, that's what you women make of us--dogs. This man +to-day; that man to-morrow! 'Tis bitter enough to think! You can do what +you please now; follow what ways you want to!--If I so much as raise a +finger in this affair again, it'll be to take a rope and beat it about my +ass's ears until I can't see out of my eyes! + + _ROSE stares at FLAMM in wide-eyed horror._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What I said, Rose, stands for all that! You two'll always be provided +for. + +ROSE + +[_Whispering mechanically._] I was so ashamed! I was so ashamed! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do you hear what I say, Rose?--[ROSE _hurries out._] The girl's +gone!--'Tis enough to make one pray for an angel to come down.... + +FLAMM + +[_Stricken to the heart, breaks out in repressed sobbing._] God forgive +me, mother, but ... I can't help it. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +FIFTH ACT + + + _The living room in old BERND'S cottage. The room is fairly large; it + has grey walls and an old-fashioned whitewashed ceiling supported by + visible beams. A door in the background leads to the kitchen, one at + the left to the outer hall. To the right are two small windows. A + yellow chest of drawers stands between the two windows; upon it is + set an unlit kerosene lamp; a mirror hangs above it on the wall. In + the left corner a great stove; in the right a sofa, covered with + oil-cloth, a table with a cloth on it and a hanging lamp above it. + Over the sofa on the wall hangs a picture with the Biblical subject: + "Suffer little children to come unto me"; beneath it a photograph of + BERND, showing him as a conscript, and several of himself and his + wife. In the foreground, to the left, stands a china closet, filled + with painted cups, glasses, etc. A Bible is lying on the chest of + drawers; over the door to the hall hangs a chromolithograph of + "Christ with the crown of thorns." Mull curtains hang in front of the + windows. Each of four or five chairs of yellow wood has its own + place. The whole room makes a neat but very chilly impression. + Several Bibles and hymnals lie on the china closet. On the door-post + of the door to the hall hangs a collecting-box._ + + _It is seven o'clock in the evening of the same day on which the + events in Act Four have taken place. The door that leads to the hall + as well as the kitchen door stands open. A gloomy dusk fills the + house._ + + _Voices are heard outside, and a repeated knocking at the window. + Thereupon a voice speaks through the window._ + +THE VOICE + +Bernd! Isn't there a soul at home? Let's be goin' to the back door! + + _A silence ensues. Soon, however, the back door opens and voices and + steps are heard in the hall. In the door that leads to the hall + appear KLEINERT and ROSE BERND. The latter is obviously exhausted and + leans upon him._ + +ROSE + +[_Weak and faint._] No one's at home. 'Tis all dark. + +KLEINERT + +I can't be leavin' you alone this way now! + +ROSE + +An' why not, Kleinert? There's nothin' the matter with me! + +KLEINERT + +Somebody else can believe that--that there's nothin' wrong! I wouldn't +ha' had to pick you up in that case! + +ROSE + +Eh, but I'd only gotten a bit dizzy. Truly ... 'tis better now. I really +don't need you no more. + +KLEINERT + +No, no, lass; I can't leave you this way! + +ROSE + +Oh, yes, father Kleinert! I do thank you, but 'tis well! There's nothin' +wrong with me! I'm on my feet an' strong again! It comes over me that way +sometimes; but 'tis nothin' to worry over. + +KLEINERT + +But you lay half dead yonder behind the willow! An' you writhed like a +worm. + +ROSE + +Kleinert, go your ways.... I'll be lightin' a light! An' I must light a +fire, too ... go your ways ... the folks will be comin' to their +supper!... Oh, no, Kleinert, Kleinert! But I'm that tired! Oh, I'm so +terrible tired! No one wouldn't believe how tired I am. + +KLEINERT + +An' then you want to be lightin' a fire here? That's nothin' for you! Bed +is the place where you ought to be! + +ROSE + +Kleinert, go your ways, go! If father, an' if August ... they mustn't +know nothin'! For my sake, go! Don't do nothin' that'll only harm me! + +KLEINERT + +I don't want to do nothin' that'll harm you! + +ROSE + +No, no, I know it! You was always good to me! [_She has arisen from the +chair at the right on which, she had sunk down, gets a candle from behind +the oven and lights it._] Oh, yes, yes, I'm well off again.--There's +nothin' wrong.--You can be easy in your mind. + +KLEINERT + +You're just sayin' that! + +ROSE + +Because 'tis really so! + + _MARTHEL comes in from the fields with bare arms and feet._ + +ROSE + +An' there's Marthel, too! + +MARTHEL + +Rose, is that you? Where have you been all day? + +ROSE + +I dreamed I was at the court. + +KLEINERT + +No, no; she was really at the court! Take a bit o' care o' your sister, +Marthel. Look after her at least till your fatter comes back. 'Tisn't +well with the girl. + +ROSE + +Marthel, hurry! Light the fire, so's we can start to put on the +potatoes.--Where's father? + +MARTHEL + +On August's land. + +ROSE + +An' August? + +MARTHEL + +I don't know where he is. He was out on the field to-day. + +ROSE + +Have you got new potatoes? + +MARTHEL + +I have an apron full! + + [_Immediately behind the kitchen door she pours out the potatoes on + the floor._ + +ROSE + +Fetch me a pan and a saucepan, so's I can begin the peelin'. I can't get +nothin' for myself. + +KLEINERT + +D'you want me to be givin' a message anywhere? + +ROSE + +To whom? To the grave-digger, maybe?... No, no, godfather, not on my +account. 'Tis a special bit o' ground where I'll find rest. + +KLEINERT + +Well, good-bye! + +ROSE + +Good-bye to you! + +MARTHEL + +[_Cheerily._] Come again, godfather! + + _KLEINERT as usual with his pipe in his mouth, departs shaking his + head._ + +MARTHEL + +[_Lighting the fire._] Don't you feel well, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Oh, yes; well enough! [_Softly wringing her hands, she speaks to the +crucifix._] Jesus, Mary, have mercy on me! + +MARTHEL + +Rose! + +ROSE + +What? + +MARTHEL + +What's the matter with you? + +ROSE + +Nothin'. Bring me a pan an' the potatoes. + +MARTHEL + +[_Has started the fire to burning and now brings ROSE an earthenware bowl +of potatoes and a paring knife._] Oh, but Rosie, I'm that frightened! You +look so ...! + +ROSE + +How does I look? Tell me that? How? Has I got spots on my hands? Is it +branded over my eyes? Everythin's kind o' ghastly to me this day. +[_Laughing a ghastly laugh._] Lord! I can't see the face o' you! Now I +see one hand! Now I see two eyes! Just dots now! Martha, maybe I'm +growin' blind! + +MARTHEL + +Rosie, did somethin' happen to you? + +ROSE + +God protect you from what's happened to me.... You'd better be wishin' +yourself an early death! Because, even if a body dies to this world, they +do say that he passes into rest. Then you don't have to live an' draw +breath no more.--How did it go with little Kurt Flamm? I've clean forgot +... I'm dizzy ... I'm forgettin' ... I've forgotten everythin' ... life's +that hard ... If I could only keep on feelin' this way ... an' never wake +up again ...! What's the reason o' such things comin' to pass in this +world? + +MARTHEL + +[_Frightened._] If only father would come home! + +ROSE + +Martha, come! Listen to me! You mustn't tell father that I was here or +that I am here ... Martha, sure you'll promise me that, won't you?... +Many a thing I've done for the love o' you ... Martha! You haven't +forgotten that, nor you mustn't forget it, even if things grows dark +around me now. + +MARTHEL + +Will you drink a bit of coffee? There's a drop left in the oven. + +ROSE + +An' don't be frightened! I'll go upstairs in the room an' lie down a wee +bit ... just a bit. Otherwise I'm all right ... otherwise there's nothin' +that ails me. + +MARTHEL + +An' I'm not to say nothin' to father? + +ROSE + +Not a word! + +MARTHEL + +An' not to August neither? + +ROSE + +Not a syllable! Lass, you've never known your mother an' I've raised you +with fear an' heartache.--Many's the night I've watched through in terror +because you was ill! I wasn't as old as you when I carried you about on +my arm till I was near breakin' in two! Here you was--at my breast! An' +if you go an' betray me now, 'tis all over between us! + +MARTHEL + +Rosie, 'tis nothin' bad is it ... nothin' dangerous, I mean? + +ROSE + +I don't believe it is! Come, Martha, help me a bit, support me a bit!... +A body is left too lonely in this world ... too deserted! If only a body +wasn't so lonely here ... so lonely on this earth! + + [_ROSE and MARTHEL pass out through the hall door._ + + _For some moments the room remains empty. Then old BERND appears in + the kitchen. He puts down his basket and the potato hoe and looks + about him, earnestly and inquiringly. Meanwhile MARTHEL re-enters the + living-room from the hall._ + +MARTHEL + +Is it you, father? + +BERND + +Is there no hot water! You know I have to have my foot bath! Isn't Rose +here yet? + +MARTHEL + +She isn't here yet, father! + +BERND + +What? Hasn't she come back from court yet? That isn't possible hardly! +'Tis eight o'clock. Was August here? + +MARTHEL + +Not yet. + +BERND + +Not yet either? Well, maybe she's with him then.--Have you seen that +great cloud, Marthel, that was comin' over from the mountain about six +o'clock, maybe? + +MARTHEL + +Yes, father; the world got all dark! + +BERND + +There'll come a day o' greater darkness than this! Light the lamp on the +table for me an' put the Good Book down next to it. The great thing is to +be in readiness. Marthel, are you sure you keep thinkin' o' the life +eternal, so that you can stand up before your Judge on that day? Few is +the souls that think of it here! Just now as I was comin' home along the +water's edge, I heard some one cryin' out upon me from behind, as they +often does. "Bloodsucker!" cried he. An' was I a bloodsucker when I was +overseer on the domain? Nay, I did my duty,--that was all! But the powers +of evil is strong! If a man is underhanded, an' closes his eyes to evil, +an' looks on quietly upon cheatin'--then his fellows likes him well.--But +I leans upon the Lord Jesus. We human bein's all need that support. +'Tisn't enough just to do good works! Maybe if Rose had given more +thought to that, maybe we'd ha' been spared many a visitation an' a deal +o' heaviness an' bitterness. [_A CONSTABLE appears in the doorway._] +Who's comin' there? + +CONSTABLE + +I have a summons to serve, I must speak to your daughter. + +BERND + +My oldest daughter? + +CONSTABLE + +[_Reads from the document._] To Rose Bernd. + +BERND + +My daughter hasn't come back from court yet. Can I give her the letter? + +CONSTABLE + +No; I've got to make a personal search, too. I'll be back at eight in the +mornin'. + + _AUGUST appears hastily._ + +BERND + +There's August, too. + +AUGUST + +Isn't Rose here? + +BERND + +No; an' the sergeant here is askin' after her, too. I thought you an' she +was together. + +CONSTABLE + +I has to make a search into one matter an' also to serve this paper. + +AUGUST + +Always an' forever this Streckmann business. 'Tis not only the loss of my +eye--now we has these everlastin' troubles an' annoyances. It seems, God +forgive me, to come to no end. + +CONSTABLE + +Good evenin'. To-morrow mornin' at eight! + + [_Exit._ + +AUGUST + +Marthel, go into the kitchen a bit of a while.--Father, I've got to speak +with you. Go, Marthel; go an' shut the door. But Marthel, didn't you see +anythin' o' Rose? + +MARTHEL + +No, nothin'! [_Surreptitiously she beckons to him with her hand._] I'll +tell you something August. + +AUGUST + +Close the door, lass. I have no time now. [_He himself closes the kitchen +door._] Father, you'll have to withdraw your suit. + +BERND + +Anythin' but that, August. I can't do that! + +AUGUST + +'Tis not Christian. Yon must withdraw. + +BERND + +I don't believe that 'tis not Christian!--For why? 'Tis a piece of infamy +to cut off a girl's honour that way. 'Tis a crime that needs to be +punished. + +AUGUST + +I hardly know how to begin, father Bernd.... You've been too hasty in +this matter.... + +BERND + +My wife who's in her grave demands that of me! An' my honour demands it +... the honour o' my house and o' my lass. An' yours, too, if you come to +think. + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd, father Bernd, how am I to speak to you if you're so set on +not makin' peace? You've spoke o' so many kinds of honour. But we're not +to seek our honour or glory in this world, but God's only an' no other! + +BERND + +'Tis otherwise in this matter. Here woman's honour is God's too! Or have +you any complaint to make against Rose? + +AUGUST + +I've said to you: I make no complaint! + +BERND + +Or is your own conscience troublin' you on her account? + +AUGUST + +You know me in that respeck, father Bernd. Before I'd depart from the +straight an' narrow way ... + +BERND + +Well, then. I know that! I always knew that! An' so justice can take its +course. + +AUGUST + +[_Wiping the sweat from his forehead._] If only we knew where Rose is! + +BERND + +Maybe she isn't back from the court at Striegau yet! + +AUGUST + +An examination like that don't take very long. She meant to be home by +five o'clock. + +BERND + +Maybe she went to buy some things on the way. Wasn't she to get several +things yet? I thought you were wantin' one thing or another. + +AUGUST + +But she didn't take along any money. An' the things we was needin' for +the shop--curtains for the windows an' the door--we intended to buy those +together. + +BERND + +I was thinkin' that she'd come with you! + +AUGUST + +I went to meet her on the road--more'n a mile, but I heard an' saw +nothin' of her. Instead o' that, I met Streckmann. + +BERND + +I calls that meetin' the devil! + +AUGUST + +Ah, father, that man has a wife an' children too! His sins are no fault +o' theirs! What good does it do me that he's got to go to gaol? If a man +repents ... that's all I asks! + +BERND + +That bad man don't know repentance! + +AUGUST + +It looked very much as if he did. + +BERND + +Did you speak to him? + +AUGUST + +He gave me no peace. He ran along next to me an' talked an' talked. There +wasn't a soul to be seen far an' wide! In the end I felt sorry for him; I +couldn't help it. + +BERND + +You answered him! What did he say? + +AUGUST + +He said you should withdraw your suit. + +BERND + +I couldn't rest quiet in my grave if I did! 'Twouldn't matter if it +concerned me! I can bear it; I can laugh at it! I'm not only a man but a +Christian! But 'tis a different thing with my child! How could I look you +in the face if I let that shameful thing stick to her! An' now, +especially, after that terrible misfortune! Look, August, that can't be! +That mustn't be!--Everybody's always been at our heels, because we lived +different from the rest o' the world! Hypocrites they called us an' +bigots, an' sneaks an' such names! An' always they wanted to trump up +somethin' against us! What a feast this here thing would be to 'em! An' +besides ... How did I bring up the lass? Industrious an' with the fear o' +God in her heart so that if a Christian man marries her, he can set up a +Christian household! That's the way! That's how I gives her out o' my +care! An' am I goin' to let that poison cling to her? Rather would I be +eatin' bread an' salt all my days than take a penny from you then! + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd, God's ways is mysterious! He can send us new trials daily! +No man has a right to be self-righteous! An' even if I wanted to be, I +couldn't! I can't spare you the knowledge no longer, father. Our Rose has +been but a weak human bein' like others. + +BERND + +How do you mean that, August? + +AUGUST + +Father, don't ask me no more, + +BERND + +[_Has sat down on a chair by the table in such a way that his face is +turned to the wall. At AUGUST'S last words he has looked at him with +eyes, wide-open and estranged. Then he turns to the table, opens the +Bible with trembling hands, and turns its leaves hither and thither in +growing excitement. He ceases and looks at AUGUST again. Finally he folds +his hands over the book and lets his head sink upon them while his body +twitches convulsively. In this posture he remains for a while, Then he +straightens himself up._] No. I don't understand you rightly! Because, +you see, if I did understand you rightly ... that'd be really ... an' I +wouldn't know ... my God, the room swims with me ... why, I'd have to be +deaf an' blind!--Nay, August, an' I'm not deaf an' blind! Don't let +Streckmann impose on you! He'll take any means to get out o' the trap +that he's in now. It's comin' home to him, an' he wants to sneak out at +any cost! An' so he's incitin' you against the lass. No, August, ... +truly, August ... not on that bridge ... you mustn't start for to cross +that bridge!... Anybody can see through his villainy! ... He's laid traps +enough for the lass. An' if one way don't succeed, he'll try another!... +Now he's hit on this here plan.--Maybe he'll separate you two! It's +happened in this world, more than once or twice that some devil with his +evil schemes has tore asunder people that God meant for each other. They +always grudged the girl her good fortune. Good: I'm willin'! I won't +throw Rose after you! We've satisfied our hunger up to now! But if you'll +heed my word: I'll put my right hand in the fire for.... + +AUGUST + +But Mr. Flamm took oath. + +BERND + +Ten oaths against me ... twenty oaths against me!... Then he has sworn +falsely an' damned hisself in this world an' in the world to come! + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd.... + +BERND + +Now wait a bit before ever you say another word! Here I take the books! +Here I take my hat! Here I take the collecting box o' the missions. An' +all these things I puts together here. An' if that's true what you've +been sayin'--if there's so much in it as a grain o' truth--then I'll go +this minute to the pastor an' I'll say: Your reverence, this is how +things is: I can't be a deacon no more; I can't take care o' the treasury +for missions no more! Good-bye! And then nobody would see me no more! No, +no, no, for the love o' God! But now go on! Say your say! But don't +torture me for nothin'. + +AUGUST + +I had the same thought, too. I want to sell my house an' my land! Maybe +one could find contentment somewhere else. + +BERND + +[_In unspeakable astonishment._] You want to sell your house an' your +land, August? How do all these strange things come about all of a sudden! +It's enough ... A body might be tempted to make the sign o' the cross, +even though we're not Catholics.--Has the whole world gone mad? Or is the +Day o' Judgment at hand? Or maybe, 'tis but my last hour that has come. +Now answer me, August, how is it? As you hope for a life to come, how is +it? + +AUGUST + +However it is, father Bernd, I won't desert her. + +BERND + +You can do about that as you please. That don't concern me! I don't want +to know if a man'd like a wench o' that kind in his house or not. Not me! +I'm not that kind of a man. Well now ...? + +AUGUST + +I can't say nothin' more than this--somethin' must ha' happened to her! +Whether 'twas with Flamm or with Streckmann.... + +BERND + +That makes two of 'em ...! + +AUGUST + +I can't tell exactly ...! + +BERND + +Well, then I'll be goin' to the pastor! Brush me off, August, clean me a +bit! I feel as if I had the itch on my body! + + [_He steps into the hall._ + + _At the same moment MARTHEL rushes out of the kitchen and speaks to + AUGUST in intense terror._ + +MARTHEL + +I believe a misfortune has happened to Rose! She's upstairs! She's been +home this long time! + +BERND + +[_Returns, changed somewhat by a fright which he has felt._] Somebody +must be upstairs. + +AUGUST + +Marthel is just sayin' that Rose is there. + +MARTHEL + +I hear her. She's comin' down the stairs. + +BERND + +God forgive me the sin! I don't want to see her. + + _He sits down at the table, as before, holds his thumbs over his ears + and bends his head deep over the Bible. ROSE appears in the door. She + has her house skirt on and a loose bodice of cotton cloth. She keeps + herself erect by sheer force of will. Her hair hangs down, partly + loose, partly braided. There is in her face an expression of + terrible, fatalistic calm and of bitter defiance. For several moments + she lets her eyes wander over the room, over OLD BERND sitting there + with his Bible, over AUGUST who has slowly turned from the door and + pretends to be looking intently out of the window. Then, groping for + some support, she begins to talk with desperate energy._ + +ROSE + +Good-evenin' to all o' ye!--?--Good evenin'. + +AUGUST + +[_After some hemming._] The same to you. + +ROSE + +[_With bitter iciness._] If you don't want me, I can go again. + +AUGUST + +[_Simply._] Where else do you want to go to? An' where have you been? + +ROSE + +He that asks much, hears much. More sometimes than he'd like +to.--Marthel, come over here to me a bit. [_MARTHEL goes. Rose has seated +herself not far from the stove and takes the younger girl's hand. Then +she says:_] What's the matter with father? + +MARTHEL + +[_Embarrassed, timid, speaks softly._] I don't know that neither. + +ROSE + +What's the matter with father? You can speak right out! An' with you, +August? What is the matter with you?... You've got cause, that you have, +August, to despise me. I don't deny that. No.... + +AUGUST + +I don't despise no one in this world. + +ROSE + +But I do! All of 'em ... all ... all! + +AUGUST + +Those is dark words to me that you're speakin'. + +ROSE + +Dark? Yes! I know it. The world's dark! An' you hear the roarin' o' wild +beasts in it. An' then, later, it gets brighter ... but them are the +flames o' hell that make it bright.--Martha.... + +BERND + +[_Who has been listening a little, arises and frees MARTHEL'S wrist from +ROSE'S grasp._] Don't poison the little lass's mind. Take your hand +away!--March off to bed! [_MARTHEL goes weeping._] A man would like to be +deaf, to be blind! A man'd like to be dead. + + [_He becomes absorbed again in his Bible._ + +ROSE Father!--I'm alive!--I'm sittin' here!--That's somethin'!--Yes, +that's something when you considers!--I think, father, you might +understand that! This is a world ...! Nobody can never do nothin' more to +me! O Jesus, my Saviour--! All o' you, all o' you--you live together in a +bit o' chamber an' you don't know what goes on outside in the world! I +know it now ... I've learned it in bitterness an' wailin'! I had to get +out o' that little chamber! An' then--somehow--the walls gave way, one +wall an' another ... an' there I stood, outside, in the storm ... an' +there--was nothin' under me an' nothin' above me ... nothin'. You're all +like children compared to me. + +AUGUST + +[_Frightened._] But, Rose, if it's true what Streckmann says, then you've +committed perjury!... + +ROSE + +[_Laughing bitterly._] I don't know. 'Tis possible ... I can't just +remember this moment. The world is made up o' lies an' deception. + +BERND + +[_Sighs._] O God ... my refuge evermore. + +AUGUST + +Is it so easy that you take the swearin' o' false oaths? + +ROSE + +That's nothin'! Nothin'! How could that be anythin'? There's somethin' +that lies, out there, under a willow ... That's ... somethin' ... The +rest don't concern me! There ... there ... I wanted to look up at the +stars! I wanted to cry out an' to call out! No heavenly Father stirred to +help me. + +BERND + +[_Frightened, trembling._] You're blasphemin' our heavenly Father? Has it +gone so far with you? Then I don't know you no more! + +ROSE + +[_Approaching him on her knees._] 'Tis gone so far! But you know me +anyhow, father! You cradled me on your knees, an' I've stood by you too +many a time.--Now somethin' has come over us all--I've fought against it +and struggled against it.... + +BERND + +[_Deeply perplexed._] What is it? + +ROSE + +I don't know ... I don't know! + + [_Trembling and kneeling, she crouches and stares at the floor._ + +AUGUST + +[_Overwhelmed and taken out of himself by the pity of the sight._] Rosie, +get up! I won't desert you! Get up, I can't bear to see you lyin' there! +We're all sinners together! An' anyone who repents so deep, is bound to +be forgiven. Get up, Rose, Father, raise her up! We're not among them +that condemns--not I, at least. There's nothin' in me o' the Pharisee! I +see how it goes to her heart! Come what will, I'll stand by you! I'm no +judge ... I don't judge. Our Saviour in Heaven didn't judge neither. +Truly, he bore our sickness for us, an' we thought he was one that was +tortured an' stricken, by God! Maybe we've all been guilty of error. I +don't want to acquit myself neither. I've been thinkin'. Before the lass +hardly knew me, she had to say her yea an' amen! What do I care about the +world? It don't concern me. + +ROSE + +August, they clung to me like burrs ... I couldn't walk across the street +safe ... All the men was after me!... I hid myself ... I was that scared! +I was so afraid o' men!... It didn't help! 'Twas worse an' worse! After +that I fell from one snare into another, till I hardly came to my senses +no more. + +BERND + +You used to have the strictest notion o' such things. You condemned the +Leichner girl an' despised the Kaiser wench! You boasted--you'd like to +see someone come across your path! You struck the miller's journeyman in +the face! A girl as does that, you said, don't deserve no pity; she can +go an' hang herself! An' now you speak o' snares. + +ROSE + +I know better now. + +AUGUST + +Come what will, I'll stand by you, Rose. I'll sell my land! We'll go out +into the world! I have an uncle in Brazil, across the ocean. We'll get +our bit o' livin' somehow--one way or t'other. Maybe 'tis only now that +we're ripe an' ready to take up our life together. + +ROSE + +O Jesus, Jesus, what did I do? Why did I go an' creep home? Why didn't I +stay with my little baby? + +AUGUST + +With whom? + +ROSE + +[_Gets up._] August, it's all over with me! First there was a burnin' in +my body like flames o' fire! Then I fell into a kind o' swoon! Then there +came one hope: I ran like a mother cat with her kitten in her mouth! But +the dogs chased me an' I had to drop it.... + +BERND + +Do you understand one word, August? + +AUGUST + +No, not o' this.... + +BERND + +Do you know how I feel? I feel as if one abyss after another was openin', +was yawnin' for us here. What'll we hear before the end? + +ROSE + +A curse! A curse will ye have to hear: I see you! I'll meet you! On the +Day o' Judgment I'll meet you! I'll tear out your gullet an' your jaws +together! You'll have to give an accountin'! You'll have to answer me, +there! + +AUGUST + +Whom do you mean, Rosie? + +ROSE + +_He_ knows ... _he_ knows. + + [_A great exhaustion overtakes her and, almost swooning, she sinks + upon a chair. A silence follows._ + +AUGUST + +[_Busying himself about her._] What is it that's come over you? Suddenly +you're so.... + +ROSE + +I don't know.--If you'd asked me earlier, long ago, maybe ... to-day I +can't tell you!--There wasn't nobody that loved me enough. + +AUGUST + +Who can tell which love is stronger--the happy or the unhappy love. + +ROSE + +Oh, I was strong, strong, so strong! Now I'm weak! Now it's all over with +me. + + _The CONSTABLE appears._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +[_With a quiet voice._] They say your daughter is at home. Kleinert said +she was here. + +AUGUST + +It's true. We didn't know it a while ago. + +THE CONSTABLE + +Then I might as well get through now. There's somethin' to be signed +here. + + [_Without noticing ROSE in the dim room, he lays several documents on + the table._ + +AUGUST + +Rose, here's somethin' you're to sign. + + _ROSE laughs with horrible and hysterical irony._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +If you're the one, Miss, it's no laughin' matter.--Please! + +ROSE + +You can stay a minute yet. + +AUGUST + +An' why? + +ROSE + +[_With flaming eyes, a malice against the whole world in her voice._] +I've strangled my child. + +AUGUST + +What are you sayin'? For the love of God, what are you sayin'? + +THE CONSTABLE + +[_Draws himself up, looks at her searchingly, but continues as though he +had not heard._] It'll be somethin' connected with the Streckmann +'affair. + +ROSE + +[As before, harshly, almost with a bark.] Streckmann? He strangled my +child. + +BERND + +Girl, be still. You're out o' your mind. + +THE CONSTABLE + +Anyhow, you have no child at all--? + +ROSE + +What? I has none? Could I ha' strangled it with my hands?... I strangled +my baby with these hands!!! + +THE CONSTABLE + +You're possessed! What's wrong with you? + +ROSE + +My mind's clear. I'm not possessed. I woke up clear in my mind, so +clear.... [_Coldly, mildly, but with cruel firmness._] It _was_ not to +live! I didn't want it to live! I didn't want it to suffer my agonies! It +was to stay where it belonged. + +AUGUST + +Rose, think! Don't torment yourself! You don't know what you're sayin' +here! You'll bring down misery on us all. + +ROSE + +You don't know nothin' ... that's it ... You don't see nothin'. You was +all blind together with your eyes open. He can go an' look behind the +great willow ... by the alder-trees ... behind the parson's field ... by +the pool ... there he can see the wee thing.... + +BERND + +You've done somethin' so awful? + +AUGUST + +You've been guilty o' somethin' so unspeakable? + + _ROSE faints. The men look upon her confounded and helpless. AUGUST + supports her._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +'Twould be best if she came along with me to headquarters. There she can +make a voluntary confession. If what she says isn't just fancies, it'll +count a good deal in her favour. + +AUGUST + +[_From the depth of a great experience._] Those are no fancies, sergeant. +That girl ... what she must have suffered! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE RATS + +A BERLIN TRAGI-COMEDY + + + + +PERSONS + + +HARRO HASSENREUTER, _formerly a theatrical manager._ + +MRS. HARRO HASSENREUTER. + +WALBURGA, _their daughter._ + +PASTOR SPITTA. + +ERICH SPITTA, _postulant for Holy Orders, his son._ + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH, _actress._ + +NATHANAEL JETTEL, _court actor._ + +KAeFERSTEIN, DR. KEGEL, _Pupils of HASSENREUTER._ + +JOHN, _foreman mason._ + +MRS. JOHN. + +BRUNO MECHELKE, _her brother._ + +PAULINE PIPERCARCKA, _a servant girl._ + +MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE. + +SELMA, _her daughter._ + +QUAQUARO, _house-steward._ + +MRS. KIELBACKE. + +POLICEMAN SCHIERKE. + +TWO INFANTS. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _The attic of a former cavalry barracks in Berlin, A windowless room + that receives all its light from a lamp which burns suspended over a + round table. From the back wall opens a straight passage which + connects the room with the outer door--a door with iron hasps and a + primitive signal bell which any one desiring to enter rings by means + of a bell rope. A door in the right wall leads to an adjoining room, + one in the left wall leads to the stairs into the loft immediately + under the roof. Into this store room, as well as into the space + visible to the spectator, the former theatrical manager, HARRO + HASSENREUTER has gathered his collection of properties. In the + prevalent gloom it is difficult to decide whether the place is the + armour room of an old castle, a museum of antiquities or the shop of + a costumer. Stands with helmets and breast-plates are put up on + either side of the passage; a row of similar stands almost covers the + two sides of the front room. The stairs wind upward between two + mailed figures. At the head of the stairs is a wooden trap-door. In + the left foreground, against the wall, is a high desk. Ink, pens, old + ledgers, a tall stool, as well as several chairs with tall backs and + the round table make it clear that the room serves the purposes of an + office. On the table is a decanter for water and several glasses; + above the desk hang a number of photographs. These photographs + represent HASSENREUTER in the part of Karl Moor (in Schiller's + "Robbers"), as well as in a number of other parts. One of the mailed + dummies wean a huge laurel wreath about its neck. The laurel wreath + is tied with a riband which bears, in gilt letters, the following + inscription: "To our gifted manager Hassenreuter, from his grateful + colleagues." A series of enormous red bows shows the inscriptions: + "To the inspired presenter of Karl Moor ... To the incomparable, + unforgettable Karl Moor" ... etc., etc. The room is utilised as far + as its space will permit for the storing of costumes. Wherever + possible, German, Spanish and English garments of every age hang on + hooks. Swedish riding boots, Spanish rapiers and German broadswords + are scattered about. The door to the left bears the legend: Library. + The whole room displays picturesque disorder, Trumpery of all + kinds--weapons, goblets, cups--is scattered about. It is Sunday + toward the end of May._ + + _At the table in the middle of the room are sitting, MRS. JOHN + (between thirty-five and forty) and a very young servant girl, + PAULINE PIPERCARCKA. PAULINE, vulgarly overdressed--jacket, hat, + sunshade--sits straight upright. Her pretty, round little face shows + signs of long weeping. Her figure betrays the fact that she is + approaching motherhood. She draws letters on the floor with the end + of her sunshade._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, sure now! That's right! That's what I says, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +All right. So I'm goin' to Schlachtensee or to Halensee. I gotta go and +see if I c'n meet him! + + [_She dries her tears and is about to rise._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Prevents PAULINE from getting up._] Pauline! For God's sake, don't you +be doin' that! Not that there, for nothin' in the world! That don't do +nothin' but raise a row an' cost money an' don't bring you in nothin'. +Look at the condition you're in! An' that way you want to go an' run +after that there low lived feller? + +PAULINE + +Then my landlady c'n wait an' wait for me to-day. I'll jump into the +Landwehr canal an' drownd myself. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline! An' what for? What for, I'd like to know? Now you just listen to +me for a speck of a minute, just for God's sake, for the teeniest speck +of one an' pay attention to what I'm goin' to propose to you! You know +yourself how I says to you, out on Alexander square, right by the +chronomoneter--says I to you right out, as I was comin' out o' the market +an' sees your condition with half an eye. He don't want to acknowledge +nothin', eh? That's what I axed you right out!--That happens to many gals +here, to all of 'em--to millions! An' then I says to you ... what did I +say? Come along, I says, an' I'll help you! + +PAULINE + +O' course, I don't never dare to show myself at home lookin' this way. +Mother, she'd cry it out at the first look. An' father, he'd knock my +head against the wall an' throw me out in the street. An' I ain't got no +more money left neither--nothin' but just two pieces o' gold that I got +sewed up in the linin' o' my jacket. That feller didn't leave me no crown +an' he didn't leave me no penny. + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss, my husband, he's a foreman mason. I just wants you to pay attention +... just for heaven's sake, pay attention to the propositions that I'm +goin' to make to you. They'll help us both. You'll be helped out an' the +same way I'll be. An' what's more, Paul, that's my husband, he'll be +helped, because he'd like, for all the world, to have a child, an' our +only one, little Adelbert, he went an' died o' the croup. Your child'll +be as well taken care of as an own child. Then you c'n go an' you c'n +look up your sweetheart an' you c'n go back into service an' home to your +people, an' the child is well off, an' nobody in the world don't need to +know nothin'. + +PAULINE + +I'll do it just outa spite--that's what! An' drownd myself! [_She +rises._] An' a note, a note, I'll leave in my jacket, like this: You +drove your Pauline to her death with your cursed meanness! An' then I'll +put down his name in full: Alois Theophil Brunner, instrument-maker. Then +he c'n see how he'll get along in the world with the murder o' me on his +conscience. + +MRS. JOHN + +Wait a minute, Miss! I gotta unlock the door first. + + _MRS. JOHN acts, as though she were about to conduct PAULINE to the + door._ + + _Before the two women reach the passage, BRUNO MECHELKE enters with + slow and suspicious demeanour by the door at the left and remains + standing in the room. BRUNO is short rather than tall, but with a + powerful bull's neck and athletic shoulders. His forehead is low and + receding, his close-clipped hair like a brush, his skull round and + small. His face is brutal and his left nostril has been ripped open + sometime and imperfectly healed. The fellow is about nineteen years + old. He bends forward, and his great, lumpish hands are joined to + muscular arms. The pupils of his eyes are small, black and piercing. + He is trying to repair a rat trap._ + + _BRUNO whistles to his sister as he would to a dog._ + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm comin' now, Bruno! What d'you want? + +BRUNO + +[_Apparently absorbed by the trap._] Thought I was goin' to put up traps +here. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did you put the bacon in? [_To PAULINE._] It's only my brother. Don't be +scared, Miss. + +BRUNO + +[_As before._] I seen the Emperor William to-day. I marched along wi' the +guard, + +MRS. JOHN + +[_To PAULINE, who stands fearful and moveless in BRUNO'S presence._] +'Tain't nothin' but my brother. You c'n stay.--[_To BRUNO._] Boy, what're +you lookin' that way for again? The young lady is fair scared o' you. + +BRUNO + +[_As before, without looking up._] Brrr-rr-rr! I'm a ghost. + +MRS. JOHN + +Hurry an' go up in the loft an' set your traps. + +BRUNO + +[_Slowly approaching the table._] Aw, that business ain't no good 'cept +to starve on! When I goes to sell matches, I gets more outa it. + +PAULINE + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Raging at her brother._] Are you goin' to leave me alone? + +BRUNO + +[_Knuckling under._] Aw, don' go on so. I'm leavin'. + + _Obediently he withdraws into the adjoining room. MRS. JOHN locks the + door behind him with a determined gesture._ + +PAULINE + +That's a feller I wouldn't like to meet in the _Tiergarten_. Not by night +an' not by day neither. + +MRS. JOHN + +If I sets Bruno on anyone an' he gets at him, God help him! + +PAULINE + +Good-bye. I don't like this here place. If you wants to see me again, +Mrs. John, I'd rather meet you at a bench on the _Kreuzberg_. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline, I brought up Bruno with sorrow and trouble by day an' by night. +An' I'll be twenty times better to your child. So when it's born, +Pauline, I'll take it, an' I swears to you by my father an' mother what +died in the Lord an' what I goes to visit the graves of out in Ruedersdorf +one Sunday a year an' puts candles on 'em an' don' let nobody keep me +back--I swears to you that little crittur'll live on the fat o' the land +just like a born prince nor a born princess couldn't be treated no +better. + +PAULINE + +I'm goin' and with my last penny I'm goin' to buy vitriol--I don' care +who it hits! An' I'll throw it in the face o' the wench that he goes with +... I don' care who it hits ... right in the middle o' the mug. I don' +care! It c'n burn up his fine-lookin' phiz! I don' care! It c'n burn off +his beard an' burn out his eyes if he goes with other women! What did he +do? Cheated me! Ruined me! Took my money! Robbed me o' my honour! That's +what the damn' dog did--seduced me an' lied to me an' left me an' kicked +me out into the world! I don' care who it hits! I wants him to be blind! +I wants the stuff to burn his nose offa his face! I wants it to burn him +offa the earth! + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline, as I hopes to be happy hereafter, I tells you, from the minute +where that there little one is born ... it's goin' to be treated like ... +well, I don' know what!... as if it was born to be put in silks an' in +satins. All you gotta do is to have some confidence--that's what! You +just say: Yes. I got it all figgered out. It c'n be done, it c'n be +done--that's what I tells you! An' no doctor an' no police an' no +landlady don't has to know nothin'. An' then, first of all, you gets paid +a hundred an' twenty crowns what I saved scrubbin' an' charrin' here for +manager Hassenreuter. + +PAULINE + +I might strangle it when it's born, rather 'n sell it! + +MRS. JOHN + +Who's talkin' about sellin'? + +PAULINE + +Look at the frights an' the misery I've stood from October las' to this +very day. My intended gives me the go; my landlady puts me out! They +gives me notice at a lodgin's. What does I do that I has to be despised +an' cursed an' kicked aroun'? + +MRS. JOHN + +That's what I says. That's cause the devil is still gettin' the better of +our Lord Jesus. + + _Unnoticed and busy with the trap as before BRUNO has quietly + re-entered by the door._ + +BRUNO + +[_With a strange intonation, sharply and yet carelessly._] Lamps! + +PAULINE + +That feller scares me. Lemme go! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Makes violently for BRUNO._] Is you goin' to go where you belongs? I +told you I'd call you! + +BRUNO + +[_In the same tone as before._] Well, Jette, I jus' said: Lamps! + +MRS. JOHN + +Are you crazy? What's the meanin' o' that--lamps? + +BRUNO + +Ain't that a ringin' o' the front bell? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Is frightened, listens and restrains PAULINE, who makes a motion to +go._] Sh, Miss, wait! Just wait one little minute! + + [_BRUNO continues whittling as the two women stop to listen._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Softly and in a frightened tone to BRUNO._] I don't hear nothin'! + +BRUNO + +You ol' dried up piece! You better go an' get another pair o' ears! + +MRS. JOHN + +That'd be the first time in all the three months that the manager'd be +comin' in when it's Sunday. + +BRUNO + +If that there theayter feller comes, he c'n engage me right on the spot. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Violently._] Don' talk rot! + +BRUNO + +[_Grinning at PAULINE._] Maybe you don' believe it, Miss, but I went an' +took the clown's hoss at Schumann's circus aroun' the ring three times. +Them's the kind o' things I does. An' is I goin' to be scared? + +PAULINE + +[_Seeming to notice for the first time the fantastic strangeness of the +place in which she finds herself. Frightened and genuinely perturbed._] +Mother o' God, what kind o' place is this? + +MRS. JOHN + +Whoever c'n that be? + +BRUNO + +'Tain't the manager, Jette! More like it's a spout what's drippin'! + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss, you be so kind an' go for two minutes, if you don' mind, up into +this here loft. Maybe somebody's comin' that just wants some information. + + _In her growing terror PAULINE does as she is asked to do. She + clambers up the stairs to the loft, the trap door being open. MRS. + JOHN has taken up a position in which she can, at need, hide PAULINE + from anyone entering the room. PAULINE disappears: MRS. JOHN and + BRUNO remain alone._ + +BRUNO + +What business has you with that pious mug? + +MRS. JOHN + +That ain't none o' your business, y'understan'? + +BRUNO + +I was just axin' 'cause you was so careful that nobody should see her. +Otherwise I don't know's I gives a damn. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' you ain't supposed to! + +BRUNO + +Much obliged. Maybe I better toddle along, then. + +MRS. JOHN + +D'you know what you owes me, you scamp? + +BRUNO + +[_Carelessly._] What are you gettin' excited for? What is I doin' to you? +What d'you want? I gotta go to my gal now. I'm sleepy. Las' night I slept +under a lot o' bushes in the park. An' anyhow, I'm cleaned out--[_He +turns his trowsers pockets inside out._] An' in consequence o' that I +gotta go an' earn somethin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +Here you stays! Don't you dare move! If you do you c'n whine like a +whipped purp an' you'll never be gettin' so much as a penny outa me no +more--that's what you won't! Bruno, you're goin' ways you hadn't ought +to. + +BRUNO + +Aw, what d'you think? Is I goin' to be a dam' fool? D'you think I ain' +goin' when I gets a good livin' offa Hulda? [_He pulls out a dirty +card-case._] Not so much as a measly pawn ticket has I got. Tell me what +you want an' then lemme go! + +MRS. JOHN + +What I wants? Of you? What're you good for anyhow? You ain't good for +nothin' excep' for your sister who ain't right in her head to feel sorry +for you, you loafer an' scamp! + +BRUNO + +Maybe you _ain'_ right in your head sometimes! + +MRS. JOHN + +Our father, he used to say when you was no more'n five an' six years old +an' used to do rowdy things, that we couldn't never be proud o' you an' +that I might as well let you go hang. An' my husband what's a reel honest +decent man ... why, you can't be seen alongside of a good man like him. + +BRUNO + +Sure, I knows all that there, Jette. But things ain' that easy to +straighten out. I knows all right I was born with a kind o' a twist in my +back, even if nobody don't see it. No, I wasn't born in no castle. Well, +I gotta do what I c'n do with my twist. All right. What d'you want? +'Tain't for the rats you're keepin' me. You wanta hush up somethin' wi' +that whore! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Shaking her hand under BRUNO'S nose._] You give away one word o' this +an' I'll kill you, I'll make a corpse o' you! + +BRUNO + +Well now, looka here! I'm goin', y'understan'? [_He mounts the stairs._] +Maybe someday I'll be droppin' into good luck without knowin' it. + + _He disappears through the trap-door, MRS. JOHN hurriedly blows out + the lamp and taps her way to the door of the library. She enters it + but does--not wholly close the door behind her.--The noise that BRUNO + actually heard was that of a key being turned in a rusty keyhole. A + light step is now heard approaching the door. For a moment the street + noises of Berlin as well as the yelling of children in the outer + halls had been audible. Strains of a hurdy-gurdy from the + yard.--WALBURGA HASSENREUTER enters with hesitating and embarrassed + steps. The girl is not yet sixteen and is pretty and innocent of + appearance. Sunshade, light-coloured summer dress, not coming below + the ankle._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Halts, listens, then says nervously:_] Papa!--Isn't any one up here +yet? Papa! Papa! [_She listens long and intently and then says:_] Why, +what an odour of coal oil there is here! [_She finds matches, lights one, +is about to light the lamp and burns her fingers against the hot +chimney._] Ouch! Why, dear me! Who is here? + + [_She has cried out and is about to run away._ + + _MRS. JOHN reappears._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, Miss Walburga, who's goin' to go an' kick up a row like that! You +c'n be reel quiet. 'Tain't nobody but me! + +WALBURGA + +Dear me, but I've had an awful fright, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, then I advise you to be gettin' out o' here to-day--on Sunday? + +WALBURGA + +[_Laying her hand over her heart._] Why, my heart is almost standing +still yet, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +What's the matter, Miss Walburga? What's frightenin' you? You oughta know +that from your pa that Sunday an' week day I gotta be workin' aroun' here +with them boxes an' cases, dustin' an' tryin' to get rid o' the moths! +An' then, after two or three weeks, when I've gone over the twelve or +eighteen hundred theayter rags that're lyin' here--then I gotta start all +over again. + +WALBURGA + +I was frightened because the chimney of the lamp was still quite hot to +the touch. + +MRS. JOHN + +That's right. That there lamp was burnin' 'an' I put it out jus' a minute +ago. [_She lifts up the chimney._] It don't burn me; my hands is hard. +[_She lights the wick._] Well, now we has light. Now I lit it again. +What's the danger here? I don' see nothin'. + +WALBURGA + +But you do look like a ghost, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +How do you say I looks? + +WALBURGA + +Oh, it just seems so when one comes out of the vivid sunlight into the +darkness, into these musty holes. It seems as though one were surrounded +by ghosts. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you little ghost, why did you come up here? Is you alone or has you +got somebody with you? Maybe papa'll be comin' in yet? + +WALBURGA + +No, papa has been granted an important audience out in Potsdam to-day. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right! What're you lookin' for here then? + +WALBURGA + +I? Oh, I just came out for a walk! + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, then I advise you to be gettin out o' here again. No sun don't +shine into your papa's lumber-room. + +WALBURGA + +You look so grey! You had better go out into the sunlight yourself! + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, the sunlight's just for fine folks! All I needs is a couple o' pounds +o' dust an' dirt on my lungs.--You just go along, missie! I gotta get to +work. I don' need nothin' else. I jus' lives on mildew an' insec'-powder. + + [_She coughs._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Nervously._] You needn't tell papa that I was up here. + +MRS. JOHN + +Me? Ain't I got somethin' better to do'n that? + +WALBURGA + +[_With assumed carelessness._] And if Mr. Spitta were to ask after me.... + +MRS. JOHN + +Who? + +WALBURGA + +The young gentleman who gives us private lessons at home.... + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, s'posin'? + +WALBURGA + +Then be so kind as to tell him that I've been here but left again at +once. + +MRS. JOHN + +So I'm to tell Mr. Spitta but not papa? + +WALBURGA + +[_Involuntarily._] Oh, for heaven's sake, no! + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you jus' wait an' see! You jus' look out! There's many a one has +looked like you an' has come from your part o' the city an'--has gone to +the dogs in the ditch in Dragoner street or, even, behind Swedish +hangin's in Barnim street. + +WALBURGA + +Surely you don't mean to insinuate, Mrs. John, and surely you don't +believe that there's anything unpermitted or improper in my relations +with Mr. Spitta? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In extreme fright._] Shut up!--Somebody's put the key into the keyhole. + +WALBURGA + +Blow out the lamp! + + [_MRS. JOHN blows out the lamp quickly._ + +WALBURGA + +Papa! + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss! Up into the loft with you! + + _MRS. JOHN and WALBURGA both disappear through the trap-door, which + closes behind them._ + + _Two gentlemen, the manager HARRO HASSENREUTER and the court actor + NATHANAEL JETTEL, appear in the frame of the outer door. The manager + is of middle height, clean shaven, fifty years old. He takes long + steps and shows a lively temperament in his whole demeanour. The cut + of his face is noble, his eyes have a vivid, adventurous expression. + His behaviour is somewhat noisy, which accords with his thoroughly + fiery nature. He wears a light overcoat, a top-hat thrust back on his + head, full dress suit and patent leather boots. The overcoat, which + is unbuttoned, reveals the decorations which almost cover his + chest--JETTEL wears a suit of flannels under a very light spring + overcoat. In his left hand he holds a straw hat and an elegant cane; + he wears tan shoes. He also is clean shaven and over fifty years old. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Calls:_] John! Mrs. John!--Well, now you see my catacombs, my dear +fellow! _Sic transit gloria mundi!_ Here I've stored everything--_mutatis +mutandis_--that was left of my whole theatrical glory--trash, trash! Old +rags! Old tatters!--John! John! She's been here, for the lamp chimney is +still quite hot! [_He strikes a match and lights the lamp._] _Fiat lux, +pereat mundus!_ Now you can get a good view of my paradise of moths and +rats and fleas! + +JETTEL + +You received my card, didn't you, my dear manager? + +HASSENREUTER + +Mrs. John!--I'll see if she is in the loft up there. [_He mounts the +stairs and rattles at the trap-door._] Locked! And of course the wretched +creature has the key tied to her apron. [_He beats enragedly against the +trap-door with his fist._] John! John! + +JETTEL + +[_Somewhat impatient._] Can't we manage without this Mrs. John? + +HASSENREUTER + +What? Do you think that I, in my dress suit and with all my decorations, +just back from His Highness, can go through my three hundred boxes and +cases just to rout out the wretched rags that you are pleased to need for +your engagement here? + +JETTEL + +I beg your pardon. But I'm not wont to appear in rags on my tours. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man alive, then play in your drawers for all I care! It wouldn't worry +me! Only don't quite forget who's standing before you. Because the court +actor Jettel is pleased to emit a whistle--well, that's no reason why the +manager Harro Hassenreuter should begin to dance. Confound it, because +some comedian wants a shabby turban or two old boots, is that any reason +why a _pater familias_ like myself must give up his only spare time at +home on Sunday afternoon? I suppose you expect me to creep about on all +fours into the corners here? No, my good fellow, for that kind of thing +you'll have to look elsewhere! + +JETTEL + +[_Quite calmly._] Would you mind telling me, if possible, who has been +treading on your corns? + +HASSENREUTER + +My boy, it's scarcely an hour since I had my legs under the same table +with a prince; _post hoc, ergo propter hoc!_--On your account I got into +a confounded bus and drove out to this, confounded bole, and so ... if +you don't know how to value my kindness, you can get out! + +JETTEL + +You made an appointment with use for four o'clock. Then you let me wait +one solid hour in this horrible tenement, in these lovely halls with +their filthy brats! Well, I waited and didn't address the slightest +reproach to you. And now you have the good taste and the good manners to +use me as a kind of a cuspidor! + +HASSENREUTER + +My boy ... + +JETTEL + +The devil! I'm not your boy! You seem to be kind of a clown that I ought +to force to turn sommersaults for pennies! + + [_Highly indignant, he picks up his hat and cane and goes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Starts, breaks out into boisterous laughter and then calls out after +JETTEL:_] Don't make yourself ridiculous! And, anyhow, I'm not a +costumer! + + _The slamming of the outer door is heard._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pulls out his watch._] The confounded idiot! The damned mutton +head.--It's a blessing the ridiculous ass went! [_He puts the match back +into his pocket, pulls it out again at once and listens. He walks +restlessly to and fro, then stops, gases into his top-hat, which contains +a mirror, and combs his hair carefully. He walks over to the middle door +and opens a few of the letters that lie heaped up there. At the same time +he sings in a trilling voice:_ + + "O Strassburg, O Strassburg, + Thou beautiful old town." + +_Once more he looks at his watch. Suddenly the doorbell at his head +rings._] On the minute! Ah, but these little girls can be punctual when +they really care about it! [_He hurries out into the hall and is heard to +extend a loud and merry welcome to someone. The trumpet notes of his +voice are soon accompanied by the bell-like tones of a woman's speaking. +Very soon he reappears, at his side an elegant young lady, ALICE +RUeTTERBUSCH._]--Alice! My little Alice! Come here where I can see you, +little girl! Come here into the light! I must see whether you're the same +infinitely delightful, mad little Alice that you were in the great days +of my career in Alsace? Girl, it was I who taught you to walk! I held +your leading strings for your first steps. I taught you how to talk, +girl! The things you said! I hope you haven't forgotten! + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Now, look here! You don't believe that I'm an ungrateful girl? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Draws up her veil._] Why, girlie, you've grown younger instead of +older. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +[_Flushed with delight._] Well, a person would just have to be like +everything to say that you had changed to your disadvantage! But, do you +know--it's awful dark up here really and--Harro, maybe you wouldn't mind +opening a window a little--oh, the air's a bit heavy, too, + +HASSENREUTER + + "Pillicock sat on Pillicock-hill" + "But mice and rats and such small deer + Have been Tom's food for seven long year." + +In all seriousness I have passed through dark and difficult times! In +spite of the fact that I preferred not to write you of it, I have no +doubt that you are informed. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +But it wasn't extra friendly, you know, for you not to answer one little +word to the long, nice letter I wrote you. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! What's the use of answering a little girl's letter if one has +both hands full taking care of oneself and can't possibly be of the +slightest use to her? Pshaw! _E nihilo nihil fit!_ In the vernacular: You +can't get results out of nothing! Moth and dust! Dust and moths! And +that's all my efforts for German culture in the west profited me! + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +So you didn't turn over your collection of properties to manager Kunz. + +HASSENREUTER + + "O Strassburg, O Strassburg, + Thou beautiful old town!" + +No, little one, I didn't leave my properties in Strassburg! This +ex-waiter, ex-innkeeper and lessee of disreputable dance halls, this +idiot, this imbecile who succeeded me, didn't happen to want my stuff. +No, I didn't leave my collection of properties there, but what I did have +to leave there was forty thousand crowns of hard-earned money left me +from my old touring days as an actor, and, in addition, fifty thousand +crowns which formed the dowry of my excellent wife. However, it was a +piece of good luck, after all, that I kept the properties. Ha, ha, ha! +These fellows here ... [_he touches one of the mailed figures_] ... +surely you remember them? + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Could I forget my pasteboard knights? + +HASSENREUTER + +Very well, then: it was these pasteboard knights and all the other trash +that surrounds them, that actually, after his hegira, kept the old +rag-picker and costumer, Harro Eberhard Hassenreuter, above water. But +let's speak of cheerful things: I saw with pleasure in the paper that his +Excellency has engaged you for Berlin. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +I don't care a great deal about it! I'd rather play for you, and you must +promise me, whenever you undertake the management of a theatre again--you +will promise, won't you?--that you'll let me break my contract right +away? [_The MANAGER laughs heartily._] I had to be annoyed quite enough +for three long years by the barn-stormers of the provinces. Berlin I +don't like, and a court theatre least of all. Lord, what people and what +a profession it is! You know I belong to your collection--I've always +belonged to it! + + [_She stands up primly among the pasteboard knights._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha, ha! Well then, come to my arms, faithful knight! + + [_He opens his arms wide, she flies into them, and they now salute + each other with long, continuous kisses._ + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Go on, Harro. Now tell me. How is your wife? + +HASSENREUTER + +Teresa gets along very well except that she gets fatter every day in +spite of sorrow and worries.--Girl, girl, how fragrant you are! [_He +presses her to him._] Do you know that you're a devilish dangerous +person? + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +D'you think I'm an idiot? Of course I'm dangerous! + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, I'll be ...! + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Why, do you think if I didn't know it was dangerous, dangerous for us +both, I'd make an appointment with you out here in this lovely +neighbourhood, under this stuffy roof? By the way, though, since I'm +always bound to have the queerest luck if ever I do go a bit on +questionable ways, whom should I meet on the stairs but Nathanael Jettel? +I almost ran into the gentleman's arms! He'll take good care that my +visiting you doesn't remain our secret. + +HASSENREUTER + +I must have made a mistake in writing down the date. The fellow insists +on asserting--ha, ha, ha!--that I made an engagement with him for this +very afternoon. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +And that wasn't the only person I met on the six flights. And as for the +dear little children that roll about on the stairs here! What they called +out after me was unparliamentary to a degree--such vulgarities as I've +never heard from such little beggars in my life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Laughs, then speaks seriously._] Ah, yes! But one gets accustomed to +that. You could never write down all the life that sweeps down these +stairs with its soiled petticoats--the life that cringes and creeps, +moans, sighs, sweats, cries out, curses, mutters, hammers, planes, jeers, +steals, drives its dark trades up and down these stairs--the sinister +creatures that hide here, playing their zither, grinding their +accordions, sticking in need and hunger and misery, leading their vicious +lives--no, it's beyond one's power of recording. And your old manager, +last but not least, runs, groans, sighs, sweats, cries out and curses +with the best of them. Ha, ha, ha, girlie! I've had a pretty wretched +time. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Oh, by the way, d'you know whom I ran into just as I was making for the +railroad station at the Zoological Garden? The good old Prince +Statthalter! And straight off, cool as a cucumber--that's my way you +know--I tripped along next to him for twenty minutes and got him absorbed +in a conversation. And then something happened, Harro, upon my honour, +just as I'm going to tell you--literally and truly: Suddenly on the +bridle-path His Majesty came riding along with a great suite. I thought +I'd sink into the earth with embarrassment. And His Majesty laughed right +out and threatened his Serenity playfully with his finger. But I was +delighted, you may believe me. The main thing comes now, however. Just +think! His Serenity asked me whether I'd be glad to go back to Strassburg +if the manager Hassenreuter were to assume direction of the theatre there +again. Well, you may know that I almost jumped for joy! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Throws off his overcoat and stands with his decorations displayed._] +You probably couldn't help noticing that His Serenity had had a most +excellent breakfast. Aha! We had breakfast together! We attended an +exquisite little stag party given by Prince Ruprecht out in Potsdam. I +don't deny, therefore, that a turn for good may take place in the +miserable fate of your friend. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Sweetheart, you look like a statesman, like an ambassador! + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, don't you know this breast covered with high and exalted decorations? +Klaerchen and Egmont! Here you can drink your fill! [_They embrace each +other anew._] _Carpe diem!_ Enjoy the passing hour! Ah, my little Miss +Simplicity, champagne is not recorded at present on the repertory of your +old manager, inspirer and friend. [_He opens a wooden case and draws +forth a bottle of wine._] But this old cloister vintage isn't to be +sneezed at either! [_He pulls the cork. At the same moment the door bell +rings._] What? Sh! I wonder who has the monstrous impudence to ring here +on Sunday afternoon? [_The bell rings with increased violence._] Confound +it all--the fellow must be a lunatic. Little girl, suppose you withdraw +into the library. [_ALICE hurries into the library. The ringing is +repeated. He hurries to the door._] Either be patient or go to the devil. +[_He is heard opening the door._] Who? What? "It is I, Miss Walburga." +What? I am not Miss Walburga. I am not the daughter. I am the father. Oh, +it's you, Mr. Spitta! Your very humble servant. I'm only her father--only +her father! What is it that you want? + + _HASSENREUTER reappears in the passage accompanied by ERICH SPITTA, a + young man of twenty-one, spectacled, with keen and not + undistinguished features, SPITTA passes as a student of theology and + is correspondingly dressed. He does not hold himself erect and his + development shows the influence of over-study and underfeeding._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Did you intend to give my daughter one of your private lessons here in my +storeroom? + +SPITTA + +I was riding past on the tram-car and I really thought I had seen Miss +Walburga hurry into the doorway downstairs. + +HASSENREUTER + +No possibility of such a thing, my dear Spitta. At this moment my +daughter Walburga is attending a ritualistic service with her mother in +the Anglican church. + +SPITTA + +Then perhaps you'll forgive my intrusion. I took the liberty of coming +upstairs because I thought that Miss Walburga might not find it +unpleasant or useless to have an escort home through this neighbourhood. + +HASSENREUTER + +Very good! Very excellent! But she isn't here. I regret it. I'm here +myself by the merest chance--on account of the mail. And in addition, I +have other pressing engagements. Can I do anything else for you? + + _SPITTA polishes his glasses and betrays signs of embarrassment._ + +SPITTA + +One doesn't grow used to the darkness at once. + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps you stand in need of the tuition due you. Sorry, but +unfortunately I have the habit of going out with only some small change +in my waistcoat pocket. So I must ask you to have patience until I am at +home again. + +SPITTA + +Not the least hurry in the world. + +HASSENREUTER + +Yes, it's easy for you to say that. I'm like a hunted animal, my dear +fellow ... + +SPITTA + +And yet I would like to beg for a minute of your precious time. I can't +but look upon this unexpected meeting as a kind of providential +arrangement. In short: may I put a question to you? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_With his eyes on his watch, which he has just been winding._] One +minute exactly. By the watch, my good fellow! + +SPITTA + +Both my question and your answer need hardly take that long. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, then! + +SPITTA + +Have I any talent for the stage? + +HASSENREUTER + +For the love of God, man! Have you gone mad?--Forgive me, my dear fellow, +if a case like this excites me to the point of being discourteous. You +have certainly given the lie to the saying: _natura non facit saltus_ by +the unnatural leap that you've taken. I must first get my breath after +that! And now let's put an end to this at once. Believe me, if we were +both to discuss the question now we wouldn't come to any conclusion in +two or three weeks, or rather, let us say years.--You are a theologian by +profession, my good fellow, and you were born in a parsonage. You have +all the necessary connections and a smooth road to a comfortable way of +life ahead of you. How did you hit upon such a notion as this? + +SPITTA + +That's a long story of the inner life, Mr. Hassenreuter, of difficult +spiritual struggles--a story which, until this moment, has been an +absolute secret and known only to myself. But my good fortune led me into +your house and from that moment on I felt that I was drawing nearer and +nearer to the true aim of my life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Wildly impatient._] That's very creditable to me; that does honour to +my family and myself! [_He puts his hands on SPITTA'S shoulders._] And +yet I must make it in the form of an urgent request that, at this moment, +you refrain from a further discussion of the question. My affairs cannot +wait. + +SPITTA + +Then I will only add the expression of my absolutely firm decision. + +HASSENREUTER + +But, my dear Spitta, who has put these mad notions into year head? I've +taken real pleasure in the thought of you. I've really been quietly +envying you the peaceful personage that was to be yours. I've attached no +special significance to certain literary ambitions that one is likely to +pick up in the metropolis. That's a mere phase, I thought, and will be +quite passing in his case! And now you want to become an actor? God help +you, were I your father! I'd lock you up on bread and water and not let +you out again until the very memory of this folly was gone. _Dixi!_ And +now, good-bye, my dear man. + +SPITTA + +I'm afraid that locking me op or resorting to force of any kind would not +help in my case at all. + +HASSENREUTER + +But, man alive, you want to become an actor--you, with your round +shoulders, with your spectacles and, above all, with your hoarse and +sharp voice. It's impossible. + +SPITTA + +If such fellows as I exist in real life, why shouldn't they exist on the +stage too? And I am of the opinion that a smooth, well-sounding voice, +probably combined with the Goethe-Schiller-Weimar school of idealistic +artifice, is harmful rather than helpful. The only question is whether +you would take me, just as I am, as a pupil? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Hastily draws on his overcoat._] I would not. In the first place my +school of acting is only one of the schools of idealistic artifice which +you mention. In the second place I wouldn't be responsible to your father +for such an action. And in the third place, we quarrel enough as it +is--every time you stay to supper at my house after giving your lessons. +If you were my pupil, we'd come to blows. And now, Spitta, I must catch +the car. + +SPITTA + +My father is already informed. In a letter of twelve pages, I have given +him a full history of the change that has taken place within me.... + +HASSENREUTER + +I'm sure the old gentleman will feel flattered! And now come along with +me or I'll go insane! + + _HASSENREUTER forcibly takes SPITTA out with him. The door is heard + to slam. The room grows silent but for the uninterrupted roar of + Berlin, which can now be clearly heard. The trap-door to the loft is + now opened and WALBURGA HASSENREUTER clambers down in mad haste, + followed by MRS. JOHN._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Whispering vehemently._] What's the matter? Nothin' ain't happened. + +WALBURGA + +Mrs. John, I'll scream! I'll have to scream in another second! Oh, for +heaven's sake, I can't help it much longer, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Stuff a handkerchief between your teeth! There ain't nothin'! Why d'you +take on so? + +WALBURGA + +[_With chattering teeth, making every effort to suppress her sobs._] I'm +frightened! Oh, I'm frightened to death, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +I'd like to know what you're so scared about! + +WALBURGA + +Why, didn't you see that horrible man? + +MRS. JOHN + +That ain't nothin' so horrible. That's my brother what sometimes helps me +clean up your pa's things here. + +WALBURGA + +And that girl who sits with her back to the chimney and whines? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, your mother didn't act no different when you was expected to come +into the world. + +WALBURGA + +Oh, it's all over with me. I'll die if papa comes back. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well then hurry and get out an' don' fool roun' no more! + + [_MRS. JOHN accompanies the horrified girl along the passage, lets + her out, and then returns._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Thank God, that girl don' know but what the moon _is_ made o' cheese! + + [_She takes the uncorked bottle, pours out a glass full of wine and + takes it with her to the loft into which she disappears._ + + _The room is scarcely empty when HASSENREUTER returns._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Still in the door. Singing._] "Come on down, O Madonna Teresa!" [_He +calls:_] Alice! [_Still in the door._] Come on! Help me put up my iron +bar with a double lock before the door, Alice! [_He comes forward._] Any +one else who dares to interrupt our Sunday quiet--_anathema sit!_ Here! +You imp! Where are you, Alice? [_He observes the bottle and lifts it +against the light._] What? Half empty! The little scamp! [_From behind +the door of the library a pleasant woman's voice is heard singing +coloratura passages._] Ha, ha, ha, ha! Heavens and earth! She's tipsy +already. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _MRS. JOHN'S rooms on the second floor of the same house in the + attics of which HASSENREUTER has stored his properties. A high, deep, + green-tinted room which betrays its original use as part of a + barracks. The rear wall shows a double door which gives on the outer + hall. Above this door there hangs a bell connected by a wire with the + knob outside. To the right of the door a partition, covered with + wall-paper, projects into the room. This partition takes a + rectangular turn and extends to the right wall. A portion of the room + is thus partitioned off and serves as sleeping-chamber. From within + the partition, which is about six feet high, cupboards are seen + against the wall._ + + _Entering the room from the hall, one observes to the left a sofa + covered with oil-cloth. The back of the sofa is pushed against the + partition wall. The latter is adorned with small photographs: the + foreman-mason JOHN as a soldier, JOHN and his wife in their wedding + garb, etc. An oval table, covered with a faded cotton cloth, stands + before the sofa. In order to reach the entrance of the + sleeping-chamber from the door it is necessary to pass the table and + sofa. This entrance is closed by hangings of blue cotton cloth. + Against the narrow front wall of the partition stands a neatly + equipped kitchen cabinet. To the right, against the wall of the main + room, the stove. This corner of the room serves the--purposes of + kitchen and pantry. Sitting on the sofa, one would look straight at + the left wall of the room, which is broken by two large windows. A + neatly planed board has been fastened to the nearer of the windows to + serve as a kind of desk. Upon it are lying blue-prints, + counter-drawings, an inch-measure, a compass and a square. A small, + raised platform is seen beneath the farther window. Upon it stands a + small table with glasses. An old easy chair of cane and a number of + simple wooden chairs complete the frugal equipment of the room, which + creates an impression of neatness and orderliness such as is often + found in the dwellings of childless couples._ + + _It is about five o'clock of an afternoon toward the end of May. The + warm sunlight shines through the windows._ + + _The foreman-mason JOHN, a good-natured, bearded man of forty, sits + at the desk in the foreground taking notes from the building plans._ + + _MRS. JOHN sits sewing on the small platform, by the farther window. + She is very pale. There is something gentle and pain-touched about + her, but her face shows an expression of deep contentment, which is + broken only now and then by a momentary gleam of restlessness and + suspense. A neat new perambulator stands by her side. In it lies a + newborn child._ + +JOHN + +[_Modestly._] Mother, how'd it be if I was to open the window jus' a +speck an' was to light my pipe for a bit? + +MRS. JOHN + +Does you have to smoke? If not, you better let it be! + +JOHN + +No, I don't has to, mother. Only I'd like to! Never mind, though. A +quid'll be just as good in the end. + + [_With comfortable circumstantiality he prepares a new quid._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_After a brief silence._] How's that? You has to go to the public +registry office again? + +JOHN + +That's what he told me, that I had to come back again an' tell him +exackly ... that I had to give the exack place an' time when that little +kid was born. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Holding a needle in her mouth._] Well, why didn't you tell him that +right away? + +JOHN + +How was I to know it? I didn't know, you see. + +MRS. JOHN + +You didn't know that? + +JOHN + +Well, I wasn't here, was I? + +MRS. JOHN + +You wasn't. That's right. If you goes an' leaves me here in Berlin an' +stays from one year's end to another in Hamburg, an' at most comes to see +me once a month--how is you to know what happens in your own home? + +JOHN + +Don't you want me to go where the boss has most work for me? I goes where +I c'n make good money. + +MRS. JOHN + +I wrote you in my letter as how our little boy was born in this here +room. + +JOHN + +I knows that an' I told him that. Ain't that natural, I axes him, that +the child was born in our room? An' he says that ain't natural at all. +Well then, says I, for all I cares, maybe it was up in the loft with the +rats an' mice! I got mad like 'cause he said maybe the child wasn't born +here at all. Then he yells at me: What kind o' talk is that? What? says +I. I takes an interest in wages an' earnin' an' not in talk--not me, Mr. +Registrar! An' now I'm to give him the exack day an' hour ... + +MRS. JOHN + +An' didn't I write it all out for you on a bit o' paper? + +JOHN + +When a man's mad he's forgetful. I believe if he'd up and axed me: Is you +Paul John, foreman-mason? I'd ha' answered: I don' know. Well an' then +I'd been a bit jolly too an' taken a drink or two with Fritz. An' while +we was doin' that who comes along but Schubert an' Karl an' they says as +how I has to set up on account o' bein' a father now. Those fellers, they +didn't let me go an' they was waitin' downstairs in front o' the public +registry. An' so I kept thinkin' o' them standin' there. So when he axes +me on what day my wife was delivered, I didn't know nothin' an' just +laughed right in his face. + +MRS. JOHN + +I wish you'd first attended to what you had to an' left your drinkin' +till later. + +JOHN + +It's easy to say that! But if you're up to them kind o' tricks in your +old age, mother, you can't blame me for bein' reel glad. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right. You go on to the registry now an' say that your child was +borne by your wife in your dwellin' on the twenty-fifth o' May. + +JOHN + +Wasn't it on the twenty-sixth? 'Cause I said right along the +twenty-sixth. Then he must ha' noticed that I wasn't quite sober. So he +says: If that's a fac', all right; if not, you gotta come back. + +MRS. JOHN + +In that case you'd better leave it as it is. + + _The door is opened and SELMA KNOBBE pushes in a wretched + perambulator which presents the saddest contrast to MRS. JOHN'S. + Swaddled in pitiful rags a newly born child lies therein._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, no, Selma, comin' into my room with that there sick child--that was +all right before. But that can't be done no more. + +SELMA + +He just gasps with that cough o' his'n. Over at our place they smokes all +the time. + +MRS. JOHN + +I told you, Selma, that you could come from time to time and get milk or +bread. But while my little Adelbert is here an' c'n catch maybe +consumption or somethin', you just leave that poor little thing at home +with his fine mother. + +SELMA + +[_Tearfully._] Mother ain't been home at all yesterday or to-day. I can't +get no sleep with this child. He just moans all night. I gotta get some +sleep sometime! I'll jump outa the window first thing or I'll let the +baby lie in the middle o' the street an' run away so no policeman can't +never find me! + +JOHN + +[_Looks at the strange child._] Looks bad! Mother, why don't you try an' +do somethin' for the little beggar? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pushing SELMA and the perambulator out determinedly._] March outa this +room. That can't be done, Paul. When you got your own you can't be +lookin' out for other people's brats. That Knobbe woman c'n look after +her own affairs. It's different with Selma. [_To the girl._] You c'n come +in when you want to. You c'n come in here after a while an' take a nap +even. + + [_She locks the door._ + +JOHN + +You used to take a good deal o' interest in Knobbe's dirty little brats. + +MRS. JOHN + +You don' understan' that. I don' want our little Adelbert to be catchin' +sore eyes or convulsions or somethin' like that. + +JOHN + +Maybe you're right. Only, don't go an' call him Adelbert, mother. That +ain't a good thing to do, to call a child by the same name as one that +was carried off, unbaptised, a week after it was born. Let that be, +mother. I can't stand for that, mother, + + _A knocking is heard at the door. JOHN is about to open._ + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? + +JOHN + +Well, somebody wants to get in! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Hastily turning the key in the lock._] I ain't goin' to have everybody +runnin' in on me now that I'm sick as this. [_She listens at the door and +then calls out:_] I can't open! What d'you want? + +A WOMAN'S VOICE + +[_Somewhat deep and mannish in tone._] It is Mrs. Hassenreuter. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Surprised._] Goodness gracious! [_She opens the door._] I beg your +pardon, Mrs. Hassenreuter! I didn't even know who it was! + + _MRS. HASSENREUTER has now entered, followed by WALBURGA. She is a + colossal, asthmatic lady aver fifty. WALBURGA is dressed with greater + simplicity than in the first act. She carries a rather large + package._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +How do you do, Mrs. John? Although climbing stairs is ... very hard for +me ... I wanted to see how everything ... goes with you after the ... +yes, the very happy event. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm gettin' along again kind o' half way. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +That is probably your husband, Mrs. John? Well, one must say, one is +bound to say, that your dear wife, in the long time of waiting--never +complained, was always cheery and merry, and did her work well for my +husband upstairs. + +JOHN + +That's right. She was mighty glad, too. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Well, then we'll have the pleasure--at least, your wife will have the +pleasure of seeing you at home oftener than heretofore. + +MRS. JOHN + +I has a good husband, Mrs. Hassenreuter, who takes care o' me an' has +good habits. An' because Paul was workin' out o town you musn't think +there was any danger o' his leavin' me. But a man like that, where his +brother has a boy o' twelve in the non-commissioned officers' school ... +it's no kind o' life for him havin' no children o' his own. He gets to +thinkin' queer thoughts. There he is in Hamburg, makin' good money, an' +he has the chance every day and--well--then he takes a notion, maybe, +he'd like to go to America. + +JOHN + +Oh, that was never more'n a thought. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you see, with us poor people ... it's hard-earned bread that we +eats ... an' yet ... [_lightly she runs her hand through JOHN'S hair_] +even if there's one more an' you has more cares on that account--you see +how the tears is runnin' down his cheeks--well, he's mighty happy anyhow! + +JOHN + +That's because three years ago we had a little feller an' when he was a +week old he took sick an' died. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +My husband has already ... yes, my husband did tell me about that ... how +deeply you grieved over that little son of yours. You know how it is ... +you know how my good husband has his eyes and his heart open to +everything. And if it's a question of people who are about him or who +give him their services--then everything good or bad, yes, everything +good or bad that happens to them, seems just as though it had happened to +himself. + +MRS. JOHN + +I mind as if it was this day how he sat in the carridge that time with +the little child's coffin on his knees. He wouldn't let the gravedigger +so much as touch it. + +JOHN + +[_Wiping the moisture out of his eyes._] That's the way it was. No. I +couldn't let him do that. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Just think, to-day at the dinner-table we had to drink wine--suddenly, to +drink wine! Wine! For years and years the city-water in decanters has +been our only table drink ... absolutely the only one. Dear children, +said my husband.--You know that he had just returned from an eleven or +twelve day trip to Alsace. Let us drink, my husband said, the health of +my good and faithful Mrs. John, because ... he cried out in his beautiful +voice ... because she is a visible proof of the fact that the cry of a +mother heart is not indifferent to our Lord.--And so we drank your +health, clinking our glasses! Well, and here I'm bringing you at my +husband's special ... at his very special and particular order ... an +apparatus for the sterilisation of milk.--Walburga, you may unpack the +boiler. + + _HASSENREUTER enters unceremoniously through the outer door which has + stood ajar. He wears a top-hat, spring overcoat, carries a + silver-headed cane, in a word, is gotten up in his somewhat shabby + meek-day outfit. He speaks hastily and almost without pauses._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Wiping the sweat from his forehead._] Berlin is hot, ladies and +gentlemen, hot! And the cholera is as near as St. Petersburg! Now you've +complained to my pupils, Spitta and Kaeferstein, Mrs. John, that your +little one doesn't seem to gain in weight. Now, of course, it's one of +the symptoms of the general decadence of our age that the majority of +mothers are either--unwilling to nurse their offspring or incapable of +it. But you've already lost one child on account of diarrhoea, Mrs. John. +No, there's no help for it: we must call a spade a spade. And so, in +order that you do not meet with the same misfortune over again, or fall +into the hands of old women whose advice is usually quite deadly for an +infant--in order that these things may not happen, I say, I have caused +my wife to bring you this apparatus. I've brought up all my--children, +Walburga included, by the help of such an apparatus ...Aha! So one gets a +glimpse of you again, Mr. John! Bravo! The emperor needs soldiers, and +you needed a representative of your race! So I congratulate you with all +my heart. + + [_He shakes JOHN'S hand vigorously._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Leaning over the infant._] How much ... how much did he weigh at birth? + +MRS. JOHN + +He weighed exactly eight pounds and ten grams. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_With noisy joviality._] Ha, ha, ha! A vigorous product, I must say! +Eight pounds and ten grams of good healthy, German national flesh! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Look at his eyes! And his little nose! His father over again! Why, the +little fellow is really, really, the very image of you, Mr. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +I trust that you will have the boy received into the communion of the +Christian Church. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_With happy impressiveness._] Oh, he'll be christened properly, right in +the parochial church at the font by a clergyman. + +HASSENREUTER + +Right! And what are his baptismal names to be? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you know the way men is. That's caused a lot o' talk. I was +thinkin' o' "Bruno," but he won't have it! + +HASSENREUTER + +Surely Bruno isn't a bad name. + +JOHN + +That may be. I ain't sayin' but what Bruno is a good enough name. I don't +want to give no opinion about that. + +MRS. JOHN + +Why don't you say as how I has a brother what's twelve years younger'n me +an' what don't always do just right? But that's only 'cause there's so +much temptation. That boy's a good boy. Only you won't believe it. + +JOHN + +[_Turns red with sudden rage._] Jette ... you know what a cross that +feller was to us! What d'you want? You want our little feller to be the +namesake of a man what's--I can't help sayin' it--what's under police +soopervision? + +HASSENREUTER + +Then, for heaven's sake, get him some other patron saint. + +JOHN + +Lord protect me from sich! I tried to take an interest in Bruno! I got +him a job in a machine-shop an' didn't get nothin' outa it but annoyance +an' disgrace! God forbid that he should come aroun' an' have anythin' to +do with this little feller o' mine. [_He clenches his fist._] If that was +to happen, Jette, I wouldn't be responsible for myself!! + +MRS. JOHN + +You needn't go on, Paul! Bruno ain't comin'. But I c'n tell you this much +for certain, that my brother was good an' helpful to me in this hard +time. + +JOHN + +Why didn't you send for me? + +MRS. JOHN + +I didn't want no man aroun' that was scared. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aren't you an admirer of Bismarck, John? + +JOHN + +[_Scratching the back of his head._] I can't say as to that exackly. My +brothers in the masons' union, though, they ain't admirers o' him. + +HASSENREUTER + +Then you have no German hearts in your bodies! Otto is what I called my +eldest son who is in the imperial navy! And believe me [_pointing to the +infant_] this coming generation will well know what it owes to that +mighty hero, the great forger of German unity! [_He takes the tin boiler +of the apparatus which WALBURGA has unpacked into his hands and lifts it +high up._] Now then: the whole business of this apparatus is mere child's +play. This frame which holds all the bottles--each bottle to be filled +two-thirds with water and one-third with milk--is sunk into the boiler +which is filled with boiling water. By keeping the water at the +boiling-point for an hour and a half in this manner, the content--of the +bottles becomes free of germs. Chemists call this process sterilisation. + +JOHN + +Jette, at the master-mason's house, the milk that's fed to the twins is +sterilised too. + + _The pupils of HASSENREUTER, KAeFERSTEIN and DR. KEGEL, two young men + between twenty and twenty-five years of age, have knocked at the door + and then opened it._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Noticing his pupils._] Patience, gentlemen. I'll be with you directly. +At the moment I am busying myself with the problems of the nourishment of +infants and the care of children. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +[_His head bears witness to a sharply defined character: large nose, +pale, a serious expression, beardless, about the mouth a flicker of +kindly mischievousness. With hollow voice, gentle and suppressed._] You +must know that we are the three kings out of the East. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who still holds the apparatus aloft in his hands._] What are you? + +KAeFERSTEIN + +[_As before._] We want to adore the babe. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha, ha! If you are the kings out of the East, gentlemen, it seems +to me that the third of you is lacking. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +The third is our new fellow pupil in the field of dramaturgic activity, +the _studiosus theologiae_, who is detained at present at the corner of +Blumen and Wallnertheater streets by an accident partly sociological, +partly psychological in its nature. + +DR. KEGEL + +We made all possible haste to escape. + +HASSENREUTER + +Do you see, a star stands above this house, Mrs. John! But do tell me, +has our excellent Spitta once more made some public application of his +quackery for the healing of the so-called sins of the social order? Ha, +ha, ha, ha! _Semper idem!_ Why, that fellow is actually becoming a +nuisance! + +KAeFERSTEIN + +A crowd gathered in the street for some reason and it seems that he +discovered a friend in the midst of it. + +HASSENREUTER + +According to my unauthoritative opinion this young Spitta would have done +much better as a surgeon's assistant or Salvation Army officer. But +that's the way of the world: the fellow must needs want to be an actor. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Mr. Spitta, the children's tutor, wants to become an actor? + +HASSENREUTER + +That is exactly the plan he has proposed to me, mama.--But now, if you +bring incense and myrrh, dear Kaeferstein, out with them! You observe what +a many sided man your teacher is. Now I help my pupils, thirsty after +the contents of the Muses' breasts, to the nourishment they +desire--_nutrimentum spiritus_--again I.... + +KAeFERSTEIN + +[_Rattles a toy bank._] Well, I deposit this offering, which is a +fire-proof bank, next to the perambulator of this excellent offspring of +the mason, with the wish that he will rise to be at least a royal +architect. + +JOHN + +[_Having put cordial glasses on the table, he fetches and opens a fresh +bottle._] Well, now I'm goin' to uncork the _Danziger Goldwasser_. + +HASSENREUTER + +To him who hath shall be given, as you observe, Mrs. John. + +JOHN + +[_Filling the glasses._] Nobody ain't goin' to say that my child's +unprovided for, gentlemen. But I takes it very kindly o' you, gentlemen! +[_All except MRS. HASSENREUTER and WALBURGA lift up their glasses._] To +you health! Come on, mother, we'll drink together too. + + [_The action follows the words._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_In a tone of reproof._] Mama, you must, of course, drink with us. + +JOHN + +[_Having drunk, with jolly expansiveness._] I ain't goin' to Hamburg no +more now. The boss c'n send some other feller there. I been quarrelin' +with him about that these three days. I gotta take up my hat right now +an' go there; he axed me to come roun' to his office again at six. If he +don' want to give in, he needn't. It won't never do for the father of a +family to be forever an' a day away from his family ... I got a +friend--why, all I gotta do's to say the word 'n I c'n get work on the +layin' o' the foundations o' the new houses o' Parliament. Twelve years I +been workin' for this same boss! I c'n afford to make a change some time. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pats JOHN'S shoulder._] Quite of your opinion, quite! Our family life +is something that neither money nor kind words can buy of us. + + _ERICH SPITTA enters. His hat is soiled; his clothes show traces of + mud. His tie is gone. He looks pale and excited and is busy wiping + his hands with his handkerchief._ + +SPITTA + +Beg pardon, but I wonder if I could brush up here a little, Mrs. John? + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! For heaven's sake, what have you been up to, my good Spitta? + +SPITTA + +I only escorted a lady home, Mr. Hassenreuter--nothing else! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who has joined in the general, outburst of laughter called forth by +SPITTA'S explanation._] Well now, listen here! You blandly say: Nothing +else! And you announce it publicly here before all these people? + +SPITTA + +[_In consternation._] Why not? The lady in question, was very well +dressed; I've often seen her on the stairs of this house, and she +unfortunately met with an accident on the street. + +HASSENREUTER + +You don't say so? Tell us about it, dear Spitta! Apparently the lady +inflicted spots on your clothes and scratches on your hands. + +SPITTA + +Oh, no. That was probably the fault of the mob. The lady had an attack of +some kind. The policeman caught hold of her so awkwardly that she slipped +down in the middle of the street immediately in front of two omnibus +horses. I simply couldn't bear to see that, although I admit that the +function of the Good Samaritan is, as a rule, beneath the dignity of +well-dressed people on the public streets. + + _MRS. JOHN wheels the perambulator behind the partition and reappears + with a basin full of water, which she places on a chair._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Did the lady, by any chance, belong to that international high society +which we either regulate or segregate? + +SPITTA + +I confess that that was quite as indifferent to me in the given instance, +as it was to one of the omnibus horses who held his left fore foot +suspended in the air for five, six or, perhaps, even eight solid minutes, +in order not to trample on the woman who lay immediately beneath it. +[_SPITTA is answered by a round of laughter._] You may laugh! The +behaviour of the horse didn't strike me as in the least ludicrous. I +could well understand how some people applauded him, clapped their hands, +and how others stormed a bakery to buy buns with which to feed him. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Fanatically._] I wish he'd trampled all he could! [_MRS. JOHN'S remark +calls forth another outburst of laughter._] An' anyhow! That there Knobbe +woman! She oughta be put in some public place, that she ought, publicly +strapped to a bench an' then beaten--beaten--that's what! She oughta have +the stick taken to her so the blood jus' spurts! + +SPITTA + +Exactly, I've never been deluded into thinking that the so-called Middle +Ages were quite over and done with. It isn't so long ago, in the year +eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, as a matter of fact, that a widow +named Mayer was publicly broken on the wheel right here in the city of +Berlin on Hausvogtei Square,--[_He displays fragments of the lenses of +his spectacles._] By the way, I must hurry to the optician at once. + +JOHN + +[_To SPITTA._] You must excuse us. But didn't you take that there fine +lady home on this very floor acrost the way? Aha! Well, mother she +noticed it right off that that couldn't ha' been nobody but that Knobbe +woman what's known for sendin' girls o' twelve out on the streets! Then +she stays away herself an' swills liquor an' has all kinds o' dealin's +an' takes no care o' her own children. Then when she's been drunk an' +wakes up she beats 'em with her fists an' with an umbrella. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pulling himself together and bethinking himself._] Hurry, gentlemen! We +must proceed to our period of instruction. We're fifteen minutes behind +hand as it is and our time is limited. We must close the period quite +punctually to-day. I'm sorry. Come, mama. See you later, ladies and +gentlemen. + + [_HASSENREUTER offers his arm to his wife and leaves the room, + followed by KAeFERSTEIN and DR. KEGEL. JOHN also picks up his slouch + hat._ + +JOHN + +[_To his wife._] Good-bye. I gotta go an' see the boss. + + [_He also leaves._ + +SPITTA + +Could you possibly lend me a tie? + +MRS. JOHN + +I'll see what c'n be found in Paul's drawer. [_She opens the drawer of +the table and turns pale._] O Lord! [_She takes from the drawer a lock of +child's hair held together by a riband._] I found a bit of a lock o' hair +here that was cut off the head of our little Adelbert by his father when +he was lyin' in the coffin. [_A profound, grief-stricken sadness suddenly +comes over her face, which gives way again, quite as suddenly, to a gleam +of triumph._] An' now the crib is full again after all! [_With an +expression of strange joyfulness, the lock of hair in her hand, she leads +the young people to the door of the partition through which the +perambulator projects into the main room by two-thirds of its length. +Arrived there she holds the lock of hair close to the head of the living +child._] Come on! Come on here! [_With a strangely mysterious air she +beckons to WALBURGA and SPITTA, who take up their stand next to her and +to the child._] Now look at that there hair an' at this! Ain't it the +same? Wouldn't you say it was the same identical hair? + +SPITTA + +Quite right. It's the same to the minutest shade, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right! That's all right! That's what I wanted to know. + + [_Together with the child she disappears behind the partition._ + +WALBURGA + +Doesn't it strike you, Erich, that Mrs. John's behaviour is rather +peculiar? + +SPITTA + +[_Taking WALBURGA'S hands and kissing them shyly but passionately._] I +don't know, I don't know ... Or, at least, my opinion musn't count +to-day. The sombre state of my own mind colours all the world. Did you +get the letter? + +WALBURGA + +Yes. But I couldn't make out why you hadn't been at our house in such a +long while. + +SPITTA + +Forgive me, Walburga, but I couldn't come. + +WALBURGA + +And why not? + +SPITTA + +Because my mind was not at one with itself. + +WALBURGA + +You want to become an actor? Is that true? You're going to change +professions? + +SPITTA + +What I'll be in the end may be left to God. But never a parson--never a +country parson! + +WALBURGA + +Listen! I've had my fortune told from the cards. + +SPITTA + +That's nonsense, Walburga. You mustn't do that. + +WALBURGA + +I swear to you, Erich, that it isn't nonsense. The woman told me I was +betrothed in secret and that my betrothed is an actor. Of course I +laughed her to scorn. And immediately after that mama told me that you +wanted to be an actor. + +SPITTA + +Is that a fact? + +WALBURGA + +It's true--every bit of it. And in addition the clairvoyant said that we +would have a visitor who would cause us much trouble. + +SPITTA + +My father is coming to Berlin, Walburga, and it's undoubtedly true that +the old gentleman will give us not a little trouble. Father doesn't know +it, but my views and his have been worlds asunder for a long time. It +didn't need these letters of his which seem actually to burn in my pocket +and by which he answered my confession--it didn't need these letters to +tell me that. + +WALBURGA + +An evil, envious, venomous star presided over our secret meeting here! +Oh, how I used to admire my papa! And since that Sunday I blush for him +every minute. And however much I try, I can't, since that day, look +frankly and openly into his eyes. + +SPITTA + +Did you have differences with your father too? + +WALBURGA + +Oh, if it were nothing more than that! I was so proud of papa! And now I +tremble to think of even your finding it out. You'd despise us! + +SPITTA + +_I_ despise anyone? Dear child, I can't think of anything less fitting +for me! Look here: I'll set you an example in the matter of frankness. A +sister of mine, six years older than I, was governess in a noble family. +Well, a misfortune happened to her and ... when she sought refuge in the +house of her parents, my Christian father put her out of doors! I believe +he thought that Jesus would have done the same. And so my sister +gradually sank lower and lower and some day we can go and visit her in +the little suicides' graveyard near Schildhorn where she finally found +rest. + +WALBURGA + +[_Puts her arms around SPITTA._] Poor boy, you never told me a word of +that. + +SPITTA + +Circumstances have changed now and I speak of it. I shall speak of it to +papa too even if it causes a breach between us.--You're always surprised +when I get excited, and that I can't control myself when I see some poor +devil being kicked about, or when I see the rabble mistreating some poor +fallen girl. I have actual hallucinations sometimes. I seem to see ghosts +in bright daylight and my own sister among them! + + _PAULINE PIPERCARCKA enters, dressed as before. Her little face seems + to have grown paler and prettier._ + +PAULINE + +Good mornin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_From behind the partition._] Who's that out there? + +PAULINE + +Pauline, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline? I don't know no Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Pauline Pipercarcka, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Who? Oh, well then you c'n wait a minute, Pauline. + +WALBURGA + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Emerges from behind the partition and carefully draws the hangings._] +That's right. I got somethin' to discuss with this here young person. So +you young folks c'n see about getting out. + + _SPITTA and WALBURGA leave hastily. MRS. JOHN locks the door behind + them._ + +MRS. JOHN + +So it's you, Pauline? An' what is it you want? + +PAULINE + +What should I be wantin'? Somethin' jus' drove me here! Couldn't wait no +longer. I has to see how everythin' goes. + +MRS. JOHN + +How what goes? What's everythin'? + +PAULINE + +[_With a somewhat bad conscience._] Well, if it's well; if it's gettin' +on nicely. + +MRS. JOHN + +If what's well? If what's gettin' on nicely? + +PAULINE + +You oughta know that without my tellin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +_What_ ought I to know without your tellin' me? + +PAULINE + +I wants to know if anythin's happened to the child! + +MRS. JOHN + +What child? An' what could ha' happened? Talk plainly, will you? There +ain't a word o' your crazy chatter that anybody c'n understand! + +PAULINE + +I ain't sayin' nothin' but what's true, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, what is it? + +PAULINE + +My child ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Gives her a terrific box on the ear._] Say that again an' I'll bang my +boots about your ears so that you'll think you're the mother o' triplets. +An now: get outa here! An' don' never dare to show your face here again! + +PAULINE + +[_Starts to go. She shakes the door which is locked._] She's beaten me! +Help! Help! I don' has to--stand that! No! [_Weeping._] Open the door! +She's maltreated me, Mrs. John has! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Utterly transformed, embraces PAULINE, thus restraining her._] Pauline! +For God's sake, Pauline! I don' know what could ha' gotten into me! You +jus' be good now an' quiet down an' I'll beg your pardon. What d'you want +me to do? I'll get down _on_ my knees if you wants me to! Anythin'! +Pauline! Listen! Let me do _some_thin'! + +PAULINE + +Why d'you go 'n hit me in the face? I'm goin' to headquarters and say as +how you slapped me in the face. I'm goin' to headquarters to give notice! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Thrusts her face forward._] Here! You c'n hit me back--- right in the +face! Then it's all right; then it's evened up. + +PAULINE + +I'm goin' to headquarters ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Yes, then it's evened up. You jus' listen to what I says: Don't you see +it'll be evened up then all right! What d'you want to do? Come on now an' +hit me! + +PAULINE + +What's the good o' that when my cheek is swollen? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Striking herself a blow on the cheek._] There! Now my cheek is swollen +too. Come on, my girl, hit me an' don' be scared!--- An' then you c'n +tell me everythin' you got on your heart. In the meantime I'll go an' +I'll cook for you an' me, Miss Pauline, a good cup o' reel coffee made o' +beans--none o' your chicory slop, so help me! + +PAULINE + +[_Somewhat conciliated._] Why did you has to go an' be so mean an' rough +to a poor girl like me, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +That's it'--that's jus' what I'd like to know my own self! Come on, +Pauline, an' sit down! So! It's all right, I tells you! Sit down! It's +fine o' you to come an' see me! How many beatin's didn't I get from my +poor mother because sometimes I jus' seemed to go crazy an' not be the +same person no more. She said to me more'n onct: Lass, look out! You'll +be doin' for yourself some day! An' maybe she was right; maybe it'll be +that way. Well now, Pauline, tell me how you are an' how you're gettin' +along? + +PAULINE + +[_Laying down bank-notes and handfuls of silver, without counting them, +on the table._] Here is the money: I don't need it. + +MRS. JOHN + +I don' know nothin' about no money, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Oh, you'll know about the money all right! It's been jus' burnin' into +me, that it has! It was like a snake under my pillow ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, come now ... + +PAULINE + +Like a snake that crept out when I went to sleep. An' it tormented me an' +wound itself aroun' me an' squeezed me so that I screamed right out an' +my landlady found me lyin' on the bare floor jus' like somebody what's +dead. + +MRS. JOHN + +You jus' let that be right now, Pauline. Take a bit of a drink first of +all! [_She pours out a small glassful of brandy._] An' then come an' eat +a bite. It was my husband's birthday yesterday. + + [_She gets out some coffee-cake of which she cuts an oblong piece._ + +PAULINE + +Oh, no, I don' feel like eatin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +That strengthens you; that does you good; you oughta eat that! But I is +pleased to see, Pauline, how your fine constitootion helped you get back +your strength so good. + +PAULINE + +But now I want to have a look at it, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? What d'you want to have a look at? + +PAULINE + +If I could ha' walked I'd ha' been here long ago. I want to see now what +I come to see! + + _MRS. JOHN, whose almost creeping courtesies have been uttered with + lips aquiver with fear, pales ominously and keeps silent. She goes to + the kitchen cabinet, wrenches the coffee handmill out and pours beans + into it. She sits down, squeezes the mill between her knees, grasps + the handle, and stares with a consuming expression of nameless hatred + over at PAULINE._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Eh? Oh, yes! What d'you want to see? What d'you want to see now all of a +sudden? That what you wanted to throttle with them two hands o' yours, +eh? + +PAULINE + +Me? + +MRS. JOHN + +D'you want to lie about it? _I'll_ go and give notice about you! + +PAULINE + +Now you've tormented me an' jabbed at me an' tortured me enough, Mrs. +John. You followed me up; you wouldn't leave me no rest where I went. +Till I brought my child into the world on a heap o' rags up in your loft. +You gave me all kinds o' hopes an' you scared me with that rascal of a +feller up there! You told my fortune for me outa the cards about my +intended an' you baited me an' hounded me till I was most crazy. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' that's what you are. Yes, you're as crazy as you c'n be. _I_ +tormented you, eh? Is that what I did? I picked you up outa the gutter! I +fetched you outa the midst of a blizzard when you was standin' by the +chronometer an' stared at the lamplighter with eyes that was that +desperate scared! You oughta seen yourself! An' I hounded you, eh? Yes, +to prevent the police an' the police-waggon an' the devil hisself from +catchin' you! I left you no rest, eh? I tortured you, did I? to keep you +from jumpin' into the river with the child in your womb! [_Mocking her._] +"I'll throw myself into the canal, mother John! I'll choke the child to +death! I'll kill the little crittur with my hat pin! I'll go an' run to +where its father plays the zither, right in the midst o' the saloon, an' +I'll throw the dead child at his feet!" That's what you said; that's the +way you talked--all the blessed day long and sometimes half the night too +till I put you to bed an' petted you an' stroked you till you went to +sleep. An' you didn't wake up again till next day on the stroke o' +twelve, when the bells was ringin' from all the churches, Yes, that's the +way I scared you, an' then gave you hope again, an' didn't give you no +peace! You forgot all that there, eh? + +PAULINE + +But it's my child, Mrs. John ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Screams._] You go an' get your child outa the canal! + + [_She jumps up and walks hastily about the room, picking up and + throwing aside one object after another._ + +PAULINE + +Ain't I goin' to be allowed to see my child even? + +MRS. JOHN + +Jump into the water an' get it there! Then you'll have it! I ain't +keepin' you back. God knows! + +PAULINE + +All right! You c'n slap me, you c'n beat me, you c'n throw things at my +head if you wants to. Before I don' know where my child is an' before I +ain't seen it with my own eyes, nothin' an' nobody ain't goin' to get me +away from this place. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Interrupting her._] Pauline, I put it out to nurse! + +PAULINE + +That's a lie! Don't I hear it smackin' its lips right behind that there +partition. [_The child behind the partition begins to cry. PAULINE +hastens toward it. She exclaims with pathetic tearfulness, obviously +forcing the note of motherhood a little._] Don' you cry, my poor, poor +little boy! Little mother's comin' to you now! + + [_MRS. JOHN, almost beside herself, has sprung in front of the door, + thus blocking PAULINE'S way._ + +PAULINE + +[_Whining helplessly but with clenched fists._] Lemme go in an' see my +child! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_A terrible change coming over her face._] Look at me, girl! Come here +an' look me in the eye!--D'you think you c'n play tricks on a woman that +looks the way I do? [_PAULINE sits down still moaning._] Sit down an' +howl an' whine till ... till your throat's swollen so you can't give a +groan. But if you gets in here--then you'll be dead or I'll be dead an' +the child--he won't be alive no more neither. + +PAULINE + +[_Rises with some determination._] Then look out for what'll happen. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Attempting to pacify the girl once more._] Pauline, this business was +all settled between us. Why d'you want to go an' burden yourself with the +child what's my child now an' is in the best hands possible? What d'you +want to do with it? Why don't you go to your intended? You two'll have +somethin' better to do than listen to a child cryin' an' takin' all the +care an' trouble he needs! + +PAULINE + +No, that ain't the way it is! He's gotta marry me now! They all says +so--Mrs. Keilbacke, when I had to take treatment, she said so. They says +I'm not to give in; he has to marry me. An' the registrar he advised me +too. That's what he said, an' he was mad, too, when I told him how I +sneaked up into a loft to have my baby! He cried out loud that I wasn't +to let up! Poor, maltreated crittur--that's what he called me an' he put +his hand in his pocket an' gave me three crowns! All right. So we needn't +quarrel no more, Mrs. John. I jus' come anyhow to tell you to be at home +to-morrow afternoon at five o'clock. An' why? Because to-morrow an +official examiner'll come to look after things here. I don't has to worry +myself with you no more.... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Moveless and shocked beyond expression._] What? You went an' give +notice at the public registry? + +PAULINE + +O' course? Does I want to go to gaol? + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you tell the registrar? + +PAULINE + +Nothin' but that I give birth to a boy. An' I was so ashamed! Oh my God, +I got red all over! I thought I'd just have to go through the floor. + +MRS. JOHN + +Is that so? Well, if you was so ashamed why did you go an' give notice? + +PAULINE + +'Cause my landlady an' Mrs. Kielbacke, too, what took me there, didn't +give me no rest. + +MRS. JOHN + +H-m. So they knows it now at the public registry? + +PAULINE + +Yes; they had to know, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Didn't I tell you over an' over again? + +PAULINE + +You gotta give notice o' that! D'you want me to be put in gaol for a +investergation? + +MRS. JOHN + +I told you as how I'd give notice. + +PAULINE + +I axed the registrar right off. Nobody hadn't been there. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you say exackly? + +PAULINE + +That his name was to be Aloysius Theophil an' that he was boardin' with +you. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' to-morrow an officer'll be comin' in. + +PAULINE + +He's a gentlemen from the guardian's office. What's the matter with that? +Why don't you keep still an' act sensible. You scared me most to death a +while ago! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_As if absent-minded._] That's right. There ain't nothin' to be, done +about that now. An' there ain't so much to that, after all, maybe. + +PAULINE + +All right. An' now c'n I see my child, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +Not to-day. Wait till to-morrow, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Why not to-day? + +MRS. JOHN + +Because no good'd come of it this day. Wait till to-morrow, five o'clock +in the afternoon. + +PAULINE + +That's it. My landlady says it was written that way, that a gentleman +from the city'll be here to-morrow afternoon five o'clock. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pushing PAULINE out and herself going out of the room with her, in the +same detached tone._] All right. Let him come, girl. + + _MRS. JOHN has gone out into the hall for a moment. She now returns + without PAULINE. She seems strangely changed and absent-minded. She + takes a few hasty steps toward the door of the partition; then stands + still with an expression of fruitless brooding on her face. She + interrupts herself in this brooding and runs to the window. Having + reached it she turns and on her face there reappears the expression + of dull detachment. Slowly, like a somnambulist, she walks up to the + table and sits down beside it, leaning her chin on her hand. SELMA + KNOBBE appears in the doorway._ + +SELMA + +Mother's asleep, Mrs. John, an' I'm that hungry. Might I have a bite o' +bread? + + _MRS. JOHN rises mechanically and cuts a slice from the loaf of bread + with the air of one under an hypnotic influence._ + +SELMA + +[_Observing MRS. JOHN'S state of mind._] It's me! What's the matter, Mrs. +John? Whatever you do, don't cut yourself with the bread knife. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Lets the loaf and the bread-knife slip involuntarily from her hand to +the table. A dry sobbing overwhelms her more and more._] +Fear!--Trouble!--You don' know nothin' about that! + + [_She trembles and grasps after some support._ + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _The same decoration as in the first act. The lamp is lit. The dim + light of a hanging lamp illuminates the passage._ + + _HASSENREUTER is giving his three pupils, SPITTA, DR. KEGEL and + KAeFERSTEIN instruction in the art of acting. He himself is seated at + the table, uninterruptedly opening letters and beating time to the + rhythm of the verses with a paper cutter. In front of him stand, + facing each other, KEGEL and KAeFERSTEIN on one side, SPITTA on the + other, thus representing the two choruses in Schiller's "Bride of + Messina." The young men stand in the midst of a diagram drawn with + chalk on the floor and separated, like a chess-board, into sixty-four + rectangles. On the high stool in front of the office desk WALBURGA is + sitting. Waiting in the background stands the house steward QUAQUARO, + who might be the manager of a wandering circus and, in the capacity + of athlete, its main attraction. His speech is uttered in a guttural + tenor. He wears bedroom slippers. His breeches are held up by an + embroidered belt. An open shirt, fairly clean, a light jacket, a cap + now held in his hand, complete his attire._ + +DR. KEGEL AND KAeFERSTEIN + +[_Mouthing the verses sonorously and with exaggerated dignity._] + + "Thee salute I with reverence, + Lordliest chamber, + Thee, my high rulers' + Princeliest cradle, + Column-supported, magnificent roof. + Deep in its scabbard ..." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Cries in a rage._] Pause! Period! Period! Pause! Period! You're not +turning the crank of a hurdy-gurdy! The chorus in the "Bride of Messina" +is no hand-organ tune! "Thee salute I with reverence!" Start over again +from the beginning, gentleman! "Thee salute I with reverence, Lordliest +chamber!" Something like that, gentlemen! "Deep in its scabbard let the +sword rest." Period! "Magnificent roof." I meant to say: Period! But you +may go on if you want to. + +DR. KEGEL AND KAeFERSTEIN + + "Deep in its scabbard + Let the sword rest, + Fettered fast by your gateway + Moveless may lie Strife's snaky-locked monster. + For ..." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_As before._] Hold on! Don't you know the meaning of a full stop, +gentlemen? Haven't you any knowledge of the elements? "Snaky-haired +monster." Period! Imagine that a pile is driven there! You've got to +stop, to pause. There must be silence like the silence of the dead! +You've got to imagine yourself wiped out of existence for the moment, +Kaeferstein. And then--out with your best trumpeting chest-notes! Hold on! +Don't lisp, for God's sake. "For ..." Go on now! Start! + +DR. KEGEL AND KAeFERSTEIN + + "For this hospitable house's + Inviolable threshold + Guardeth an oath, the Furies' child...." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Jumps up, runs about and roars._] Oath, oath, oath, oath!!! Don't you +know what an oath is, Kaeferstein? "Guardeth an oath!!--the Furies' +child." This oath is said to be the child of the Furies, Dr. Kegel! +You've got to use your voice! The audience, to the last usher, has got to +be one vast quivering gooseflesh when you say that! One shiver must run +through every bone in the house! Listen to me: "For this house's ... +threshold Guardeth an oath!!! The Furies' child, The fearfullest of the +infernal deities!"--Go ahead! Don't repeat these verses. But you can stop +long enough to observe that an oath and a Munich beer radish are, after +all, two different things. + +SPITTA + +[_Declaims._] + + "Ireful my heart in my bosom burneth...." + +HASSENREUTER + +Hold on! [_He runs up to SPITTA and pushes and nudges the latter's arms +and legs in order to produce the desired tragic pose._]--First of all, +you lack the requisite statuesqueness of posture, my dear Spitta. The +dignity of a tragic character is in nowise expressed in you. Then you did +not, as I expressly desired you to do, advance your right foot from the +field marked ID into that marked IIC! Finally, Mr. Quaquaro is waiting; +so let us interrupt ourselves for a moment. So; now I'm at your service, +Mr. Quaquaro. That is to say, I asked you to come up because, in making +my inventory, it became clear that several cases and boxes cannot be +found or, in other words, have been stolen. Now, before lodging +information with the authorities which, of course, I am determined to do, +I wanted first to get your advice. I wanted to do that all the more +because, in place of the lost cases, there was found, in a corner of the +attic, a very peculiar mess--a find that could appropriately be sent to +Dr. Virchow. First there was a blue feather-duster, truly prehistoric, +and an inexpressible vessel, the use of which, quite harmless in itself, +is equally inexpressible. + +QUAQUARO + +Well, sir, I can climb up there if you want me to. + +HASSENREUTER + +Suppose you do that. Up there you'll meet Mrs. John, whom the find in +question has disquieted even more than it has me. These three gentlemen, +who are my pupils, won't be persuaded that something very like a murder +didn't take place up there. But, if you please, let's not cause a +scandal! + +KAeFERSTEIN + +When something got lost in my mother's shop in Schneidemuehl, it was +always said that the rats had eaten it. And really, when you consider the +number of rats and mice in this house--I very nearly stepped on one on +the stairs a while ago--why shouldn't we suppose that the cases of +costumes were devoured in the same way. Silk is said to be sweet. + +HASSENREUTER + +Very excellent! Very good! You're relieved from the necessity of +indulging in any more notion-shopkeepers' fancies, my good Kaeferstein! +Ha, ha, ha! It only remains for you to dish up for us the story of the +cavalry man Sorgenfrei, who, according to your assertion, when this house +was still a cavalry barracks, hanged himself--spurred and armed--in my +loft. And then the last straw would be for you to direct our suspicions +toward him. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +You can still see the very nail he used. + +QUAQUARO + +There ain't a soul in the house what don't know the story of the soldier +Sorgenfrei who put an end to hisself with a rope somewhere under the +rooftree. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +The carpenter's wife downstairs and a seamstress in the second story have +repeatedly seen him by broad daylight nodding out of the attic window and +bowing down with military demeanour. + +QUAQUARO + +A corporal, they says, called the soldier Sorgenfrei a windbag an' gave +him a blow outa spite. An' the idjit took that to heart. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! Military brutalities and ghost stories! That mixture is +original, but hardly to our purpose. I assume that the theft, or whatever +it was, took place during those eleven or twelve days that I spent on +business in Alsace. So look the matter over and have the goodness, later, +to report to me. + + _HASSENREUTER turns to his pupils. QUAQUARO mounts the stairs to the + loft and disappears behind the trap-door._ + +HASSENREUTER + +All right, my good Spitta: Fire away! + + _SPITTA recites simply according to the sense and without any tragic + bombast._ + + "Ireful my heart in my bosom burneth, + My hand is ready for sword or lance, + For unto me the Gorgon turneth + My foeman's hateful countenance. + Scarce I master the rage that assails me. + Shall I salute him with fair speech? + Better, perchance, my ire avails me? + Only the Fury me affrighteth, + Protectress of all within her reach, + And God's truce which all foes uniteth." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who has sat down, supports his head on his hand and listens resignedly. +Not until SPITTA has ceased speaking for some moments does he look up, as +if coming to himself._] Are you quite through, Spitta? If so, I'm much +obliged!--You see, my dear fellow, I've really gotten into a deuce of a +situation as far as you are concerned: either I tell you impudently to +your face that I consider your method of elocution excellent--and in that +case I'd be guilty of a lie of the most contemptible kind: or else I tell +you that I consider it abominable and then we'd get into another beastly +row. + +SPITTA + +[_Turning pale._] Yes, all this stilted, rhetorical stuff is quite +foreign to my nature. That's the very reason why I abandoned theology. +The preacher's tone is repulsive to me. + +HASSENREUTER + +And so you would like to reel off these tragic choruses as a clerk of +court mumbles a document or a waiter a bill of fare? + +SPITTA + +I don't care for the whole sonorous bombast of the "Bride of Messina." + +HASSENREUTER + +I wish you'd repeat that charming opinion. + +SPITTA + +There's nothing to be done about it, sir. Our conceptions of dramatic art +diverge utterly, in some respects. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man alive, at this particular moment your face is a veritable monogram of +megalomania and impudence! I beg your pardon, but you're my pupil now and +no longer the tutor of my children. Your views and mine! You ridiculous +tyro! You and Schiller! Friedrich Schiller! I've told you a hundred times +that your puerile little views of art are nothing but an innate striving +toward imbecility! + +SPITTA + +You would have to prove that to me, after all. + +HASSENREUTER + +You prove it yourself every time you open your mouth! You deny the whole +art of elocution, the value of the voice in acting! You want to +substitute for both the art of toneless squeaking! Further you deny the +importance of action in the drama and assert it to be a worthless +accident, a sop for the groundlings! You deny the validity of poetic +justice, of guilt and its necessary expiation. You call all that a vulgar +invention--an assertion by means of which the whole moral order of the +world is abrogated by the learned and crooked understanding of your +single magnificent self! Of the heights of humanity you know nothing! You +asserted the other day that, in certain circumstances, a barber or a +scrubwoman might as fittingly be the protagonist of a tragedy as Lady +Macbeth or King Lear! + +SPITTA + +[_Still pale, polishing his spectacles._] Before art as before the law +all men are equal, sir. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aha? Is that so? Where did you pick up that banality? + +SPITTA + +[_Without permitting himself to be disconcerted._] The truth of that +saying has become my second nature. In believing it I probably find +myself at variance with Schiller and Gustav Freytag, but not at all with +Lessing and Diderot. I have spent the past two semesters in the study of +these two great dramaturgic critics, and the whole stilted French +pseudo-classicism is, as far as I'm concerned, utterly destroyed--not +only in creative art itself but in such manifestations as the boundless +folly of the directions for acting which Goethe prescribed in his old +age. These are mere superannuated nonsense. + +HASSENREUTER + +You don't mean it? + +SPITTA + +And if the German stage is ever to recuperate it must go back to the +young Schiller, the young Goethe--the author of "Goetz"--and ever again to +Gotthold Ephraim Lessing! There you will find set down principles of +dramatic art which are adapted to the rich complexity of life in all its +fullness, and which are potent to cope with Nature itself! + +HASSENREUTER + +Walburga! I'm afraid Mr. Spitta is taking us for each other. Mr. Spitta, +you're about to give a lesson! Walburga, you and your teacher are free to +retire to the library.--If human arrogance and especially that of very +young people could be crystallised into one formation--humanity would be +buried under that rock like an ant under the granite masses of an +antediluvian mountain range! + +SPITTA + +But I wouldn't in any wise be refuted thereby. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man, I tell you that I've not only passed through two semesters of formal +study, but I have grown grey in the practice of the actor's art! And I +tell you that Goethe's catechism for actors is the alpha and the omega of +my artistic convictions! If you don't like that--get another teacher! + +SPITTA + +[_Pursuing his argument calmly._] According to my opinion, Goethe with +his senile regulations for actors denied, in the pettiest way, himself +and his whole original nature. What is one to say of his ruling that +every actor, irrespective of the quality of the character represented by +him, must--these are his very words--show an ogre-like expression of +countenance in order that the spectator be at once reminded of the nature +of lofty tragedy. Actually, these are his very words! + + _KAeFERSTEIN and KEGEL make an effort to assume ogre-like + expressions._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Get out your note-book, most excellent Spitta, and record your opinion, +please, that Manager Hassenreuter is an ass, that Schiller is an ass, +Goethe an ass, Aristotle, too, of course--[_he begins suddenly to laugh +like mad_]--and, ha, ha, ha! a certain Spitta a--night watchman! + +SPITTA + +I'm glad to see, sir, that, at least, you've recovered your good humour. + +HASSENREUTER + +The devil! I haven't recovered it at all! You're a symptom. So you +needn't think yourself very important.--You are a rat, so to speak. One +of those rats who are beginning, in the field of politics, to undermine +our glorious and recently united German Empire! They are trying to cheat +us of the reward of our labours! And in the garden of German art these +rats are gnawing at the roots of the tree of idealism. They are +determined to drag its crown into the mire!--Down, down, down into the +dust with you! + + _KAeFERSTEIN and KEGEL try to preserve their gravity but soon break + out into loud laughter, which HASSENREUTER is impelled to join. + WALBURGA looks on in wide-eyed astonishment. SPITTA remains serious._ + + _MRS. JOHN is now seen descending the stairs of the loft. After a + little while QUAQUARO follows her._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Perceives MRS. JOHN and points her out to SPITTA with violent +gesticulations as if he had just made an important discovery._] There +comes your tragic Muse! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Approaches, abashed by the laughter of HASSENREUTER, KEGEL and +KAeFERSTEIN._] Why, what d'you see about me? + +HASSENREUTER + +Nothing but what is good and beautiful, Mrs. John! You may thank God that +your quiet, withdrawn and peaceful life unfits you for the part of a +tragic heroine.--But tell me, have you, by any chance, had an interview +with ghosts? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Unnaturally pale._] Why do you ax that? + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps you even saw the famous soldier Sorgenfrei who closed his career +above as a deserter into a better world? + +MRS. JOHN + +If it was a livin' soul, maybe you might be right. But I ain't scared o' +no dead ghosts. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, Mr. Quaquaro, how did it look under the roof there? + +QUAQUARO + +[_Who has brought down with him a Swedish riding-boot._] Well, I took a +pretty good look aroun' an' I came to the conclusion that, at least, some +shelterless ragamuffins has passed the night there; though how they got +in I ain't sayin'. An' then I found this here boot.-- + + [_Out of the boot he draws an infant's bottle, topped by a rubber + nipple and half filled with milk._ + +MRS. JOHN + +That's easily explained. I was up there settin' things to rights an' I +had little Adelbert along with me. But I don' know nothin' about the +rest. + +HASSENREUTER + +Nobody has undertaken to assert that you do, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +When you considers how my little Adelbert came into the world ... an' +when you considers how he died ... nobody c'n come an' tell me nothin' +about bein' a reel mother ... But I gotta leave now, sir ... I can't be +comin' up here for two three days. Good-bye! I has to go to my +sister-in-law an' let Adelbert enjoy the country air a little. + + [_She trots off through the door to the outer hall._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Can you make anything of her wild talk? + +QUAQUARO + +There's been a screw loose there ever since her first baby came, an' all +the more after it took an' died. Now since she's got the second one, +there's two screws what's wobbly. Howsoever, she c'n count--that's a +fac'. She's got a good bit o' money loaned out at interest on pawned +goods. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, but what is the injured party--namely, myself--to do? + +QUAQUARO + +That depends on where the suspicion falls. + +HASSENREUTER + +In this house?--You'll admit yourself, Mr. Quaquaro ... + +QUAQUARO + +That's true all right. But it won't be long before we'll have a little +cleanin' up aroun' here! The widow Knobbe with all her crowd is goin' to +be put out! An' then there's a gang in wing B, where there's some tough +customers by what Policeman Schierke tells me. Well, they're goin' to +come from headquarters pretty soon and blow up that crowd. + +HASSENREUTER + +There must be a glee club somewhere in the house. At least I hear +excellent male voices singing from time to time things like "Germany, our +highest glory," and "Who has built thee, noble wood," and "In a cool +galley turneth." + +QUAQUARO + +Them's the very fellers! That's right! An' they do sing fine! The sayin' +is that bad men has no songs, but I wouldn't advise no one to fool with +_them_! I wouldn't go into that company my own self without Prince. +That's my bull dog. You just go an' lay information against 'em an' you +won't be doin' no harm, sir. + + [_QUAQUARO exit._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Referring to QUAQUARO._] The gleam in his eye demands security. His +lips demand cash. His fist portends immediate warning. He's a lucky +creature who doesn't dream of him at the end of the month. And whoever +dreams of him roars for help. A horrible, greasy fellow. But without him +the people who rent this old shell would get no money and the +army-treasurer could strike the income of these rentals from his +books.--[_The door bell rings._]--That Is Miss Alice Ruetterbusch, the +young soubrette with whom, unfortunately, I haven't been able to make a +hard and fast contract yet on account of the way the aldermen of +Strassburg shilly shally about their final decision. After my +appointment, which I will secure by God's help, her engagement will be my +first managerial act.--Walburga and Spitta, march up into the loft! Count +the contents of the six boxes marked "Journalists" in order that we may +complete our inventory at the proper time.--[_To KAeFERSTEIN and DR. +KEGEL._] You may withdraw into the library in the meantime.... + + [_He steps forward in order to open the door._ + + _WALBURGA and SPITTA disappear swiftly and very willingly into the + loft; KAeFERSTEIN and KEGEL retire into the library._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_In the background._] If you please, step right in, my dear lady! I +_beg_ your pardon, sir! I was expecting a lady ... I was expecting a +young lady ... But, please, come in. + + _HASSENREUTER comes forward accompanied by PASTOR SPITTA. The latter + is sixty years old. A village parson, somewhat countrified. One might + equally well take him to be a surveyor or a landowner in a small way. + He is of vigorous appearance--short-necked, well-nourished, with a + squat, broad face like Luther's. He wears a slouch-hat, spectacles + and carries a cane and a coat of waterproof cloth over his arm. His + clumsy boots and the state of his other garments show that they have + long been accustomed to wind and weather._ + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Do you know who I am, Mr. Hassenreuter? + +HASSENREUTER + +Not quite exactly, but I would hazard ... + +PASTOR SPITTA + +You may, you may! You needn't hesitate to call me Pastor Spitta from +Schwoiz in Uckermark, whose son Erich--yes, that's it--has been employed +in your family as private tutor or something like that. Erich Spitta: +that's my son. And I'm obliged to say that with deep sorrow. + +HASSENREUTER + +First of all, I'm very glad, to have the privilege of your acquaintance. +I hasten at once to beg you, however, dear Pastor, not to be too much +worried, not to be too sorrowful concerning the little escapade in which +your son is indulging. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Oh, but I am greatly troubled, I am deeply grieved. [_Sitting down on a +chair he surveys the strange place in which he finds himself with +considerable interest._] It is hard to say; it is extremely difficult to +communicate to any one the real depth of anxiety. But forgive me a +question, sir: I was in the trophy-chamber.--[_He touches one of the +armored dummies with his cane._] What kind of armor is this? + +HASSENREUTER + +These figures are to represent the cuirassiers in Schiller's +"Wallenstein." + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Ah, ah, my idea of Schiller was so very different! [_Collecting +himself._] Oh, this city of Berlin! It confuses me utterly. You see a man +before you, sir, who is not only grieved, whom this Sodom of a city has +not only stirred to his very depths, but who is actually broken-hearted +by the deed of his son. + +HASSENREUTER + +A deed? What deed? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Is there any need to ask? The son of an honest man desiring to become an +... an ... an actor! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Drawing himself up. With the utmost dignity._] My dear sir, I do not +approve of your son's determination. But I am myself--_honi soit qui mal +y pense_--the son of an honest man and myself, I trust, a man of honour. +And I, whom you see before you, have been an actor, too. No longer than +six weeks ago I took part in the Luther celebration--for I am no less an +apostle of culture in the broadest sense--not only as manager but by +ascending the boards on which the world is shadowed forth as an actor! +From my point of view, therefore, your son's determination is scarcely +open to objection on the score of his social standing or his honourable +character. But it is a difficult calling and demands, above all, a high +degree of talent. I am also willing to admit that it is a calling not +without peculiar dangers to weak characters. And finally I have myself +proved the unspeakable hardships of my profession so thoroughly that I +would like to guard anyone else from entering it. That is the reason why +I box my daughters' ears if the slightest notion of going on the stage +seizes them, and why I would rather tie stones about their necks and +drown them where the sea is deepest than see them marry actors. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +I didn't mean to wound any one's feelings. I admit, too, that a simple +country parson like myself can't very well have much of a conception of +such things. But consider a father now--just such a poor country +parson--who has saved and hoarded his pennies in order that his son might +have a career at the university. Now consider, further, that this son is +just about to take his final examinations and that his father and his +mother--I have a sick wife at home--are looking forward with anxiety and +with longing, whichever you call it, toward the moment in which their son +will mount the pulpit and deliver the trial sermon before the +congregation of his choice. And then comes this letter. Why, the boy is +mad! + + _The emotion of the Pastor is not exactly consciously directed; it is + controlled. The trembling of the hand with which he searches for the + letter in his inner pocket and hands it to the manager is not quite + convincing._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Young men search after various aims. We mustn't be too much taken by +surprise if, once in a while, a crisis of this kind is not to be avoided +in a young man's life. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Well, this crisis _was_ avoidable. It will not be difficult for you to +see from this letter who is responsible for this destructive change in +the soul of a young, an excellent, and hitherto thoroughly obedient +youth. I should never have sent him to Berlin. Yes, it is this so-called +scientific theology, this theology that flirts with all the pagan +philosophers, that would change the Lord our God into empty smoke and +sublimate our blessed Saviour into thin air--it is this that I hold +responsible for the grievous mistake of my child. And to this may be +added other temptations. I tell you, sir, I have seen things which it is +impossible for me to speak of! I have circulars in every pocket--"Ball of +the Elite! Smart waitresses!" and so on! I was quietly walking, at half +past twelve one night, through the arcade that connects Friedrich street +with the Linden, and a disgusting fellow sidles up to me, wretched, +undergrown, and asks me with a kind of greasy, shifty impudence: Doesn't +the gentleman want something real fetching? And these show windows in +which, right by the pictures of noble and exalted personages, naked +actresses, dancers, in short the most shocking nudities are displayed! +And finally this Corso--oh, this Corso! Where painted and bedizened vice +jostles respectable women from the sidewalk! It's simply the end of the +world! + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, my dear Pastor, the world doesn't so easily come to an end--nor, +surely, will it do so on account of the nudities that offend or of the +vice which slinks through the streets at night. The world will probably +outlive me and the whole scurrilous interlude of humanity. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +What turns these young people aside from the right path is evil example +and easy opportunity. + +HASSENREUTER + +I beg your pardon, Pastor, but I have not observed in your son the +slightest inclination toward leading a frivolous life. He is simply +attracted to literature, and he isn't the first clergyman's son--remember +merely Lessing and Herder--who has taken the road of literary study and +creative art. Very likely be has manuscript plays in his desk even now. +To be sure, I am bound to admit that the opinions which your son defends +in the field of literature frighten even me at times! + +PASTOR SPITTA + +But that's horrible! That's frightful! That far exceeds my worst fears! +And so my eyes have been opened.--My dear sir, I have had eight children, +of whom Erich seemed our fairest hope and his next-oldest sister our +heaviest trial. And now, it seems, the same accursed city has demanded +them both as its victims. The girl developed prematurely, she was +beautiful ... and ... But I must mention another circumstance now, I +have, been in Berlin for three days and I haven't seen Erich yet. When I +tried to see him to-day, he was not at home in his rooms. I waited for a +while and naturally looked about me in my son's dwelling. And now: look +at this picture, sir! + + [_Replacing ERICH'S letter in his pocket he extracts therefrom a + small photograph and holds it immediately under HASSENREUTER'S eyes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Takes the picture and holds it at varying distances from him. He is +disconcerted._] Why should I look at this? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +The silly little face is of no importance. But pray look at the +inscription. + +HASSENREUTER + +Where? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +[_Reads._] "From Walburga to her only sweetheart." + +HASSENREUTER + +Permit me!--- What's the meaning of this? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +It simply means some seamstress if not, what is worse, some shady +waitress! + +HASSENREUTER + +H-m. [_He slips the picture into his pocket._] I shall keep this +photograph. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +It is in such filth that my son wallows. And consider the situation in +which it puts me: with what feelings, with what front shall I +henceforward face my congregation from the pulpit ...? + +HASSENREUTER + +Confound it, what business is that of mine? What have I to do with your +offspring, with your lost sons and daughters? [_He pulls out the +photograph again._] And furthermore, as far as this excellent and +sound-hearted young lady is concerned, you're quite mistaken in your +ideas about waitresses and such like. I'll say nothing more. All other +matters will adjust themselves. Good-bye. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +I confess frankly, I don't understand you. Probably this tone is the +usual one in your circles, I will go and not annoy you any longer. But as +a father I have the right before God, to demand of you that henceforth +you refuse to my deluded son this so-called dramatic instruction. I hope +I shall not have to look for further ways and means of enforcing this +demand. + +HASSENREUTER + +I won't only do that, but I'll actually put him out of doors. + + [_He accompanies the PASTOR to the door, slams it behind him and + returns alone._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Waving his arms through the air._] All that one can say here is: Plain +parson! [_He rushes halfway up the stairs to the loft._] Spitta! +Walburga! Come down here, will you? + + _WALBURGA and SPITTA come down._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_To WALBURGA, who looks at him questioningly._] Go to your high stool +over there and sit down on the humorous part of your anatomy! Well, and +you, my dear Spitta, what do you want? + +SPITTA + +You called us both, sir. + +HASSENREUTER + +Exactly. Now look me in the eye! + +SPITTA Certainly. + + [_He looks straight at HASSENREUTER._ + +HASSENREUTER + +You two want to make an ass of me. But you won't succeed! Silence! Not a +word! I would have expected something very different from you! This is a +striking proof of ingratitude. Keep still! Furthermore, a gentleman was +here just now! That gentleman is afraid in Berlin! March! Follow him! +Take him down into the street and try to make it clear to him that I'm +neither your bootblack nor his. + + [_SPITTA shrugs his shoulders, takes his hat and goes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Strides up to WALBURGA energetically and tweaks her ear._] And as for +you, my dear, you'll have your ears soundly boxed if ever again without +my permission you exchange two words with this rascal of a theologian +gone to smash! + +WALBURGA + +Ouch, papa, ouch! + +HASSENREUTER + +This fellow who is fond of making such an innocent face as if he couldn't +harm a fly and whom I was careless enough to admit to my house is, +unfortunately, a man behind whose mask the most shameless impudence lies +in wait. I and my house are in the service of true propriety. Do you want +to besmirch the escutcheon of oar honour as the sister of this fellow +seems to have done--a girl who disgraced, her parents by coming to an end +in the street and the gutter? + +WALBURGA + +I don't share your opinion about Erich, papa. + +HASSENREUTER + +What's that? Well, at least you know my opinion. Either you give him his +walking papers or else you can look out for yourself and find out what it +is to get along, away from your parental roof, in a way of life +regardless of honour, duty and decency! In that case you can go! I have +no use for daughters of that kind! + +WALBURGA + +[_Pale and sombre._] You are always saying, papa, that you too had to +make your way independently and without your parents. + +HASSENREUTER + +You're not a man. + +WALBURGA + +Certainly not. But think, for instance, of Alice Ruetterbusch. + + [_Father and daughter look firmly into each other's eyes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Why should I? Have you a fever, eh? Or have you gone mad? [_He drops the +whole discussion, noticeably put out of countenance, and taps at the +library door._] Where did we leave off? Begin at the proper place. + + _KEGEL and KAeFERSTEIN appear._ + +KEGEL _and_ KAeFERSTEIN + +[_Declaim:_] + + "A wiser temper + Beseemeth age. + I, being reasonable, + Salute him first." + + _Led and directed by SPITTA appear PAULINE PIPERCARCKA in street + dress and MRS. KIELBACKE, who carries an infant on a pillow._ + +HASSENREUTER + +What do you want here? What kind of women are you bringing here to annoy +me? + +SPITTA + +It isn't my fault, sir. The women insisted on coming to you. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +No; all we wants is to see Mrs. John. + +PAULINE + +An' Mrs. John she's always up here with you! + +HASSENREUTER + +True. But I'm beginning to regret the fact, and I must insist, at all +events, that she hold her private receptions in her own rooms and not +here. Otherwise I'll soon equip the door here with patent locks and +mantraps.--What's the matter with you, my good Spitta? I suppose you'll +have to have the goodness to show these ladies the place they really want +to go to. + +PAULINE + +But Mrs. John ain't to be found in her rooms downstairs. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, she's not to be found up here either. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +The reason is because this here young lady has her little son boardin' +with Mrs. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +Glad to hear it! Please march now without further delay! Save me, +Kaeferstein! + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +An' now a gentleman's come from the city, from the office of the +government guardian office to see how the child is an' if it's well taken +care of an' in good condition. An' then he went into Mrs. John's room an' +we went with him. An' there was the child an' a note pinned to it what +said that Mrs. John was workin' for you up here. + +HASSENREUTER + +Where was the child boarding? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +With Mrs. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Impatiently._] That's simply a piece of imbecility. You are quite +wrong.--Spitta, you would have been much better employed accompanying the +old gentleman after whom I sent you than aiding these ladies to come +here. + +SPITTA + +I looked for the gentleman you speak of but he was already gone. + +HASSENREUTER + +These ladies don't seem to believe me. Will you kindly inform them, +gentlemen, that Mrs. John has no child in board, and that they are quite +obviously mistaken in the name. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +I am asked to tell you that you are probably mistaken in the name. + +PAULINE + +[_Vehemently and tearfully._] She has got my baby! She had my baby +boardin' with her. An' the gentleman came from the city an' he said that +the child wasn't in no good hands an' that it was neglected. She went an' +ruined my baby's health. + +HASSENREUTER + +There is no doubt but what you have mistaken the name of the woman of +whom you speak, Mrs. John has no child in board. + +PAULINE + +She had my baby in her claws, that's what! An' she let it starve an' get +sick! I gotta see her! I gotta tell her right out! She's gotta make my +little baby well again! I gotta go to court. The gentleman says as how I +gotta go to court an' give notice. + +HASSENREUTER + +I beg of you not to get excited. The fact is that you are mistaken! How +did you ever hit on the idea that Mrs. John has a child in board? + +PAULINE + +Because I gave it to her myself. + +HASSENREUTER + +But Mrs. John has her own child and it just occurs to me that she has +taken it along with her on a visit to her sister-in-law. + +PAULINE + +She ain't got no child. No, Mrs. John ain't got none! She cheats an' she +lies. She ain't got none. She took my little Alois an' she ruined him. + +HASSENREUTER + +By heaven, ladies, you are mistaken! + +PAULINE + +Nobody won't believe me that I had a baby. My intended he wrote me a +letter an' he says it ain't true an' that I'm a liar an' a low creature. +[_She touches the pillow on which the infant is resting._] It's mine an' +I'll prove it in court! I c'n swear it by the holy Mother o' God. + +HASSENREUTER + +Do uncover the child. [_It is done and HASSENREUTER observes the infant +attentively._]--H-m, the matter will not remain long in obscurity. In the +first place ... I know Mrs. John. If she had had this child in board it +could never look as it does. And that is true quite simply because, where +it is a question of children, Mrs. John has her heart in the right place. + +PAULINE + +I want to see Mrs. John. That's all I says. I don't has to tell my +business to everybody in the world. I c'n tell everythin' in court, down +to the least thing--the day an' the hour an' jus' exackly the place where +it was born! People is goin' to open their eyes; you c'n believe me. + +HASSENREUTER + +What you assert, then, if I understand you rightly, is that Mrs. John has +no baby of her own at all, and that the one which passes as such is in +reality yours. + +PAULINE + +God strike me dead if that ain't the truth! + +HASSENREUTER + +And this is the child in question? I trust that God won't take you at +your word this time.--You must know that I, who stand before you, am +manager Hassenreuter and I have personally had in my own hands the child +of Mrs. John, my charwoman, on three or four occasions. I even weighed it +on the scales and found it to weigh over eight pounds. This poor little +creature doesn't weigh over four pounds. And on the basis of this fact I +can assure you that this child is not, at least, the child of Mrs. John. +You may be right in asserting that it is yours. I am in no position to +throw doubt on that. But I know Mrs. John's child and I am quite sure +that it is, in no wise, identical with this. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +[_Respectfully._] No, no; that's right enough. It ain't identical. + +PAULINE + +This baby here is identical enough all right, even if it's a bit underfed +an' weakly. This business with the child is all straight enough! I'll +take an oath that it's identical all right. + +HASSENREUTER + +I am simply speechless. [_To his pupils._] Our lesson is ruled by an evil +star to-day, my dear boys. I don't know why, but the error which these +ladies are making engrosses me. [_To the women._] You may have entered +the wrong door. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +No, me an' the gentleman from the guardian's office an' the young lady +went an' fetched this here child outa the room what has the name plate o' +Mrs. John on it, an' took it out into the hall. Mrs. John wasn't there +an' her husband the mason is absent in Hamburg. + + _POLICEMAN SCHIERKE comes in, fat and good-natured._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, there's Mr. Schierke! What do you want here? + +SCHIERKE + +I understand, sir, that two women fled up here to you. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +We ain't fled at all. + +HASSENREUTER + +They were inquiring for Mrs. John. + +SCHIERKE + +May I be permitted to ax somethin' too? + +HASSENREUTER + +If you please. + +PAULINE + +Jus' let him ax. We don't has to worry. + +SCHIERKE + +[_To MRS. KIELBACKE._] What's your name? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +I'm Mrs. Kielbacke. + +SCHIERKE + +You're connected with the society for raisin' children, eh? Where do you +live? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +Linien street number nine. + +SCHIERKE + +Is that your child that you have there? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +That's Miss Pipercarcka her child. + +SCHIERKE + +[_To PAULINE._] An' your name? + +PAULINE + +Paula Pipercarcka from Skorzenin. + +SCHIERKE + +This woman asserts that the child is yours. Do you assert that too? + +PAULINE + +Sergeant, I has to ax for your protection because suspicions is cast on +me an' I'm innercent. The gentleman from the city did come to me. An' I +did get my child outa the room o' Mrs. John what I had it in board with +... + +SCHIERKE + +[_With a searching look._] Yes? Maybe it was the door across the way +where the restaurant keeper's widow Knobbe lives. Nobody knows what +you're up to with that child nor who sent you an' bribed you. You ain't +got a good conscience! You took the child an' slipped up here with it +while its rightful mother, the widow Knobbe, what it's been stolen from, +is huntin' all over the stairs an' halls for it an' while a detective is +standin' acrost the way. + +PAULINE + +I don't care about no detective. I'm ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You are refuted, my good girl. Can't you comprehend that? First you say +that Mrs. John has no child. Next you say--kindly attend to me--that you +had taken your child, which has been passing for Mrs. John's, out of the +latter's room. However; all of us here happen to know Mrs. John's child +and the one you have here is another. Is that clear to you? Hence your +assertion cannot, in any circumstances, be a correct one!--And now, +Schierke, you would do me a favour if you would conduct these ladies out +so that I can continue giving my lesson. + +SCHIERKE + +All right, but if I does that we'll get into that Knobbe crowd. Because +her child has been stolen. + +PAULINE + +It ain't me that done it; it's Mrs. John. + +SCHIERKE + +That's all right. [_Continuing his account to HASSENREUTER._] And they +says that the child has blue blood in it on its father's side. So Mrs. +Knobbe thinks as how it's a plot of enemies 'cause they grudges her the +alimony in some quarters an' a gentleman's eddication for the kid. +[_Someone is beating at the door with fists._] That's the Knobbe woman. +There she comes now! + +HASSENREUTER + +Mr. Schierke, you are responsible to me. If these people trespass on my +premises and I suffer any damages thereby, I'll complain to the chief of +police. I know Mr. Maddei very well. Don't be afraid, my dear boys. You +are my witnesses. + +SCHIERKE + +[_At the door._] You stay out there! You don't get in here! + + _A small mob howls outside of the door._ + +PAULINE + +They c'n holler all they wants to but they can't get my child. + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps this is the better way. You go into the library for the present. +[_He escorts PAULINE, MRS. KIELBACKE and the child into the library._] +And now, Mr. Schierke, we might risk letting that fury enter in here. + +SCHIERKE + +[_Opening the door slightly._] All right. But only Mrs. Knobbe! Come in +here a minute. + + _MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE appears. She is tall and emaciated and dressed + in a badly worn but fashionable summer gown. Her face bears the + stigma, of a dissolute life but gives evidence of a not ungentle + origin. Her air is curiously like that of a gentlewoman. She talks + affectedly and her eyes show addiction to alcohol and morphine._ + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Sailing in._] There is no cause for any anxiety, Mr. Hassenreuter. +Those without are principally little boys and girls who have come with me +because I am fond of children. Pray pardon me if I intrude. One of the +children told me that two women had sneaked up here with my little boy. I +am looking for my little son, named Helfgott Gundofried, who has actually +disappeared from my dwelling. At the same time I do not wish to incommode +you. + +SCHIERKE + +An' you better not do that if I has any say about it. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Disregarding these words except by a proud toss of the head._] To my +great regret I caused a certain amount of disturbance in the yard. From +the yard as a place of vantage it is possible to command every window and +I made inquiries of the poor cigar maker in the second story and of the +consumptive little seamstress in the third as to whether my Selma and my +little son were with either of them. But nothing is farther from my +intention than to create a scandal. I want you to know--- for I am quite +conscious of being in the presence of a distinguished, indeed, of a +famous man--you are to know that where Helfgott Gundofried is concerned I +am obliged to be strictly on my guard! [_With quivering voice and an +occasional application of her handkerchief to her eyes._] I am an +unfortunate woman who is pursued by fate, who has sunk low but who has +seen better days. I do not care to bore you with my troubles. But I am +being pursued and there are those who would rob me of my last hope. + +SCHIERKE + +Aw, hurry up an' say what you has to! + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_As before._] It is not enough that I was forced to lay aside my honest +name. Later I lived in Paris and then married a brutal person, a south +German inn-keeper, because I had the foolish thought that my affairs +might be bettered thereby. O these scoundrels of men! + +SCHIERKE + +This don't lead to nothin'! You cut it short, I tell you. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +But I am glad of the opportunity of standing, once more, face to face +with a man of culture and intellect. I could a tale unfold ... Popularly +I am known here as "the countess" and God is my witness that in my +earlier youth I was not far removed from that estate! For a time I was an +actress, too. What did I say! I could unfold a tale from my life, from my +past, which would have the advantage of not being invented! + +SCHIERKE + +Maybe not. Nobody c'n tell. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_With renewed emphasis._] My wretchedness is not invented, although it +may seem so when I relate how, one night, sunk in the deepest abysses of +my shame, I met on the street a cousin--the playmate of my youth--who is +now captain in the horse-guards. He lives in the world: I live in the +underworld ever since my father from pride of rank and race disowned me +because in my earliest youth I had made a mistake. Oh, you have no +conception of the dullness, the coarseness, the essential vulgarity that +obtains in those circles. I am a trodden worm, sir, and yet not for a +moment do I yearn to be there, in that glittering wretchedness.... + +SCHIERKE + +Maybe you don't mind comin' to the point now! + +HASSENREUTER + +If you please, Mr. Schierke, all that interests me. So suppose you don't +interrupt the lady for a while. [_To MRS. KNOBBE._] You were speaking of +your cousin. Didn't you say that he is a captain in the horse-guards? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +He was in plain clothes. He is, however, a captain in the horse-guards. +He recognised me at once and we dedicated some blessed though painful +hours to memories. Accompanying him there was--I will not call his +name--a very young lieutenant, a fair, sweet boy, delicate and brooding. +Mr. Hassenreuter, I have forgotten what shame is! Was I not even, the +other day, turned out of church? Why should a down-trodden, dishonoured, +deserted creature, more than once punished by the laws--why should such +an one hesitate to confess that _he_ became the father of Helfgott +Gundofried? + +HASSENREUTER + +Of this baby that's been stolen from you? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +Yes, stolen! At least it is so asserted! It may be! But though my enemies +are mighty and have every means at their command, I am not yet wholly +convinced of it. And yet it may be a plot concocted by the parents of the +child's father whose name you would be astonished to hear, for they +represent one of the oldest and most illustrious families. Farewell! +Whatever you may hear of me, sir, do not think that my better feelings +have been wholly extinguished in the mire into which I am forced to cast +myself. I need this mire in which I am on terms of equality with the +dregs of mankind. Here, look! [_She thrusts forward her naked arm._] +Forgetfulness! Insensibility! I achieve it by means of chloral, of opium. +Or I find it in the abysses of human life. And why not? To whom am I +responsible?--There was a time when my dear mama was scolded by my father +on my account! The maid had convulsions because of me! Mademoiselle and +an English governess tore each other's _chignons_ from their heads +because each asserted that I loved _her_ best--! Now ... + +SCHIERKE + +Aw, I tell you to shut it now! We can't take up people's time an' lock +'em up. [_He opens the library door._] Now tell us if this here is your +kid? + + _PAULINE, staring at MRS. KNOBBE with eyes full of hatred, comes out + first. MRS. KIELBACKE, carrying the child, comes next. SCHIERKE + removes the shawl, that has been thrown over the child._ + +PAULINE + +What d'you want o' me? Why d'you come chasin' me? I ain' no gypsy! I don' +go in people's houses stealin' their children! Eh? You're crazy, I +wouldn't do no such thing. I ain't hardly got enough to eat for myself +an' my own child. D'you s'pose I'm goin' to steal strange children an' +feed 'em till they're grown when the one I got is trouble an' worry +enough! + + _MRS. KNOBBE stares about her inquiringly and as if seeking help. + Rapidly she draws a little flask from her pocket and pours its + contents upon a handkerchief. The latter she carries swiftly to her + mouth and nose, inhaling the fragrance of the perfume to keep her + from fainting._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, why don't you speak, Mrs. Knobbe? This girl asserts that she is the +mother of the child--not you. + + _MRS. KNOBBE lifts her umbrella in order to strike out with it. She + is restrained by those present._ + +SCHIERKE + +That won't do! You can't practice no discipline like that here! You c'n +do that when you're alone in your nursery downstairs.--The main thing is: +who does here kid belong to? An' so--now--Mrs. Knobbe, you just take care +an' think so's to tell nothin' but the truth here! Well! Is it yours or +is it her'n? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Bursts out_] I swear by the holy Mother of God, by Jesus Christ, +Father, Son and Holy Ghost that I am the mother of this child. + +PAULINE + +An' I swears by the Holy Mother o' God ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You'd better not if you want to save your soul! We may have a case here +in which the circumstances are complicated in the extreme! It is +possible, therefore, that you were about to swear in perfectly good +faith. But you will have to admit that, though each of you may well be +the mother of twins--two mothers for one child is unthinkable! + +WALBURGA + +[_Who, like MRS. KNOBBE, has been staring steadily at the child._] Papa, +papa, do look at the child a moment first! + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +[_Tearfully and horrified._] Yes, the poor little crittur's been a-dyin', +I believe, ever since I was in the other room there! + +SCHIERKE + +What? + +HASSENREUTER + +How? [_Energetically he strides forward, and now regards the child +carefully too._] The child is dead. There's no question about that! It +seems that invisible to us, one has been in our midst who has delivered +judgment, truly according to the manner of Solomon, concerning the poor +little passive object of all this strife. + +PAULINE + +[_Who has not understood._] What's the matter? + +SCHIERKE + +Keep still!--You come along with me. + + _MRS. KNOBBE seems to have lost the power of speech. She puts her + handkerchief into her mouth. A moaning sob is heard deep in her + chest. SCHIERKE, MRS. KIELBACKE with the dead child, followed by MRS. + KNOBBE and PAULINE PIPERCARCKA, leave the room. A dull murmur is + heard from the outer hall. HASSENREUTER returns to the foreground + after he has locked the door behind those who have left._ + +HASSENREUTER + +_Sic eunt fata hominum._ Invent something like that, if you can, my good +Spitta. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The dwelling of the foreman-mason JOHN as in the second act. It is + eight o'clock on a Sunday morning._ + + _JOHN is invisible behind the partition. From his plashing and + snorting it is clear that he is performing his morning ablutions._ + + _QUAQUARO has just entered. His hand is still on the knob of the + outer door._ + +QUAQUARO + +Tell me, Paul, is your wife at home? + +JOHN + +[_From behind the partition._] Not yet, Emil. My wife went with the boy +out to my married sister's in Hangelsberg. But she's goin' to come back +this mornin'. [_Drying his hands and face, JOHN appears in the door of +the partition wall._] Good mornin' to you, Emil. + +QUAQUARO + +Mornin', Paul. + +JOHN + +Well, what's the news? I didn't come from the train till about half an +hour ago. + +QUAQUARO + +Yes, I saw you goin' into the house an' mountin' the stairs. + +JOHN + +[_In a jolly frame of mind._] That's right, Emil! You're a reglar old +watch-dog, eh? + +QUAQUARO + +Tell, me, Paul: How long has your wife'n the kid been out in Hangelsberg? + +JOHN + +Oh, that must be somethin' like a week now, Emil. D'you want anythin' of +her? I guess she paid her rent an' on time all right. By the way, I might +as well give you notice right now. We got it all fixed. We're goin' to +move on the first of October. I got mother to the point at last that we +c'n move outa this here shaky old barracks an' into a better +neighbourhood. + +QUAQUARO + +So you ain't goin' back to Hamburg no more? + +JOHN + +Naw. It's a good sayin': Stay at home an' make an honest livin'! I'm not +goin' outa town no more. Not a bit of it! First of all, it's no sort o' +life, goin' from one lodgin' to another. An' then--a man don' get no +younger neither! The girls, they ain't so hot after you no more ... No, +it's a good thing that all this wanderin' about is goin' to end. + +QUAQUARO + +Your wife--she's a fine schemer. + +JOHN + +[_Merrily._] Well, this is a brand new household what's jus' had a child +born into it. I said to the boss: I'm a newly married man! Then he axed +me if my first wife was dead. On the contrary an' not a bit of it, I +says. She's alive an' kickin', so that she's jus' given birth to a +kickin' young citizen o' Berlin, that's what! When I was travellin' along +from Hamburg this mornin' by all the old stations--Hamburg, Stendal, +Ultzen--an' got outa the fourth-class coach at the Lehrter station with +all my duds, the devil take me if I didn't thank God with a sigh. I guess +he didn't hear on account o' the noise o' the trains. + +QUAQUARO + +Did you hear, Paul, that Mrs. Knobbe's youngest over the way has been +taken off again? + +JOHN + +No. What chance did I have to hear that? But if it's dead, it's a good +thing, Emil. When I saw the poor crittur a week ago when it had +convulsions an' Selma brought it in an' me an' mother gave it a spoonful +o' sugar an' water--well, it was pretty near ready for heaven then. + +QUAQUARO + +An' you mean to tell me that you didn't hear nothin' o' the +circumstances, about the how an' the why o' that child's death? + +JOHN + +Naw! [_He fetches a long tobacco pipe from behind the sofa._] Wait a +minute! I'll light a pipe first! I didn't have no chanct to hear nothin'. + +QUAQUARO + +Well, I'm surprised that your wife didn't write you nothin' at all. + +JOHN + +Aw, since we has a child o' our own, mother's taken no interest in them +Knobbe brats no more. + +QUAQUARO + +[_Observing JOHN with lurking curiosity._] You're wife was reel crazy to +have a son, wasn't she? + +JOHN + +Well, that's natural. D'you think I wasn't? What's a man to work for? +What do I slave away for? It's different thing savin' a good lump o' +money for your own son from doin' it for your sister's children. + +QUAQUARO + +So you don't know that a strange girl came here an' swore that the Knobbe +woman's child wasn't hers but belonged to the girl? + +JOHN + +Is that so? Well, Mrs. Knobbe an' child stealin'--them two things don't +go together. Now if it'd been mother, that would ha' been more likely. +But not that Knobbe woman! But tell me, Emil, what's all this here +business about? + +QUAQUARO + +Well, one person says one thing an' another says another. The Knobbe +woman says that certain people has started a plot with detectives an' +such like to get hold o' the brat. An' there ain't no doubt o' this. It's +proved that the child was hers. C'n you maybe give me a tip as to where +your brother-in-law's been keepin' hisself the past few days? + +JOHN + +You mean the butcher in Hangelsberg? + +QUAQUARO + +Naw, I don' mean the husband o' your sister, but the feller what's +brother o' your wife. + +JOHN + +It's Bruno you mean? + +QUAQUARO + +Sure, that's the feller. + +JOHN + +How do I know? I'd sooner be watchin' if the dogs still plays on the +curb. I don't want to have no dealin's with Bruno. + +QUAQUARO + +Listen to me, Paul. But don't get mad. They knows at the police station +that Bruno was seen in company o' the Polish girl what wanted to claim +this here child, first right outside o' the door here an' then at a +certain place on Shore street where the tanners sometimes looses their +soakin' hides. An' now the girl's jus' disappeared. I don' know nothin' +o' the particulars, excep' that the police is huntin' for the girl. + +JOHN + +[_Resolutely putting aside the long pipe which he had lit._] I don' know, +but I can't take no enjoyment in it this mornin'. I don' know what's +gotten into me. I was as jolly as can be. An' now all of a sudden I feel +so dam' mean I'd like to go straight back to Hamburg an' hear an' see +nothin' more!--Why d'you come aroun' with stories like that? + +QUAQUARO + +I jus' thought I'd tell you what happened while you an' your wife was +away right here in your own house? + +JOHN + +In my own house? + +QUAQUARO + +That's it! Yessir! They says that Selma pushed the perambulator with her +little brother in here where the strange girl an' her friend came an' +took him an' carried him off. But upstairs, in the actor's place, they +caught her. + +JOHN + +What's that? + +QUAQUARO + +So up there the strange girl an' the Knobbe woman pretty near tore each +other's hair out over the child's body. + +JOHN + +What I'd like to know is how all that concerns me? Ain't there trouble +here over some girl most o' the time? Let 'em go on! I don' care! That is +to say, Emil, if there ain't more to it than you're tellin' me. + +QUAQUARO + +That's why I come to you! There is more. The girl said in front o' +witnesses more'n onct that that little crittur o' Knobbe's was her own +an' that she had expressly given it in board to your wife. + +JOHN + +[_First taken aback, then relieved. Laughing._] She ain't quite right in +her upper story. That's all. + + _ERICH SPITTA enters._ + +SPITTA + +Good morning, Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Good mornin', Mr. Spitta. [_To QUAQUARO, who is still loitering in the +door._] It's all right, Emil. I'll take notice o' what you says an' act +accordin'. + + _QUAQUARO exit._ + +JOHN + +Now jus' look at a feller like that, Mr. Spitta. He's more'n half a gaol +bird an' yet he knows how to make hisself a favourite with the district +commissioner at headquarters! An' then he goes aroun' pokin' his nose +into honest folks' affairs. + +SPITTA + +Has Miss Walburga Hassenreuter been asking after me, Mr. John? + +JOHN + +Not up to this time; not that I knows of! [_He opens the door to the +hall._] Selma! Excuse me a minute, will you? Selma! I gotta know what +that there girl c'n tell me. + + _SELMA KNOBBE enters._ + +SELMA + +[_Still at the door._] What d'you want? + +JOHN + +You shut the door a minute an' come in! An' now tell me, girl, what's all +this that happened in this room about your little dead brother and the +strange girl? + +SELMA + +[_Who has, obviously, a bad conscience, gradually comes forward +watchfully. She now answers glibly and volubly._] I pushed the +perambulator over into the room here. Your wife wasn't in an' so I thinks +that maybe here there'd be more quiet, 'cause my little brother, you +know, he was sick anyhow an' cryin' all the time. An' then, all of a +sudden, a gentleman an' a lady an' another woman all comes in here, an' +they picked the little feller right outa the carridge an' put clean +clothes on him an' carried him off. + +JOHN + +An' then the lady said as how it was her child an' how she'd given it in +board with mother, with my old woman? + +SELMA + +[_Lies._] Naw, not a bit. I'd know about that if it was so. + +JOHN + +[_Bangs his fist on the table._] Well, damn it all, it'd be a idjit's +trick to have said that. + +SPITTA + +Permit me, but she did say that. I take it you're talking of the incident +with the two women that took place upstairs at manager Hassenreuter's? + +JOHN + +Did you see that? Was you there when the Knobbe woman an' the other one +was disputin' about the little crittur? + +SPITTA + +Yes, certainly. I was present throughout. + +SELMA + +I tell you all I knows. An' I couldn't say no more if officer Schierke or +the tall police lieutenant hisself was to examine me for hours an' hours. +I don' know nothin'. An' what I don' know I can't tell. + +JOHN + +The lieutenant examined you? + +SELMA + +They wanted to take mama to the lock-up because people went an' lied. +They said that our little baby was starved to death. + +JOHN + +Aha! 's that so? Well, Selma, s'pose you go over there an' cook a little +coffee. + + _SELMA goes over to the stove where she prepares coffee for JOHN. + JOHN himself goes up to his working table, takes up the compass. Then + he draws lines, using a piece of rail as a ruler._ + +SPITTA + +[_Conquering his diffidence and shame._] I really hoped to meet your wife +here, Mr. John. Someone told me that your wife has been in the habit of +lending out small sums to students against security. And I am somewhat +embarrassed. + +JOHN + +Maybe that's so. But that's mother's business, Mr. Spitta. + +SPITTA + +To be quite frank with you, if I don't get hold of some money by +to-night, the few books and other possessions I have will be attached for +rent by my landlady and I'll be put into the street. + +JOHN + +I thought your father was a preacher. + +SPITTA + +So he is. But for that very reason and because I don't want to become a +preacher, too, he and I had a terrible quarrel last night. I won't ever +accept a farthing from him any more. + +JOHN + +[_Busy over his drawing._] Then it'll serve him right if you starve or +break your neck. + +SPITTA + +Men like myself don't starve, Mr. John. But if, by any chance, I were to +go to the dogs--I shouldn't greatly care. + +JOHN + +No one wouldn't believe how many half-starved nincompoops there is among +you stoodents. But none o' you wants to put your hand to some reel +work.--[_The distant sound of thunder is heard. JOHN looks out through +the window._]--Sultry day. It's thunderin' now. + +SPITTA + +Yon can't say that of me, Mr. John, that I haven't been willing to do +real work. I've given lessons, I've addressed envelopes for business +houses! I've been through everything and in all these attempts I've not +only toiled away the days but also the nights. And at the same time I've +ground away at my studies like anything! + +JOHN + +Man alive, go to Hamburg an' let 'em give you a job as a bricklayer. When +I was your age I was makin' as much as twelve crowns a day in Hamburg. + +SPITTA + +That may be. But I'm a brain worker. + +JOHN + +I know that kind. + +SPITTA + +Is that so? I don't think you do know that kind, Mr. John. I beg you not +to forget that your Socialist leaders--your Bebels and your +Liebknechts--are brain workers too. + +JOHN + +All right. Come on, then! Let's have some breakfast first. Things look +mighty different after a man's had a good bite o' breakfast. I s'pose you +ain't had any yet, Mr. Spitta? + +SPITTA + +No, frankly, not to-day. + +JOHN + +Well, then the first thing is to get somethin' warm down your throat. + +SPITTA + +There's time enough for that. + +JOHN + +I don' know. You're lookin' pretty well done up. An' I passed the night +on the train too. [_To SELMA, who has brought in a little linen bag filed +with rolls._] Hurry an' bring another cup over here. [_He has seated +himself at his ease on the sofa, dips a roll into the coffee and begins +to eat and drink._] + +SPITTA + +[_Who has not sat down yet._] It's really pleasanter to pass a summer +night in the open if one can't sleep anyhow. And I didn't sleep for one +minute. + +JOHN + +I'd like to see the feller what c'n sleep when he's outa cash. When a +man's down in the world he has most company outa doors too. [_He suddenly +stops chewing._]--Come here, Selma, an' tell me exackly just how it was +with that there girl an' the child that she took outa our room here. + +SELMA + +I don' know what to do. Everybody axes we that. Mama keeps axin' me about +it all day long; if I seen Bruno Mechelke; if I know who it was that +stole the costumes from the actor's loft up there! If it goes on that way +... + +JOHN + +[_Energetically._] Girl, why didn't you cry out when the gentleman and +the young lady took your little brother outa his carridge? + +SELMA + +I didn't think nothin' 'd happen to him excep' that he'd get some clean +clothes. + +JOHN + +[_Grasps SELMA by the wrist._] Well, you come along with me now. We'll go +over an' see your mother. + + _JOHN and SELMA leave the room. As soon as they are gone SPITTA + begins to eat ravenously. Soon thereafter WALBURGA appears. She is in + great haste and strongly excited._ + +WALBURGA + +Are you alone? + +SPITTA + +For the moment, yes. Good morning, Walburga. + +WALBURGA + +Am I too late? It was only by the greatest cunning, by the greatest +determination, by the most ruthless disregard of everything that I +succeeded in getting away from home. My younger sister tried to bar the +door. Even the servant girl! But I told mama that if they wouldn't let me +out through the door, they might just as well bar the window, else I'd +reach the street through it, although it's three stories high. I flew. +I'm more dead than alive. But I am prepared for anything. How was it with +your father, Erich? + +SPITTA + +We have parted. He thought that I was going out to eat husks with the +swine as the Prodigal Son did, and told me not to take it into my mind +ever again to cross the threshold of my father's house in my future +capacity as acrobat or bareback rider, as he was pleased to express it. +His door was not open to such scum! Well, I'll fight it down! Only I'm +sorry for my poor, dear mother.--You can't imagine with what abysmal +hatred a man of his kind considers the theatre and everything connected +with it. The heaviest curse is not strong enough to express his feelings. +An actor is, to his mind, _a priori_, the worst, most contemptible scamp +imaginable. + +WALBURGA + +I've found out, too, how papa discovered our secret. + +SPITTA + +My father gave him your picture. + +WALBURGA + +O Erich, if you knew with what awful, with what horrible names papa +overwhelmed me in his rage. And I had to be silent through it all. I +might have said something that would have silenced all his lofty moral +discourses and made him quite helpless before me. I was almost on the +point of saying it, too. But I felt so ashamed for him! My tongue refused +to form the words! I couldn't say it, Erich! Finally mama had to +intervene. He struck me! For eight or nine hours he locked me in a dark +alcove--to break my stubbornness, as he put it, Erich. Well, he won't +succeed! He won't break it! + +SPITTA + +[_Taking WALBURGA into his arms._] You dear, brave girl! I am beginning +to see now what I possess in having your love, what a treasure you are! +[_Passionately._] And how beautiful you look, Walburga! + +WALBURGA + +Don't! Don't!--I trust you, Erich; that's all. + +SPITTA + +And you shall not be disappointed, dearest. You see, a man like me in +whom everything is still in a ferment, who feels that he was born to +achieve something great and significant but something which, for the +present, he can make sufficiently clear neither to himself nor to the +world--such a man has, at twenty, every man's hand against his and is a +burden and a laughing-stock to all the world. But believe me: it will not +always be so! The germs of the future lie in us! The soil is being +loosened even now by the budding shoots! Unseen to-day, _we_ are the +harvest of the future! We _are_ the future! And the time will come when +all this great and beautiful world will be ours! + +WALBURGA + +Ah, go on, Erich! What you say heals my heart. + +SPITTA + +Walburga, I did more, last night! I flung straight out into my father's +face, just as I felt it, my accusation of the crime committed against my +sister. And that made the break definite and unbridgeable. He said +stubbornly: He had no knowledge of such a daughter as I was describing. +Such a daughter had no existence in his soul, and it seemed to him that +his son would also soon cease to exist there. O these Christians! O these +servants of the good shepherd who took the lost lamb with double +tenderness into his arms! O thou good Shepherd, how have your words been +perverted; How have your eternal truths been falsified into their exact +contrary. But to-day when I sat amidst the flash of lightning and the +roll of thunder in the _Tiergarten_ and certain Berlin hyaenas were +prowling about me, I felt the crushed and restless soul of my sister +close beside me. How many nights, in her poor life, may she not have sat +shelterless on such benches, perhaps on this very bench in the +_Tiergarten_, in order to consider in her loneliness, her degradation, +her outcast estate, how, two thousand years after the birth of Christ, +this most Christian world is drenched with Christianity and with the love +of its fellow-men! But whatever she thought, this is what I think; the +poor harlot, the wretched sinner who is yet above the righteous, who is +weighed down by the sins of the world, the poor outcast and her terrible +accusation shall never die in my soul! And into this flame of our goals +we must cast all the wretchedness, all the lamentations of the oppressed +and the disinherited! Thus shall my sister stay truly alive, Walburga, +and effect noble ends before the face of God through the ethical impulse +that lends wings to my soul, and that will be more powerful than all the +evil, heartless parson's morality in the world. + +WALBURGA + +You were in the _Tiergarten_ all night, Erich? Is that the reason why +your hands are so icy cold, and why you look so utterly worn out? Erich, +you must take my purse! No, please, you must! Oh, I assure you what is +mine is yours! If you don't feel that, you don't love me. Erich, you're +suffering! If you don't take my few pennies, I'll refuse all nourishment +at home! By heaven, I'll do it, I'll do it, unless you're sensible about +that! + +SPITTA + +[_Chokes down his rising tears and sits down._] I'm nervous; I'm +overwrought. + +WALBURGA + +[_Puts her purse into his pocket._] And you see, Erich, this is the real +reason why I asked you to meet me here. To add to all my misfortunes I +received yesterday this summons from the court. + +SPITTA + +[_Regards a document which she hands to him._] Look here? What's behind +this, Walburga? + +WALBURGA + +I'm quite sure that it must have some connection with the stolen goods +upstairs in the loft. But it does disquiet me terribly. If papa were to +discover this ... oh, what would I do then? + + _MRS. JOHN enters, carrying the child in her arms. She is dressed for + the street, and looks dusty and harassed._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Frightened, suspicious._] Well, what d'you want here? Is Paul home yet? +I jus' went down in the street a little with the baby. + + [_She carries the child behind the partition._ + +WALBURGA + +Erich, do mention the summons to Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why, Paul's at home. There's his things! + +SPITTA + +Miss Hassenreuter wanted very much to talk to you. She received a summons +to appear in court. It's probably about those things that were stolen +from the loft. You know. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Emerging from behind the partition._] What's that? You reelly got a +summons, Miss Walburga? Well, then you better look out! I ain't jokin'. +An' maybe you're thinkin' o' the black man! + +SPITTA + +What you're saying there is quite incomprehensible, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Taking up her domestic tasks._] Did you hear that 'way out in the +Lauben settlement, beyond the Halle Gate, the lightenin' struck a man an' +a woman an' a little girl o' seven this mornin'. It was right under a +tall poplar tree. + +SPITTA + +No, Mrs. John, we didn't hear that. + +MRS. JOHN + +The rain's splashin' down again. + + _One hears a shower of rain beginning to fall._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Nervously._] Come, Erich, let's get out into the open anyhow. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Speaking louder and louder in her incoherent terror._] An' I tell you +another thing: I was talking to the woman what was struck by lightenin' +jus' a short time before. An' she says--now listen to me, Mr. Spitta--if +you takes a dead child what's lyin' in its carridge an' pushes it out +into the sun ... but it's gotta be summer an' midday ... it'll draw +breath, it'll cry, it'll come back to life!--You don't believe that, eh? +But I seen that with my own eyes! + + [_She circles about the room in a strange fashion, apparently + becoming quite oblivious of the presence of the two young people._ + +WALBURGA + +Look, here, Mrs. John is positively uncanny! Let's go! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Speaking still louder._] You don' believe that, that it'll come to life +again, eh? I tell you, its mother c'n come an' take it. But it's gotta be +nursed right off. + +SPITTA + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In strange excitement accompanies the two young people to the door. +Speaking still more loudly._] You don' believe that! But it's the solemn +truth, Mr. Spitta! + + _SPITTA and WALBURGA leave the room._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still holding the door in her hand calls out after them._] Anybody that +don' believe that don' know nothin' o' the whole secret that I +discovered. + + _The foreman-mason JOHN appears in the door and enters at once._ + +JOHN + +Why, there you are, mother! I'm glad to see you. What's that there secret +you're talkin' about? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_As though awakening, grasps her head._] Me?--Did I say somethin' about +a secret? + +JOHN + +That you did unless I'm hard o' hearin'. An' it's reelly you unless it's +a ghost. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Surprised and frightened._] Why d'you think I might be a ghost? + +JOHN + +[_Pats his wife good-naturedly on the back._] Come now, Jette, don't bite +me. I'm reel glad, that I am, that you're here again with the little kid! +[_He goes behind the partition._] But it's lookin' a little measly. + +MRS. JOHN + +The milk didn't agree with him. An' that's because out there in the +country the cows is already gettin' green fodder. I got milk here from +the dairy company that comes from dry fed cows. + +JOHN + +[_Reappears in the main room._] That's what I'm sayin'. Why did you have +to go an' take the child on the train an' outa town. The city is +healthier. That's my notion. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm goin' to stay at home now, Paul. + +JOHN + +In Hamburg everythin' is settled, too. To-day at noon I'm goin' to meet +Karl an' then he'll tell me when I c'n start workin' for the new +boss!--Look here: I brought somethin' with me, too. + + [_He takes a small child's rattle from his breeches pocket and shakes + it._ + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? + +JOHN + +That's somethin' to bring a bit o' life into the place, 'cause it's +pretty quiet inside in Berlin here! Listen how the kid's crowin'. [_The +child is heard making happy little noises._] I tell you, mother, when a +little kid goes on that way--there ain't nothin' I'd take for it! + +MRS. JOHN + +Have you seen anybody yet? + +JOHN + +No!--Leastways only Quaquaro early this mornin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In timid suspense._] Well ...? + +JOHN + +Oh, never mind! Nothin! There was nothin' to it. + +MRS. JOHN [_As before._] What did he say? + +JOHN + +What d'you think he said? But if you're bound to know--'tain't no use +talkin' o' such things Sunday mornin'--he axed me after Bruno again. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pale and speaking hastily._] What do they say Bruno has done again? + +JOHN + +Nothin'. Here, come'n drink a little coffee, Jette, an' don' get excited! +It ain't your fault that you got a brother like that. We don't has to +concern ourselves about other people. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'd like to know what an old fool like that what spies aroun' all day +long has always gotta be talkin' about Bruno. + +JOHN + +Jette, don' bother me about Bruno--You see ...aw, what's the use ... +might as well keep still!... But if I was goin' to tell you the truth, +I'd say that it wouldn't surprise me if some day Bruno'd come to a pretty +bad end right out in the yard o' the gaol, too--a quick end. [_MRS. JOHN +sits down heavily beside the table. She grows grey in the face and +breathes with difficulty._] Maybe not! Maybe not! Don't take it to heart +so right off!--How's the sister? + +MRS. JOHN + +I don' know. + +JOHN + +Why, I thought you was out there visitin' her? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Looks at him absently._] Where was I? + +JOHN + +Well, you see, Jette, that's the way it is with you women! You're jus' +shakin', but oh no--you don' want to go to no doctor! An' it'll end +maybe, by your havin' to take to your bed. That's what comes o' +neglectin' nature. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Throwing her arms about JOHN'S neck._] Paul, you're goin' to leave me! +For God's sake, tell me right out that it's so! Don' fool me aroun' an' +cheat me! Tell me right out! + +JOHN + +What's the matter with you to-day, Henrietta? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pulling herself together._] Don' attend to my fool talk. I ain't had no +rest all night--that's it. An' then I got up reel early, an' anyhow, it +ain't nothin' but that I'm a bit weak yet. + +JOHN + +Then you better lie down flat on your back an' rest a little. [_MRS. JOHN +throws herself on the sofa and stares at the ceiling._] Maybe you'd +better comb yourself a bit afterwards, Jette!--It musta been mighty dusty +on the train for you to be jus' covered all over with sand the way you +are! [_MRS. JOHN does not answer but continues staring at the ceiling._] +I must go an' bring that there little feller into the light a bit. + + [_He goes behind the partition._ + +MRS. JOHN + +How long has we been married, Paul? + +JOHN + +[_Plays with the rattle behind the partition. Then answers_:] That was in +eighteen hundred and seventy-two, jus' as I came back from the war. + +MRS. JOHN + +Then you came to father, didn't you? An' you assoomed a grand position +an' you had the Iron Cross on the left side o' your chest. + +JOHN + +[_Appears, swinging the rattle and carrying the child on its pillow. He +speaks merrily._] That's so, mother. An' I got it yet. If you want to see +it, I'll pin it on. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still stretched out on the sofa._] An' then you came to me an' you said +that I wasn't to be so busy all the time ... goin' up an' down, runnin' +upstairs an' downstairs ... that I was to be a bit more easy-goin'. + +JOHN + +An' I'm still sayin' that same thing to-day. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' then you tickled me with your moustache an' kissed me right behind my +left ear! An' then ... + +JOHN + +Then it didn't take long for us to agree, eh? + +MRS. JOHN + +Yes, an' I laughed an', bit by bit, I looked at myself in every one o' +your brass buttons. I was lookin' different then! An' then you said ... + +JOHN + +Well, mother, you're a great one for rememberin' things, I must say! + +MRS. JOHN + +An' then you said: When we has a boy, an' that'll be soon, he c'n follow +the flag into the field too "with God for King an' country." + +JOHN + +[_Sings to the child, playing with the rattle._] + + "To heaven he turns his glances bold + Whence gaze the hero sires of old: + The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!"... + +Well, an' now that I has a little feller like that I ain't half so keen +on sendin' him to the war to be food for powder. + + [_He retires with the child behind the partition._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still staring at the ceiling._] Paul, Paul! Seems as if all that was a +hundred years ago! + +JOHN + +[_Reappears from behind the partition without the child._] Not as long +ago as all that. + +MRS. JOHN + +Look here, what d'you think? How would it be if you was to take me an' +the child an' go to America? + +JOHN + +Now listen here, Jette! What's gotten into you, anyhow? What is it? Looks +as if there was nothin' but ghosts aroun' me here! You know I has a good +easy temper! When the workmen heave bricks at each other, I don't even +get excited. An' what do they say? Paul has a comfortable nature. But +now: what's this here? The sun's shinin'; it's bright daylight! I can't +_see_ nothin'; that's a fac'. But somethin's titterin' an' whisperin' an' +creepin' aroun' in here. Only when I stretches out my hand I can't lay +hold on nothin'! Now I wants to know what there is to this here story +about the strange girl what came to the room. Is it true? + +MRS. JOHN + +You heard, Paul, that the young lady didn't come back no more. An' that +shows you, don't it ... + +JOHN + +I hear what you're sayin'. But your lips is fair blue an' your eyes look +as if somebody was tormentin' you. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Suddenly changing her attitude_] Yes. Why do you leave me alone year in +an' year out, Paul? I sits here like in a cave an' I ain't got a soul to +who I c'n say what I'm thinkin'. Many a time I've sat here an' axed +myself why I works an' works, why I skimps an' saves to get together a +few crowns, an' find good investments for your earnin's an' try to add to +'em. Why? Was all that to go to strangers? Paul, it's you who's been the +ruin o' me! + + [_She lays her head on the table and bursts out in sobs._ + + _Softly and with feline stealth BRUNO MECHELKE enters the room at + this moment. He has on his Sunday duds, a sprig of lilac in his hat + and a great bunch of it in his hand. JOHN drums with his fingers on + the window and does not observe him._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Has gradually realised BRUNO'S presence as though he were a ghost._] +Bruno, is that you? + +BRUNO + +[_Who has recognised JOHN in a flash, softly._] Sure, it's me, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +Where d'you come from? What d'you want? + +BRUNO + +I been dancin' all night, Jette! You c'n see, can't you, that I'm dam' +jolly? + +JOHN + +[_Has been staring steadily at BRUNO. A dangerous pallor has overspread +his face. He now goes slowly to a small cupboard, takes out an old army +revolver and loads it. MRS. JOHN does not observe this._] You! Listen! +I'll tell you somethin'--somethin' you forgot, maybe. There ain't no +reason on God's earth why I shouldn't pull this here trigger! You +scoundrel! You ain't fit to be among human bein's! I told you ... las' +fall it was ... that I'd shoot you down if I ever laid eyes on you in my +home again! Now go ... or I'll ... shoot. Y'understan'? + +BRUNO + +Aw, I ain't scared o' your jelly squirter. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Who observes that JOHN, losing control of himself, is slowly +approaching BRUNO with the weapon and raising it._] Then kill me too, +Paul. 'Cause he's my brother. + +JOHN + +[_Looks at her long, seems to awaken and change his mind._] All right. +[_He replaces the revolver carefully in the cupboard._] You're right, +anyhow, Jette! It's hell, Jette, that your name's got to be on the tongue +of a crittur like that. All right. The powder'd be too good, too. This +here little pistol's tasted the blood o' two French cavalry men! Heroes +they was! An' I don't want it to drink no dirt. + +BRUNO + +I ain' doubtin' that there's dirt in your head! An' if it hadn't been +that you board with my sister here I'd ha' let the light into you long +ago, you dirt eater, so you'd ha' bled for weeks. + +JOHN + +[_With tense restraint._] Tell me again, Jette, that it's your brother. + +MRS. JOHN + +Go, Paul, will you? I'll get him away all right! You know's well as I +that I can't help it now that Bruno's my own brother. + +JOHN + +All right. Then I'm one too many here. You c'n bill an' coo. [_He is +dressed for the street as it is and hence proceeds to go. Close by BRUNO +he stands still._] You scamp! You worried your father into his grave. +Your sister might better ha' let you starve behind some fence rather'n +raise you an' litter the earth with another criminal like you. I'll be +back in half an hour! But I won't be alone. I'll have the sergeant with +me! + + [_JOHN leaves by the outer door, putting on his slouch hat._ + + _So soon as JOHN has disappeared BRUNO turns and spits out after him + toward the door._ + +BRUNO + +If I ever gets hold o' you! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why d'you come, Bruno? Tell me, what's the matter? + +BRUNO + +Tin's what you gotta give me. Or I'll go to hell. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Locks and latches the outer door._] Wait till I close the door! Now, +what's the matter? Where d'you come from? Where has you been? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I danced about half the night an' then, about sunrise, I went out +into the country for a bit. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did Quaquaro see you comin' in, Bruno? Then you better look out that you +ain't walked into no trap. + +BRUNO + +No danger. I crossed the yard an' then went through the cellar o' my +friend what deals in junk an' after that up through the loft. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' what happened? + +BRUNO + +Don' fool aroun', Jette. I gotta have railroad fare. I gotta take to my +heels or I'll go straight to hell. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you do with that there girl? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I found a way, Jette! + +MRS. JOHN + +What's the meanin' o' that? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I managed to make her a little more accommodatin' all right! + +MRS. JOHN + +An' is it a sure thing that she won't come back now? + +BRUNO + +Sure. I don' believe that she'll come again! But that wasn't no easy +piece of work, Jette. But I tell you ... gimme somethin' to +drink--quick!... I tell you, you made me thirsty with your damned +business--thirsty, an' hot as hell. + + [_He drains a jug full of water._ + +MRS. JOHN + +People saw you outside the door with the girl. + +BRUNO + +I had to make a engagement with Arthur. She didn't want to have nothin' +to do with me. But Arthur, he came dancin' along in his fine clothes an' +he managed to drag her along to a bar. She swallowed the bait right down +when he told her as how her intended was waitin' for her there. [_He +trills out, capering about convulsively._] + + "All we does in life's to go + Up an' down an' to an' fro + From a tap-room to a show!" + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' then? + +BRUNO + +Then she wanted to get away 'cause Arthur said that her intended had gone +off! Then I wanted to go along with her a little bit an' Arthur an' +Adolph, they came along. Next we dropped in the ladies' entrance at +Kalinich's an' what with tastin' a lot o' toddy an' other liquors she got +good an' tipsy. An' then she staid all night with a woman what's Arthur's +sweetheart. All next day there was always two or three of us boys after +her, didn't let her go, an' played all kinds o' tricks, an' things got +jollier an' jollier. + + [_The church bells of the Sunday morning services begin to ring._ + +BRUNO + +[_Goes on._] But the money's gone. I needs crowns an' pennies, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Rummaging for money._] How much has you got to have? + +BRUNO + +[_Listening to the bells._] What? + +MRS. JOHN + +Money! + +BRUNO + +The old bag o' bones in the junk shop downstairs was thinkin' as how I'd +better get across the Russian frontier! Listen, Jette, how the bells is +ringin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +Why do you has to get acrost the frontier? + +BRUNO + +Take a wet towel, Jette, an' put a little vinegar on it. I been bothered +with this here dam' nosebleed all night. + + [_He presses his handkerchief to his nose._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Breathing convulsively, brings a towel._] Who was it scratched your +wrist into shreds that way? + +BRUNO + +[_Listening to the bells._] Half past three o'clock this mornin' she +could ha' heard them bells yet. + +MRS. JOHN + +O Jesus, my Saviour! That ain't true! That can't noways be possible! I +didn't tell you nothin' like that, Bruno! Bruno, I has to sit down. Oh! +[_She sits down._] That's what our father foretold to me on his dyin' +bed. + +BRUNO + +It ain't so easy jokin' with me. If you go to see Minna, jus' tell her +that I got the trick o' that kind o' thing an' that them goin's on with +Karl an' with Fritz has to stop. + +MRS. JOHN + +But, Bruno, if they was to catch you! + +BRUNO + +Well, then I has to swing, an' out at the Charity hospital they got +another stiff to dissect. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Giving him money._] Oh, that ain't true. What did you do, Bruno? + +BRUNO + +You're a crazy old crittur, Jette.--[_He puts his hand on her not without +a tremor of emotion._] You always says as how I ain't good for nothin'. +But when things can't go on no more, then you needs me, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, but how? Did you threaten the girl that she wasn't to let herself +be seen no more? That's what you ought to ha' done, Bruno! An' did you? + +BRUNO + +I danced with her half the night. An' then we went out on the street. +Well, a gentleman came along, y'understan'? Well, when I told him that I +had some little business o' my own to transact with the lady an' pulled +my brass-knuckles outa my breeches, o' course he took to his heels.--Then +I says to her, says I: Don't you be scared. If you're peaceable an' don' +make no outcry an' don' come no more to my sister axin' after the +child--well, we c'n make a reel friendly bargain. So she toddled along +with me a ways. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' then? + +BRUNO + +Well, she didn't want to! An' all of a sudden she went for my throat that +I thought it'd be the end o' me then an' there! Like a dawg she went for +me hot an' heavy! An' then ... then I got a little bit excited too--an' +then, well ... that's how it come ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Sunk in horror._] What time d'you say it was? + +BRUNO + +It must ha' been somewhere between three an' four. The moon had a big +ring aroun' it. Out on the square there was a dam' cur behind the planks +what got up an' howled. Then it began to drip an' soon a thunderstorm +came up. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Changed and with sudden self-mastery._] It's all right. Go on. She don' +deserve no better. + +BRUNO + +Good-bye. I s'pose we ain't goin' to see each other for years an' years. + +MRS. JOHN + +Where you goin' to? + +BRUNO + +First of all I gotta lie flat on my back for a couple o' hours. I'm goin' +to Fritz's. He's got a room for rent in the old police station right +acrost from the Fisher's Bridge. I'm safe there all right. If there's +anythin' of a outcry you c'n lemme know. + +MRS. JOHN + +Don' you want to take a peek at the child onct more? + +BRUNO + +[_Trembling._] Naw! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why not? + +BRUNO + +No, Jette, not in this here life! Good-bye, Jette. Hol' on a minute: Here +I got a horseshoe. [_He puts a horseshoe on the table._] I found it. +That'll bring you good luck. I don' need it. + + _Stealthily as he has come, BRUNO MECHELKE also disappears. MRS. + JOHN, her eyes wide with horror, stares at the spot where he stood. + Then she totters backward a few paces, presses her hands, clenched + convulsively as if in prayer, against her mouth, and collapses, still + trying in vain to stammer out a prayerful appeal to heaven._ + +MRS. JOHN + +I ain't no murderer! I ain't no murderer! I didn't want that to happen! + + + + +FIFTH ACT + + + _JOHN'S room. MRS. JOHN is asleep on the sofa. WALBURGA and SPITTA + enter from the outer hall. The loud playing of a military band is + heard from the street._ + +SPITTA + +No one is here. + +WALBURGA + +Oh, yes, there is, Erich. Mrs. John! She's asleep here. + +SPITTA + +[_Approaching the sofa together with WALBURGA._] Is she asleep? So she +is! I don't understand how anyone can sleep amidst this noise. + + _The music of the band trails off into silence._ + +WALBURGA + +Oh, Erich, sh! I have a perfect horror of the woman. Can you understand +anyhow why policemen are guarding the entrance downstairs and why they +won't let us go out into the street? I'm so awfully afraid that, maybe, +they'll arrest us and take us along to the station. + +SPITTA + +Oh, but there's not the slightest danger, Walburga! You're seeing ghosts +by broad daylight. + +WALBURGA + +When the plain clothes man came up to you and looked at us and you asked +him who he was and he showed his badge under his coat, I assure you, at +that moment, the stairs and the hall suddenly began to go around with me. + +SPITTA + +They're looking for a criminal, Walburga. It is a so-called raid that is +going on here, a kind of man hunt such as the criminal police is at times +obliged to undertake. + +WALBURGA + +And you can believe me, too, Erich, that I heard papa's voice. He was +talking quite loudly to some one. + +SPITTA + +You are nervous. You may have been mistaken. + +WALBURGA + +[_Frightened at MRS. JOHN, who is speaking in her sleep._] Listen to her: +do! + +SPITTA + +Great drops of sweat are standing on her forehead. Come here! Just look +at the rusty old horseshoe that she is clasping with both hands. + +WALBURGA + +[_Listens and starts with fright again._] Papa! + +SPITTA + +I don't understand you. Let him come, Walburga. The essential thing is +that one knows what one wants and that one has a clean conscience. I am +ready. I long for the explanation to come about. + + _A loud knocking is heard at the door._ + +SPITTA + +[_Firmly._] Come in! + + _MRS. HASSENREUTER enters, more out of breath than usual. An + expression of relief comes over her face as she catches sight of her + daughter._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Thank God! There you are, children! [_Trembling, WALBURGA throws herself +into her mother's arms._] Girlie, but what a fright you've given your old +mother. + + [_A pause in which only the breathing of MRS. HASSENREUTER is heard._ + +WALBURGA + +Forgive me, mama: I couldn't act differently. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Oh, no! One doesn't write letters containing such thoughts to one's own +mother. And especially not to a mother like me. If your soul is in pain +you know very well that you can always count on me for help and counsel. +I'm not a monster, and I was young myself once. But to threaten to drown +yourself ... and things like that ... no, that's all wrong. You shouldn't +have done that. Surely you agree with me, Mr. Spitta. And now this very +minute ... heavens, how you both look!... this very minute you must both +come home with me!--What's the matter with Mrs. John? + +WALBURGA + +Oh yes, help us! Don't forsake us! Take us with you, mama! Oh, I'm _so_ +glad that you're here! I was just paralysed with fright! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Very well, then. Come along. That would be the last straw if one had to +be prepared for such desperate follies from you, Mr. Spitta, or from this +child! At your age one should have courage. If everything doesn't go +quite smoothly you have no right to think of expedients by which one has +nothing to gain and everything to lose. We live but once, after all. + +SPITTA + +Oh, I have courage! And I'm not thinking of putting an end to myself as +one who is weary and defeated ... unless Walburga is refused to me. In +that case, to be sure, my determination is firm. It doesn't in the least +undermine my belief in myself or in my future that I am poor for the +present and have to take my dinner occasionally in the people's kitchen. +And I am sure Walburga is equally convinced that a day must come that +will indemnify us for all the dark and difficult hours of the present. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Life is long; and you're almost children to-day. It's not so very bad for +a student to have to take an occasional meal in the people's kitchen. It +would be much worse, however, for Walburga as a married woman. And I hope +for the sake of you both that you'll wait till something in the nature of +a hearthstone of your own with the necessary wood and coal can be +founded. In the meantime I've succeeded in persuading papa to a kind of +truce. It wasn't easy and it might have been impossible had not this +morning's mail brought the news of his definitive appointment as manager +of the theatre at Strassburg. + +WALBURGA + +[_Joyously._] Oh, mama, mama! That is a ray of sunshine, isn't it? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Sits up with a start._] Bruno! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Apologising._] Oh, we've wakened you, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Is Bruno gone? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Who? Who's Bruno? + +MRS. JOHN + +Why, Bruno! Don' you know Bruno? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Ah, yes, yes! That's the name of your brother. + +MRS. JOHN + +Was I asleep? + +SPITTA + +Fast asleep. But you cried out aloud in your sleep just now. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did you see, Mr. Spitta, how them boys out in the yard threw stones at my +little Adelbert's wee grave? But I got after 'em, eh? An' they wasn't no +bad slaps neither what I dealt out. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +It seems that you've been dreaming of your first little boy who died, +Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +No, no; all that's fac'! I ain't been dreamin'. An' then I took little +Adelbert an' I went with him to the registrar's office. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +But if your little boy's no longer alive ... how could you ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Aw, when a little child is onct born, it don't matter if it's dead ... +it's still right inside o' its mother. Did you hear that dawg howlin' +behind the board fence? An' the moon had a big ring aroun' it! Bruno, you +ain' doin' right! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Shaking MRS. JOHN._] Wake up, my good woman! Wake up, Mrs. John! You +are ill! Your husband ought to take you to see a physician. + +MRS. JOHN + +Bruno, you ain' doin' right! [_The bells are ringing again._] Ain't them +the bells? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +The service is over, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Wholly awake now, stares about her._] Why does I wake up? Why didn't +you take an ax when I was asleep an' knock me over the head with +it?--What did I say? Sh! Only don't tell a livin' soul a word, Mrs. +Hassenreuter. + + [_She jumps up and arranges her hair by the help of many hairpins._ + + _Manager HASSENREUTER appears in the doorway._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Starting at the sight of his family._] + + "Behold, behold, Timotheus, + _Here_ are the cranes of Ibicus!" + +Didn't you tell me there was a shipping agent's office in the +neighbourhood, Mrs. John?--[_To WALBURGA._] Ah, yes, my child! While, +with the frivolousness of youth you have been thinking of your pleasure +and nothing but your pleasure, your papa has been running about for three +whole hours again purely on business.--[_To SPITTA._] You wouldn't be in +such a hurry to establish a family, young man, if you had the least +suspicion how hard it is--a struggle from day to day--to get even the +wretched, mouldy necessary bit of daily bread for one's wife and child! I +trust it will never be your fate to be suddenly hurled one day, quite +penniless, into the underworld of Berlin and be obliged to struggle for a +naked livelihood for yourself and those dear to you, breast to breast +with others equally desperate, in subterranean holes and passages! But +you may all congratulate me! A week from now we will be in Strassburg. +[_MRS. HASSENREUTER, WALBURGA and SPITTA all press his hand._] Everything +else will be adjusted. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +You have fought an heroic battle for us during these past years, papa. +And you did it without stooping to anything unworthy. + +HASSENREUTER + +It was a fight like that of drowning men who struggle for planks in the +water. My noble costumes, made to body forth the dreams of poets, in what +dens of vice, on what reeking bodies have they not passed their +nights--_odi profanum vulgus_--only that a few pennies of rental might +clatter in my cashbox! But let us turn to more cheerful thoughts. The +freight waggon, alias the cart of Thespis is at the door in order to +effect the removal of our Penates to happier fields--[_Suddenly turning +to SPITTA._] My excellent Spitta, I demand your word of honour that, in +your so-called despair, you two do not commit some irreparable folly. In +return I promise to lend my ear to any utterances of yours characterised +by a modicum of good sense.--Finally: I've come to you, Mrs. John, +firstly because the officers bar all the exits and will permit no one to +go out; and secondly because I would like exceedingly to know why a man +like myself, at the very moment when his triumphant flag is fluttering in +the wind again, should have become the object of a malicious newspaper +report! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Dear Harro, Mrs. John doesn't understand you. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aha! Then let us begin _ab ovo_. I have letters here [_he shows a bundle +of them_] one, two, three, five--about a dozen! In these letters unknown +but malicious individuals congratulate me upon an event which is said to +have taken place in my storage loft. I would pay no attention to these +communications were they not confirmed by a news item in the papers +according to which a newborn infant is said to have been found in the +loft of a costumer in the suburbs ... a costumer, forsooth! I would have +said nothing, I repeat, if this item had not perplexed me. Undoubtedly +there is a case of mistaken identity involved here. In spite of that, I +don't like to have the report stick to me. Especially since this cub of a +reporter speaks of the costumer as being a bankrupt manager of barn +stormers. Read it, mama: "The Stork Visits Costumer." I'll box that +fellow's ears! This evening my appointment at Strassburg is to be made +public in the papers and at the same time I am to be offered as a kind of +comic dessert _urbi et orbi_. As if it were not obvious that of all +curses that of being made ridiculous is the worst! + +MRS. JOHN + +You say there's policemen at the door downstairs, sir? + +HASSENREUTER + +Yes, and their watch is so close that the funeral procession of Mrs. +Knobbe's baby has been brought to a standstill. They won't even let the +little coffin and the horrid fellow from the burial society who is +carrying it go out to the carriage. + +MRS. JOHN + +What child's funeral was that? + +HASSENREUTER + +Don't you know? It's the little son of Mrs. Knobbe which was brought up +to me in so mysterious a way by two women and died almost under my very +eyes, probably of exhaustion. _A propos_ ... + +MRS. JOHN + +The Knobbe woman's child is dead? + +HASSENREUTER + +_A propos_, Mrs. John, I was going to say that you ought really to know +how the affair of those two half-crazy women who got hold of the child +finally ended? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well now, tell me, ain't it like the very finger of God that they didn't +take my little Adelbert an' that he didn't die? + +HASSENREUTER + +Just why? I don't understand the logic of that. On the other hand, I have +been asking myself whether the confused speeches of the Polish girl, the +theft committed in my loft, and the milk bottle which Quaquaro brought +down in a boot--whether all these things had not something to do with the +notice in the papers. + +MRS. JOHN + +No, there ain't no connection between them things. Has you seen Paul, +sir? + +HASSENREUTER + +Paul? Ah yes; that's your husband. Yes, yes. Indeed I saw him in +conversation with detective Puppe, who visited me too in connection with +the theft. + + _JOHN enters._ + +JOHN + +Well, Jette, wasn't I right? This here thing's happened soon enough! + +MRS. JOHN + +What's happened? + +JOHN + +D'you want me to go an' earn the thousand crowns' reward what's offered +accordin' to placards on the news pillars by the chief o' police's office +for denouncin' the criminal? + +MRS. JOHN + +How's that? + +JOHN + +Don't you know that all this manoeuverin' o' police an' detectives is +started on account o' Bruno? + +MRS. JOHN + +How so? Where? What is it? What's been started? + +JOHN + +The funeral's been stopped an' two o' the mourners--queer customers they +is, too--has been taken prisoner. Yes, sir! That's the pass things has +come to, Mr. Hassenreuter. I'm a man, sir, what's tied to a women as has +a brother what's bein' pursued by the criminal police an' by detectives +because he killed a woman not far from the river under a lilac bush. + +HASSENREUTER + +But my dear Mr. John: God forbid that that be true! + +MRS. JOHN + +That's a lie! My brother don' do nothin' like that. + +JOHN + +Aw, don' he though, Jette? Mr. Hassenreuter, I was sayin' the other day +what kind of a brother that is! [_He notices the bunch of lilacs and +takes it from the table._] Look at this here! That there monster's been +in my home! If he comes back I'll be the first one that'll take him, +bound hand an' foot, an' deliver him up to justice! + + [_He searches through the whole room._ + +MRS. JOHN + +You c'n tell dam' fools there's such a thing as justice. There ain't no +justice, not even in heaven. There wasn't a soul here. An' that bit o' +lilac I brought along from Hangelsberg where a big bush of it grows +behind your sister's house. + +JOHN + +Jette, you wasn't at my sister's at all. Quaquaro jus' told me that! They +proved that at headquarters. You was seen in the park by the river ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Lies! + +JOHN + +An' 'way out in the suburbs where you passed the night in a arbour! + +MRS. JOHN + +What? D'you come into your own house to tear everythin' into bits? + +JOHN + +All right! I ain't sorry that things has come to this. There ain't no +more secrets between us here. I foretold all that. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Tense with interest._] Did that Polish girl who fought like a lioness +for Mrs. Knobbe's baby the other day ever show herself again? + +JOHN + +She's the very one. She's the one what they pulled out o' the water this +morning. An' I has to say it without bitin' my tongue off: Bruno Mechelke +took that girl's life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Quickly._] Then she was probably his mistress? + +JOHN + +Ask mother! I don' know about that! That's what I was scared of; that's +the reason I rather didn't come home at all no more, that my own wife was +loaded down with a crowd like that an' didn't have the strength to shake +it off. + +HASSENREUTER + +Come, children! + +JOHN + +Why so? You jus' stay! + +MRS. JOHN + +You don' has to go an' open the windows an' cry out everythin' for all +the world to hear! It's bad enough if fate's brought a misfortune like +that on us. Go on! Make a noise about it if you want to. But you won't +see me very soon again. + +HASSENREUTER + +And you mean to say that that ... + +JOHN + +That's jus' what I'll do! Jus' that! I'll call in anybody as wants to +know--outa the street, offa the hall, the carpenter outa the yard, the +boys an' the girls what takes their confirmation lessons--I'll call 'em +all an' I'll tell 'em what a woman got into on account o' her fool love +for her brother! + +HASSENREUTER + +And so that good-looking girl who laid claim to the child is actually +dead to-day? + +JOHN + +Maybe she was good-lookin'. I don' know nothin' about that, whether she +was pretty or ugly. But it's a fac' that she's lyin' in the morgue this +day. + +MRS. JOHN + +I c'n tell you what she was! She was a common, low wench! She had +dealin's with a Tyrolese feller that didn't want to have nothin' more to +do with her an' she had a child by him. An' she'd ha' liked to kill that +child while it was in her own womb. Then she came to fetch it with that +Kielbacke what's been in prison eighteen months as a professional +baby-killer. Whether she had any dealin's with Bruno, I don' know! Maybe +so an' maybe not! An' anyhow, I don' see how it concerns me what Bruno's +gone an' done. + +HASSENREUTER + +So you _did_ know the girl in question, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +How so? I didn't know her a bit! I'm only sayin' what everybody as knows +says about that there girl. + +HASSENREUTER + +You're an honourable woman: you're an honourable man, Mr. John. This +matter with your wayward brother is terrible enough as a fact, but it +ought not seriously to undermine your married life. Stay honest and ... + +JOHN + +Not a bit of it! I don't stay with such people; not anywhere near 'em. +[_He brings his fist down on the table, taps at the walls, stamps on the +floor._] Listen to the crackin'! Listen, how the plasterin' comes +rumblin' down behind the wall-paper! Everything rotten here, everythin's +worm eaten! Everythin's undermined by varmint an' by rats an' by mice. +[_He see-saws on a loose plank in the floor._] Every thin' totters! Any +minute the whole business might crash down into the cellar.--[_He opens +the door._] Selma! Selma! I'm goin' to pull outa here before the whole +thing just falls together into a heap o' rubbish! + +MRS. JOHN + +What do you want o' Selma? + +JOHN + +Selma is goin' to take that child an' I'll go with 'em on the train an' +take it out to my sister. + +MRS. JOHN + +You'll hear from me if you try that! Oh, you jus' try it! + +JOHN + +Is my child to be brought up in surroundin's like this, an' maybe some +day be driven over the roofs with Bruno an' maybe end in the +penitentiary? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Cries out at him._] That ain't your child at all! Y'understan'? + +JOHN + +'S that so? Well, we'll see if an honest man can't be master o' his own +child what's got a mother that's gone crazy an' is in the hands of a +crowd o' murderers. I'd like to see who's in the right there an' who's +the stronger. Selma! + +MRS. JOHN + +I'll scream! I'll tear open the windows! Mrs. Hassenreuter, they wants to +rob a mother o' her child! That's my right that I'm the mother o' my +child! Ain't that my right? Ain't that so, Mrs. Hassenreuter? They're +surroundin' me! They wants to rob me o' my rights! Ain't it goin' to +belong to me what I picked up like refuse, what was lyin' on rags +half-dead, an' I had to rub it an' knead it all I could before it began +to breathe an' come to life slowly? If it wasn't for me, it would ha' +been covered with earth these three weeks! + +HASSENREUTER + +Mr. John, to play the part of an arbitrator between married people is not +ordinarily my function. It's too thankless a task and one's experiences +are, as a rule, too unhappy. But you should not permit your feeling of +honour, justly wounded as, no doubt, it is, to hurry you into acts that +are rash. For, after all, your wife is not responsible for her brother's +act. Let her have the child! Don't increase the misery of it all by such +hardness toward your wife as must hurt her most cruelly and +unnecessarily. + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, that child's like as if it was cut outa my own flesh! I bought that +child with my blood. It ain't enough that all the world's after me an' +wants to take it away from me; now you gotta join 'em an' do the same! +That's the thanks a person gets! Why, it's like a pack o' hungry wolves +aroun' me. You c'n kill me! But you can't touch my baby! + +JOHN + +I comes home, Mr. Hassenreuter, only this mornin'. I comes home with all +my tools on the train, jolly as c'n be. I broke off all my connections in +Hamburg. Even if you don' earn so much, says I to myself, you'd rather be +with your family, an' take up your child in your arms a little, or maybe +take it on your knee a little! That was about the way I was thinkin'! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul! Here, Paul! [_She goes close up to him._] You c'n tear my heart out +if you want to! + + [_She stares long at him, then runs behind the partition, whence her + loud weeping is heard._ + + _SELMA enters from the hall. She is dressed in mourning garments and + carries a little wreath in her hand._ + +SELMA + +What is I to do? You called me, Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Put on your cloak, Selma. Ax your mother if you c'n go an' take a trip +with me to Hangelsberg. You'll earn a bit o' money doin' it. All you +gotta do is to take my child on your arm an' come along with me. + +SELMA + +No, I ain' goin' to touch that child no more. + +JOHN + +Why not? + +SELMA + +No; I'm afraid, Mr. John! I'm that scared at the way mama an' the police +lieutenant screamed at me. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Appears._] Why did they scream at you? + +SELMA + +[_Crying vociferously._] Officer Schierke even slapped my face. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, I'll see about that ... he oughta try that again. + +SELMA + +I can't tell why that Polish girl took my little brother away. If I'd +known that my little brother was goin' to die, I'd ha' jumped at her +throat first. Now little Gundofried's coffin stands on the stairs. I +believe mama has convulsions an' is lyin' down in Quaquaro's alcove. An' +me they wants to take to the charity organisation, Mrs. John. + + [_She weeps._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Then you c'n be reel happy. They can't treat you worse'n you was treated +at home. + +SELMA + +An' I gotta go to court! An' maybe they'll take me to gaol! + +MRS. JOHN + +On account o' what? + +SELMA + +Because they says I took the child what the Polish girl had up in the +loft an' carried it down to you. + +HASSENREUTER + +So a child actually was born up there. + +SELMA + +Certainly. + +HASSENREUTER + +In _whose_ loft? + +SELMA + +Why, where them actors lives! It ain't none o' my business! How is I to +know anythin' about it? All I c'n say is ... + +MRS. JOHN + +You better hurry on about your business now, Selma! You got a clean +conscience! You don' has to care for what people jabber. + +SELMA + +An' I don' want to betray nothin' neither, Mrs. John. + +JOHN + +[_Grasps SELMA, who is about to run away, and holds her fast._] Naw, you +ain't goin'! Here you stays! The truth! "I don' want to betray nothin'," +you says. You heard that, too, Mrs. Hassenreuter? An' Mr. Spitta an' the +young lady here heard it too. The truth! You ain't goin' to leave this +here spot before I don' know the rights o' this matter about Bruno an' +his mistress, an' if you people did away with that child! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, I swear before God that I ain't done away with it! + +JOHN + +Well ...? Out with what you know, girl! I been seein' for a long time +that there's been some secret scheming between you an' my wife. There +ain't no use no more in all that winkin' an' noddin'. Is that child dead +or alive? + +SELMA + +No, that child is alive all right. + +HASSENREUTER + +The one, you mean, that you carried down here under your apron or in some +such way? + +JOHN + +If it's dead you c'n be sure that you an' Bruno'll both be made a head +shorter'n you are! + +SELMA + +I'm tellin' you the child is alive. + +HASSENREUTER + +But you said at first that you hadn't brought down any child at all. + +JOHN + +An' you pretend to know nothin' o' that whole business, mother? [_MRS. +JOHN stares at him; SELMA gazes helplessly and confusedly at MRS. JOHN._] +Mother, you got rid o' the child o' Bruno an' that Polish wench an' then, +when people came after it, you went an' substitooted that little crittur +o' Knobbe's. + +WALBURGA + +[_Very pale and conquering her repugnance._] Tell me, Mrs. John, what +happened on that day when I so foolishly took flight up into the loft at +papa's coming? I'll explain that to you later, papa. On that occasion, as +became clear to me later, I saw the Polish girl twice: first with Mrs. +John and then with her brother. + +HASSENREUTER + +You, Walburga? + +WALBURGA + +Yes, papa. Alice Ruetterbusch was with you that day, and I had made an +engagement to meet Erich here. He came to see you finally but failed to +meet me because I kept hidden. + +HASSENREUTER + +I can't say that I have any recollection of that. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_To her husband._] The girl has really passed more than one sleepless +night on account of this matter. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, Mrs. John, if you are inclined to attach any weight to the opinion +of a former jurist who exchanged the law for an artistic career only +after having been plucked in his bar examination--in that case let me +assure you that, under the circumstances, ruthless frankness will prove +your best defense. + +JOHN + +Jette, where did you put that there child? The head detective told me--I +jus' remember it now--that they're still huntin' aroun' for the child o' +the dead woman! Jette, for God's sake, don't you have 'em suspect you o' +layin' hands on that there newborn child jus' to get the proofs o' your +brother's rascality outa the world! + +MRS. JOHN + +_Me_ lay hands on little Adelbert, Paul? + +JOHN + +Nobody ain't talkin' o' Adelbert here. [_To SELMA._] I'll knock your head +off for you if you don' tell me this minute what's become o' the child o' +Bruno an' the Polish girl! + +SELMA + +Why, it's behind your own partition, Mr. John! + +JOHN + +Where is it, Jette? + +MRS. JOHN + +I ain't goin' to tell that. + + _The child begins to cry._ + +JOHN + +[_To SELMA._] The truth! Or I'll turn you over to the police, +y'understan'? See this rope? I'll tie you hand and foot! + +SELMA + +[_Involuntarily, in the extremity of her fear._] It's cryin' now! You +know that child well enough. Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Me? + + [_Utterly at sea he looks first at SELMA, then at HASSENREUTER. + Suddenly a suspicion flashes upon him as he turns his gaze upon his + wife. He believes that he is beginning to understand and wavers._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Don't you let a low down lie like that take you in, Paul! It's all +invented by the fine mother that girl has outa spite! Paul, why d'you +look at me so? + +SELMA + +That's low of you, mother John, that you wants to make me out so bad now. +Then I won't be careful neither not to let nothin' out! You know all +right that I carried the young lady's child down here an' put it in the +nice, clean bed. I c'n swear to that! I c'n take my oath on that! + +MRS. JOHN + +Lies! Lies! You says that my child ain't my child! + +SELMA + +Why, you ain't had no child at all, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Embraces her husband's knees._] Oh, that ain't true at all! + +JOHN + +You leave me alone, Henrietta! Don' dirty me with your hands! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, I couldn't do no different. I had to do that, I was deceived myself +an' then I told you about it in my letter to Hamburg an' then you was so +happy an' I couldn't disappoint you an' I thought: it's gotta be! We c'n +has a child this way too an' then ... + +JOHN + +[_With ominous calmness._] Lemme think it over, Jette. [_He goes to the +chest of drawers, opens a drawer and flings the baby linen and baby +dresses that he finds therein into the middle of the room._] C'n anybody +understan' how week after week, an' month after month, all day long an' +half the nights she could ha' worked on this trash till her fingers was +bloody? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Gathers up the linen and the dresses in insane haste and hides them +carefully in the table drawer and elsewhere._] Paul, don' do that! You +c'n do anythin' else! It's like tearin' the last rag offa my naked body! + +JOHN + +[_Stops, grasps his forehead and sinks into a chair._] If that's true, +mother, I'll be too ashamed to show my face again. + + [_He seems to sink into himself, crosses his arms over his head and + hides his face._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Mrs. John, how could you permit yourself to be forced into a course of so +much error and deception? You've entangled yourself in the most frightful +way! Come, children! Unhappily there is nothing more for us to do here. + +JOHN + +[_Gets up._] You might as well take me along with you, sir. + +MRS. JOHN + +Go on! Go on! I don' need you! + +JOHN + +[_Turning to her, coldly._] So you bargained for that there kid someway +an' when its mother wanted it back you got Bruno to kill her? + +MRS. JOHN + +You ain't no husband o' mine! How could that be! You been bought by the +police! You took money to give me up to my death! Go on, Paul, you ain't +human even! You got poison in your eyes an' teeth like wolves'! Go on an' +whistle so they'll come an' take me! Go on, I says! Now I see the kind o' +man you is an' I'll despise you to the day o' judgment! + + [_She is about to run from the room when policeman SCHIERKE and + QUAQUARO appear._ + +SCHIERKE + +Hold on! Nobody can't get outa this room. + +JOHN + +Come right in, Emil! You c'n come in reel quiet, officer. Everything in +order here an' all right. + +QUAQUARO + +Don't get excited, Paul! This here don' concern you! + +JOHN + +[_With rising rage._] Did you laugh, Emil? + +QUAQUARO + +Man alive, why should I? Only Mr. Schierke is to take that there little +one to the orphan house in a cab. + +SCHIERKE + +Yessir! That's right. Where is the child? + +JOHN + +How is I to know where all the brats offa junk heaps that witches use in +their doin's gets to in the end? Watch the chimney! Maybe it flew outa +there on a broomstick. + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul!--Now it _ain't_ to live! No, outa spite! Now it don' _has_ to live! +Now it's gotta go down under the ground with me! + + [_With lightning-like rapidity she has run behind the partition and + reappears at once with the child and makes for the door. HASSENREUTER + and SPITTA throw themselves in front of the desperate woman, intent + on saving the child._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Stop! I'll interfere now! I have the right to do so at this point! +Whomever the little boy may belong to--so much the worse if its mother +has been murdered--it was born on my premises! Forward, Spitta! Fight for +it, my boy! Here your propensities come properly into play! Go on! +Careful! That's it! Bravo! Be as careful as though it were the Christ +child! Bravo! That's it! You yourself are at liberty, Mrs. John. We don't +restrain you. You must only leave us the little boy. + + _MRS. JOHN rushes madly out._ + +SCHIERKE + +Here you stays! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +The woman is desperate. Stop her! Hold her! + +JOHN + +[_With a sudden change._] Look out for mother! Mother! Stop her! Catch +hold o' her! Mother! Mother! + + _SELMA, SCHIERKE and JOHN hurry after MRS. JOHN. SPITTA, + HASSENREUTER, MRS. HASSENREUTER and WALBURGA busy themselves about + the child, which lies on the table._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Carefully wrapping the infant._] The horrible woman may be desperate +for all I care! But for that reason she needn't destroy the child. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +But, dearest papa, isn't it quite evident that the woman has pinned her +love, silly to the point of madness as it is, to this very infant? +Thoughtless and harsh words may actually drive the unhappy creature to +her death. + +HASSENREUTER + +I used no harsh words, mama. + +SPITTA + +An unmistakable feeling assures me that the child has only now lost its +mother. + +QUAQUARO + +That's true. Its father ain't aroun' an' don' want to have nothin' to do +with it. He got married yesterday to the widow of a man who owned a +merry-go-roun'! Its mother was no better'n she should be! An' if Mrs. +Kielbacke was to take care of it, it'd die like ten outa every dozen what +she boards. The way things has come aroun' now--it'll have to die too. + +HASSENREUTER + +Unless our Father above who sees all things has differently determined. + +QUAQUARO + +D'you mean Paul, the mason? Not now! No sir! I knows him! He's a ticklish +customer where his honour is concerned. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Just look how the child lies there! It's incomprehensible! Fine +linen--even lace! Neat and sweet as a doll! It makes one's heart ache to +think how suddenly it has become an utterly forlorn and forsaken orphan. + +SPITTA + +Where I judge in Israel ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You would erect a monument to Mrs. John! It may well be that many an +element of the heroic, much that is hiddenly meritorious, lurks in these +obscure fates and struggles. But not even Kohlhaas of Kohlhaasenbrueck +with his mad passion for justice could fight his way through! Let us use +practical Christianity! Perhaps we could permanently befriend the child. + +QUAQUARO + +You better keep your hands offa that! + +HASSENREUTER + +Why? + +QUAQUARO + +Unless you're crazy to get rid o' money an' are anxious for all the +worries an' the troubles you'll have with the public charities an' the +police an' the courts. + +HASSENREUTER + +For such things I have no time to spare, I confess. + +SPITTA + +Won't you admit that a genuinely tragic fatality has been active here? + +HASSENREUTER + +Tragedy is not confined to any class of society. I always told you that! + + _SELMA, breathless, opens the outer door._ + +SELMA + +Mr. John! Mr. John! Oh, Mr. John! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Mr. John isn't here. What do you want, Selma? + +SELMA + +Mr. John, you're to come out on the street! + +HASSENREUTER + +Quiet, quiet now! What is the matter? + +SELMA + +[_Breathlessly._] Your wife ... your wife ... The whole street's crowded +... 'buses an' tram-cars ... nobody can't get through ... her arms is +stretched out ... your wife's lyin' on her face down there. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Why, what has happened? + +SELMA + +Lord! Lord God in Heaven! Mrs. John has killed herself. + + +THE END + + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, by +Gerhart Hauptmann + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORKS OF GERHART HAUPTMANN, VOL II *** + +***** This file should be named 9972.txt or 9972.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/9/9/7/9972/ + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Thomas Berger +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann + Volume II + +Author: Gerhart Hauptmann + +Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9972] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on November 5, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO Latin-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DRAMATIC WORKS OF *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Thomas Berger and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + +THE DRAMATIC WORKS + +OF + +GERHART HAUPTMANN + +(Authorized Edition) + + + +Edited By LUDWIG LEWISOHN + +Assistant Professor in The Ohio State University + + + +VOLUME TWO: SOCIAL DRAMAS + + +1913 + + + + +CONTENTS + + +INTRODUCTION +_By the Editor_. + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL (Fuhrmann Henschel) +_Translated by the Editor_. + +ROSE BERND (Rose Bernd) +_Translated by the Editor_. + +THE RATS (Die Ratten) +_Translated by the Editor_. + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +The first volume of the present edition of Hauptmann's Dramatic Works is +identical in content with the corresponding volume of the German edition. +In the second volume _The Rats_ has been substituted for two early prose +tales which lie outside of the scope of our undertaking. Hence these two +volumes include that entire group of dramas which Hauptmann himself +specifically calls social. This term must not, of course, be pressed too +rigidly. Only in _Before Dawn_ and in _The Weavers_ can the dramatic +situation be said to arise wholly from social conditions rather than from +the fate of the individual. It is true, however, that in the seven plays +thus far presented all characters are viewed primarily as, in a large +measure, the results of their social environment. This environment is, in +all cases, proportionately stressed. To exhibit it fully Hauptmann uses, +beyond any other dramatist, passages which, though always dramatic in +form, are narrative and, above all, descriptive in intention. The silent +burden of these plays, the ceaseless implication of their fables, is the +injustice and inhumanity of the social order. + +Hauptmann, however, has very little of the narrow and acrid temper of the +special pleader. He is content to show humanity. It is quite conceivable +that the future, forgetful of the special social problems and the +humanitarian cult of to-day, may view these plays as simply bodying forth +the passions and events that are timeless and constant in the inevitable +march of human life. The tragedies of _Drayman Henschel_ and of _Rose +Bernd_, at all events, stand in no need of the label of any decade. They +move us by their breadth and energy and fundamental tenderness. + +No plays of Hauptmann produce more surely the impression of having been +dipped from the fullness of life. One does not feel that these men and +women--Hanne Schael and Siebenhaar, old Bernd and the Flamms--are called +into a brief existence as foils or props of the protagonists. They led +their lives before the plays began: they continue to live in the +imagination long after Henschel and Rose have succumbed. How does +Christopher Flamm, that excellent fellow and most breathing picture of +the average man, adjust his affairs? He is fine enough to be permanently +stirred by the tragedy he has earned, yet coarse enough to fall back into +a merely sensuous life of meaningless pleasures. But at his side sits +that exquisite monitor--his wife. The stream of their lives must flow on. +And one asks how and whither? To apply such almost inevitable questions +to Hauptmann's characters is to be struck at once by the exactness and +largeness of his vision of men. Few other dramatists impress one with an +equal sense of life's fullness and continuity, + +"The flowing, flowing, flowing of the world." + +The last play in this volume, _The Rats_, appeared in 1911, thirteen +years after _Drayman Henschel_, nine years after _Rose Bernd_. A first +reading of the book is apt to provoke disappointment and confusion. Upon +a closer view, however, the play is seen to be both powerful in itself +and important as a document in criticism and _Kulturgeschichte_. It +stands alone among Hauptmann's works in its inclusion of two separate +actions or plots--the tragedy of Mrs. John and the comedy of the +Hassenreuter group. Nor can the actions be said to be firmly interwoven: +they appear, at first sight, merely juxtaposed. Hauptmann would +undoubtedly assert that, in modern society, the various social classes +live in just such juxtaposition and have contacts of just the kind here +chronicled. His real purpose in combining the two fables is more +significant. Following the great example, though not the precise method, +of Moliere, who produced _La Critique de l'Ecole des Femmes_ on the +boards of his theater five months after the hostile reception of _L'Ecole +des Femmes_, Hauptmann gives us a naturalistic tragedy and, at the same +time, its criticism and defense. His tenacity to the ideals of his youth +is impressively illustrated here. In his own work he has created a new +idealism. But let it not be thought that his understanding of tragedy and +his sense of human values have changed. The charwoman may, in very truth, +be a Muse of tragedy, all grief is of an equal sacredness, and even the +incomparable Hassenreuter--wind-bag, chauvinist and consistent +_Goetheaner_--is forced by the essential soundness of his heart to blurt +out an admission of the basic principle of naturalistic dramaturgy. + +The group of characters in _The Rats_ is unusually large and varied. The +phantastic note is somewhat strained perhaps in Quaquaro and Mrs. Knobbe. +But the convincingness and earth-rooted humanity of the others is once +more beyond cavil or dispute. The Hassenreuter family, Alice Ruetterbusch, +the Spittas, Paul John and Bruno Mechelke, Mrs. Kielbacke and even the +policeman Schierke--all are superbly alive, vigorous and racy in speech +and action. + +The language of the plays in this volume is again almost wholly +dialectic. The linguistic difficulties are especially great in _The Rats_ +where the members of the Berlin populace speak an extraordinarily +degraded jargon. In the translation I have sought, so far as possible, to +differentiate the savour and quaintness of the Silesian dialect from the +coarseness of that of Berlin. But all such attempts must, from their very +nature, achieve only a partial success. The succeeding volumes of this +edition, presenting the plays written in normal literary German, will +offer a fairer if not more fascinating field of interpretation. + +LUDWIG LEWISOHN. + + + + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL + + + + +_LIST OF PERSONS_ + + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL. + +MRS. HENSCHEL. + +HANNE SCHAeL (_later MRS. HENSCHEL_). + +BERTHA. + +HORSE DEALER WALTHER. + +SIEBENHAAR. + +KARLCHEN. + +WERMELSKIRCH. + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH. + +FRANZISKA WERMELSKIRCH. + +HAUFFE. + +FRANZ. + +GEORGE. + +FABIG. + +HILDEBRANT. + +VETERINARIAN GRUNERT. + +FIREMAN. + +Time: Toward the end of the eighteen sixties. +Scene: The "Gray Swan" hotel in a Silesian watering place. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _A room, furnished peasant fashion, in the basement of the "Grey + Swan" hotel. Through two windows set high in the left wall, the + gloomy light of a late winter afternoon sickers in. Under the windows + there stands a bed of soft wood, varnished yellow, in which MRS. + HENSCHEL is lying ill. She is about thirty-six years of age. Near the + bed her little six-months-old daughter lies in her cradle. A second + bed stands against the back wall which, like the other walls, is + painted blue with a dark, plain border near the ceiling. In front, + toward the right, stands a great tile-oven surrounded by a bench. A + plentiful supply of small split kindling wood is piled up in the + roomy bin. The wall to the right has a door leading to a smaller + room. HANNE SCHAeL, a vigorous, young maid servant is very busy in the + room. She has put her wooden pattens aside and walks about in her + thick, blue stockings. She takes from the oven an iron pot in which + food is cooking and puts it back again. Cooking spoons, a twirling + stick and a strainer lie on the bench; also a large, thick + earthenware jug with a thin, firmly corked neck. Beneath the bench + stands the water pitcher. HANNE'S skirts are gathered up in a thick + pad; her bodice is dark grey; her muscular arms are bare. Around the + top of the oven is fastened a square wooden rod, on which long + hunting stockings are hung up to dry, as well as swaddling clothes, + leathern breeches and a pair of tall, water-tight boots. To the right + of the oven stand a clothes press and a chest of drawers--old + fashioned, gaily coloured, Silesian pieces of furniture. Through the + open door in the rear wall one looks out upon a dark, broad, + underground corridor which ends in a glass door with manicoloured + panes. Behind this door wooden steps lead upward. These stairs are + always illuminated by a jet of gas so that the panes of the door + shine brightly. It is in the middle of February; the weather without + is stormy._ + + _FRANZ, a young fellow in sober coachman's livery, ready to drive + out, looks in._ + +FRANZ + +Hanne! + +HANNE + +Eh? + +FRANZ + +Is the missis asleep? + +HANNE + +What d'you suppose? Don't make so much noise! + +FRANZ + +There's doors enough slammin' in this house. If that don't wake her up--! +I'm goin' to drive the carriage to Waldenburg. + +HANNE + +Who's goin'? + +FRANZ + +The madam. She's goin' to buy birthday presents. + +HANNE + +Whose birthday is it? + +FRANZ + +Little Karl's. + +HANNE + +Great goin's on--those. To hitch up the horses on account o' that fool of +a kid an' travel to Waldenburg in such weather! + +FRANZ + +Well, I has my fur coat! + +HANNE + +Those people don't know no more how to get rid o' their money! We got to +slave instead! + + _In the passage appears, slowly feeling his may, the veterinarian + GRUNERT. He is a small man in a coat of black sheep's fur, cap and + tall boots. He taps with the handle of his whip against the door post + in order to call attention to his presence._ + +GRUNERT + +Isn't Henschel at home yet? + +HANNE + +What's wanted of him? + +GRUNERT + +I've come to look at the gelding. + +HANNE + +So you're the doctor from Freiburg, eh? Henschel, he's not at home. He +went to Freiburg carryin' freight; seems to me you must ha' met him. + +GRUNERT + +In which stall do you keep the gelding? + +HANNE + +'Tis the chestnut horse with the white star on his face, I believe they +put him in the spare stall. [_To FRANZ._] You might go along an' show him +the way. + +FRANZ + +Just go straight across the yard, 's far as you can, under the big hall, +right into the coachman's room. Then you c'n ask Frederic; he'll tell +you! + + [_Exit GRUNERT._ + +HANNE + +Well, go along with him. + +FRANZ + +Haven't you got a few pennies change for me? + +HANNE + +I s'pose you want me to sell my skin on your account? + +FRANZ + +[_Tickling her._] I'd buy it right off. + +HANNE + +Franz! Don't you--! D'you want the woman to wake up? You don't feel reel +well, do you, if you can't wring a few farthings out o' me! I'm fair +cleaned out. [_Rummaging for the money._] Here! [_She presses something +into his hand._] Now get out! + + [_The bell rings._ + +FRANZ + +[_Frightened._] That's the master. Good-bye. + + [_He goes hastily._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Has waked up and says weakly._] Girl! Girl! Don't you hear nothin'? + +HANNE + +[_Roughly._] What d'you want? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I want you to listen when a body calls you! + +HANNE + +I hear all right! But if you don't talk louder I can't hear. I got only +just two ears. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Are you goin' to cut up rough again? + +HANNE + +[_Surly._] Ah, what do I--! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Is that right, eh? Is it right o' you to talk rough like that to a sick +woman? + +HANNE + +Who starts it, I'd like to know! You don't hardly wake up but what you +begin to torment me. Nothin's done right, no matter how you do it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's because you don't mind me! + +HANNE + +You better be doin' your work yourself. I slaves away all day an' half o' +the night! But if things is that way--I'd rather go about my business! + + [_She lets her skirts fall and runs out._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Girl! Girl!--Don't do that to me! What is it I said that was so bad? O +Lord, O Lord! What'll happen when the men folks comes home? They wants to +eat! No, girl ... girl! + + [_She sinks back exhausted, moans softly, and begins to rock her + baby's cradle by means of a cord which is within her reach._ + + _Through the glass door in the rear KARLCHEN squeezes himself in with + some difficulty. He carries a dish full of soup and moves carefully + and timidly toward MRS. HENSCHEL'S bed. There he sets down the dish + on a wooden chair._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, Karlchen, is that you! Do tell me what you're bringin' me there? + +KARLCHEN + +Soup! Mother sends her regards and hopes you'll soon feel better and that +you'll like the soup, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, little lad, you're the best of 'em all. Chicken soup! 'Tis not +possible. Well, tell your mother I thank her most kindly. D'you hear? +Don't go an' forget that! Now I'll tell you somethin', Karlchen! You c'n +do me a favour, will you? See that rag over there? Get on this bench, +will you, an' pull the pot out a bit. The girl's gone off an' she put it +too far in. + +KARLCHEN + +[_After he has found the rag mounts the bench cheerfully and looks into +the oven. He asks:_] The black pot or the blue one, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What's in the blue pot? + +KARLCHEN + +Sauerkraut. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Agitated._] Pull it out! That'll be boilin' to nothin'!--Eh, what a +girl, what a girl! + +KARLCHEN + +[_Has pulled the pot in question forward._] Is this right? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You c'n let it stand that way! Come here a bit now an' I'll give you a +piece o' whip cord. [_She takes the cord from the window-sill and gives +it to him._] An' how is your mother? + +KARLCHEN + +She's well. She's gone to Waldenburg to buy things for my birthday. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not well, myself. I think I'm goin' to die! + +KARLCHEN + +Oh, no, Mrs. Henschel! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, you c'n believe me; I'm goin' to die. For all I care you can +say so to your mother. + +KARLCHEN + +I'm goin' to get a Bashly cap, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, you c'n believe me. Come over here a bit. Keep reel still an' +listen. D'you hear how it ticks? D'you hear how it ticks in the rotten +wood? + +KARLCHEN + +[_Whose wrist she holds in her fevered grasp._] I'm afraid, Mrs. +Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, never mind. We all has to die! D'you hear how it ticks? Do you? What +is that? 'Tis the deathwatch that ticks. [_She falls back._] One ... two +... one ...--Oh, what a girl, what a girl! + + _KARLCHEN, released from her grasp, withdraws timidly toward the + door. When his hand is on the knob of the glass door a sudden terror + overtakes him. He tears the door open and slams it behind him with + such force that the panes rattle. Immediately thereupon a vigorous + cracking of whips is heard without. Hearing this noise MRS. HENSCHEL + starts up violently._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's father comin'! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Out in the hallway and yet unseen._] Doctor, what are we goin' to do +with the beast? + + [_He and the veterinarian are visible through the doorway._ + +GRUNERT + +He won't let you come near him. We'll have to put the twitch on him, I +think. + +HENSCHEL + +[_He is a man of athletic build, about forty-five years old. He wears a +fur cap, a jacket of sheep's fur under which his blue carter's blouse is +visible, tall boots, green hunting stockings. He carries a whip and a +burning lantern._] I don't know no more what's wrong with that beast. I +carted some hard coal from the mine yesterday. I came home an' unhitched, +an' put the horses in the stable, an'--that very minute--the beast throws +hisself down an' begins to kick. + + [_He puts his long whip in a corner and hangs up his cap._ + + _HANNE returns and takes up her work again, although visibly + enraged._ + +HENSCHEL + +Girl, get a light! + +HANNE + +One thing after another! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Puts out the light in the lantern and hangs it up._] Heaven only knows +what all this is comin' to. First my wife gets sick! Then this here horse +drops down! It looks as if somethin' or somebody had it in for me! I +bought that gelding Christmas time from Walther. Two weeks after an' the +beast's lame. I'll show him. Two hundred crowns I paid. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Is it rainin' outside? + +HENSCHEL + +[_In passing._] Yes, yes, mother; it's rainin'.--An' it's a man's own +brother-in-law that takes him in that way. + + [_He sits down on the bench._ + + _HANNE has lit a tallow candle and puts it into a candle stick of + tin, which she sets on the table._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're too good, father. That's what it is. You don't think no evil o' +people. + +GRUNERT + +[_Sitting down at the table and writing a prescription._] I'll write down +something for you to get from the chemist. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +No, I tell you, if that chestnut dies on top o' everythin' else--! I +don't believe God's meanin' to let that happen! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Holding out his leg to HANNE._] Come, pull off my boots for me! That +was a wind that blew down here on the road from Freiburg. People tell me +it unroofed the church in the lower village more'n half, [_To HANNE._] +Just keep on tuggin'! Can't you get it? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_To HANNE._] I don't know! You don't seem to learn nothin'! + + [_HANNE succeeds in pulling off one boot. She puts it aside and + starts on the other._ + +HENSCHEL + +Keep still, mother! You don't do it any better! + +HANNE + +[_Pulls off the second boot and puts it aside. Then in a surly voice to +HENSCHEL._] Did you bring me my apron from Kramsta? + +HENSCHEL + +All the things I'm axed to keep in my head! I'm content if I c'n keep my +own bit of business straight an' get my boxes safe to the railroad. What +do I care about women or their apron-strings? + +GRUNERT + +No, you're not famous for caring about them. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' it'd be a bad thing if he was! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Slips on wooden pattens and rises. To HANNE._] Hurry now! Hurry! We got +to get our dinner. This very day we still has to go down to the smithy. + +GRUNERT + +[_Has finished writing his prescription, which he leaves lying on the +table. He slips his note book and pencil back into his pocket and says as +he is about to go:_] You'll hurry this to the chemist's. I'll look in +early in the morning. + + [_HENSCHEL sits down at the table._ + + _HAUFFE comes in slowly. He has wooden pattens on and leathern + breeches and also carries a lighted lantern._ + +HAUFFE + +That's dirty weather for you again! + +HENSCHEL + +How's it goin' in the stable? + +HAUFFE + +He's goin' to end by knockin' down the whole stall. + + [_He blows out the light in the lantern and hangs it up next to + HENSCHEL'S._ + +GRUNERT + +Good night to all of you. All we can do is to wait. We doctors are only +human too. + +HENSCHEL + +To be sure. We know that without your telling us! Good night; I hope you +won't overturn. [_GRUNERT goes._] Now tell me, mother, how is it with +you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh. I've been worritin' so much again! + +HENSCHEL + +What is it that worries you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Because for all I c'n do, I'm not able to lend a hand even. + + _HANNE places a disk of dumplings and one of sauerkraut on the table; + she takes forks from the table drawer and puts them on the table._ + +HENSCHEL + +The girl's here to do the work! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A girl like her is that thoughtless! + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, we gets enough to eat an' everythin' seems to go smoothly.--If you +hadn't got up out o' bed too soon the first time, you might be dancin' +this day! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +O Lord, me an' dancin'. What an idea! + + _HANNE has prepared three plates, putting a small piece of pork on + each. She now draws up a stool for herself and sits down at the + table._ + +HAUFFE + +There's not much left o' the oats, neither. + +HENSCHEL + +I bought some yesterday; thirty sacks. Saturday a load o' hay'll come +too. The feed gets dearer all the time. + +HAUFFE + +If the beasts is to work they has to eat. + +HENSCHEL + +But people thinks they live on air, an' so everybody wants to cut down +the carting charges. + +HAUFFE + +He said somethin' like that to me too. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who said that--the inspector? + +HENSCHEL + +Who else but him? But this time he met the wrong man. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, well, I'm not sayin', but that's the end of everythin'! What's to +become of us these hard times? + +HANNE + +The inspector of roads was here. He wants you to send him teams for the +big steam roller, I believe. They're in Hinterhartau now. + + _Behind the glass door MR. SIEBENHAAR is seen descending the stairs. + He is little over forty. Most carefully dressed; black broadcloth + coat, white waist-coat, light-coloured, English trousers--an elegance + of attire derived from the style of the 'sixties. His hair, already + grey, leaves the top of his head bald; his moustache, on the + contrary, is thick and dark blond. SIEBENHAAR wears gold-rimmed + spectacles. When he desires to see anything with exactness, he must + use, in addition, a pair of eye-glasses which he slips in behind the + lenses of his spectacles. He represents an intelligent type._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Approaches the open door of the room. In his right hand he holds a +candle-stick of tin with an unlit candle in it and a bunch of keys; with +his left hand he shades his sensitive eyes._] Has Henschel come back yet? + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, Mr. Siebenhaar. + +SIEBENHAAR + +But you're just at your dinner. I have something to do in the cellar. We +can talk that matter over later. + +HENSCHEL + +No, no; you needn't put nothin' off on my account. I'm through! + +SIEBENHAAR + +In that case you'd better come up to see me. [_He enters the room and +lights his candle by the one which is burning on the table._] I'll only +get a light here now. We're more undisturbed in my office.--How are you, +Mrs. Henschel? How did you like the chicken-soup? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, goodness, gracious! I clean forgot about it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Is that so, indeed? + +HANNE + +[_Discovering the dish of chicken soup._] That's true; there it stands. + +HENSCHEL + +That's the way that woman is! She'd like to get well an' she forgets to +eat and to drink. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_As a violent gust of wind is felt even indoors._] Do tell me: what do +you think of it? My wife's driven over to Waldenburg, and the weather is +getting wilder and wilder. I'm really beginning to get worried. What's +your opinion? + +HENSCHEL + +I s'pose it sounds worse than it is. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, well, one shouldn't take such risks. Didn't you hear that rattling? +The wind broke one of the large windows in the dining-hall looking out +over the verandah. You know. It's a tremendous storm! + +HENSCHEL + +Who'd ha' thought it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That'll be costin' you a good bit again! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Leaving the room by way of the passage to the left._] There's nothing +inexpensive except death. + +HENSCHEL + +He's got his bunch o' troubles like the rest of us. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What do you think he wants o' you again, father? + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin'! How c'n I tell? I'll hear what he says. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I do hope he won't be askin' for money again. + +HENSCHEL + +Don't begin talkin' nonsense, mother. + +HANNE + +But if them people is as hard up as all that, why does the woman has to +have a twenty shillin' hat? + +HENSCHEL + +You hold your tongue! No one asked you! You poke your nose over your +kneadin' board an' not into other folks' affairs! It takes somethin' to +keep a hotel like this goin'. Two months in the year he makes money. The +rest o' the time he has to do the best he can. + +HAUFFE + +An' he had to go an' build atop o' that! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' 'twas that as got him in worse'n ever. He should ha' let it be. + +HENSCHEL + +Women don't understand nothin' o' such affairs. He had to build; he +couldn't do no different. We gets more an' more people who come here for +their health nowadays; there wasn't half so many formerly. But in those +times they had money; now they wants everythin' for nothin'. Get the +bottle. I'd like to drink a nip o' whiskey. + +HAUFFE + +[_Slowly clasping his knife and getting ready to rise._] Forty rooms, +three big halls, an' nothin' in 'em excep' rats an' mice. How's he goin' +to raise the interest? + + [_He rises._ + + _FRANZISKA WERMELSKIRCH peeps in. She is a pretty, lively girl of + sixteen. She wears her long, dark hair open. Her costume is slightly + eccentric: the skirts white and short, the bodice cut in triangular + shape at the neck, the sash long and gay. Her arms are bare above the + elbows. Around her neck she wears a coloured ribbon from which a + crucifix hangs down._ + +FRANZISKA + +[_Very vivaciously._] Wasn't Mr. Siebenhaar here just now? I wish you a +pleasant meal, ladies and gentlemen! I merely took the liberty of asking +whether Mr. Siebenhaar hadn't been here just now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Gruffly._] We don't know nothin'. He wasn't with us! + +FRANZISKA + +No? I thought he was! + + [_She puts her foot coquettishly on the bench and ties her shoe + strings._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar here an' Mr. Siebenhaar there! What are you always wantin' +of the man? + +FRANZISKA + +I? nothing! But he's so fond of gooseliver. Mama happens to have some and +so papa sent me to tell him so.--By the way, Mr. Henschel, do you know +that you might drop in to see us again, too! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You just let father bide where he is! That'd be a fine way! He's not +thinkin' about runnin' into taverns these days. + +FRANZISKA + +We're broaching a new keg to-day, though. + +HENSCHEL + +[_While HAUFFE grins and HANNE laughs._] Mother, you stick to your own +affairs. If I should want to go an' drink a glass o' beer I wouldn't be +askin' nobody's consent, you c'n be sure. + +FRANZISKA + +--How are you anyhow, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, to-morrow I'll be gettin' me a sash too an' take to rope-dancin'. + +FRANZISKA + +I'll join you. I can do that splendidly. I always practice on the +carriage shafts. + +HENSCHEL + +So that's the reason why all the shafts are bent! + +FRANZISKA + +Do you see, this is the way it's done; this is the way to balance +oneself. [_Imitating the movements of a tight rope dancer, she prances +out by the door._] Right leg! Left leg! _Au revoir!_ + + [_Exit._ + +HAUFFE + +[_Taking down his lantern._] She'll go off her head pretty soon if she +don't get no husband. + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If she had to lend a hand an' work good an' hard, she'd get over that +foolishness. + +HANNE + +She's not allowed to come upstairs. Mrs. Siebenhaar won't have her. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' she's right there. I wouldn't bear it neither. + +HANNE + +She's always chasin' an' sniffin' around Mr. Siebenhaar. I'm willin' +people should please theirselves. But she's goin' it hard. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +The Siebenhaars ought to put them people out. The goin's on with the men +an' the wenches. + +HENSCHEL + +Aw, what are you talkin' about, mother? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, in the tap room. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, they has to live same as anybody. D'you want to see 'em put in the +streets? Wermelskirch's not a bad fellow at all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But the woman's an old witch. + +HENSCHEL + +If he pays his rent nothin' won't happen to him on that account. An' not +on account o' the girl by a long way. [_He has arisen and bends over the +cradle._] We've got a little thing like that here too, an' nobody's goin' +to put us out for that! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, that would be ...! She's asleep all the time; she don't seem to want +to wake up! + +HENSCHEL + +There's not much strength in her.--Mother, sure you're not goin' to +die!--[_Taking his cap from the nail._] Hanne, I was just foolin' you a +while ago. Your apron is lyin' out there in the waggon. + +HANNE + +[_Eagerly._] Where is it? + +HENSCHEL + +In the basket. Go an' look for it! + + [_HENSCHEL leaves by way of the middle door; HANNE disappears into + the small adjacent room._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +So he brought her the apron after all! + + _HANNE runs quickly through the room again and goes out by the middle + door._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he brought her the apron after all! + + _SIEBENHAAR enters carefully, carrying his candle and keys as before + and, in addition, two bottles of claret._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +All alone, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he brought the apron ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +It's me, Mrs. Henschel. Did you think it was a stranger? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't hardly believe ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +I hope I didn't wake you up. It's me--Siebenhaar. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +To be sure. Yes. To be sure. + +SIEBENHAAR + +And I'm bringing you a little wine which you are to drink. It will do you +good.--Is it possible you don't recognize me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, now, that'd be queer. You are, sure--you are our Mr. Siebenhaar. +Things hasn't come to such a pass with me yet. I recognise you all +right!--I don't know: has I been dreamin' or what? + +SIEBENHAAR + +You may have been. How are you otherwise? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But sure enough you're Siebenhaar. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Perhaps you thought I was your husband! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't know ... I reely can't say ... I was feelin' so queer ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +Seems to me you're not lying comfortably. Let me straighten your pillows +a bit. Does the doctor see you regularly? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With tearful excitement._] I don't know how it is--they just leaves me +alone. No, no, you're Mr. Siebenhaar, I know that. An' I know more'n +that: you was always good to me an' you has a good heart, even if +sometimes you made an angry face. I can tell you: I'm that afraid! I'm +always thinkin': it don't go quick enough for him. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What doesn't go quick enough? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Bursting into tears._] I'm livin' too long for him--! But what's to +become o' Gustel? + +SIEBENHAAR + +But, my dear Mrs. Henschel, what kind of talk is that? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Sobbing softly to herself._] What's to become o' Gustel if I die? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Mrs. Henschel, you're a sensible woman! And so do listen to me! If one +has to lie quietly in bed, you see, the way you have had to do +unfortunately--week after week--why then one naturally has all kinds of +foolish thoughts come into one's head. One has all sorts of sickly +fancies. But one must resist all that resolutely, Mrs. Henschel! Why, +that would be a fine state of affairs, if that--! Such stuff! Put it out +of your mind, Mrs. Henschel! it's folly! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Dear me, I didn't want to believe it: I know what I says! + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's just what you don't know. That's just what, unfortunately, you +don't know at present. You will simply laugh when you look back upon, it +later. Simply laugh! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Breaking out passionately._] Didn't he go an' see her where she sleeps! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Utterly astonished but thoroughly incredulous._] Who went to see whom? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Henschel! The girl! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Your husband? And Hanne? Now look here; whoever persuaded you of that is +a rascally liar. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' when I'm dead he'll marry her anyhow! + + _HENSCHEL appears in the doorway._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +You're suffering from hallucinations, Mrs. Henschel! + +HENSCHEL + +[_In good-natured astonishment._] What's the matter, Malchen? Why are you +cryin' so? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you mustn't leave your wife alone! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Approaches the bed in kindly fashion._] Who's doin' anythin' to you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Throws herself in sullen rage on her other side, turning her back to +HENSCHEL and facing the wall._] ... Aw, leave me in peace! + +HENSCHEL + +What's the meanin' o' this? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Snarling at him through her sobs._] Oh, go away from me! + + _HENSCHEL, visibly taken aback, looks questioningly at SIEBENHAAR, + who polishes his glasses and shakes his head._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Softly._] I wouldn't bother her just now. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_As before._] You're wishin' me into my grave! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To HENSCHEL, who is about to fly into a rage._] Sh! Do me the favour to +keep still! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A body has eyes. A body's not blind! You don't has to let me know +everythin'. I'm no good for nothin' no more; I c'n go! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Controlling himself._] What do you mean by that, Malchen? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's right! Go on pretendin'! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Perplexed in the extreme._] Now do tell me--anybody ...! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Things c'n go any way they wants to ... I won't be deceived, an' you c'n +all sneak aroun' all you want to! I c'n see through a stone wall! I c'n +see you for all--yes--for all! You thinks: a woman like that is easy to +deceive. Rot, says I! One thing I tell you now--If I dies, Gustel dies +along with me! I'll take her with me! I'll strangle her before I'd leave +her to a damned wench like that! + +HENSCHEL + +But mother, what's come over you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're wishin' me into my grave! + +HENSCHEL + +Hold on, now, hold on! Or I'll be gettin' wild! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Warning him softly._] Be calm, Henschel. The woman is ill. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Who has overheard._] Ill? An' who was it made me ill? You two--you an' +your wench! + +HENSCHEL + +Now I'd like to know who in the world put notions like that into your +head? The girl an' I! I don't understand the whole blasted thing! I'm +supposed to have dealin's with her? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Don't you fetch aprons an' ribands for her? + +HENSCHEL + +[_With renewed perplexity._] Aprons and ribands? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, aprons and ribands. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, that's the queerest thing--! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Don't you think everythin' she does right an' fine? D'you ever give her a +angry word? She's like the missis of the house this very day. + +HENSCHEL + +Mother, keep still: I'm advisin' you! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +'Tis you that has to keep still, 'cause there's nothin' you c'n say! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Standing by the bed._] Mrs. Henschel, you must collect yourself! All +this you're saying is the merest fancy! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're no better'n he; you don't do no different! An' the poor +women--they dies of it! [_Dissolved in self-pitying tears._] Well, let +'em die! + + _SIEBENHAAR gives a short laugh with an undertone of seriousness, + steps up to the table and opens one of the bottles of wine + resignedly._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Sitting on the edge of the bed speaks soothingly_] Mother, mother--you +turn over now an' I'll say a word to you in kindness. [_He turns her over +with kindly violence._] Look at it this way, mother: You've been havin' a +dream. You dreamed--that's it! Our little dog, he dreams queer things too +now an' then. You c'n see it. But now wake up, mother! Y'understan'? The +stuff you been talkin'--if a man wanted to make a load o' that the +strongest freight waggon'd break down. My head's fair spinnin' with it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Having looked for and found a glass which he now fills._] And then you +raked me over the coals too! + +HENSCHEL + +Don't take no offence, sir. A woman like that! A man has his troubles +with her.--Now you hurry up, mother, an' get well, or some fine day +you'll be tellin' me I been to Bolkenhain an' stole horses. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Here, drink your wine and try to gain some strength. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If only a body could be sure! + + _SIEBENHAAR supports her while she drinks._ + +HENSCHEL + +What's wrong now again? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_After she has drunk._] Could you give me a promise? + +HENSCHEL + +I'll give you any promise you wants. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If I dies, would you go an' marry her? + +HENSCHEL + +Don't ask such fool questions. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes or no! + +HENSCHEL + +Marry Hanne? [_Jestingly._] O' course I would! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I mean it--serious ...! + +HENSCHEL + +Now I just wish you'd listen to this, Mr. Siebenhaar! What's a man to +say? You're not goin' to die! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But if I does? + +HENSCHEL + +I won't marry her anyhow! Now you see? An' now you know it! We can make +an end o' this business. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Can you promise it? + +HENSCHEL + +Promise what? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That you wouldn't go an' marry the girl! + +HENSCHEL + +I'll promise, too; I'm willin' to. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' you'll give me your hand in token? + +HENSCHEL + +I'm tellin' you: Yes. [_He puts his hand into hers._] But now it's all +right. Now don't worry me no more with such stuff. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _A beautiful forenoon in May._ + + _The same room as in the first act. The bed, in which MRS. HENSCHEL + lay, is no longer there. The window which it covered is wide open. + HANNE, her face toward the window, her sleeves turned up above her + elbows, is busy at the washtub._ + + _FRANZ, his shirt-sleeves and trousers also rolled up, his bare feet + in wooden pattens, comes in carrying a pail. He has been washing + waggons._ + +FRANZ + +[_With awkward merriment._] Hanne, I'm comin' to see you! Lord A'mighty! +Has you got such a thing as some warm water? + +HANNE + +[_Angrily throwing the piece of linen which she has on the washboard back +into the tub and going over to the oven._] You come in here a sight too +often! + +FRANZ + +Is that so? What's wrong, eh? + +HANNE + +[_Pouring hot water into the pail._] Don't stop to ask questions. I got +no time. + +FRANZ + +I'm washin' waggons; I'm not idlin' neither. + +HANNE + +[_Violently._] You're to leave me alone! That's what you're to do! I've +told you that more'n once! + +FRANZ + +What am I doin' to you? + +HANNE + +You're not to keep runnin' after me! + +FRANZ + +You've forgotten, maybe, how it is with us? + +HANNE + +How 'tis with us? No ways; nothin'! You go you way an' I goes mine, an' +that's how it is! + +FRANZ + +That's somethin' bran' new! + +HANNE + +It's mighty old to me! + +FRANZ + +That's how it seems.--Hanne, what's come between us! + +HANNE + +Nothin', nothin'! Only just leave me alone! + +FRANZ + +Has you anythin' to complain of? I been true to you! + +HANNE + +Oh, for all I care! That's none o' my business! Carry on with anybody you +want to! I got nothin' against it! + +FRANZ + +Since when has you been feelin' that way? + +HANNE + +Since the beginnin' o' time! + +FRANZ + +[_Moved and tearful._] Aw, you're just lyin', Hanne! + +HANNE + +You don't need to start that way at me. 'Twon't do you no good with me! I +don't let a feller like you tell me I'm lyin'! An' now I just want you to +know how things is. If your skin's that thick that you can't be made to +notice nothin' I'll tell you right out to your face: It's all over +between us! + +FRANZ + +D'you really mean that, Hanne? + +HANNE + +All over--an' I want you to remember that. + +FRANZ + +I'll remember it all right! [_More and more excited and finally weeping +more than speaking._] You don't need to think I'm such a fool; I noticed +it long before to-day. But I kept thinkin' you'd come to your senses. + +HANNE + +That's just what I've done. + +FRANZ + +It's all the way you look at it. I'm a poor devil--that's certain; an' +Henschel--he's got a chest full o' money. There's one way, come to think +of it, in which maybe you has come to your senses. + +HANNE + +You start at me with such talk an' it just makes things worse an' worse. +That's all. + +FRANZ + +It's not true, eh? You're not schemin' right on to be Mrs. Henschel? I'm +not right, eh? + +HANNE + +That's my business. That don't concern you. We all has to look out for +ourselves. + +FRANZ + +Well, now, supposin' I was to look out for myself, an' goes to Henschel +an' says: Hanne, she promised to marry me; we was agreed, an' so.... + +HANNE + +Try it, that's all I says. + +FRANZ + +[_Almost weeping with pain and rage._] An' I will try it, too! You take +care o' yourself an' I'll take care o' myself. If that's the way you're +goin' to act, I c'n do the same! [_With a sudden change of front._] But I +don't want to have nothin' more to do with you! You c'n throw yourself at +his head for all I cares! A crittur like you isn't good enough for me! + + [_Exit hastily._ + +HANNE + +So it worked at last. An' that's all right. + + _While HANNE continues busy at her washing, WERMELSKIRCH appears in + the passage at the rear. He is a man in the fifties; the former actor + is unmistakable in him. He wears a thread-bare dressing-gown, + embroidered slippers, and smokes a very long pipe._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Having looked in for a while without being noticed by HANNE._] Did you +hear him cough? + +HANNE + +Who? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why, a guest--a patient--has arrived upstairs. + +HANNE + +'Tis time they began to come. We're in the middle of May. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Slowly crosses the threshold and hums throatily._] + + A pulmonary subject I, + Tra la la la la, bum bum! + It can't last long until I die, + Tra la la la la, bum bum! + +[_HANNE laughs over her washing._] Things like that really do one good. +They show that the summer is coming. + +HANNE + +One swallow don't make no summer, though! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Clears a space for himself on the bench and sits down._] Where is +Henschel? + +HANNE + +Why he went down, to the cemetery to-day. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +To be sure, it's his wife's birthday. [_Pause._] It was a deuce of a blow +to him, that's certain.--Tell me, when is he coming back? + +HANNE + +I don't know why he had to go an' drive there at all. We needs the horses +like anything an' he took the new coachman with him too. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I tell you, Hanne, anger spoils one's appetite. + +HANNE + +Well, I can't help bein' angry! He leaves everythin' in a mess. The 'bus +is to leave on time! An' the one-horse carriage sticks in the mud out +there an' Hauffe can't budge it! The old fellow is as stiff as a goat! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Yes, things are beginning to look busy. The _chef_ upstairs starts in +to-day. It's beginning to look up in the tap-room too. + +HANNE + +[_With a short derisive laugh._] You don't look, though, as if you had +much to do! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Taking no offence._] Oh, that comes later, at eleven o'clock. But then +I'm like a locomotive engine! + +HANNE + +I believe you. There'll be a lot o' smoke. You won't let your pipe get +cold whatever happens. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Smiling a little._] You're pleased to be pointed in your +remarks--pointed as a needle.--We've got to-day, for our table music, +wait now, let me think--: First of all, a bass violin; secondly, two +cellos; thirdly, two first violins and two second violins. Three first, +two second, three second, two first: I'm getting mixed up now. At all +events we have ten men from the public orchestra. What are you laughing +at? Do you think I'm fooling you? You'll see for yourself. The bass +violin alone will eat enough for ten. There'll be work enough to do! + +HANNE + +[_Laughing heartily._] Of course: the cook'll have a lot to do! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Simply._] My wife, my daughter, the whole of my family--we have to work +honestly and hard.--And when the summer is over we've worked ourselves to +the bone--for nothing! + +HANNE + +I don't see what you has to complain of. You've got the best business in +the house. Your taproom don't get empty, if it's summer or winter. If I +was Siebenhaar upstairs, you'd have to whistle a different tune for me. +You wouldn't be gettin' off with no three hundred crowns o' rent. There +wouldn't be no use comin' around me with less'n a thousand. An' then +you'd be doin' well enough for yourself! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Has arisen and walks about whistling._] Would you like anything else? +You frighten me so that my pipe goes out! + + _GEORGE, a young, alert, neat waiter comes very rapidly down the + stairs behind the glass door, carrying a tray with breakfast service. + While still behind the door he stops short, opens the door, however, + and gazes up and down the passage way._ + +GEORGE + +Confound it all! What's this place here? + +HANNE + +[_Laughing over her tub._] You've lost your way! You has to go back! + +GEORGE + +It's enough, God knows, to make a feller dizzy, No horse couldn't find +his way about this place. + +HANNE + +You've just taken service here, eh? + +GEORGE + +Well o' course! I came yesterday. But tell me, ladies an' gentlemen! +Nothin' like this has ever happened to me before. I've been in a good +many houses but here you has to take along a kind o' mountain guide to +find your way. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Exaggerating the waiter's Saxonian accent._] Tell me, are you from +Dresden, maybe? + +GEORGE + +Meissen is my native city. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_As before._] Good Lord A'mighty, is that so indeed? + +GEORGE + +How do I get out of here, tell me that! + +HANNE + +[_Alert, mobile, and coquettish in her way in the waiter's presence._] +You has to go back up the stairs. We has no use down here for your +swallow tails. + +GEORGE + +This is the first story, eh? Best part o' the house? + +HANNE + +You mean the kennels or somethin' like that? We'll show you--that we +will! The very best people live down here! + +GEORGE + +[_Intimately and flirtatiously._] Young woman, do you know what? You come +along an' show me the way? With you I wouldn't be a bit afraid, no matter +where you lead me to. I'd go into the cellar with you or up into the hay +loft either. + +HANNE + +You stay out o' here! You're the right kind you are! We've got enough of +your sort without you. + +GEORGE + +Young woman, do you want me to help with the washin'? + +HANNE + +No! But if you're aimin' at it exackly, I c'n help you to get along! +[_Half drawing a piece of linen out of the suds._] Then you'd be lookin' +to see where your starched shirt-front went to! + +GEORGE + +O dear! You're not goin' to mess me up that way, are you? Well, well, +that wouldn't do! We'd have to have a talk about that first! That so, +young woman? Well, o' course! We'll talk about it--when I has time, +later. + + [_He mounts the stairs and disappears._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +He won't lose his way very often after this! Siebenhaar will see to it +that he gets to know the way from the dining hall to the kitchen.--Hanne, +when is Henschel coming back? + +HANNE + +About noon, I s'pose! D'you want me to give him a message? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Tell him--don't forget, now--tell him that I--send him my regards. + +HANNE + +Such foolishness. I might ha' thought ...! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Passing her with a slight bow._] Thoughts are free ... I wish you a +good morning. + + [_Exit._ + +HANNE + +[_Alone, washing vigorously._] If only Henschel wasn't such a fool! + + _Above the cellar, outside, the pedlar FABIG, kneeling down, looks in + at the window._ + +FABIG + +Good mornin', young woman! How are you? How's everythin'? + +HANNE + +Who are you anyhow? + +FABIG + +Why--Fabig, from Quolsdorf. Don't you know me no more? I'm bringin' you a +greetin' from your father. An' he wants me to tell you ... Or maybe you'd +want me to come in? + +HANNE + +Aw, I know. I believe you. He wants money again. Well, I has none myself. + +FABIG + +I told him that myself. He wouldn't believe me. Are you all alone, young +woman? + +HANNE + +Why d'you ax? + +FABIG + +[_Lowering his voice._] Well now you see, there's more'n one thing I has +on my heart. An', through the window, people might be hearin' it. + +HANNE + +Oh well, I don't care. You c'n come in! [_FABIG disappears from the +window._] That that feller had to be comin' to-day ...! + + [_She dries her hands._ + + _FABIG enters. He is a poorly clad, strangely agile, droll pedlar, + with a sparse beard, about thirty-six years old._ + +FABIG + +A good mornin' to you, young woman. + +HANNE + +[_Fiercely._] First of all, I'm no young woman but a girl. + +FABIG + +[_With cunning._] Maybe so. But from all I hears you'll be married soon. + +HANNE + +That's nothin' but a pack o' mean lies--that's what it is. + +FABIG + +Well, that's what I heard. It's no fault o' mine. People is sayin' it all +over; because Mrs. Henschel died ... + +HANNE + +Well, they can talk for all I care. I does my work. That's all that +concerns me. + +FABIG + +That's the best way. I does that way myself. There's little that folks +hasn't said about me some time ... In Altwasser they says I steals +pigeons. A little dog ran after me ... o' course, they said I stole it. + +HANNE + +Well now, if you got anythin' to say to me, go ahead an' don't waste +words. + +FABIG + +Now you see, there you are. That's what I always says too. People talks a +good deal more'n they ought to. They has a few rags to sell an' they +talks an' talks as if it was an estate. But I'll say just as little as +possible. What I wants to tell you about, young woman--now don't fly up: +the word just slipped out!--I meant to say: lass--what I wants to tell +you about is your daughter. + +HANNE + +[_Violently._] I has no daughter, if you want to know it. The girl that +father is takin' care of, is my sister's child. + +FABIG + +Well now, that's different, that is. We've all been thinkin' the girl was +yours. Where is your sister? + +HANNE + +Who knows where she is? She's not fool enough to tell us. She thinks, +thinks she: they c'n have the trouble an' see how they gets along. + +FABIG + +Well, well, well! There you see again how folks is mistaken. I'd ha' +taken any oath ... an' not me, not me alone, but all the folks over in +Quolsdorf, that you was the mother o' that child. + +HANNE + +Yes, I knows right well who says that o' me. I could call 'em all by +name! They'd all like to make a common wench o' me. But if ever I lays my +hands on 'em I'll give 'em somethin' to remember me by. + +FABIG + +Well, it's a bad business--all of it! Because this is the way it is: the +old man, your father, I needn't be tellin' you--things is as they is--he +don't hardly get sober. He just drinks in one streak. Well, now that your +mother's been dead these two years, he can't leave the little thing--the +girl I mean--at home no more. The bit o' house is empty. An' so he drags +her around in the pubs, in all kinds o' holes, from one village taproom +to the next. If you sees that--it's enough to stir a dumb beast with +pity. + +HANNE + +[_With fierce impatience._] Is it my fault that he swills? + +FABIG + +By no means an' not at all. Nobody c'n keep your old man from doin' his +way! 'Tis only on account o' the child, an' it's that makes a body feel +sorry. But if that there little one can't be taken away from him an' +given in the care o' decent folks, she won't live no ten weeks after +this. + +HANNE + +[_Hardening herself._] That don't concern me. I can't take her. I got all +I can do to get along! + +FABIG + +You'd better come over to Quolsdorf some time an' look into it all. +That'd be best, too. The little girl ... 'tis a purty little thing, with +bits o' hands an' feet like that much porcelain, so dainty an' delicate. + +HANNE + +She's not my child an' she don't concern me. + +FABIG + +Well, you better come over an' see what's to be done. It's hard for +people to see such things goin' on. If a man goes into an inn, in the +middle of the night or some time like that--I got to do that, you see, in +the way o' business--an' sees her sittin' there with the old man in the +midst o' tobacco smoke--I tell you it hurts a body's soul. + +HANNE + +The innkeepers oughtn't to serve him nothin'. If they was to take a stick +an' beat him out o' their places, maybe he'd learn some sense.--A +waggon's just come into the yard. Here you got a sixpence. Now you get +along an' I'll be thinkin' it all over. I can't do nothin' about it this +minute. But if you goes aroun' here in the inns an' talks about it--then +it's all over between us. + +FABIG + +I'll take good care, an' it don't concern me. If it's your child or your +sister's child--I'm not goin' to poke my nose in the parish register, nor +I'm not goin' to say nothin' neither. But if you want a bit o' good +advice,'tis this: Tell Henschel straight out how 'tis. He won't tear your +head off by a long way! + +HANNE + +[_With increasing excitement as HENSCHEL'S voice grows more clearly +audible._] Oh this here jabberin'! It's enough to drive you crazy. + + [_Exit into the adjoining room._ + + _HENSCHEL enters slowly and seriously. He wears a black suit, a top + hat and white knitted gloves._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Remains standing and looks at FABIG with an expression of slow +recollection. Simply and calmly._] Who are you? + +FABIG + +[_Alertly._] I buy rags, waste paper, furniture, cast off clothes, +anythin' that happens to be aroun'. + +HENSCHEL + +[_After a long glance, good-naturedly but with decision._] Out with the +fellow! + + _FABIG withdraws with an embarrassed smile._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Takes off his top-hat and wipes his forehead and neck with a +manicoloured handkerchief. Thereupon, he places his hat on the table and +speaks toward the door of the next room:_] Girl, where are you? + +HANNE + +I'm with Gustel here in the little room. + +HENSCHEL + +All right. I c'n wait. [_He sits down with a sigh that is almost a +groan._] Yes, yes, O Lord--a man has his troubles. + +HANNE + +[_Enters busily._] The dinner'll be ready this minute. + +HENSCHEL + +I can't eat; I'm not hungry. + +HANNE + +Eatin' and drinkin' keeps body an' soul together. I was once in service +with a shepherd, an' he said to us more'n one time: If a body has a +heartache or somethin' like that, even if he feels no hunger, 'tis best +to eat. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, cook your dinner an' we'll see. + +HANNE + +You shouldn't give in to it. Not as much as all that. You got to resign +yourself some time. + +HENSCHEL + +Was that man Horand, the bookbinder, here? + +HANNE + +Everythin's attended to. He made forty new billheads. There they are on +the chest. + +HENSCHEL + +Then the work an' the worry begins again. Drivin' in to Freiburg mornin' +after mornin' an' noon after noon haulin' sick people across the hills. + +HANNE + +You're doin' too much o' the work yourself. Old Hauffe is too slow by +half. I can't help it--if I was you I'd get rid o' him. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Gets up and goes to the window._] I'm sick of it--of the whole haulin' +business. It c'n stop for all I care. I got nothin' against it if it +does. To-day or to-morrow; it's the same to me. All you got to do is to +take the horses to the flayers, to chop up the waggons for kindlin' wood, +an' to get a stout, strong bit o' rope for yourself.--I think I'll go up +an' see Siebenhaar. + +HANNE + +I was wantin' to say somethin' to you when I got a chance. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, what is it, eh? + +HANNE + +You see, it's not easy for me. No, indeed. [_Elaborately tearful._] But +my brother--he needs me that bad. [_Weeping._] I'll have to leave--that's +sure. + +HENSCHEL + +[_In extreme consternation._] You're not right in your mind. Don't start +that kind o' business! + + _HANNE, shedding crocodile tears, holds her apron to her eyes._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well now, look here, lass: you're not goin' to play me that kind of a +trick now! That would be fine! Who's goin' to manage the house? Summer's +almost with us now an' you want to leave me in the lurch? + +HANNE + +[_With the same gesture._] 'Tis the little one I feels sorry for! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't take care of her, who's goin' to? + +HANNE + +[_After a space collecting herself apparently by an effort of the will. +Quietly:_] It can't be done no different. + +HENSCHEL + +Everythin' c'n be done in this world. All you needs is to want to do +it.--You never said nothin' about it before. An' now, suddenly, you talk +about your brother!--Maybe I been offendin' you some way? Don't you feel +suited with me no more? + +HANNE + +There's no end to the gossip that's goin' round. + +HENSCHEL + +What kind o' gossip? + +HANNE + +Oh, I don't know. I'd rather be goin out o' the way of it. + +HENSCHEL + +I'd like to know just what you mean! + +HANNE + +I does my work an' I takes my pay! An' I won't have nobody say such +things o' me. When the wife was still alive I worked all day; now that +she's dead, I don't do no different. People c'n say all they wants to; +I'm tryin' to make you think I'm fine, an' I want dead people's shoes. +I'd rather go into service some other place. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Relieved._] You needn't say no more if that's all it is! + +HANNE + +[_Takes up some piece of work as an excuse for leaving the room._] No, +no, I'll go. I can't never stay! + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Talking after her._] You c'n let people talk an' not say much yourself. +All them tongues has to wag for an occupation. [_He takes off his black +coat and hangs it up. Sighing._] The pack o' troubles don't get no +smaller. + + _SIEBENHAAR comes in slowly. He carries a decanter full of water and + a glass._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +Good morning, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +Good mornin' Mr. Siebenhaar, + +SIEBENHAAR + +Am I disturbing you? + +HENSCHEL + +Not a bit; not at all. You're very welcome. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Placing the decanter and the glass on the table._] I've got to drink +the medicinal spring water again. I'm having that old trouble with my +throat. Well, dear me, a man has to die of something! + +HENSCHEL + +You must just go ahead an' drink the waters. They'll cure you. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Yes, that's just what I'm doing. + +HENSCHEL + +An' not from the Mill Spring nor from the Upper Spring. Ours is the best. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well now, to change the subject. [_Half lost in thought he has been +toying with a sprig of ivy. Now he observes this, starts slightly, runs +his eyes over the top-hat and HENSCHEL himself and says suddenly:_] This +was your wife's birthday, wasn't it? + +HENSCHEL + +She'd ha' been thirty-six years old to-day. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Is it possible? + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, yes, yes. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I'd better leave you alone now. But when it's agreeable to +you--to-morrow maybe, I'd like to talk over some business with you. + +HENSCHEL + +I'd rather you went ahead right now. + +SIEBENHAAR + +It's about the thousand crowns ... + +HENSCHEL + +Before we says any more, Mr. Siebenhaar. You c'n just keep that money +till winter. Why should I be lyin' to you? You see? I don't need the +money. I don't care exackly when I gets it; an' that it's safe, I'm +satisfied o' that. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, Henschel, in that case I'm very grateful to you. You're doing me a +great favour. During the summer I take in money; you know that. Just now +it would have been difficult for me. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you see, so we c'n agree fine. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR. + +[_Walking to and fro._] Yes, yes, I sometimes wonder over myself. I grew +up in this house. And yet, to-day, if I could but make a decent closing +out, I could leave it quite calmly. + +HENSCHEL + +I wouldn't like to go, I must say. I wouldn't hardly know where to go to. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Things have moved ahead with you, Henschel. But the same set of +conditions that has counted in your favour, has been that against which +I've had to struggle to keep my head above water. + +HENSCHEL + +The shoe pinches one man in this place an' another man in that. Who's +goin' to say which is worse off? You see, I got a good, hard blow, too. +An' if I'm goin' to recover ... well, I don't hardly feel like myself +yet. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, there's a time for everything! You'll have to conquer that now. +You must go out among people, hear things, see things, drink a glass of +beer once in a while, plunge into business, perhaps--somehow, put an end +to this sad business. It can't be helped, and so--forward! + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis just as you say! You're quite right! + +SIEBENHAAR + +To be sure, your wife was the best, most faithful woman. There's only one +opinion about that. But you are in the full current of life, Henschel; +you're in your best years; you still have a great deal to do in the +world: who knows how much. You needn't forget your wife on that account; +on the contrary. And that's entirely out of the question in the case of a +man like you. But you must honour her memory in a saner way. This kind of +brooding does no good. I've been watching you for a good while and I +determined, without saying anything, to make a really strong appeal to +you one day. You're letting yourself be actually downed. + +HENSCHEL + +But what's a man to do against it? You're right--that you are; but times +I hardly know what to do! You say: Plunge into business. But there's +somethin' lackin' all around. Four eyes sees better'n two; four +hands--they c'n do a sight more. Now I got all these coaches here in the +summer! An' there's no one to see to things at home! 'Tis not easy, I c'n +tell you that. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I thought that Hanne was quite a capable girl. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you see, she's given me notice, too.--'Tis too hard for a man to +get along without a wife. Yon can't depend on no one. That's just it; +that's just what I says! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Why don't you marry, Henschel? + +HENSCHEL + +'Twould be best!--What c'n I do without a wife? A man like me can't get +along without one. I was thinking in fact, of goin' upstairs an' askin' +the missis if, maybe, she could give me some advice in that direction. +She died an' left me alone in the midst of all these worries.--An', also, +to tell you the truth, this business of mine's not what it used to be. +How long is it goin' to be before the railroad comes here? Well, you see, +we'd put by a little, an' we wanted to buy a small inn--maybe in two +years or so. Well, that can't be done without a woman neither. + +SIEBENHAAR + +True. You won't be able to get along this way permanently. You can't +remain a widower the rest of your life. If for no other reason but for +the child's sake. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what I always says. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Of course I have no right to interfere in your affairs. Still, we're old +friends. To wait, Henschel, just on account of what people will +think--that's sheer nonsense, no more, no less. If you are quite +seriously thinking of marrying again, it would be better both for you and +for the child if you did it soon. You needn't be overhasty; assuredly +not! But if you've quite made up your mind, then--go straight ahead! Why +should you hesitate? [_After a pause during which HENSCHEL scratches his +head._] Have you any one particular in view? + +HENSCHEL + +--If I got some one in view? That's what you'd like to know? Maybe I has. +Only I can't marry her. + +SIEBENHAAR + +But why not? + +HENSCHEL + +You know it yourself. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I? I know it? How's that? + +HENSCHEL + +All you got to do is a little thinkin'. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Shaking his head._] I can't say that I recall at this moment. + +HENSCHEL + +Didn't I have to go an' promise my wife ... + +SIEBENHAAR. + +------?--Oh, yes!!--You mean the girl--Hanne?-- + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +I been thinkin' an' thinkin'. There's no use in denyin' it. When I wakes +up during the night, I can't sleep for a couple o' hours sometimes. I got +to be thinkin' of it all the time. I can't get over it any way!--The +girl's a good girl. She's a bit young for an old fellow like me, but she +c'n work enough for four men. An' she's taken very kindly to Gustel; no +mother could do more'n she. An' the girl's got a head on her, that's +sure, better'n mine. She c'n do sums better'n I can. She might go an' be +a calculator. She knows a bit o' business to the last farthing, even if +six weeks have come an' gone since. I believe she could make a fool o' +two lawyers. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, if you're so thoroughly convinced of all that ...! + +HENSCHEL + +There wouldn't be no better wife for me! An' yet ... an' yet! I can't get +over it. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +I do remember quite dimly now what you mean. It was quite at the end of +her life.--But I confess to you quite frankly: I didn't take that matter +so very seriously. Your wife was in a very excited condition. And that +was caused largely by her illness.--I can't think that that is the main +question. The real question must finally be whether Hanne is really +suitable for you! She has her advantageous qualities: no doubt about +that. There are things about her that I like less. However: who hasn't +some faults. People say that she has a child. + +HENSCHEL + +That she has. I've inquired. Well, even so. I don't care nothin' about +that. Was she to wait for me, eh? She didn't know nothin' about me when +that happened. She's hot-blooded; all right. That'll come out somehow. +When the pears is ripe, they falls to the ground. On that account--no, +that don't trouble me none. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, then! The other matter is trivial. Perhaps not trivial exactly. I +can well understand how it's taken hold of you. Still, one must get free +of it. To be bound by it, in spite of one's saner thought--that's clearly +folly, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +I've said that to myself ten times over. You see, my wife she didn't +never want anythin' but what was for my best good. I mean, in the days +when she was well. She wouldn't want to stand in my way. Wherever she is, +maybe, she'd want to see me get along. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Assuredly. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, I went out to her grave to-day. The missis had a wreath put there +too. I thought to myself I'd better go there, that's what I thought. +Maybe she'll be sendin' you some message. Mother, I said in my thoughts, +give me a sign. Yes or no! Anyway you answers, that way it'll be! An' I +stood, there half an hour.--I prayed, too, an' I put it all to her--just +to myself, o' course--about the child an' the inn an' that I don't know +what to do in my business--but she didn't give me no sign. + + _HANNE enters throwing sidelong glances at the two men, but at once + going energetically to work. She puts the washbench and tub aside and + busies herself at the stove._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To HENSCHEL._] God give the dead peace and blessedness. You are a man; +you're in the midst of life. Why should you need signs and miracles? We +can find our way in this world by depending with fair certainty on our +reason. You simply go your way. You're captain on your own ship. +Overboard with all these fancies and sickly notions! The more I think of +your plan, the more rational it seems to me ... + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, what do you say about it? + +HANNE + +I don't know. How c'n I tell what you're talkin' about? + +HENSCHEL + +You just wait: I'll tell you later. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, good morning, Henschel. I'll see you later. Meanwhile--good luck! + +HENSCHEL + +I'll hope I'll have it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I'm not worried about you. You had a lucky way with you always. + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +Yon shouldn't be sayin' it! 'Tis bad luck. + +HANNE + +If you spits three times, it'll take the curse off. + + [_Pause._] + +HANNE + +I can't help thinkin' as you're too good. + +HENSCHEL + +What makes you think so? + +HANNE + +People just robs you: that's what I says. + +HENSCHEL + +Did you think he wanted somethin' of me? + +HANNE + +Well, what else? He ought to be ashamed to come beggin' o' poor people. + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, you don't know what you're sayin'. + +HANNE + +I knows well enough. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what you don't. An' you couldn't know. But some day, later on, +you'll come to understand.--Now I'll be goin' to the taproom an' buy me a +mug o' beer. It'll be the first time these eight weeks. After that we c'n +eat, an' after the dinner then--listen to me--then we might say a word to +each other. Then we c'n see how everythin' c'n be straightened out.--Or, +maybe, you don't care about it? + +HANNE + +You was sayin' yourself: We c'n see. + +HENSCHEL + +An' that's what I says now. We c'n wait. + + [_Exit._ + + [_Pause._] + +HANNE + +[_Works on undisturbed. When HENSCHEL is out of hearing, she suddenly +ceases, scarcely mastering her joyous excitement, she dries her hands and +tears off her apron. In involuntary triumph:_] I'll show you. Watch out! + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _The same room as tn the two preceding acts._ + + _It is evening toward the end of November. A fire is burning in the + oven; a lighted candle stands on the table. The middle door is + closed. Muffled dance music penetrates into the room from the upper + stories of the house._ + + _HANNE, now MRS. HENSCHEL, sits by the table and knits; she is neatly + and suitably clad in a dress of blue cotton, and wears a red kerchief + across her breast._ + + _HILDEBRANT, the smith, enters. A small, sinewy person._ + +HILDEBRANT + +Good evenin', missis, where's your husband? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Gone to Breslau. He's fetchin' three new horses. + +HILDEBRANT + +Then I s'pose he won't be comin' home to-day, eh? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Not before Monday. + +HILDEBRANT + +Well, this is Saturday.--We've brought back the board waggon. It's +downstairs in the entry way. We had to renew all the four tires. Where's +Hauffe? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He hasn't been with us this long time. + +HILDEBRANT + +So he hasn't. 'Tis nonsense I'm talkin'. I mean the new servant. Is +Schwarzer here? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He's gone along to Breslau. + +HILDEBRANT + +Fact is I knows all about Hauffe. He comes down to the smithy an' just +stands aroun'. He's got nothin' to do yet. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +People says he's beginnin' to drink. + +HILDEBRANT + +I believes it. That's the way it goes. 'Tis bad for an old fellow like +that; nobody wants him now.--What's goin' on up there to-day? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Dancin'! + +HILDEBRANT + +How'd it be if we was to go up there too, missis. Why shouldn't we be +joinin' in a little waltz too? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +They'd open their eyes pretty wide up there if we did.--But what is it +you want of Henschel? + +HILDEBRANT + +His honour, the judge, has a chestnut stallion that don't want to let +hisself be shoed. So we wanted to ax Henschel to step over. If he can't +get any beast to stand still, why then--! Well, good evenin', Mrs. +Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Good evenin'. + + _HILDEBRANT withdraws._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL. + +[_Listens to a dragging noise out in the passage._] What kind of a noise +is that there? [_She steps forward and opens the door._] Who's makin' all +that racket out there? + +FRANZISKA + +[_Comes dancing in._] Get out of the way, Mrs. Henschel! I have no time. + + [_She whirls about in the room to the measure of the waltz heard from + above._] + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, this is a fine way to act! What's the matter with you? Did a mad +dog bite you, maybe? + + _FRANZISKA dances on and hums the melody of the waltz._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_More and more amused._] For heaven's sake! Somethin's goin' to happen +to you!--No, girl, you're goin' clear out o' your mind! + +FRANZISKA + +[_Sinks exhausted into a chair as the music breaks off._] Oh, Mrs. +Henschel, I could dance myself to death! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing._] At this here rate I believes you! It makes a body feel +dizzy just to watch you. + +FRANZISKA + +Don't you dance at all? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Me? If I dance? To be sure I do. 'Twasn't once or twice only that I got a +pair o' new shoes an' danced 'em to pieces in one night! + +FRANZISKA + +Come and dance with me then! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why don't you go upstairs an' dance with the folks there? + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, if only I might! Do you know what I'll do? I'll sneak up! I'll sneak +into the gallery! Have you ever been up there? The bags of prunes stand +up there. I go up there quite boldly and look down, and eat prunes. Why +shouldn't I look down from there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' maybe Siebenhaar'll send for you to come down. + +FRANZISKA + +I just stare down as bold as you please. I don't care a bit. And whenever +a lady dances with Mr. Siebenhaar, I pelt her with plum pits. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're crazy about Siebenhaar--that's certain! + +FRANZISKA + +Well, he's a real swell--that's what none of the others are. [_The music +is heard again._] Ah, they're starting. That's a polka! [_Dancing +again._] I'd like to dance with Mr. Siebenhaar this minute. D'you know +what I'd do? I'd just kiss him before he knew what was happening. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Siebenhaar'd be too old for me! + +FRANZISKA + +Your husband is just as old, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Look here, girl, I want you to know that my husband is a good five years +younger. + +FRANZISKA + +Well, he looks much older anyhow. Why, he looks so old and wrinkled. No, +I wouldn't care to kiss him. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You better see about getting out o' here, or I'll take a broom an' help +you along! Don't you abuse my husband! An' where would I get a better +one? You wait till you're a few years older an' you'll see what it means +in this world to have a husband! + +FRANZISKA + +I won't marry at all. I'll wait till some fine, rich gentleman +comes--some summer--for his health--a Russian, by preference--and then +I'll let him take me out into the world. I want to see the world--to +wander far--I want to go to Paris. And then I'll write you about myself, +Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I do believe you'll run off some day! + +FRANZISKA + +You can wager anything that I will. Mr. Siebenhaar was in Paris, too, you +know, during the revolution in 'forty-eight, and he can tell you the most +interesting stories! Oh, I'd like to see a revolution like that some day +too. They build barricades ... + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! Franziska! Where are you keeping yourself again? + +FRANZISKA + +Sh! Don't say anything! + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! Franziska! + +FRANZISKA + +Sh! Keep still! He wants me to serve at the bar. And that's horrid and I +won't do it! + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! + +FRANZISKA + +It's papa's or mama's place to do that. Or they can hire a waiter. I +won't be turned into a bar maid. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's not the worst kind o' thing! + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, if there were real gentlemen to serve! But they're just +well--attendants, coachmen and miners. Much obliged for such company! I +don't care about it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If I was you, I'd do that reel easy. An' I'd be gettin' good tips. You +could save a good many pennies an' put by a nice sum. + +FRANZISKA + +I won't accept pennies and farthings. And if some time Mr. Siebenhaar or +the architect or Dr. Valentiner gives me a present, I spend it on +sweetmeats right away. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Ah, that's just it. You're your father's daughter. An' your mother wasn't +much different neither. You people don't take care o' the business you +has! If you'd ha' done so you'd have money out at interest this day. + +FRANZISKA + +We're not as stingy as you, that's all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not stingy. But you got to keep your substance together. + +FRANZISKA + +People say you're stingy, though! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +People c'n be--! An' you too! Hurry now an' get out o' here! I'm sick o' +your jabberin' now! An' you don't need to come back here neither! I +haven't been longin' for you, exackly! 'Tis best not to see or hear +anything o' the whole crowd o' you. + +FRANZISKA + +[_Turning once more at the door, with angry malice._] Do you know what +else people say? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't want to know nothin'! Get out o' here! You look out that you +don't get to hear things about yourself! Who knows what's between you an' +Siebenhaar? You two knows it an' I knows it too. Otherwise you'd ha' been +kicked out twenty times over with your slovenly management! Teach me to +know Siebenhaar! + +FRANZISKA + +Fy, fy and fy again! + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +The baggage! + + _The middle door has remained open. SIEBENHAAR and the waiter GEORGE, + coming from different directions along the passage way, are seen to + meet at the door. GEORGE affects the height of Vienna fashions--hat, + cane, long overcoat, gay tie._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +What are you after here? + +GEORGE + +You'll forgive me but I have some business with Drayman Henschel. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel is not at home. You've been told three times now that there is +no place for you in my house. If you can't remember that henceforth I +shall be compelled to have your memory assisted by--the constable. + +GEORGE + +I beg your pardon very humbly, Mr. Siebenhaar, but I begs to submit that +I don't come to see you. These people lives in your house. An' you can't +prove nothin' as touchin' the question of my honour. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very well. Only, if I should meet you again I'll have the porter kick you +out. So you had better act accordingly. + + [_Exit._ + +GEORGE + +_[Enters the room cursing.]_ I'll take that there risk! We'll see about +that later! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Closes the door, with difficulty mastering her rage toward +SIEBENHAAR._] We're here, too, I'd have him know. Just let him try it! +This here is our room, not his room, an' anybody that comes here comes to +us an' not to him! He's got no right to say nothin' about it! + +GEORGE + +We'll just wait an' see--that's all I says. He might have to pay good an' +dear for that. That kind o' thing takes a man to the pen. He got hisself +into a nasty mess with Alphonse, who was here two years ago. But he'd be +gettin' into a worse mess with me. A hundred crowns o' damages'd be too +little for me. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he hasn't got no hundred crowns in his pocket--the damned bankrupt! +He's been borrowing of everybody in the county. He's got nothin' but +debts; you hear that on all sides. 'Twon't be long before there won't be +nothin' left an' he'll have to leave the house hisself instead o' puttin' +other people out of it! + +GEORGE + +[_Has recovered his overcoat, hung up his hat, and is now picking off the +little feathers from his coat and trousers._] That's right! An' that's no +secret to nobody. Even the people that come here year in an' out says the +same. An' nobody is sorry for him; no, they're willin' it should happen +to him. My present boss, he can't stand him neither. He gets reel +venomous if you so much as mention Siebenhaar's name. [_Takes a +pocket-mirror and comb from his pocket and smooths his hair._] Lord +knows, he says, there's more tricks to that man than a few. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I believes that; I s'ppose he's right there. + +GEORGE + +Now then, Hanne, has you got somethin' warm for me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why didn't you come yesterday? + +GEORGE + +You thinks I c'n get off every day, don't you? 'Twas hard enough to get +to come here to-day! Yesterday I was busy till three o'clock in the +mornin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL: + +What was it happened? + +GEORGE + +There was a meetin' o' the fire board. They bought a new engine, an' so +they wanted to celebrate the purchase. That's how they came to have a +meetin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +All they wants is an excuse to swill. An' all that while I sat till late +at night and waited. Once--I don't know, but it must ha' been a bird +flyin' against the window--I thought 'twas you, an' so I went to the +window an' opened it. After that I was that mad, I couldn't sleep half +the night. + +GEORGE + +Oh, pshaw! What's the use o' havin' things like that spoil one's temper. +[_He puts his arms around her._] That's nothin'! Nothin' at all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Frees herself from his embrace._] Oh, I don't know! 'Tis true--I don't +know how it comes--but things seem to go contrary with a body. Henschel +sits aroun' at home the whole week, an' now that he's gone for a bit, we +has to let the time slide away! + +GEORGE + +Well, we got plenty o' time to-day. He don't come back till Monday, I +thought. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who knows if it's true! + +GEORGE + +I don't know no reason why it shouldn't be true! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That man is bound to sit aroun' at home. 'Twasn't half as bad formerly. +He used to go on trips weeks at a time; nowadays he whines if he's got to +sleep away from home a single night. An' if he says: I'll stay three +days, he mostly comes back on the second--Listen ... I believe they've +come already! Who else'd be crackin' whips like that in the yard? + +GEORGE + +[_After he has listened, in a restrained tone:_] The devil take 'em +all--the whole damned crowd! A man hasn't had time to get warm a bit. I +s'pose I'll have to leave right off, eh? I thought it'd be mighty +different, I must say! + + [_He slips his overcoat back on and takes up his hat._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Tears his hat from his head._] You stay right here! What d'you want to +run off for? D'you think I got to be scared o' Henschel. He's got to come +to my terms. I don't has to think about him. If you'd come yesterday!--I +told you ...! Then nobody wouldn't ha' interrupted us, no Henschel an' no +Siebenhaar. To-day the devil's broke loose! + + _The horse dealer WALTHER enters--a handsome, vigorous fellow of + forty. Bashly cap, fur jacket, hunting stockings and tall boots; his + mits are fastened by cords._ + +WALTHER + +Missis, your husband is outside in the yard. I'm just comin' in for a +minute to bid you good evenin'. I got to ride off again straight way. +He's bought some fine Flemish horses. An' he's brought along something +else, for you too. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I thought he wouldn't be comin' back till Monday. + +WALTHER + +An' that's the way it would ha' been. But we couldn't ride on horseback +no farther'n Kanth. There we had to take the train with the horses or +they'd ha' broken their necks an' their limbs. Travellin' was that bad on +account o' the sleet. + +GEORGE + +You makes better time with the train--that's certain! + +WALTHER + +What kind of a feller is that there? Why, you're tryin' to be invisible, +eh? Well, if that isn't little George--I do believe! Why, you looks like +a natural born baron! + +GEORGE + +A man earns more over there in the "Star" hotel. I has a much more +profitable position. Here I had to work till my clothes dropped from me +in rags. I was most naked in the end; now I'm beginnin' to buy somethin' +again. + +WALTHER + +Now guess, missis, what your husband has brought home for you! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, what is it? + +WALTHER + +I wager you'll be mighty glad of that present! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +We'll see. It depends on what it is. + +WALTHER + +Good luck to you then. I got to hurry or my wife'll get ugly. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Good luck to you. + +GEORGE + +I might as well come along. Good night, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Didn't you want to see Henschel about somethin'? + +GEORGE + +There's plenty o' time for that. There's no hurry. + +WALTHER + +If you got somethin' to say to him you'd better wait till to-morrow. He's +got different kinds o' things in his mind to-day. D'you know what he's +bringin' you, missis? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What should he be bringin' me? Don't talk so much nonsense. + +WALTHER + +Why, he's bringin' you your daughter! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--What's that he's bringin'? I didn't hear right! + +WALTHER + +We was in Quolsdorf and fetched her. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're drunk, the two o' ye, eh? + +WALTHER + +No, no, I'm tellin' you the truth. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who did you get? + +WALTHER + +He didn't tell me nothin' about it. All of a sudden we was in the pub at +Quolsdorf an' sat down there. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, an' what then? + +WALTHER + +We was sittin' there an' then, after a little while, your father came in +with the bit of a girl. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +'Tis no girl o' mine! + +WALTHER + +I don't know nothin' about that! I knows this much though: he's got the +child out there. He went up to your father an' he said: The child's a +pretty child.--Then he took her in his arms an' petted her. Shall I take +you with me, he axes her, an' she was willin' right off. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, an' my father? + +WALTHER + +Well, your father didn't know who Henschel was! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Better an' better! An' is that all? + +WALTHER + +[_Almost addressing GEORGE now._] No, there was nothin' more. He just +took the little one out an' said to your father: I'll let the lass ride +horseback. An' she kept cryin' out: Lemme ride! Lemme ride! Then Henschel +mounted his great Flemish horse an' I had to hand the child up to him. +After that he said: Good-bye, an' rode off. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' father just stood there an' looked on? + +WALTHER + +What was he goin' to do about it? The whole village might ha' turned out +for all the good it would ha' done. When once Henschel lays his hands on +somethin'--I wouldn't advise nobody to cross him! An' there's no one in +the county that likes to pick a quarrel with him neither! Your father, he +didn't know what was goin' on. Then suddenly, o' course, he roared like +fury an' cried out an' cursed more'n enough. But the people just laughed. +They knew Henschel. An' he--Henschel--he just said reel quiet: Good luck +to you, father Schael; I'm takin' her along. The mother is waitin' for her +at home. Stop drinkin'! he said, an' maybe there'll be a place with us +for you some day, too. + +GEORGE + +Good-bye, I think I'll maybe drop in to-morrow. + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' so he thinks I'm goin' to keep her here. I'll never do that--never in +the world. She's no child o' mine! How would I be lookin' before people? +First in Quolsdorf, then here! Didn't I work an' worry enough? Day an' +night, you might say, I was busy with Gustel. An' now the weary trouble +is to begin all over again. That'd be fine, wouldn't it? He'd better take +care! + + _HENSCHEL appears in the middle door. He is also clad in leathern + breeches, fur jacket, tall boots, etc., just as he has dismounted. He + leads by the hand a little girl of six--ragged and unwashed._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Almost merrily referring to HANNE'S last words, which he has +overheard._] Who's to take care? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--Oh, I don't know! + +HENSCHEL + +Look, Hanne, look who comes here! [_To the child._] Go ahead, Berthel, +an' say good evenin'. Go on an' say it! Say: Good evenin', mama! + + _BERTHEL leaving HENSCHEL unwillingly and walks, encouraged by + friendly little shoves from him, diagonally across the room to where + HANNE, assuming a disgruntled attitude, sits on the bench._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_To the child, who stands helplessly before her._] What do you want +here? + +BERTHEL + +I rode on such a pitty horsie? + + _HENSCHEL and WALTHER laugh heartily._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well now we'll keep her here. Hallo, Hanne! Are you angry about anythin'? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You are sayin' you wouldn't be back till Monday. There's not a bite for +supper in the house now. + +HENSCHEL + +There'll be a bit o' bread an' bacon. + + [_He hangs up his cap._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Pulling ungently at BERTHEL'S clothes._] How'd you get this way? + +HENSCHEL + +You'll soon have to buy her somethin' to put on! She's got hardly nothin' +on her little body. 'Twas a good thing I had plenty o' blankets along, or +she'd ha' been half froze on the way. [_After he has removed his fur +jacket and warmed his hands._] Best thing would be to put her right +straight in a tub. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Best thing would ha' been if you'd ha' left her where she was. + +HENSCHEL + +What did you say? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Nothin'. + +HENSCHEL + +I thought you were sayin' somethin'.--Into the tub with her! An' then to +bed! An' you might go over her head a bit! I believe she's got a little +colony there. [_BERTHEL cries out._] What's the matter? Don't tug at her +so rough! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, don't cry, girl! That'd be the last straw! + +HENSCHEL + +You must be a bit friendly with her. The lass is thankful for every kind +word. Be quiet, Berthel, be quiet! + +BERTHEL + +I want to go to father! + +HENSCHEL + +You're with mother now! Mother is good!--I'm reel satisfied that we has +her with us. 'Twas the highest time. A bit longer an' we might ha' had to +look for her in the graveyard. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That wasn't half as bad as you're tryin' to make out. + +HENSCHEL + +[_In some consternation but still kindly._] What's the meanin' o' that? + + [_Pause._] + +WALTHER + +Well, good luck to you all. I'll have to be goin'. + +HENSCHEL + +Wait a bit an' drink a glass o' toddy. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If there were only some rum in the house! + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you can fetch it from Wermelskirch's! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't want to have nothin' to do with those people! + +WALTHER + +No, no. I got to go home. I got no time. I got to be ridin' half an hour +yet. [_To HANNE._] I don't want to be a bother to you. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who mentioned such a thing? + +WALTHER + +[_Humorously._] Nothin'! I didn't say nothin' at all. God forbid! I won't +let myself in for nothin'. You're a hard customer. Good-bye an' good +luck! + +HENSCHEL + +Good-bye, an' don't forget a greetin' to the wife! + +WALTHER + +[_Already from outside._] All right! Good night! I won't forget nothin'. + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well, didn't I do the right thing this time? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What is I to say to people? + +HENSCHEL + +--You're not goin' to be ashamed o' your own daughter! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who's sayin' I is, eh? 'Tis all the same to me! You're willin' to have +'em say evil o' me. You force 'em to it! [_Harshly to the child._] Here, +drink this milk! An' then off to bed with you! [_BERTHEL drinks._] + +HENSCHEL + +Are you goin' to go on this way? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Go on how? + +HENSCHEL + +With the child! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not goin' to bite her; there's no fear! + + [_She takes the still weeping child into the little room to bed._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Speaking after her._] She's not here to be bitten. I needn't ha' +brought her, you know! + + [_A brief pause, after which HANNE returns._ + +HENSCHEL + +A man can't never know how to please you. There's no gettin' along with +women folks. You always acted as if.... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With tears of rage._] That's a lie if you want to know it! + +HENSCHEL + +What's a lie! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_As above._] I never bothered you about Berthel. I never so much as +mentioned her to you! + +HENSCHEL + +I didn't say you had. Why d'you howl so? On that account, because you +didn't say nothin', I wanted to help you in spite o' your silence. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But couldn't you ha' asked? A man ought to say somethin' before he does a +thing like that! + +HENSCHEL + +Well now, I'll tell you somethin': This is Saturday night. I hurried all +I could so's to be at home again. I thought you'd meet me different! But +if it's not to be, it can't be helped. Only, leave me in peace! You +understand! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Nobody's robbin' you o' your peace. + +HENSCHEL + +D'you hear me? I want my peace an' that's all. You brought me to that +point. I didn't think nothin' but what was good doin' this thing. Gustel +is dead. She won't come back no more. Her mother took her to a better +place. The bed is empty, an' we're alone. Why shouldn't we take care o' +the little lass? That's the way I thinks an' I'm not her father! You +ought to think so all the more, 'cause you're the child's mother! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There you are! You're beginnin' to throw it up to me this minute! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't stop I'll go to Wermelskirch an' not come back all night! +D'you want to drive me out o' the house?--I'm always hopin' things'll be +different, but they gets worse ... worse! I thought maybe if you had your +child with you, you'd learn a little sense. If these goin's on don't end +soon ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +All I say is this: If she stays in the house an' if you tell people that +she's mine ... + +HENSCHEL + +They all know it! I don't have to tell 'em. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Then you c'n take your oath on it--I'll run away! + +HENSCHEL + +Run, run all you can--all you want to! You ought to be ashamed o' +yourself to the bottom o' your heart! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The tap room in WERMELSKIRCH'S public house. A flat, whitewashed + room with a door leading to the inner rooms of the house on the left. + The rear wall of this room is broken, toward its middle. The opening + leads to a second, smaller, oblong room. On the right wall of this + second room there is a glass door leading out into the open and, + farther forward, a window. On the rear wall of the main room the bar + is situated, filled with square whisky-bottles, glasses, etc. The + beer is also on draught there. Highly varnished tables and chairs of + cherry wood are scattered about the room. A red curtain divides the + two rooms. In the oblong rear room are also chairs and tables and, in + the extreme background, a billiard table. Lithographs, representing + mainly hunting scenes, are hung on the walls._ + + _WERMELSKIRCH, in a dressing gown and smoking a long pipe, sits on + the left, himself playing the piano. Three members of the voluntary + fire-corps play billiards. In the foreground to the right HAUFFE sits + brooding over a glass of whisky. He is noticeably shabby. MRS. + WERMELSKIRCH, a gipsy-like, slovenly old woman, is rinsing glasses + behind the bar. FRANZISKA is crouching on a window ledge at the right + playing with a kitten. The waiter GEORGE is standing at the bar over + a glass of beer. He has an elegant spring suit on, as well as + patent-leather shoes, kid-gloves and a top-hat set far back on his + head._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Plays and sings._] + + "When I was prince in realms Arcadian, + I lived in splendour and in wealth." + +GEORGE + +[_Who has accompanied the music by dancing gestures._] Go on, go on with, +that! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Coughing affectedly._] Can't be done! Quite hoarse! Anyhow ... +pshaw!... I'll try again. + + "When I was prince ...." [_He coughs._] + + "When I was prince in realms Arcadian, + I lived in splen ... I lived in splen ... "! + +The devil take it! + +GEORGE + +Aw, why don't you go on? That was quite right! That was fine! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I see myself trying! It's all over with me! + +GEORGE + +I don't understand you! That's the finest kind o' chamber music! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Laughing._] Chamber music! + +GEORGE + +Well, maybe not! I don't know the differences so well. Hallo, Miss +Franziska, what are you laughin' at? + +FRANZISKA + +I'm laughing at your beautiful patent-leather boots. + +GEORGE + +Go right ahead! You don't expect me to go barefoot. Give that man over +there a glass of beer. How would you like a bit o' cordial, Miss +Franziska? You're right, my boots is pretty fine ones. They cost me +twenty crowns. Why not? I c'n stand the expense; I'm able to do it! In +the "Sword" hotel a man c'n at least earn somethin'. To be sure, while I +was at the "Star" I couldn't ha' bought no boots like this. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +So you like it better at the "Sword"? + +GEORGE + +I should say so! A boss like I got now, a reel good fellow--I never had +before long's I've been in the business. We're like old friends--like +brothers. I could say most anythin' to him! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, that's very different from Siebenhaar. + + _FRANZISKA laughs out._ + +GEORGE + +An' that just shows you: Pride goeth before a fall. Two or three weeks +an' he'll be under the hammer. Then I c'n buy myself his gold watch. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +You'd better buy the whole house! + +GEORGE + +Not just now. You got to wait for the proper time to do a thing like +that. An' anyhow, it's sold. Your health, gentlemen!... Your health, +gentlemen! When you're through, I'll order more! What's the name o' the +man that bought the house? Exner? Eh? He's goin' to bottle the spring +water an' export it. He's goin' to rent out the hotel.--I'd rent it this +minute if I had the money. + +HAUFFE + +Why don't you go to Henschel? He'll give it to you. + +GEORGE + +That wouldn't be as much out o' the question as you thinks. + +HAUFFE + +No, that a fac'! You're on pretty good terms with the wife! + + [_FRANZISKA laughs aloud._] + +GEORGE + +Well, why shouldn't I be. That there woman's not half bad. I tell you, a +fellow that knows how, c'n make the women feed out o' his hand! + +HAUFFE + +Well, if you know enough to make Mrs. Henschel feed out o' your hand, you +must know your business pretty well. I'll say that for you. + + _FABIG enters, the cord of his pack around his shoulders. He sits + down modestly in a corner._ + +GEORGE + +Well, there you are; that's what I'm tellin' you! There's pretty few that +could come up to me that way. But a man has to be on the lookout, or he'd +get a good beatin' an' that's all! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, you're not through with it yet yourself. [_SIEBENHAAR enters from +the left._] Where Henschel strikes down the grass stops growing. Your +servant, Mr. Siebenhaar! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Somewhat pale._] Good morning! + +GEORGE + +I think I'll play a game o' billiards. + + [_He takes up his glass and disappears behind the curtain in the + rear._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Sitting down at a table near the piano._] Weren't you just singing, Mr. +Wermelskirch? Don't let me interrupt you, please. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +What? I? Singing? That's hardly possible! You know how deeply this +business affects me. But if you say so it must be true. Permit me to sit +down by you. Bring me a glass of beer, too, Franziska! + +SIEBENHAAR + +When one considers that you were completely hoarse three or four years +ago, you must admit that you've recuperated remarkably. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +You're quite right. But what good does it do me? I've half way crawled +out of the slough. But who knows what'll happen now? + +FRANZISKA + +[_Places a glass of beer before SIEBENHAAR; to WERMELSKIRCH:_] I'll bring +yours at once. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Having drunk._] What do you mean by that, exactly? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I don't know that I can tell you very exactly what I do mean. But I feel +something in my bones. I believe there'll be a change in the weather. +Jesting aside--I have all kinds of omens that are familiar to an old +actor. When the waters here began to do me so much good, I knew certainly +that ten horses couldn't drag me away. And it wasn't a month before my +road company had gone to smash. Now I suppose I'll have to wander on in +the same old way again--who knows whither? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Who knows whither? That's the way of the world. As for me--I'm not sorry! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Ah, but you're a man in the prime of life. The world has a place for a +man like you everywhere. It's different with an old fellow like me. If I +lose my means of making a living, I mean, if I'm given notice, what is +there left me, I'd like to know? I might actually get me a hurdy-gurdy +and Franziska could go about and collect the pennies. + +FRANZISKA + +That wouldn't embarrass me a bit, papa! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Not if it were to rain gold pieces! + +FRANZISKA + +And, anyhow, papa, how you always talk! You could go back on the stage! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Not even at a monkey-show, girlie! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Did Mr. Exner intimate anything to you? According to what he told me he +meant to leave everything pretty much as it is. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, I hardly belong to what could be summed up as "everything." + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Approaching the table in great excitement._] I must say, Mr. +Siebenhaar, I must say ... And you can take my word for it! I'm an old +woman of fifty and I've seen a good deal of the world, but the way we've +been treated here--that's really--I don't know what to call it--but it's +just vulgar malice, the lowest kind of scheming, pure meanness. You can +take my word for that! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Oh, mother, are you starting in too? You'd better withdraw, if you don't +mind, and retire behind your barricade! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +I'd like to know what our little Fanny did to that woman! + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, never mind, mama! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +On the contrary! Are we to put up with everything? Isn't one to offer any +resistance if that woman robs us of our very bread--if she spreads +slander about our daughter? [_To SIEBENHAAR._] Did the child ever offend +you in any way? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mama, mama! Come along now, mama, and rest a while. So! You spoke your +part very well indeed. You can repeat it to-night. + + [_He leads her behind the bar where her sobbing is heard for some + time after._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Having resumed his seat._] She's quite right at bottom. I've heard all +kinds of rumours too, to the effect that Henschel will rent the barroom. +And, of course, his wife is behind that! + +HAUFFE + +An' who else'd be back of it I'd like to know? If there's anythin' low +happenin' in the village nowadays, you don't has to go an ax who's back +of it! That Henschel woman's got the devil in her! + +FABIG + +An' she's had her eye on the barroom this long time. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To_ HAUFFE.] One hardly ever sees you any longer, Hauffe? Where did you +land? + +HAUFFE + +Where d'you suppose? In misery an' hunger' An' who gave me the shove? +That damned crittur of a woman! Who else'd do it, I'd like to know! I +never had no trouble with Henschel! + +FABIG + +His wife has the breeches on--that's all! + +HAUFFE + +I wasn't quick enough for her no more. I'm not as young as I was--that's +a fac'! An' I don't go hangin' aroun' no woman's apron strings neither. +An' that there is what she wants. That's what you got to do with her! +She's a hot one--you might say--she don't never get enough.--But as for +workin': I c'n work! Them young fellers that she hires--they're that +stinkin' lazy.... I could do as much as any three of 'em. + +SIEBENHAAR + +One feels sorry for old Henschel. + +HAUFFE + +If he's satisfied, I don't care. But he ought to know why my bones is +stiff! They didn't get stiff with lazyin' aroun', an' if that man has a +chest full o' money to-day, he knows who it is that helped him earn a +good lot of it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +I recall very well that you even worked for Wilhelm Henschel's father. + +HAUFFE + +Well, who else but me! That's the way it is! An' I fed Wilhelm's horses +eighteen years an' more--hitched 'em up an' unhitched 'em--went on trips +summer an' winter. I drove 's far's Freiburg an' 's far's Breslau: I had +to drive 'way to Bromberg. Many a night I had to sleep in the waggon. I +got my ears an' my hands frost bitten: I got chilblains on both feet big +as pears. An' now he puts me out! Now I c'n go! + +FABIG + +That's all the woman's doin's: he's a good man. + +HAUFFE + +Why did he go an' load hisself with that wench! Now he can look out for +hisself! An' he couldn't hardly wait to do it decent. His first wife--she +wasn't hardly cold when he ran to get married to this one! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, no one knew her, of course. + +FABIG + +I knew her well enough. O Lord--that I did! If he'd ha' axed me, I could +ha' told him! If he wanted to send Gustel after her mother, there wasn't +no surer way for him to take: all he had to do was to make Hanne the +child's step-mother. + +HAUFFE + +Ah yes, yes ... well, well ... I'm not sayin' nothin' more. There's many +a one has shaken his head about that! But that'll be comin' home to him +some day. First people just wondered; now they'd believe anythin' of him. + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's undoubtedly mere idle talk. + + _The horse dealer WALTHER enters in riding boots, hunting jacket and + cap. His whip is in his hand. He sits down at one of the tables and + beckons FRANZISKA to bring him beer._ + +HAUFFE + +You c'n say that. Maybe it's true. But if the dead was to come back an' +was to say their say--'tis old Mrs. Henschel that could tell you a thing +or two. She couldn't live an' she didn't want to live! An' what's the +main thing--she wasn't to live! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Hauffe, you'd better take care! If Henschel were to get wind of that ... + +HAUFFE + +I wouldn't have to take care if he did! I'd say that to anyone's face. +Old Mrs. Henschel--she was meant to die! If they pisened her, I couldn't +say; I wasn't on the spot. But that thing didn't happen no natural way. +She was a well woman; she might ha' lived thirty years. + + _SIEBENHAAR drinks and rises._ + +WALTHER + +I c'n bear witness that she was well. She was my own sister an' I ought +to know. She was in the way an' had to go. + + _SIEBENHAAR leaves quietly._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Would you like a little snuff, gentlemen? [_Softly and confidentially._] +And don't you think, gentlemen, that you're going a little far? It seems +so to me. I wish you would watch the man. He sat here till quite late +yesterday. The man sighed so pitifully--there was no one else here--that +I really felt very sorry for him. + +HAUFFE + +'Tis his bad conscience that's botherin' him! + +WALTHER + +Don't talk to me about Henschel! I'm sick o' hearin' about him. He an' +me--we're through with each other this long time. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +No, no, Mr. Siebenhaar is right. One ought to feel sorry for him. + +WALTHER + +He c'n think about it what he pleases. I don't care. But what I ought to +think about Henschel--there's nobody that need tell me nothin' about +that! + + _HENSCHEL and the smith HILDEBRANT enter at the right. HENSCHEL is + carrying little BERTHA, more neatly dressed than formerly, on his + arm. A little pause of embarrassment falls upon the men._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Welcome, Mr. Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +Good mornin', all of ye. + +FRANZISKA + +Well, Berthel, how are you? + +HENSCHEL + +Say thank you! Well, can't you talk?--We gets along. A body has to be +satisfied. Good mornin', brother. [_He stretches out his hand carelessly +to WALTHER who takes it in the same fashion._] How are you? How's +everythin'? + +WALTHER + +I gets along as usual. 'Twouldn't be bad if it was better! You're a +reg'lar nurse girl nowadays! + +HENSCHEL + +True, true! 'Tis almost that! + +WALTHER + +You're hardly ever seen without the girl. Can't you leave her with her +mother? + +HENSCHEL + +She's always scourin' an' workin'. The little thing is just in her way! +[_He sits down on a bench along the wall near the bar, not far from his +brother-in-law. He keeps the little girl on his lap. HILDEBRANT sits down +opposite him._] How is it, Hildebrant, what shall we have? I think we've +earned a bumper o' beer? Two of 'em, then, an two glasses o' brandy. + +HILDEBRANT + +That son of a--actually broke my skin! + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin' but a foal neither an' has the strength o'--... Good mornin', +Hauffe. + +HAUFFE + +Mornin'. + +HENSCHEL + +He's a bit surly. Let's not bother him. + +FABIG + +Mr. Henschel, won't you buy something o' me? A needle box for the wife, +maybe, or a pretty little comb to stick in the hair! [_All laugh._] +George, the waiter, he bought one too. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing good-naturedly with the others._] Don't you come botherin' me +with your trash! [_To WERMELSKIRCH._] Give him a measure o' beer!--'Tis a +quaint little chap he is. Who is it? + +HILDEBRANT + +'Tis Fabig from Quolsdorf, I think--the most mischievous little scamp in +the county. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, I got a little native from Quolsdorf here too. + +FABIG + +[_To BERTHA._] We're good old friends, eh? + +BERTHA + +[_To FABIG._] Why don't you dive me some nuts? + +FABIG + +Aha, she knows who I is! I'll look an' see if I c'n find some! + +BERTHA + +Outside in the waggon! + +FABIG + +No, they're here in my pocket! [_He gives them to the child._] You see, +you don't get out o' the pubs. Long ago your grandfather took you along; +now you got to go about with Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +[_To BERTHA._] Tell him to attend to his bit o' trash! Tell him you're +bein' looked out for! Tell him that! + + _GEORGE comes vivaciously out of the billiard room._ + +GEORGE + +[_Without noticing HENSCHEL._] Well,--I never saw the likes o' that! That +there feller c'n eat glass like anythin'. Put it down on the reckoning, +Miss Franziska: a lot o' beer! There's five o' us! + +FRANZISKA + +[_Has taken BERTHA on her arm. She goes with the child behind the bar._] +Bertha won't permit it; I can't do it now! + +GEORGE + +Good heavens, Mr. Henschel, there you are too! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Without noticing GEORGE, to HILDEBRANT._] Your health, Hildebrant! + + [_They clink their glasses and drink._ + +FABIG + +[_To GEORGE who, a little taken aback, lights his cigar at one of the +tables._] Tell me this, mister George, you're a kind of a wizard, eh? + +GEORGE + +Well, I do declare! What makes you think so? + +FABIG + +'Cause a while ago, you was gone like a light that's blown out. + +GEORGE + +Well, what's the use o' huntin' for disagreeable things. Siebenhaar an' +me--we can't agree, that's all. + +FABIG + +[_With the gesture of boxing another's ears._] People do say that +somethin' happened.--[_Passing by, to HAUFFE._] Did you win in the +lottery? eh? + +HAUFFE + +You damned vermin! + +FABIG + +Yes, that's just what I am. + +HENSCHEL + +Is it true that you're working down at Nentwich's now? + +HAUFFE + +What business is it o' yours? + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing and quite even-tempered._] Now look at that feller. He pricks +like a weasel wherever you touches him. + +WALTHER + +I s'pose you'll be our host here pretty soon now? + +HENSCHEL + +[_After he has glanced at him in astonishment._] That's the first ever +I've heard of it! + +WALTHER + +Oh, I thought! I don't know exackly who 'twas that told me. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Drinking: indifferently._] Whoever told you that must ha' been +dreamin'! + + [_Pause._] + +HILDEBRANT + +In this here house everythin' is bein' turned upside down now. An' what I +says is this: You'll be all sighin' to have Siebenhaar back some day. + +HENSCHEL + +[_To HAUFFE._] You might go over to Landeshut. I got two coach horses +standin' there. You might ride them in for me. + +HAUFFE + +The hell I will--that's what I'll do for you. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing and calmly._] Well, now you c'n sit there till you gets blue +in the face. I won't concern myself that much about you! + +HAUFFE + +You c'n keep busy sweepin' before your own door. + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis well, 'tis well. We'll let that there be. + +HAUFFE + +You got filth enough in your own house! + +HENSCHEL + +Hauffe, I tell you right now: I wouldn't like to do it. But if you're +goin' to start trouble here--I tell you that--I'll kick you out! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Peace, gentlemen! I beg of you: peace! + +HAUFFE + +You're not the host here an' you can't kick nobody out! You has no more +right to say anythin' here than me! I don't let you nor nobody tell me to +hold my tongue. No, not you an' not your wife, no matter how you scheme, +you two! That don't scare me an' don't bother me that much! + + _Without any show of anger, HENSCHEL grasps HAUFFE by the chest and + pushes him, struggling in vain, toward the door. Just before reaching + it he turns slightly, opens the door, puts HAUFFE out, and closes it + again. During this scene the following colloquy takes place:_ + +HAUFFE + +Let go, I tell you! I just warn you: let go! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mr. Henschel, that won't do; I can't permit that! + +HENSCHEL + +I gave you fair warnin'! There's no help for you now. + +HAUFFE + +Are you goin' to choke me? Let go, I tell you! You're not the host here! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_From behind the bar._] What's the meaning of this? That will never do, +Ludwig! You can't permit yourself to be treated that way! + +FABIG + +[_While HENSCHEL, holding HAUFFE, is rapidly approaching the door._] You +might as well let it be. There's nothin' to be done. That there man--he's +like an athlete. He'll bite his teeth into the edge of a table, and he'll +lift the table up for you so steady, you won't notice a glass on it +shakin'. If he went an' took the notion, I tell you, we'd all be flyin' +out into the street different ways! + + _HAUFFE has been put out, HENSCHEL returns._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Resuming his seat amid a general silence._] He wouldn't give no +rest--he's that stubborn. + +FIRST FIREMAN + +[_Who has come in out of the billiard room and drunk a glass of whisky at +the bar._] I'd like to pay. A man had better go. In the end anybody +might be flyin' out o' here, you know. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Yon take another glass of beer. That would be the last straw. After all, +I am still master here. + +WALTHER + +If that's the way you're goin' to do, Henschel, when you stands behind +the bar and runs this here place instead o' Wermelskirch--you won't keep +many customers, I c'n tell you that! + +HENSCHEL + +Customers like that don't matter. + +WALTHER + +You won't be able to pick 'em out, though. Hauffe don't pay with +counterfeit money neither. + +HENSCHEL + +He c'n pay anyway he wants to, for all I care. But I tell you again now: +Don't start that there business over again. I won't be takin' this place +at all. If I was goin' to take it, I ought to know better than anybody +else. Well, then: if I'm ready to buy a pub some day--I'll let you know! +Afterward you c'n give me your advice. An' if you don't like the place +an' don't patronise it--well, then, Lord A'mighty, you don't has to! + + _The FIREMAN goes out slamming the door angrily behind him._ + +WALTHER + +I s'pose it's just as well to go.... + + [_He prepares to pay his score._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mr. Henschel, surely that isn't right of you. You drive my customers out. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, my goodness! Now tell me: If that man runs out, what has I to do +with it? For my part he can stay here till mornin'. + +WALTHER + +[_Pocketing his money again._] You got no right to put anybody out o' +here. You're not the host. + +HENSCHEL + +Anythin' else you know? + +WALTHER + +People knows a good deal. Only they rather keep still. Wermelskirch knows +that best of all! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why I exactly? Now, look here, that's ... + +HENSCHEL + +[_Firmly and collectedly._] What is't you know? Out with it! One o' you +knows one thing an' another another, an' altogether you don't know that +much! + + [_Pause._] + +WALTHER + +[_In a changed tone._] If you were only the same man you used to be! But +God only knows what's gotten into you! In those days you had a standin' +among men. People came from far an' wide to get your advice. An' what you +said, that was--you might say--almost like the law o' the land. 'Twas +like Amen in church. An' now there's no gettin' along with you! + +HENSCHEL + +Go right ahead with your preachin'. + +WALTHER + +Very well, I s'pose you're noticin' it all yourself. Formerly, you had +nothin' but friends. Nowadays nobody comes to you no more; an' even if +they did want to come they stay away on account o' your wife. Twenty +years Hauffe served you faithful. Then, suddenly, he don't suit your +wife, an' you take him by the scruff an' put him out. What's the meanin' +o' that! That woman has but to look at you an' you're jumpin' at her +beck, instead o' goin' an' takin' a stout rope an' knockin' the +wickedness out o' her! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't keep still this minute--I'll take you by the scruff too. + +GEORGE + +[_To HENSCHEL._] Don't forget yourself, whatever you do, Mr. Henschel! +That man don't know no better, you see. + + [_Exit rapidly into the billiard room._ + +WALTHER + +I believe, Henschel, if a man comes nowadays an' tells you the truth, +you're capable o' flingin' him against the wall. But a feller like that, +a worthless windbag like George--he c'n lie to you day an' night. Your +wife an' he--they c'n compete with each other makin' a fool o' you! If +you want to be cheated--all right! But if you got a pair o' eyes left in +your head, open 'em once an' look around you an' look at that there +feller good an' hard. Them two deceive you in broad daylight! + +HENSCHEL + +[_About to hurl himself upon WALTHER, masters his rage._] What did you +say--eh? Nothin'! Aw, it's all right. + + [_Pause._] + +FABIG + +It's reg'lar April weather this day. Now the sun shines an' now it blows +again. + +HAUFFE'S VOICE + +[_From without._] I'll pay you back for this! You watch out! You c'n let +it be now! We'll meet again: we'll meet at court--that's where. + +WALTHER + +[_Finishes his glass._] Good-bye. I'm meanin' well by you, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Lays his hand about WALTHER'S wrist._] You stay here! Y' understan'? + +WALTHER + +What is I to do here? + +HENSCHEL + +You'll see for yourself. All I says is: You stay! [_To FRANZISKA._] Go +down an' tell my wife she's to come up! + + _FRANZISKA goes._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +But, dear Mr. Henschel, I beg you, for heaven's sake, don't cause a +scandal here! The police will be coming at me next, and then ... + +HENSCHEL + +[_In an outburst of towering, withering rage--bluish-red of face._] I'll +beat you all to death if Hanne don't come here--now!!! + +WALTHER + +[_In helpless perplexity._] Wilhelm, Wilhelm, don' go an' commit some +foolishness now! I wish I hadn't said nothin'. An' it didn't mean +nothin'. You know yourself how people will talk! + +HILDEBRANT + +Wilhelm, you're a good man. Come to your senses! My God, how you look! +Think, man, think! Why, you fairly roared! What's the matter with you? +That must ha' been heard all over the house! + +HENSCHEL + +Anybody c'n hear me now that wants to. But you stay here an' Hanne is to +come here. + +WALTHER + +Why should I be stayin' here? I don't know what for! Your affairs--they +don't concern me a bit. I don't mingle in 'em an' I don't want to! + +HENSCHEL + +Then you should ha' thought before you spoke! + +WALTHER + +Everythin' else that's between us'll be settled in court. There we'll see +who's in the right. I'll get hold o' my money; never fear! Maybe you're +wife'll think it over once or twice before she goes an' perjures herself. +The rest don't concern me. I tell you to let me go. I has no time. I has +to go to Hartau, an' I can't be kept waitin' here. + + _SIEBENHAAR re-enters._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +What's happened here? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Goodness, gracious, I don't know! I don't know what Mr. Henschel wants! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Who continues to imprison WALTHER'S wrist._] Hanne is to come here: +that's all. + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_To SIEBENHAAR._] The men were drinking their beer quite peacefully. +Suddenly Mr. Henschel came in and began a dispute as though he were +master here. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_With a deprecating gesture._] All right; all right. [_To HENSCHEL._] +What's happened to you, Henschel? + +HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar, it's no fault o' mine. I couldn't help things comin' +about this way. You may think what you please, Mr. Siebenhaar. I give you +my word--'twasn't my fault. + +SIEBENHAAR + +You needn't excuse yourself to me, Henschel. I know you're a man of +peace. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes. I was in your father's service long ago, an' even if it looks that +way a thousand times over--it wasn't my fault that this here has +happened. I don't know myself what I has done. I never was +quarrelsome--that's certain! But now things has come about ...! They +scratch an' they bite at me--all of 'em! An' now this man here has said +things o' my wife that he's got to prove--prove!!--or God help him! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Why don't you let the people gossip? + +HENSCHEL + +Proofs! Proofs! Or God help him! + +WALTHER + +I can prove it an' I will. There are not many people in this room that +don't know it as well as I. That there woman is on an evil way. 'Tis no +fault o' mine, an' I wouldn't ha' mentioned it. But I'm not goin' to let +you strike me. I'm no liar. I always speaks the truth! Ask it of anybody! +Ask Mr. Siebenhaar here on his honour an' conscience! The sparrows is +twitterin' it on every roof--an' worse things 'n that! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Think over what you're saying carefully, Walther. + +WALTHER + +He forces me to it! Why don't he let me go? Why is I to suffer for other +people? You know it all as well as I? How did you used to stand with +Henschel in other years when his first wife was alive? D'you think people +don't know that? An' now you don't cross his threshold. + +SIEBENHAAR + +The relations between us are our private affair. And I will not permit +remark or interference. + +WALTHER + +All right. But if first his wife dies, though she's as well as anybody, +an' when Gustel goes an' dies eight weeks later, then, I'm thinkin' it's +more'n a private affair! + +HENSCHEL + +What?--Hanne is to come! + + _MRS. HENSCHEL enters suddenly and quickly, just as she has come from + her work and still drying her hands._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What're you roarin' about so? + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis well that you're here.--This man here says-- + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Makes a movement as if to go._] Damned rot that it ... + +HENSCHEL + +You're to stay here! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Are you all drunk together? What're you thinkin' of, anyhow? D'you think +I'm goin' to stay here an' play monkey tricks for you? + + [_She is about to go._ + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, I advise you ... This man here says ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Aw, he c'n say what he wants to, for all I cares! + +HENSCHEL + +He says that you deceive me before my face an' behind my back! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What? What? What? What? + +HENSCHEL + +That's what he says! Is he goin' to dare to say that? An' that ... my +wife ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Me? Lies! Damned lies! + + [_She throws her apron over her face and rushes out._ + +HENSCHEL + +That I ... that my wife ... that we together ... that our Gustel ... 'Tis +well! 'Tis well! + + [_He releases WALTHER'S hand and lets his head sink, moaning, on the + table._ + +WALTHER + +I won't be made out a liar here. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE FIFTH ACT + + + _The same room as in the first three acts. It is night, but the + moonlight throws a moderate brightness into the room. It is empty. + Several days have passed since the occurrences in the fourth act._ + + _A candle is lit in the small adjoining room; at the end of a few + seconds HENSCHEL enters, carrying the candle in a candlestick of tin. + He wears leathern breeches but his feet are cased in bedroom + slippers. Slowly he approaches the table, gazes hesitatingly first + backward, then toward the window, finally puts the candlestick on the + table and sits down by the window. He leans his chin on his hand and + stares at the moon._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Invisible, from the adjoining chamber, calls:_] Husband! Husband! What +are you doin' out there?--the same mortal foolishness all the time! +--[_She looks in, but half-clad._] Where are you? Come 'n go to bed! 'Tis +time to sleep! To-morrow you won't be able to go out again! You'll be +lyin' like a sack o' meal and everythin' 'll go upside down in the yard. +[_She comes out, half-clad as she is, and approaches HENSCHEL +hesitatingly and fearfully._] What are you doin', eh? + +HENSCHEL + +--Me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why are you sittin' there an' not sayin' a word? + +HENSCHEL + +I'm lookin' at the clouds. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, no, my goodness; it's enough to confuse a person's head! What's to be +seen up there, I'd like to know! The same worry, night after night. +There's no rest in the world for nobody no more. What are you starin' at? +Say somethin', won't you? + +HENSCHEL + +Up there!... That's where they are! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're dreaming, eh? You, Wilhelm, wake up! Lay down in your bed an' go +to sleep. There's nothin' but clouds up there! + +HENSCHEL + +Anybody that has eyes c'n see what there is! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' anybody that gets confused in his mind goes crazy. + +HENSCHEL + +I'm not confused. + +MRS. HENSCHEL I'm not sayin' that you are! But if you go on actin' this +way, you will be! + + [_She shivers, pulls on a jacket, and stirs the ashes in the oven + with a poker._ + +HENSCHEL + +What time is it? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A quarter of two. + +HENSCHEL + +You've got a watch hangin' to you; it used to hang behind the door. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What fancies is you goin' to have next? 'Tis hangin' where it always did. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Rising._] I think I'll go over to the stables a bit. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I tells you to go to bed, or I'll raise an alarm. You got nothin' to do +in the stable now! 'Tis night, an' in bed is where you belong! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Remains standing quietly and looking at HANNE._] Where's Gustel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What are you botherin' for? She's lyin' in bed asleep! What are you +always worritin' over the girl for? She don't lack for nothin'! I don't +do nothin' to her! + +HENSCHEL + +She don't lack for nothin'. She's gone to bed. She's gone to sleep +betimes--Gustel has. I don't mean Berthel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Wailing, stuffs her apron into her mouth._] I'll run away! I won't stay +here! + +HENSCHEL + +--Go to bed, go! I'll come too. Your cryin' can't help no more now. 'Tis +our Lord alone knows whose fault it is. You can't help it; you don't need +to cry.--Our Lord an' me--we two, we knows. + + _[He turns the key in the door._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Hastily turning it back again._] Why d'you lock the door? I won't stand +bein' locked in. + +HENSCHEL + +I don't rightly know why I turned the key. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Them people has gone an' addled your brains for you! They'll have to +answer some day for the things they've put into your head! I took as good +care o' your girl as I did o' my own. She wouldn't ha' died o' that! But +I can't wake the dead. If a body is to die, she dies--in this world. +There's no holdin' people like that; they has to go. There never was much +strength in Gustel--you know that as well as I. Why do you go axin' me +an' lookin' at me as if I done God knows what to her! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Suspiciously._] Maybe you did somethin'. 'Tis not impossible. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Beside herself._] Oh, if somebody'd foretold this--I'd ha' gone beggin' +my bread first. No, no, O my goodness, if I'd ha' known that! To have to +listen to things like that! Didn't I want to go? An' who kept me back? +Who held me fast in the house here? I could ha' made my livin' any time! +I wasn't afraid; I could always work. But you didn't let up. Now I got my +reward. Now _I_ got to suffer for it! + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis true, maybe, that you has to suffer for it. Things comes _as_ they +come. What c'n a body do? + + [_He locks the door again._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to leave the door open, Wilhelm, or I'll cry for help! + +HENSCHEL + +--Sh! Keep still! Did you hear? There's somethin' runnin' along the +passage. D'you hear? Now it goes to the washstand. D'you hear the +splashin'? She's standin' there an' washin' herself! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You! Wilhelm! You're dreamin'! The wash-stand is in here! + +HENSCHEL + +That's just it! I know very well! They can't deceive me. I know what I +know, [_Hurriedly._] That's all I say.--Come, come, let's go to bed. +Time'll show. + + [_While he approaches the door of the next room, Mrs. HENSCHEL softly + unlocks the door to the hall and slips out._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Taking down a whip from the frame of the door._] Why, that's my old +Triest whip! Where does that old thing come from? I haven't seen it for +over a year. That was bought in mother's time. [_He listens._] What d'you +say? Eh?--O' course ... Certainly.--Nothin'!--Well, s'posin'! An' why +not? 'Tis well!--I know what I has to do!--I won't be stubborn.--You let +that be too. + + _SIEBENHAAR enters by the door which is slightly ajar. By means of + gestures he signifies to WERMELSKIRCH, who follows him, that the + latter is to remain behind, also to MRS. HENSCHEL. He is fully clad + except that he wears a silk kerchief instead of a collar. + WERMELSKIRCH is in his dressing-gown._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +Good evening, Mr. Henschel! What? Are you still up? You're not well, eh? +What's the matter with you? + +HENSCHEL + +[_After he has, for several seconds, regarded him with perplexity; +simply:_] I just can't sleep. I don't get sleepy at all! I'd like to take +some medicine, if I knew any. I don't know how it comes. God knows! + +SIEBENHAAR + +I'll tell you somethin', old friend: You go quietly to bed now, and +to-morrow, real early, I'll send the doctor in. You must really take some +serious step now. + +HENSCHEL + +No doctor won't be able to help me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +You mustn't say that; we'll see about that! Doctor Richter knows his +business. My wife couldn't sleep for weeks; her head ached as if it would +burst. Last Monday she took a powder, and now she sleeps all night like +the dead. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes ... well, well ... 'Tis possible! I'd like it well enough if I +could sleep.--Is the madam reel sick? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Oh, we're all a little under the weather. When once Monday is past, +everything will straighten out again. + +HENSCHEL + +I s'pose you has to turn over the property on Monday. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Yes, I hope it will be possible to arrange it by Monday. In the meantime +the work is heaping up so--what with writing and making the +inventory--that I scarcely get out of my clothes. But come now, Henschel, +and go to bed. One man has one trouble and another has another. Life is +no joke and we must all see how we can best fight our way through. And +even if many strange thoughts pass through your head--don't take them to +heart so! + +HENSCHEL + +Thank you many times, Mr. Siebenhaar. Don't take anythin' in ill part, +please. An' good luck to you an' your wife! + +SIEBENHAAR + +We'll see each other again to-morrow, Henschel. You owe me no thanks for +anything. We've done each other many a service in the years that we've +lived together here. And those services compensate for each other. We +were good friends and, surely, we will remain such. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Silently takes a few steps toward the window and looks out._]--Ah, +them's queer things here. Time don't stand still in this world. Little +Karl, he never came to see us no more ... I can't make no objection. +Maybe you was right. The lad couldn't ha' learned nothin' good here. +'Twas different--once! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I don't know what you mean now! + +HENSCHEL + +An' you didn't cross my threshold neither. 'Tis nine months since you +did. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I had too much to worry me; that's all. + +HENSCHEL + +Those were the very times you used to come before. No, no, I know. You +were right. An' the people are right too--all of 'em. I can't take no +pride in myself no more. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you must take some rest now. + +HENSCHEL + +No, no; we c'n talk about it a bit. You see, I know 'tis all my fault--I +know that, an' with that we can let it be. But before I went an' took +this woman--Hanne, I mean--before that it all began ... slowly it began, +slowly--but downhill right along. First thing, a good bonehandled whip +broke. After that, I remember it right well, I drove over my dog an' he +died. 'Twas the best little dog I had. Then, one right after another, +three o' my horses died; an' one of 'em was the fine stallion that cost +me five hundred crowns. An' then, last of all ... my wife died. I noticed +it well enough in my own thoughts that fate was against me. But when my +wife went away from me, I had a minute in my own mind when I thought to +myself: Now it's enough. There's not much else that c'n be taken from me. +But you see, there was somethin' else.--I don't want to talk about +Gustel. A man loses first his wife an' then a child--that's common. But +no: a snare was laid for me an' I stepped into it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Who laid a snare for you? + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe the devil; maybe, too, somebody else. It's throttlin' me--that's +certain. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's a most unhappy notion of yours ... + +HENSCHEL + +An' I'm denyin' nothin'. A bad man I've come to be, only it's no fault o' +mine. I just, somehow, stumbled into it all. Maybe it's my fault too. You +c'n say so if you want to. Who knows? I should ha' kept a better watch. +But the devil is more cunnin' than me. I just kept on straight ahead. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you're just your own worst enemy. You're fighting phantoms +which have no existence at any time or place. The devil has done nothing +to you, nor have you stepped into any snare. And no one is throttling you +either. That is all nonsense. And such fancies are dangerous. + +HENSCHEL + +We'll see; we c'n wait an' see. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, tell me something definite. You won't be able to do it, however you +try. You are neither bad, as you say, nor are you burdened by any guilt. + +HENSCHEL + +Ah, I know better. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, what is your guilt? + +HENSCHEL + +Here stood the bed. An' she was lyin' in it. An' here I gave her my +promise. I gave her my promise an' I've broken it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +What promise was that? + +HENSCHEL + +You know well enough!--I broke it an' when I did that, I was lost. I was +done for. The game was up.--An' you see: now she can't find no rest. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Are you speaking of your dead wife? + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis of her, of her exackly that I'm speakin'. She can't find no rest in +the grave. She comes an' she goes an' she finds no rest.--I curry the +horses; there she stands. I take a sieve from the feed-bin, an' I see her +sittin' behind the door. I mean to go to bed in the little room; 'tis she +that's lyin' in the bed an' lookin' at me.--She's hung a watch aroun' my +neck; she knocks at the wall; she scratches on the panes.--She puts her +finger on my breast an' I'm that smothered, I has to gasp for air. No, +no, I know best. You got to go through a thing like that before you know +what it is. You can't tell about It. I've gone through a deal--you c'n +believe me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, this is my last word to you: Gather all the strength you have +in you; plant yourself firmly on both legs. Go and consult a physician. +Tell yourself that you are ill, very ill, but drive these phantoms away. +They are mere cobwebs of the brain, mere fancies. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what you said that there time, too. Just so or somethin' like it +you said. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very likely, and I'm willing to stand by it now. What you did in the +matter of your marriage, it was your entire right to do. There was no +question of any sin or guilt. + + _WERMELSKIRCH steps forward._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Henschel, come over to me. We'll light the gas and play cards. We'll +drink beer or whatever you want to and smoke a pipe with it; then the +ghosts can come if they want to. In two hours it will be bright daylight. +Then we can drink some coffee and take a walk. The devil is in this if +you can't be made to be your old self again. + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe so; we c'n try it all right. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well then, come along. + +HENSCHEL + +I won't go to your place no more. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +On account of that little nonsense the other day? That was only a +misunderstanding. And all that has been cleared up. I simply won't let +Hauffe come in any more. The fellow is always drunk; that's a fact. +Things are often said in heat that simply enter at one ear and pass out +at the other. And that's the way to treat such incidents, I always do. + +HENSCHEL + +An' that'd be best too. You're quite right. But no--I won't be comin' +into the barroom no more. I'm goin' to travel about a good bit, I think. +Maybe they won't follow me all roun'. An' now sleep well. I'm feelin' +sleepy too. + +SIEBENHAAR + +How would it be, Henschel, if you came up with me? There's light upstairs +and my office is heated. There we can all three play a little game. I +wouldn't lie down to-night anyhow. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes; we could be doin' that together. 'Tis long since I've touched a +card. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's right. Go on up. You wouldn't be able to sleep nohow. + +HENSCHEL + +I'm not goin'! Y' understand me now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, if you're goin' to stay, then I won't. God knows what you'll be up +to this night. You'll begin to be playin' aroun' with knives again. Yes, +that's what he did yesterday. A body's not sure o' her life no more. + +HENSCHEL + +You won't see me goin' up there. He advised me to do what I did, an' then +he was the first one to despise me for doin' it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I never despised you. You're an honourable fellow, through and +through; don't talk nonsense now. There are certain fates that come upon +men. And what one has to bear is not easy. You have grown ill, but you +have remained a good man. And for that truth I'll put my hand in the +fire! + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe that's true too, Mr. Siebenhaar.--Let it be; we'll talk about +somethin' else. 'Tisn't your fault; I always said that. An' I can't blame +my brother-in law neither. He knows where he gets all that from, 'Tis she +herself goes roun' to people an' tells 'em. She's everywhere--now here +an' now there. I s'pose she was with her brother too. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Who is it that goes about among people? Not a soul is thinking of that +affair of the other night, That's quite forgotten by this time. + +HENSCHEL + +It sticks to me--it does--turn it any way you please. _She_ knows how to +go about it. She's everywhere, an' she'll persuade folks. An' even, if +people was goin' to be silent for my sake an' wasn't after me like so +many dogs--nothin' c'n do any good. It'll stick to me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, we won't go away until you've put that, out of your mind. You +must calm, yourself entirely. + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, I'm sensible now an' quiet, reel quiet. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very well. In that case we can talk quite frankly. You see for yourself +how your wife repents. That waiter fellow is gone; he's far away by this +time and you'll never set your eyes on him again. Anyone may fall into +sin--no matter who it is. And so take each other's hands. Bury that +matter, hide it out of sight and be at peace. + +HENSCHEL + +I don't has to make no peace with her. [_To HANNE._] I c'n give you my +hand! I don't mind. That you've gone an' made a mistake--the Lord c'n +judge that in this world. I won't condemn you on that account.--If only +... about Gustel ... if only we could know somethin' ... about that ... +for certain! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You c'n both kill me this minute. May I drop dead if I did any harm to +Gustel!! + +HENSCHEL + +That's what I've been sayin': It'll stick to me.--Well, we c'n talk it +over again to-morrow. Before we get through talkin' about that, many a +drop o' water'll have time to run into the sea, I'm thinkin'. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why don't you build a comfortable fire and cook a cup of hot coffee. +After rain comes the sunshine. That's the way it is between married +people. There will be storms in every marriage. But after the storm +everything grows greener. The main thing is: Bye, baby, bye--[_He +imitates the gesture of one rocking a child in his arms._]--That's the +right way. That's the thing that you two must get for yourselves. +[_Jovially patting HENSCHEL'S shoulder._] That's what the old man likes. +You two must get together and buy a toy like that. Confound it, Henschel! +It would be queer if that weren't easy. A giant of a man like you! Good +night all. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Everything changes. One must have courage. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Just keep cool and dress warmly--that's it! + + _SIEBENHAAR and WERMELSKIRCH withdraw. HENSCHEL goes slowly to the + door and is about to lock it again._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to leave that open! + +HENSCHEL + +All right; I don't mind.--What are you doin' there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Who has been bending down before the oven, draws herself up quickly._] +I'm makin' a fire. Don't you see that? + +HENSCHEL + +[_Sitting down, heavily by the table._] For my part you c'n light the +lamp too. + + [_He pulls out the drawer of the table._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What are you lookin' for? + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Then you c'n push it back in. [_She steps forward and shuts the drawer._] +I s'ppose you want to wake Berthel up? + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +Monday he's goin'. Then we'll be alone. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who's goin' on Monday? + +HENSCHEL + +Siebenhaar. The Lord knows how we'll get along with the new owner. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He's a rich man. He won't borrow money of you at least. + +HENSCHEL + +--Hanne, one of us two'll have to go. One of us two. Yes, yes,'tis true. +You c'n look at me. That can't be changed. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm to go away? You want to drive me away? + +HENSCHEL + +We'll see about that later--_who_ has to go! Maybe 'twill be me, an' +maybe 'twill be you. If I was to go ... I know this for sure--you +wouldn't be scared about yourself. You're able to look after the business +like a man.--But 's I said: it don't matter about me. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If one of us has to go--I'll go. I'm still strong enough. I'll leave an' +nobody needn't see me no more. The horses an' the waggons--they're all +yours. You got the business from your father an' you can't go an' leave +it. I'll go an' then the trouble'll be over. + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis easy sayin' that. We got to consider one thing at a time. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There's no use in drawin' it out. What's over and done with is over. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Rising heavily and going toward the adjoining room._] An' Berthel? +What's to become o' the lass? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +She'll have to go to father, over in Quolsdorf. + +HENSCHEL + +[_At the door of the bedroom._] Let it be. To-morrow is another day. +Everythin' changes, as Siebenhaar says. To-morrow, maybe, everythin' 'll +look different. + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +[_Invisible in the next room._] Berthel is sweating all over again. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That won't do her no harm to be sweatin' a bit. The drops are runnin' +down my neck too. Oh, what a life--[_She opens a window._]--a body'd +rather be dead. + +HENSCHEL + +What are you talkin' about? I don't understand. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Lie down on your side an' leave me alone. + +HENSCHEL + +Are you comin' too? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +It's most day now. + + [_She winds the clock._] + +HENSCHEL + +Who's windin' the clock? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to keep still now. If Berthel was to wake up it'd be a fine to do. +She'd howl for half an hour. [_She sits down at the table and leans both +elbows upon it._] 'Twould be best if a body got up an' went away, + + _SIEBENHAAR peers in._ + +SIEBENHAAR I'm lookin' in once more. Is your husband calmer now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, he lay down to sleep. [_She calls._] Husband! Wilhelm! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Sh! You'd better be grateful. Hurry and go to bed yourself. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There's nothin' else left to do. I'll go an' try. [_She goes to the door +of the bedroom, stands still as if spellbound and listens._] Wilhelm! You +might answer.--[_Louder and more frightened._] Wilhelm! You're not to +frighten me this way! Maybe you think I don't know that you're still +awake!!--[_In growing terror._]--Wilhelm, I tell you!... [_BERTHEL has +waked up and wails._] Berthel, you look out an' keep still! Keep still or +I don't know what'll happen!--Wilhelm! Wilhelm! + + [_She almost shrieks._ + + SIEBENHAAR looks in again. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What's the matter, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I call an' call an' he don't answer! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Are you crazy? Why do you do that? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--'Tis so still ... Somethin's happened. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What?--[_He takes up the candle and goes toward the bedroom door._] +Henschel, have you fallen asleep? + + [_He enters the bedroom._ + + [_Pause._] + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Not daring to follow him._] What is it? What is it? What's goin' on? + + _WERMELSKIRCH looks in._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Who's in there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar.--'Tis so still. Nobody don't answer.-- + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Very pale and holding BERTHEL on his arm hurries out of the bedroom._] +Mrs. Henschel, take your child and go up to my wife. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Already with the child in her arms._] For God's sake, what has +happened? + +SIEBENHAAR + +You'll find that out all too soon. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With a voice that is first repressed and at last rises to a scream._] O +God, he's done hisself some harm! + + _[She runs out with the child._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Shall I call the doctor? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Too late! He could give no help here. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +ROSE BERND + + + + +LIST OF PERSONS + + +BERND. + +ROSE BERND. + +MARTHEL. + +CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. + +MRS. FLAMM. + +ARTHUR STRECKMANN. + +AUGUST KEIL. + +HAHN. HEINZEL. GOLISCH. KLEINERT. _Field Labourers_ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH. + +THE HEAD MAID SERVANT. + +THE ASSISTANT MAID SERVANT. + +A CONSTABLE. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _A level, fertile landscape. It is a clear, warm, sunny morning in + May. Diagonally from the middle to the foreground extends a path. The + fields on either side are raised slightly above it. In the immediate + foreground a small potato patch on which the green shoots are already + visible. A shallow ditch, covered with field flowers, separates the + path from the fields. To the left of the path on a slope about six + feet in height an old cherry tree, to the right hazelnut and + whitethorn bushes. Nearly parallel with this path, but at some + distance in the background, the course of a brook is marked by + willows and alder trees. Solitary groves of ancient trees add a + park-like appearance to the landscape. In the background, left, from + among bushes and tree-tops arise the gables and the church steeple of + the village. A crucifix stands by the wayside in the foreground, + right. It is Sunday._ + + _ROSE BERND, a beautiful, vigorous peasant girl of twenty-two + emerges, excited and blushing, from the bushes at the left and sits + down on the slope, after having peered shyly and eagerly in all + directions. Her skirt is caught up, her feet are bare, as are her + arms and neck. She is busily braiding one of her long, blonde + tresses. Shortly after her appearance a man comes stealthily from the + bushes on the other side. It is the landowner and magistrate, + CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. He, too, gives the impression of being embarrassed + but at the same time amused. His personality is not undignified; his + dress betrays something of the sportsman, nothing of the dandy--laced + boots, hunter's hose, a leather bottle slung by a strap across his + shoulder. Altogether FLAMM is robust, unspoiled, vivid and + broad-shouldered and creates a thoroughly pleasant impression. He + sits down on the slope at a carefully considered distance from ROSE. + They look at each other silently and then break out into + inextinguishable laughter._ + +FLAMM + +[_With rising boldness and delight sings ever louder and more heartily, +beating time like a conductor._] + + "In heath and under greenwood tree, + There is the joy I choose for me! + I am a huntsman bold + I am a huntsman bold!" + +ROSE + +[_Is at first frightened by his singing; then, more and more amused, her +embarrassment gives way to laughter._] Oh, but Mr. Flamm ... + +FLAMM + +[_With a touch of jaunty boldness._] Sing with me, Rosie! + +ROSE + +Oh, but I can't sing, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Ah, that isn't true, Rosie. Don't I hear you often and often singing out +on the farm: + + "A huntsman from the Rhineland ..." Well! + "Rides through the forest green." + +ROSE + +But I don't know that song a bit, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +You're not to say Mr. Flamm! Come now! + + "Girlie, come and move + Here to my favourite si-i-ide!" + +ROSE + +[_Anxiously._] The people will be comin' from church in a minute, Mr. +Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Let 'em come! [_He gets up and takes his rifle from the hollow cherry +tree to the left._] I'd better hang it around again anyhow. So.--And now +my hat and my pipe! Good. They can come whenever they please. [_He has +slung his gun across his shoulder, straightened his hat which is +ornamented with a cock's feather, taken a short pipe out of his pocket +and put it between his lips._] Look at the wild cherries. They're thick. +[_He picks up a handful of them and shows them to ROSE. With heartfelt +conviction:_] Rosie, I wish you were my wife! + +ROSE + +Goodness, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +I do, so help me! + +ROSE + +[_Nervously trying to restrain him_] Oh no, no! + +FLAMM + +Rosie, give me your dear, good, faithful little paw. [_He holds her hand +and sits down._] By heaven, Rosie! Look here, I'm a deucedly queer +fellow! I'm damned fond of my dear old woman; that's as true as ... + +ROSE + +[_Hiding her face in her arm._] You make me want to die o' shame. + +FLAMM + +Damned fond of her I tell you ... but--[_His patience snaps._]--this +doesn't concern her a bit! + +ROSE + +[_Again tempted to laugh against her will._] Oh, but how you talk, Mr. +Flamm! + +FLAMM + +[_Filled with hearty admiration of her._] Oh, you're a lovely woman! You +are lovely! You see: my wife and I ... that's a queer bit of business, +that is. Not the kind of thing that can be straightened out in a minute. +You know Henrietta ... She's sick. Nine solid years she's been bedridden; +at most she creeps around in a wheel chair.--Confound it all, what good +is that sort o' thing to me? + + [_He grasps her head and kisses her passionately._ + +ROSE + +[_Frightened under his kisses._] The people are comin' from church! + +FLAMM + +They're not thinking of it! Why are you so worried about the people in +church to-day? + +ROSE + +Because August's in church too. + +FLAMM + +That long-faced gentry is always in church! Where else should they be? +But, Rosie, it isn't even half past ten yet; and when the service is over +the bells ring. No, and you needn't be worried about my wife either. + +ROSE + +Oh, Christopher, she keeps lookin' at a body sometimes, so you want to +die o' shame. + +FLAMM + +You don't know my old lady; that's it. She's bright; she can look through +three board walls! But on that account ...! She's mild and good as a lamb +... even if she knew what there is between us; she wouldn't take our +heads off. + +ROSE + +Oh, no! For heaven's sake, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +Nonsense, Rosie! Have a pinch, eh? [_He takes snuff._] I tell you once +more: I don't care about anything! [_Indignantly._] What is a man like me +to do? What, I ask you? No, don't misunderstand me! Surely you know how +seriously I think of our affair. Let me talk ahead once in a while. + +ROSE + +Mr. Christie, you're so good to me ...! [_With a sudden ebullition of +tenderness, tears in her eyes, she kisses FLAMM'S hand._] So good ... but +... + +FLAMM + +[_Moved and surprised._] Good to you? No wonder! Deuce take me, Rosie. +That's very little, being good to you. If I were free, I'd marry you. You +see, I've lost the ordinary way in life! Not to speak of past affairs! +I'm fit for ... well, I wonder what I _am_ fit for! I might have been a +royal chief forester to-day! And yet, when the governor died, I went +straight home and threw over my career. I wasn't born for the higher +functions of society. All this even is too civilised for me. A block +house, a rifle, bear's ham for supper and a load of lead sent into the +breeches of the first comer--that would be ...! + +ROSE + +But that can't be had, Mr. Flamm! And ... things has got to end sometime. + +FLAMM + +[_Half to himself._] Confound it all to everlasting perdition! Isn't +there time enough left for that spindle-shanked hypocrite? Won't there be +far too much left for that fellow anyway? No> girlie, I'd send him about +his business. + +ROSE + +Oh, but I've kept him danglin' long enough. Two years an' more he's been +waitin'. Now he's urgent; he won't wait any longer. An' things can't go +on this way no more. + +FLAMM + +[_Enraged._] That's all nonsense; you understand. First you worked +yourself to the bone for your father. You haven't the slightest notion of +what life is, and now you want to be that bookbinder's pack horse. I +don't see how people can be so vulgar and heartless as to make capital +out of another human being in that way! If that's all you're looking +forward to, surely there's time enough. + +ROSE + +No, Christie ... It's easy to talk that way, Mr. Flamm! But if you was +put into such circumstances, you'd be thinkin' different too.--I know how +shaky father's gettin'! An' the landlord has given us notice too. A new +tenant is to move in, I believe! An' then it's father's dearest wish that +everythin's straightened out. + +FLAMM + +Then let your father marry August Keil, if he's so crazy about the +fellow. Why, he's positively obsessed. It's madness the way he's taken +with that man! + +ROSE + +You're unjust, Mr. Flamm; that's all. + +FLAMM + +Say rather ... Well, what? What was I going to say?... I can't bear that +sanctimonious phiz! My gorge rises at the sight of him. God forgive me, +Rosie, and forgive you especially! Why shouldn't I be open with you? It +may be that he has his merits. They say, too, that he's saved up a few +shillings. But that's no reason why you should go and drown yourself in +his paste-pot! + +ROSE + +No, Christopher! Don't talk that way! I musn't listen to such talk, the +dear Lord knows!--August, he's been through a lot!--His sickness an' his +misfortunes--that goes right to a person's soul ... + +FLAMM + +A man can never understand you women folks. You're an intelligent and +determined girl, and suddenly, on one point, your stupidity is simply +astonishing--goose-like, silly! It goes straight to your soul, does it? +From that point of view you might as well marry an ex-convict, if pity or +stupidity are reasons. You ought to raise a bit of a row with your father +for once! What's hurting August? He grew up in the orphan house and +succeeded in making his way for all that. If you won't have him, his +brethren in the Lord will find him another. They're expert enough at +that! + +ROSE + +[_With decision._] No, that won't do. And--it has got to be, Mr. +Flamm.--I'm not sorry for what's happened, though I've had my share o' +sufferin' in quiet. All to myself, I mean. But never mind. An' nothin' +can change that now. But it's got to come to an end some day--it can't +never an' never go on this way. + +FLAMM + +Can't go on? What do you mean by that exactly? + +ROSE + +Just ... because things is no different in this world. I can't put him +off no longer; an' father wouldn't bear with it. An' he's quite right in +that matter. Dear Lord ha' mercy! 'Tis no easier on that account! But +when it'll all be off a body's soul ... I don't know--[_She touches her +breast._] they calls it, I believe, strain o' the heart, Oh, times are +when I has real pains in my heart ... An' a person can't feel that way +all the time. + +FLAMM + +Well, then there's nothing more to be done just now. It's time for me to +be getting home. [_He gets up and throws the rifle across his shoulder._] +Another time then, Rosie. Good-bye! + + _ROSE stares straight in front of her without answering._ + +FLAMM + +What's the matter, Rosie? Won't there be another time? + + _ROSE shakes her head._ + +FLAMM + +What, have I hurt you, Rosie? + +ROSE + +There'll never be another time--like this--Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +[_With despairing passion._] Girl, I don't care if it costs me everything +... + + [_He embraces her and kisses her again and again._ + +ROSE + +[_Suddenly in extreme terror._] For the love o' ... some one's comin', +Mr. Flamm! + + _FLAMM in consternation, jumps up and disappears behind a bush._ + + _ROSE gets up hastily, straightens her hair and her dress and looks + anxiously about her. As no one appears she takes up the hoe and + begins to weed the potato patch. After a while there approaches, + unnoticed by her, the machinist ARTHUR STRECKMANN dressed in his + Sunday coat. He is what would generally be called a handsome + man--large, broad-shouldered, his whole demeanour full of + self-importance. He has a blond beard that extends far down his + chest. His garments, from his jauntily worn huntsman's hat to his + highly polished boots, his walking coat and his embroidered + waistcoat, are faultless and serve to show, in connection with his + carriage, that STRECKMANN not only thinks very well of himself but is + scrupulously careful of his person and quite conscious of his unusual + good looks._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_As though but now becoming conscious of ROSE'S presence, in an +affectedly well-modulated voice._] Good day, Rosie. + +ROSE + +[_Turns frightened._] Good day, Streckmann. [_In an uncertain voice_] +Why, where did you come from? From church? + +STRECKMANN + +I went away a bit early. + +ROSE + +[_Excitedly and reproachfully._] What for? Couldn't you put up with the +sermon? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Boldly._] Oh, it's such beautiful weather out. An' that's why! I left +my wife in the church too. A feller has got to be by himself once in a +while. + +ROSE + +I'd rather be in church. + +STRECKMANN + +That's where the women folks belongs. + +ROSE + +I shouldn't wonder if you had your little bundle o' sins. You might ha' +been prayin' a bit. + +STRECKMANN + +I'm on pretty good terms with the Lord. He don't keep such very +particular accounts o' my sins. + +ROSE + +Well, well! + +STRECKMANN + +No, he don't bother with me much. + +ROSE + +A vain, fool--that's what you is! + + _STRECKMANN laughs in a deep and affected tone._ + +ROSE + +If you was a real man, you wouldn't have to go an' beat your wife at +home. + +STRECKMANN + +[_With a gleam in his eyes._] That shows that I'm a real man! That shows +it! That's proper! A man's got to show you women that he's the master. + +ROSE + +Don't be fancyin' such foolishness. + +STRECKMANN + +That's so, for all you say. Right _is_ right. An' I never failed to get +what I was wantin' that way. + + _ROSE laughs constrainedly._ + +STRECKMANN + +People says you're goin' to leave Flamm's service. + +ROSE + +I'm not in Flamm's service at all. You see now that I'm doin' other +things. + +STRECKMANN + +You were helpin' at Flamm's no later'n yesterday. + +ROSE + +Maybe so! Maybe I was or maybe I wasn't! Look after your own affairs. + +STRECKMANN + +Is it true that your father has moved? + +ROSE + +Where to? + +STRECKMANN + +With August over into Lachmann's house. + +ROSE + +August hasn't even bought the house yet. Those people--they knows more +than I. + +STRECKMANN + +An' they says too that you'll be celebratin' your weddin' soon. + +ROSE + +They can be talkin' for all I care. + +STRECKMANN + +[_After a brief silence approaches her and stands before her with legs +wide apart._] Right you are! You can marry him any time. A fine girl like +you don't need to hurry so; she can have a real good time first! I +laughed right in his face when he told me. There's no one believes him. + +ROSE + +[_Quickly._] Who's been sayin' it? + +STRECKMANN + +August Keil. + +ROSE + +August himself? An' this is what he gets from his silly talkin'. + +STRECKMANN + +[_After a silence._] August he's such a peevish kind.... + +ROSE + +I don't want to hear nothing. Leave me alone! Your quarrels don't concern +me! One o' you is no better'n another. + +STRECKMANN + +Well, in some things--when it comes to bein' bold. + +ROSE + +Oh, heavens! That boldness o' yours. We knows that. Go about an' asks the +women folks a bit. No, August isn't that kind. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Laughs with lascivious boastfulness._] I'm not denyin' that. + +ROSE + +An' you couldn't. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looking at her sharply through half-closed lids._] It's not comfortable +to make a fool o' me. What I wants of a woman--I gets. + +ROSE + +[_Jeeringly._] Oho! + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, oho! What would you wager, Rosie! You been makin' eyes at me many a +time. + + [_He has approached and offered to put his arms around her._ + +ROSE + +Don't be foolish, Streckmann! Keep your hands off o' me! + +STRECKMANN + +If it was.... + +ROSE + +[_Thrusts him away._] Streckmann! I've been tellin' you! I don't want to +have nothin' to do with you men. Go your own way. + +STRECKMANN + +What am I doin' to you?--[_After a silence with a smile that is half +malicious, half embarrassed._] You wait! You'll be comin' to me one o' +these days! I'm tellin' you: you'll be comin' to me yourself some day! +You can act as much like a saint as you wants to.--D'you see that cross? +D'you see that tree? Confound it! There's all kinds o' things! I've been +no kind o' a saint myself! But ... right under a cross ... you might be +sayin' just that ... I'm not so very partic'lar, but I'd take shame at +that. What would your father be sayin' or August? Now, just f'r instance: +this pear tree is hollow. Well an' good. There was a rifle in there. + +ROSE + +[_Has been listening more and more intently in the course of her work. +Deadly pale and quivering she bursts out involuntarily:_] What are you +sayin'? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'!--I'm sayin' nothin' more.--But when a feller hasn't no notion of +nothin' an' is thinkin' no ill, a wench like you acts as high an' mighty! + +ROSE + +[_Losing self-control and leaping in front of him in her terror._] What +is't you say? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Calmly returning her terrible gaze._] I said: A wench like you. + +ROSE + +An' what's the meanin' o' that? + +STRECKMANN + +That's got no special meanin'. + +ROSE + +[_Clenches her fists and pierces him with her eyes in an intense passion +of rage, hate, terror and consternation until in the consciousness of her +powerlessness she drops her arms and utters almost whiningly the words:_] +I'll know how to get my good right about this! + + [_Holding her right arm before her weeping eyes and wiping her face + with the left, she returns, sobbing brokenly, to her work._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks after her with his old expression of malicious coldness and +determination. Gradually he is seized with a desire to laugh and finally +bursts out:_] That's the way things go! Don't worry a bit.--What do you +take me for anyhow, Rose? What's the row about? This kind o' thing don't +do no harm! Why shouldn't a person fool her neighbours? Why not? Who made +'em so stupid? Them as can do it are the finest women in the world! Of +course, a man like me knows how things are! You can believe me--I've +always known about you. + +ROSE + +[_Beside herself._] Streckmann! I'll do myself some harm! Do you hear? Or +else go away from our bit o' patch! Go ... I ... something awful will +happen, I tell you! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Sits down and claps his flat hands over his knees._] For goodness' +sake! Don't carry on so! D'you think I'll be goin' about everywhere an' +tellin' what I know an' rakin' you over the coals? How does it concern +me, I'd like to know, what your goin's on are? + +ROSE + +I'll go home an' hang myself on a beam! That's what Mary Schubert did +too. + +STRECKMANN + +That was a different thing with her! That girl had different things on +her conscience! An' I didn't have nothin' to do with her.--But if every +woman was to go an' hang herself on account o' what you've done--there +wouldn't be no more women in this world. That sort o' thing happens +wherever you look--everywhere--that's the way things is. O' course, I +have to laugh. That father o' yours, he carries himself so high! The way +he stares at a feller that's gone a bit off the narrow way. It's enough +to make you want to go an' hide your face. Well--people ought to begin at +home ... + +ROSE + +[_Trembling in the terror of her heart._] O dear Lord, have mercy! + +STRECKMANN + +Can you deny that I'm right? You people stick in piety up to the very +eyes--your father an' August Keil an' you too! A feller like me can't +compete with you there. + +ROSE + +[_With a new outburst of despair._] It's a lie ... a lie! You saw +nothing! + +STRECKMANN + +No? Saw nothing? Well, I'll be...! Then I must ha' been dreamin'. That's +what it must ha' been! If that wasn't Squire Flamm from Diessdorf! I +haven't had a drop o' anythin' to-day. Didn't he play at drivin' you by +the braids o' your hair? Didn't he throw you into the grass? [_With +uncontrollable, hard laughter._] He had a good hold on you! + +ROSE + +Streckmann, I'll beat your head in with my hoe! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Still laughing._] Listen to that! What now? You're not goin' to cut up +so rough! Why shouldn't you ha' done it? I don't blame you. First come, +first served: that's the way o' the world. + +ROSE + +[_Weeping and moaning in her helpless grief and yet working +convulsively._] A feller like that, presumes to ...! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Enraged and brutally._] It's you that presumes! 'Tisn't me that does! +Not that I'd mind presumin' a good deal. If Flamm's good enough, it's +certain that I am! + +ROSE + +[_Sobbing and crying out in her despair._] I've been a decent girl all my +life long! Let anybody come an' say somethin' against me if he can! I +took care o' three little brothers an' sisters! Three o'clock in the +mornin' I've gotten up, an' not so much as taken a drop o' milk! An' +people knows that! Every child knows it! + +STRECKMANN + +Well, you needn't make such a noise about it! The bells is ringin' and +the people is comin' from church. You might be a bit sociable with a +feller. You people are just burstin' with pride. Maybe it's true ... +things look as if it was. I'm not sayin' but what you're a good worker +an' a good saver. But otherwise you're no better'n other folks. + +ROSE + +[_Gazing into the distance; in extreme fear._] Isn't that August that's +comin' there? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks in the same direction toward the village. Contemptuously_:] +Where? Oh, yes, that's him! There they both are! They're just walkin' +around the parson's garden. Well, what about it? You think I ought to be +gettin' away? I'm not afeard o' them psalm-singin' donkeys. + +ROSE + +[_In quivering fear._] Streckmann, I've saved up twelve crowns ... + +STRECKMANN + +Rosie, you know you've saved more than that. + +ROSE + +All right, I'll give you all my bit o' savin's! I don't care for the +money ... I'll bring it to you, to the last farthing. Streckmann, only +have pity ... + + [_She seeks to grasp his hands beseechingly, but he draws them away._ + +STRECKMANN + +I takes no money. + +ROSE + +Streckmann! For the sake o' all good things in the world ... + +STRECKMANN + +Well now, I can't see why you don't act sensible. + +ROSE + +If one person in the village finds that out.... + +STRECKMANN + +It depends on you! Nobody needn't know. All you need to do is not to +force it on 'em ... [_With sudden passion._] What's at the bottom of +it?--I'm crazy about you ... + +ROSE + +Where's the woman or girl you're not crazy about! + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe it's so. I can't change things. A man like me who has to go the +round o' all the estates in the country with his threshin' machine--he +don't have worry because he's not talked about. I know best how it is +with me. Before ever Flamm came--I'm not mentionin' August--I'd thrown an +eye on you. An' nobody knows what it's cost me. [_With iron +stubbornness._] But the devil fetch me now! Come what may, Rosie! There's +no more use tryin' to joke with me! I happened to come upon somethin' +to-day! + +ROSE + +An' what is it? + +STRECKMANN + +You'll see soon enough. + + _MARTHEL, ROSE'S younger sister, comes skipping along the field-path. + She is neatly dressed in her Sunday garments and is still + pronouncedly child-like._ + +MARTHEL + +[_Calls out._] Rose, is that you? What are you doin' here? + +ROSE + +I've got to finish hoein' the patch. Why didn't you stop to finish it o' +Saturday? + +MARTHEL + +Oh, dearie me, Rosie, if father sees you! + +STRECKMANN + +If there's a bit o' profit in it, he won't do nothing very bad. You let +old Bernd alone for that! + +MARTHEL + +Who is that, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Oh, don't ask me! + + _Old BERND and AUGUST KEIL are approaching along the field-path from + the village. The old, white-haired man, as well as the other who is + about thirty-five years old, is dressed in his Sunday coat and each + carries a hymn book. Old BERND has a white beard; his voice has a + certain softness as though he had had and been cured of a severe + pulmonary affection. One might imagine him to be a dignified retired + family coachman. AUGUST KEIL, who is a bookbinder, has a pale face, + thin, dark moustache and pointed beard. His hair is growing notably + thin and he suffers from occasional nervous twitching. He is lean, + narrow-chested; his whole appearance betrays the man of sedentary + employment._ + +BERND + +Isn't that Rosie? + +AUGUST + +Yes, father Bernd. + +BERND + +You can't nowise make the girl stop that. When the fit takes her, she's +got to go an' toil--if it's weekday or holiday. [_He is quite near her by +this time._] Is there not time enough o' weekdays? + +AUGUST + +You do too much, Rosie! There's no need o' that! + +BERND + +If our good pastor saw that, it'd hurt him to the very soul. He wouldn't +trust his own eyes. + +AUGUST + +An' he's been askin' for you again. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Suggestively._] They say, too, as he wants her to be his housekeeper. + +BERND + +[_Noticing him for the first time._] Why, that's Streckmann! + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, here I am, life-size. That girl, she's as busy as an ant or a bee! +She'll be workin' if her sides crack. She's got no time to be sleepin' in +the church. + +BERND + +It's little sleepin' we does there, I tell you. You might better say that +them as are out here do the sleepin' an' don't want no awakenin'. The +Bridegroom is at hand ... + +STRECKMANN + +An' that's certainly true! But the bride, meantime, runs off! + +AUGUST + +You're in a merry mood this day. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, that I am. I could hug a curbstone ... or the handle o' your +collection bag. I do feel most uncommonly jolly. I could laugh myself +sick. + +BERND + +[_To ROSE._] Put up your things an' we'll go home! Not that way! That way +I'm not goin' home with you! Put your hoe in the hollow of the tree! +Carryin' that o' Sunday would give offence. + +AUGUST + +There's them that even gads about with guns. + +STRECKMANN + +An' devils that take no shame carryin' a whisky-bottle. + + [_He pulls his bottle out of his pocket._ + +AUGUST + +Each man does those things on his own responsibility. + +STRECKMANN + +True. An' at his own expense! Come, take courage an' have a drink with me +for once. + + [_He holds out the bottle to AUGUST who pays no attention to him._ + +BERND + +You know well enough that August drinks no spirits!--Whereabouts is your +threshin' machine now? + +STRECKMANN + +But you, father Bernd; you can't go an' refuse to take a drop with me! +You've been a distiller yourself! My machine is on the great estate down +below. + +BERND + +[_Takes the bottle hesitatingly._] Just because it's you, Streckmann, +otherwise I wouldn't be touchin' it. When I was manager of the estate, I +had to do a good many things! But I never liked to distil the drink an' I +didn't touch it in them days at all. + +STRECKMANN + +[_To AUGUST who has placed a spade in the hollow of the cherry tree._] +You just look at that tree! Piff, paff! All you got to do is to take your +aim and let it fly. + +BERND + +There's people that goes hunting o' Sundays. + +STRECKMANN + +Squire Flamm. + +BERND + +Just so. We ha' met him. 'Tis bad. I'm sorry for them folks. + + _STRECKMANN throws cock-chafers at ROSE._ + +ROSE + +[_Trembling._] Streckmann! + +BERND + +What's wrong? + +AUGUST + +What's the meanin' o' that? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! We've got a little private quarrel! + +AUGUST + +You can have your little quarrels. But it'd be better if you had 'em +without her. + +STRECKMANN + +[_With malicious hostility._] You take care, August! Watch out! + +BERND + +Peace! Don't be quarrelsome! In God's name! + +STRECKMANN + +The dam' carrion always spits at me! + +AUGUST + +Carrion is a dead beast ...! + +STRECKMANN + +August, let's be at peace. Father Bernd is right; people ought to like +each other! An' it isn't Christian the way you act sour like! Come on +now! Have a drink! You're not good-lookin', your worst enemy'd have to +admit that, but you're fine when it comes to readin' an' writin' an' +you've got your affairs pretty well arranged! Well, then, here's to your +weddin'--an early one an' a merry one! + + _BERND takes the bottle and drinks since AUGUST remains quite + unresponsive._ + +STRECKMANN + +I take that real kind o' you, father Bernd. + +BERND + +When it comes to drinkin' to a happy weddin', I makes an exception! + +STRECKMANN + +Exactly! That's proper! That's right!--It isn't as if I was a horse-boy +to-day as in the old times on the estate when you had the whip hand o' +me. I've gotten to be a reputable kind o' feller. Anybody that's got a +head on his shoulders makes his way. + +BERND + +God bestows his favours on them he wants to.--[_To AUGUST._] Drink to a +happy weddin'. + +AUGUST + +[_Takes the bottle._] May God grant it! We don't have to drink to it. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Slapping his thigh._] An' may he give plenty o' little Augusts, so that +the grandfather can be glad. An' the oldest of 'em all must grow up to be +a squire!--But now you ought to let Rosie have a drink too. + +BERND + +You're weepin', Rosie. What's troublin' you? + +MARTHEL + +The tears keep runnin' out o' her eyes all the time. + +AUGUST + +[_To ROSE._] Drink a drop, so's to let him have his will. + + _ROSE takes the bottle, overcoming her repugnance by a violent + effort._ + +STRECKMANN + +Right down with it now! Let's be jolly! + + _ROSE drinks trembling and hands back the bottle to AUGUST with + undisguised disgust._ + +BERND + +[_Softly in his paternal pride to STRECKMANN._] There's a girl for you! +He'd better keep a good hold o' her. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _The large living room in FLAMM'S house. The large, low room which is + on a level with the ground has a door at the right leading to the + outer hall. A second door in the rear hall leads into a smaller + chamber, filled with hunting implements, etc., which FLAMM calls his + den. When this door is open, garments and rifles and stuffed bird + heads are to be seen covering the walls of the smaller room. In it + stands, also, the chest of drawers in which FLAMM stores the + documents kept by him as magistrate. The large room with its three + windows on the left side, its dark beams and its furnishings creates + an impression of home-likeness and comfort. In the left corner stands + a large sofa covered with material of an old-fashioned, flowery + pattern. Before it stands an extension table of oak. Above the door + of the den hangs a glass case containing a group of stuffed + partridges. Immediately to the right of this door a key-rack with + keys. Not far from this stands a bookcase with glass doors which is + filled with books. Upon this bookcase stands a stuffed owl and next + to it hangs a cuckoo clock. A great tile oven of dappled blue + occupies the right corner of the room. In all the three windows of + the left wall are potted plants in bloom. The window beside the table + is open as well as the one farther forward. In front of the latter + MRS. FLAMM is sitting in an invalid's chair. All the windows have + mull curtains. Not far from the window nearest to the spectator there + is an old chest of drawers covered by a lace scarf upon which are to + be seen glasses, bric-a-brac and family mementos of various kinds. On + the wall above hang family photographs. Between the oven and the door + that leads to the outer hall stands an old-fashioned grand piano and + an embroidered piano-stool. The keyboard of the instrument is turned + toward the tile oven. Above the piano there are glass cases + containing a collection of butterflies. In the foreground, to the + right, a brightly polished roller-top desk of oak with a simple + chair. Several such chairs are set against the mall near the desk. + Between the windows an old armchair covered with brown leather. Above + the table a large brass lamp of English manufacture is suspended. + Above the desk hangs the large photograph of a handsome little boy of + five. The picture is in a simple wooden frame wreathed in fresh field + flowers. On top of the desk a large globe of glass covers a dish of + forget-me-nots. It is eleven o'clock in the forenoon on a magnificent + day of late spring._ + + _MRS. FLAMM is an attractive, matronly woman of forty. She wears a + smooth, black alpaca dress with a bodice of old-fashioned cut, a + small cap of white lace on her head, a lace collar and soft lace + cuffs which all but cover her emaciated, sensitive hands. A book and + a handkerchief of delicate material lie in her lap. MRS. FLAMM'S + features are not without magnanimity and impressiveness. Her eyes are + light blue and piercing, her forehead high, her temples broad. Her + hair, already gray and thin is plainly parted in the middle. From + time to time she strokes it gently with her finger tips. The + expression of her face betrays kindliness and seriousness without + severity. About her eyes, her nose and her mouth there is a flicker + of archness. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looks thoughtfully out into the open, sighs, becomes absorbed in her +book for a moment, then listens and closes her book after inserting a +bookmark. Finally she turns toward the door and speaks in a slightly +raised, sympathetic voice._] Whoever is out there ... come in! [_A tap is +heard, the door to the hall is slightly opened and the head of old BERND +is seen._] Well, who is it? Ah, that's father Bernd, our deacon and +trustee. Come right in! I'm not going to bite you. + +BERND + +We was wantin' to speak to the squire. + + [_He enters, followed by AUGUST KEIL. Both are once more in their + best clothes._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, well, you do look solemn. + +BERND + +Good mornin', Missis. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good day to you, father Bernd.--My husband was in his den there a minute +ago. [_Referring to AUGUST._] And there is your future son-in-law too. + +BERND + +Yes, by God's help, Mrs. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, then, do take a seat. I suppose you want to make official +announcement of the marriage? It's to be at last. + +BERND + +Yes, thanks be to God; everythin' is in readiness now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm glad o' that. This waiting leads to very little. If something is to +be, then 'tis better to have it done! So the girl has made up her mind to +it at last? + +BERND + +Yes. An' it's like takin' a stone off my heart. She has kept us all +hangin' about this long time. Now she wants to hurry of her own free +will. She'd rather have the weddin' to-day than to-morrow. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm very glad of that, Mr. Keil! Very glad, indeed, Bernd. Christie! I +think my husband will be here presently! So this matter has been adjusted +at last! Well, father Bernd, I think you ought to feel that you're lucky! +You must be well content. + +BERND + +An' so I am! You're right indeed, Mrs. Flamm! Day before yesterday we +talked it all over. An' God has given us an especial blessin' too. For +August went to see the lady of Gnadau an' she was so extraordinar' +kind-hearted as to loan him a thousand crowns. An' with that he can go +an' buy the Lachmann house now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that true? Is that possible? Now there you see again how life is, +father Bernd. When your master let you go without a bit o' pension or +anything for your old age, you were quite desperate and hopeless. An' +'twas an unfeeling thing to do! But now God has turned everything to +good. + +BERND + +So it is! But men has too little faith! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, then! Now you're well off! In the first place the house is right +opposite the church, an' then it has a good bit o' land that goes with +it! And Rose, well, I'm sure she knows how to manage. Yes, you can really +be satisfied. + +BERND + +The blessin's that a lady like that can spread! Next to God ... it's to +her we owe the most. If I'd been in her service an' had ruined my health +as I did workin' for my master, I wouldn't ha' had to complain. + +MRS. FLAMM + +You have nothing more to complain of now, Bernd. + +BERND + +My goodness, no! In one way not! + +MRS. FLAMM + +You can't count on gratitude in this world. My father was chief forester +for forty years an' when he died my mother knew want for all that.--You +have an excellent son-in-law. You can live in a pleasant house and you'll +even have your own land to work on. And that everything goes from better +to better--well, you can let your children see to that. + +BERND + +An' that's what I hope for too. No, I haven't no doubt o' that at all. A +man who has worked himself up in the world that way by carryin' tracts +... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Weren't you thinking once of being a missionary? + +AUGUST + +Unfortunately my health was too bad for that. + +BERND + +... An' learned readin' an' writin' an' his trade too the while, an' is +so upright an' Christian--well, I feel that I can lay down my head in +peace if it is to lay it down to my last sleep. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do you know, by the way, father Bernd, that my husband is giving up his +office as magistrate? He'll hardly marry your girl. + +BERND + +They're in a hurry.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +I know, I know. Rose is helpin' along too. She was in to see me this +morning. If you wouldn't mind, going to look ... right behind the yard +... Christie!... There he is.... + +FLAMM + +[_Not yet visible, calls:_] Presently! In a moment! + +MRS. FLAMM + +It's official business. + + _FLAMM, without coat or waistcoat, appears in the door of his den. + His gleaming white shirt is open in front. He is busy cleaning the + barrels of a shotgun._ + +FLAMM + +Here I am. The machinist Streckmann was here just now. I'd like to have +my threshing done at once, but the machine is down there on the estate +and they're far from being done ... Dear me! Surely that's father Bernd. + +BERND + +Yes, Mr. Flamm, we have come here. We were wantin' to.... + +FLAMM + +One thing after another! Patience! [_He examines the barrels of the gun +carefully._] If you have official business for the magistrate, you'd +better wait a little while. Steckel will be my successor and he will take +these matters a deal more solemnly. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Holding her crocheting needle to her chin and observing her husband +attentively._] Christie, what silly stuff are you talking? + +AUGUST + +[_Who, pale from the first, has grown paler at the mention of +STRECKMANN'S name, now arises solemnly and excitedly._] Your honour, we +want to announce a marriage.--I am ready, by God's help, to enter into +the holy state of matrimony. + +FLAMM + +[_Stops looking at the gun. Lightly._] Is it possible? And are you in +such a hurry about it? + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Banteringly._] How does that concern you, Christie? Dear me, let the +good folks marry in peace! You're a reg'lar preacher, you are! If that +man had his will, father Bernd, there wouldn't be hardly anything but +single men and women. + +FLAMM + +Well, marriage is a risky business,--You're the bookbinder August Keil. + +AUGUST + +At your service. + +FLAMM + +You live over in Wandriss? And you've bought the Lachmann house? + +AUGUST + +Exactly. + +FLAMM + +And you want to open a book-shop? + +AUGUST + +A book and stationery shop. Yes. Probably, + +BERND + +He thinks o' sellin' mostly devotional books. + +FLAMM + +There's some land that belongs to the Lachmann house, isn't there? It +must be there by the big pear tree? + +BERND _and_ AUGUST + +[_At the same time._] Yes. + +FLAMM + +Why then our properties adjoin! [_He lays down the barrels of the gun, +searches in his pockets for a bunch of keys and then calls out through +the door:_] Minna! Come and wheel your mistress out! + + [_Resignedly though unable to control his disquiet, he sits down at + the desk._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +A very chivalrous man! But he's in the right! I'm in the way just now! +[_To the neat maid who has come in and stepped behind her._] Come, my +girl, wheel me into the den. An' you might well pin up your hair more +smoothly. + + _MRS. FLAMM and the MAID disappear in the den._ + +FLAMM + +I'm really sorry for the Lachmanns. [_To KEIL._] You invested your +savings in a mortgage on that property, didn't you? [_AUGUST coughs +excitedly and in embarrassment._] Well, that's all the same in the end! +Whoever owns that property, though, has cause to congratulate +himself.--So you want to marry? Well, all that's wanting is the lady! How +is that? Is the lady stubborn? + +AUGUST + +[_Very much wrought up and quite determined._] We're at one entirely, so +far as I know. + +BERND + +I'll go an' fetch her, Mr. Flamm. + + [_Exit rapidly._ + +FLAMM + +[_Who has opened the desk in obvious absentmindedness, observes BERND'S +departure too late._] Nonsense, there's no such terrible hurry. [_For a +few moments he gazes in some consternation at the door through which +BERND has disappeared. Then he shrugs his shoulders._] Do as you please! +Exactly as you please! I can light a pipe in the meanwhile. [_He gets up, +takes a tobacco pouch from the bookcase and a pipe from a rack on the +wall, fills the pipe and lights it. To AUGUST._] Do you smoke? + +AUGUST + +No. + +FLAMM + +Nor take snuff? + +AUGUST + +No. + +FLAMM + +And you drink no whisky, no beer, no wine? + +AUGUST + +Nothing except the wine in the sacrament. + +FLAMM + +Iron principles, I must say! Quite exemplary!--Come in! I thought someone +was knocking. Or wasn't there? Those confounded ...! You practise a bit +of quackery now and then as a diversion, don't you? [_AUGUST shakes his +head._] I thought you healed by prayer? Seems to me I heard something +like that. + +AUGUST + +That would be somethin' very different from quackery. + +FLAMM + +In what respect? + +AUGUST + +Faith can move mountains. And whatever is asked in the right spirit ... +there the Father is still almighty to-day. + +FLAMM + +Come in! Surely someone's been knocking again! Come in! Come in! Confound +it all! [_Old BERND, very pale himself, urges ROSE to enter. She is pale +and resists him. She and FLAMM look steadfastly into each other's eyes +for a moment. Thereupon FLAMM continues:_] Very well! Just wait one +little minute. + + [_He goes into the den as though to search for something._ + + _The following colloquy of BERND, ROSE and AUGUST is carried on in + eager whispers._ + +BERND + +What was Streckmann sayin' to you? + +ROSE + +Who? But, father ... + +BERND + +Streckmann was out there, talkin' an' talkin' to her! + +ROSE + +Well, what should he ha' been talkin' to me about? + +BERND + +That's what I'm askin' you. + +ROSE + +An' I know about nothin'. + +AUGUST + +You ought to have no dealin's with such a scamp! + +ROSE + +Can I help it if he talks to me? + +BERND + +You see, you must confess that he's been talkin' to you! + +ROSE + +An' if he has! I didn't listen to him-- + +BERND + +I'll have to be givin' notice about that feller Streckmann. I'll have to +get the help o' the law against him. We was walkin' past there a while +ago where they're workin' with that threshin' machine. You hear? They're +beginnin' again! [_From afar the humming and rumbling of the machine is +heard._] An' then he called out somethin' after us. I couldn't just +rightly hear what it was. + +AUGUST + +If a girl talks as much as two words to that man, her good repute is +almost ruined. + +ROSE + +Well, go an' get yourself a better girl. + +FLAMM + +[_Re-enters. He has put on a collar and a hunting coat. His demeanour is +firm and dignified._] + +Good morning, everybody. Now what can I do for you? When is this wedding +to take place? What's the trouble? You don't seem to be in agreement. +Well, won't you please say something? Well, my good people, it doesn't +look as though you were really ready. Suppose you take my advice: go home +and think it all over once more. And when you've quite made up your minds +come in again. + +AUGUST + +[_Dictatorially._] The matter'll be adjusted now. + +FLAMM + +I have surely nothing against it, Keil. [_About to make the necessary +notes with a pencil._] When is the ceremony to take place? + +BERND + +As soon as ever it's possible, we was thinkin'. + +AUGUST + +Yes; in four or five weeks if it could be done. + +FLAMM + +In four or five weeks? So soon as that? + +AUGUST + +Yes, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Then I must beg you to name the exact date. It's very difficult to make +such arrangements so rapidly and.... + +ROSE + +[_Involuntarily from the depth of her painful excitement._] An' it might +well wait a bit longer'n that. + +FLAMM + +What do you mean, Rosie? I should say Miss Bernd. We've known, each other +all our lives. But one shouldn't--be so familiar with a girl who's +betrothed. However, it seems, then, that you are not in agreement.... + +AUGUST + +[_Who has started violently at ROSE'S words, has stared at her +uninterruptedly since. Now he fights down his emotion and says with +unnatural calm:_] Very well then. Good-bye and good luck to you, father +Bernd. + +BERND + +Stay right where you are, August, I tell you! [_To ROSE._] An' as for +you! I'm tellin' you now that you must make up your mind one way or +t'other! D'you understand? Long enough has I had patience with you, an' +August too, more than was need. We went an' took your foolishness upon +ourselves. We was thinkin': Patience, patience! The Almighty will bring +the lass to her senses. But things gets worse an' worse with you. Three +days ago you give me your sacred promise an' plighted your troth to +August, an' you yourself was hard put to it to wait. An' to-day comes an' +you want to be shirkin'. What's the meanin' o' that? What do you think o' +yourself? D'you think you can dare anything because you've been a good, +decent lass? Because you've had self-respect an' been industrious, an' no +man can say evil o' you? Is that the reason? Ah, you're not the only one +o' that kind. That's no more'n our dooty! An' we're not permitted to +think anything of ourselves on that account! There's others as don't go +gaddin' to the dance! There's others as has taken care o' her brothers +an' sisters an' kept house for an old father! They're not all slovens an' +gadabouts even though you're a pious, decent lass! An' how would things +ha' been if you had been different? The street would ha' been your home! +No girl like that could be a daughter o' mine! This man here, August, he +has no need o' you! A man like that has but to stretch out his hand ... +an' he can have any girl he wants, even if her people are of the best. He +might be havin' a very different wife from yourself! Truly, a man's +patience can't bear everything! It'll snap sometime! Pride, arrogance, +recklessness--that's what it is in you! Either you keep your promise, +or.... + +FLAMM + +Now, now, father Bernd! You must be gentle! + +BERND + +Your honour, you don't know how it's been! A girl that leads on and makes +a fool of an honest man that way--she can't be no daughter o' mine! + +AUGUST + +[_Nearly weeping._] What have you got to reproach me with, Rose? Why are +you so hard toward me? 'Tis true, I never had no confidence in my good +fortune? An' why should I have? I'm made for misfortune! An' that's what +I've always told you, father Bernd, in spite of it all I've taken thought +an' I've worked an' God has given his blessin' so that I've not fallen by +the wayside. But I can weep; these things aren't for me! That would ha' +been too much of a blessin'. I grew up in an orphan house! I never knew +what it was to have a home! I had no brother an' no sister ... well, a +man can still hold fast to his Saviour.--It may be I'm not much to look +at, lass! But I asked you an' you said yes. 'Tis the inner man that +counts! God looks upon the heart ... You'll be bitter sorry some day! + + [_He tries to go but BERND holds him back._ + +BERND + +Once more! Here you stay, August!--D'you understand, Rosie! I means these +words: This man here ... or ... no, I can't permit that! That man here +was my friend an' support long before he asked you to be his wife. When I +was down with the sickness an' couldn't earn nothin', an' no one was good +to us--he shared his bit o' bread with us! [_AUGUST, unable to master his +emotion any longer, takes his hat and goes out._] He was like an angel o' +the Lord to us!--August! + +ROSE + +I'm willin'. Can't you give me a little time? + +BERND + +He's given you three years! The good pastor has tried to persuade you ... +Now August is tired out! Who's to blame him for't? Everything must end +somewhere! He's in the right! But now you can look after yourself an' see +what becomes o' you ... I can't take no more pride in such a daughter. + + [_Exit._ + +FLAMM Well, well, well, well! This is the damnedest ...! + + _ROSE has become alternately red and deathly pale. It is clear that + she is struggling with emotions so violent that she can scarcely hold + them in check. After BERND has gone out the girl seems to fall into a + state of desperate numbness._ + +FLAMM + +[_Closing the public registration book and finding courage to look at +ROSE._] Rose! Wake up! What's the matter with you? Surely you're not +going to worry about all that ranting? [_A fever seems to shake her and +her great eyes are full of tears._] Rose! Be sensible! What's the ...? + +ROSE + +I know what I want--and--maybe--I'll be able to put it through! An'--if +not--it don't matter--neither! + +FLAMM + +[_Walks up and down excitedly, stopping to listen at the door._] +Naturally. And why not? [_Apparently absorbed in the key-rack from which +he takes several keys, whispers in feverish haste._] Rose! Listen! Rose, +do you hear me? We must meet behind the outbuildings! I must talk it all +over with you once more. Ssh! Mother's in there in the den. It's not +possible here! + +ROSE + +[_Uttering her words with difficulty but with an iron energy._] Never an' +never, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +I suppose you want to drive us all mad? The devil has gotten into you! +I've been running around after you for the better part of a month, trying +to say a sensible word to you and you avoid me as if I were a leper! +What's the result? Things of this kind! + +ROSE + +[_As before._] An' if everythin' gets ten times worse'n it is--_no_! You +can all beat down on me; I don't deserve no better! Go on an' wipe your +boots on me, but ... + +FLAMM + +[_Who is standing by the table, turns suddenly with indignant +astonishment toward ROSE. He strives to master his rage. Suddenly however +he brings down his fist on the table top with resounding violence._] I +will be damned to all ...! + +ROSE + +For heaven's sake ... + + _MRS. FLAMM, wheeled by a maid servant, appears at the door of the + den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What is the trouble, Christopher? + + _FLAMM who has turned deadly pale, pulls himself together + energetically, takes his hat and cane from the wall and goes out + through the door at the right._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looks at her husband in consternation, shakes her head at his abrupt +departure and then turns questioningly to ROSE._] What has happened? +What's the matter with him? + +ROSE + +[_Overwhelmed by her profound wretchedness._] Oh, dear Mrs. Flamm, I'm +that unhappy! + + [_She sinks down before MRS. FLAMM and buries her head in the + latter's lap._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Now do tell me!... For pity's sake, lass ... what's come over you! What +is it? You're like a different creature. I can't never understand that! +[_To the maid who has wheeled her in._] I don't need you now; you can +come back later! Get everything ready in the kitchen. [_The maid leaves +the room._] Now then! What is the trouble? What has happened? Tell me +everything! It'll ease you! What? What is't you say? Don't you want to +marry that pasty August? Or maybe you're carryin' some other fellow +around in your thoughts? Dear me! one o' them is about as good as +another, an' no man is worth a great deal. + +ROSE + +[_Controlling herself and rising._] I know what I wants and that's the +end o't! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that true? You see, I was afraid you didn't know! Sometimes a woman +don't know, especially a young one like you. An' then, maybe, an older +woman can help a bit. But if you know what you want,'tis well! You'll be +findin' your own way out o' your trouble. [_Putting on her spectacles, +with a keen glance._] Rosie, are you ill maybe? + +ROSE + +[_Frightened and confused._] Ill? How ...? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Why, don't people get ill? You used to be so different formerly. + +ROSE + +But I'm not ill! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm not sayin' it. I just ask. I ask because I want to know! But we must +understand each other rightly! 'Tis true! Don't let's talk round about +the thing we want to know, or play hide an' seek.--You're not afraid that +I don't mean well? [_ROSE shakes her head vigorously._] An 'twould be +strange if you did. That's settled then. You used to play with my little +Kurt. You two grew up together until it pleased God to take my only +child.--An' that very time your mother died too an' I remember--she was +lyin' on her deathbed--that she was askin' me that I might, if possible, +look after you a bit. + +ROSE + +[_Staring straight before her._] The best thing for me would be to jump +into the river! If things is that way ... God forgive me the sin! + +MRS. FLAMM + +If things are that way? How? I don't understand you! You might well speak +a bit more clearly.--In the first place, I'm a woman myself, an' it won't +astonish me. An' then--I've been a mother myself, even if I have no +children now. Lass, who knows what's wrong with you? I've been watchin' +you for weeks an' weeks; maybe you didn't notice anything, but now I want +you to come out with the truth.--Wheel me over to that chest o' drawers. +[_ROSE obeys her._] So! Here in these drawers are old things--a child's +clothes an' toys. They were Kurt's ... Your mother said to me once: My +Rose, she'll be a mother o' children! But her blood is a bit too hot!--I +don't know. Maybe she was right. [_She takes a large doll from one of the +drawers._] Do you see? Things may go as they want to in this world, but a +mother is not to be despised.--You and Kurt used to play with this doll. +'Twas you mainly that took care o' her, washed her, fed her, gave her +clean linen, an' once--Flamm happened to come up--you put her to your +breast.--You brought those flowers this morning, didn't you? The +forget-me-nots in the little dish yonder? An' you put flowers on Kurt's +grave o' Sunday. Children an' graves--they're women's care. [_She has +taken a little child's linen shift from the drawer, she unfolds it, +holding it by the sleeves, and speaks from behind it._] Didn't you, +Rosie? An' I thank you for it, too. Your father, you see, he's busy with +his missionary meetin's an' his Bible lessons an' such things. All people +are sinners here, says he, an' he wants to make angels of 'em. It may be +that he's right, but I don't understand those things. I've learned one +thing in this world, an' that is what it is to be a mother an' how a +mother is blessed with sorrows. + + _ROSE overwhelmed and moaning has sunk down beside MRS. FLAMM and + kisses the latter's hands again and again in gratitude and as a sign + of confession._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Shows by a sudden gleam in her eyes that she understands the truth and +has received the confession. But she continues to speak quietly._] You +see, lass, that's what I've learned. I've learned that one thing which +the world has forgotten. I don't know very much about anything else. As +much as most people, maybe, an' that's not any real knowledge. [_She lays +down the child's shift carefully on her lap._] Well, now you go home an' +be of good courage! I'll be thinkin' things over for you. 'Tis well so +far. I'll ask you no more just now. You're different now ... all's +different. An' I'll be doubly careful. I don't want to know anything, but +I want you to depend on me. Little I care, anyhow, who the father is--if +'tis a councillor or a beggar. It's we who have to bring the children +into the world, an' no one can help us there. Three things you must think +about--how about your father, and about August ... an' something more. +But I have time enough! I'll think it all over an' I'll feel that I'm +still good for something in this world. + +ROSE + +[_Has arisen and passed again into a state of moral numbness._] No, no, +Mrs. Flamm, don't do that! You can't! Don't take no interest in me! I've +not deserved it of him nor of no one! I know that! I've got to fight it +through--alone! There's no help in others for me; it's ... no, I can't +tell you no clearer!... You're as good to me as an angel! Dear God, +you're much too good! But it's no use! I can't take your help. +Good-bye.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Wait a little! I can't let you go this way. Who knows what you may be +doin'? + +ROSE + +No, you can be reel quiet about that, Mrs. Flamm. I'm not that desperate +yet. If there's need, I can work for my child. Heaven's high an' the +world is wide! If it was just me, an' if it wasn't for father an' if +August didn't seem so pitiful ... an' then, a child ought to have a +father! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good. You just be resolute. You were always a brave girl. An' 'tis better +if you can keep your courage up!--But, if I've understood you rightly, I +can't see at all why you want to fight against the weddin'. + +ROSE + +[_Becomes sullen, pale and fearful._] What can I say? I don't hardly +know! An' I don't want to fight against it no more. Only ... +Streckmann.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Be open with me, you understand? For my part you can go home now! But +come back to-morrow! An' listen to this thing I say: Be glad! A woman +ought to be glad of her child.... + +ROSE + +An' God knows that I am! An' I will fight it all through! Only--nobody +can't help me to do it! + + [_Exit quickly._ + +MRS. FLAMM [_Alone. She looks after ROSE, sighs, takes the child's shift +from her lap, unfolds it as before and says:_] Ah, lass,'tis a good +fortune that you have, not an evil! There's none that's greater for a +woman! Hold it fast! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _A fertile landscape. In the foreground, to the right, on a + triangular piece of greensward slightly below the level of the + fields, there stands an old pear tree, at the foot of which a spring + empties into a primitive basin of stone. The middle distance is of + meadow land. In the background a pool, bordered by reeds and dotted + by water plants, lies in a grove of alder trees and bushes of + hazelnut, willow and beech. The meadows extend on either side + encircled by immemorial oaks, elms, beeches and birch trees. Between + the foliage of the trees and bushes the church spires of distant + villages are visible. To the left, behind the bushes, arise the + thatched roofs of the field barns._ + + _It is a hot afternoon of early August._ + + _From afar is heard the hum of the threshing machine. BERND and + AUGUST KEIL come from, the right. They are worn out from labour and + from the heat. The men are clad only in their shirts, breeches, boots + and caps. Each carries a hoe across his shoulder, a scythe in his + hand, and carries at his belt a cowherd's horn and whetstone._ + +BERND + +'Tis hot an' to spare to-day. A man must rest a bit! But a feelin' o' +peace comes to you workin' on your own ground. + +AUGUST + +The trouble is I'm not used to mowin'. + +BERND + +You went an' did your share right bravely. + +AUGUST + +Yes, yes! But how long can I do it? All my limbs are twitchin' an' +hurtin' me now. + +BERND + +You can rest content, my son. A man's got to be used to that kind o' +work. An' in your case 'tis only an exception. But, 's I said, you could +well go an' be a gard'ner. + +AUGUST + +For the space of a day. On the second I'd collapse. There's no use; I'm +but a broken reed. I went to the county physician again. 'Twas the same +as always. He just shrugged his shoulders. + +BERND + +You're well now an' in God's hands. The most you might do is to put a few +rusty nails in water an' drink the rinsings two or three times a week. +That purifies the blood an' strengthens the heart.--I only hope the +weather'll keep on this way. + +AUGUST + +The heat's too terrible. When we were mowin', I thought I heard thunder. + +BERND + +[_Kneeling down on the edge of the basin and drinking from the surface of +the spring._] Water is the best drink for all they say. + +AUGUST + +How late is it? + +BERND + +'Tis about four o'clock, I'm wonderin' what keeps Rose with our evenin' +meal. [_He raises his scythe and looks at the blade. AUGUST does the +same._] Will you have to sharpen? Mine will do a bit longer. + +AUGUST + +I can try it this way a while longer. + +BERND + +[_Throws himself on the grass under the pear tree._] You'd better come +an' sit down by me. An' if, maybe, you got your Testament with you, we +might refresh ourselves with the Good Word. + +AUGUST + +[_Sitting down exhausted and glad to be free._] All I say is: Thanks and +praise be to the Lord. + +BERND + +D'you see, August, I said to you then: Let her be! The lass will find her +own way! Now she's come to her senses! In the old days, before your time, +often an' often I worried about her. A kind o' stubbornness used to come +over her from time to time. An' 'twas always best to let her +be!--Sometimes it seemed, as God lives, as if the lass was runnin' +against a wall--a strong wall that nobody else couldn't see, an' as if +she had to grope her way around it first. + +AUGUST + +What got into her that day ... I'm thankin' God on my knees ... but that +day I didn't know what to make of it! Suddenly she--how that came about +...? No, I can't see the rights of it to this day. + +BERND + +An' how different did she act this time when we went down to the +magistrate. + +AUGUST + +I'm glad that it's no longer Squire Flamm. + +BERND + +Yes, an' this time she didn't say a word an' in four or five minutes +everythin' was straight. That's the way she is. 'Tis the way o' women. + +AUGUST + +D'you think it had somethin' to do with Streckmann? He called out some +words behind you that day, an' first he had talked to her. + +BERND + +It may be so, an' it may not be so. I can't tell you. Times is when one +can't get a word out o' her. 'Tis not a good thing. An' on that account +I'm glad that she'll be the wife of a man who can influence her an' take +that sullen way from her. You two are meant for one another. 'Tis well! +The girl needs to be led, an' you have a kind hand an' a gentle one. + +AUGUST + +When I see that Streckmann, I feel as if I had to look upon the evil one +hisself.... + +BERND + +Maybe she thought as the feller meant mischief. He's been a sinner from +his childhood on! Many a time his mother complained of it!... It may be! +'Twouldn't surprise no one in him. + +AUGUST + +When I see that man, I don't seem to be myself no longer. Hot an' cold +shudders run down my back, an' I come near to accusin' our Heavenly +Father ... because he didn't make me a Samson in strength. Such times, +God forgive me, I have evil thoughts. [_The whizzing of Streckmann's +engine is heard._] There he is! + +BERND + +Don't take no notice of him. + +AUGUST + +I won't. An' when 'tis all over, I'll shut myself up in my four walls an' +we can lead a quiet life. + +BERND + +A good, quiet life--God grant it! + +AUGUST + +And I don't want to know nothin' of the world no more! The whole business +fills me with horror! I have taken such a disgust to the world and to +men, that I ... Father, I don't hardly know how to say it ... but when +the bitterness o' things rises up into my throat--then I laugh! Then I +have a feelin' of peace in the thought of death; and I rejoice in it like +a child. + + _A number of thirsty field labourers, an old woman and two young + girls, all from the estate of the magistrate FLAMM, come hurriedly + across the fields. They are HAHN, HEINZEL, GOLISCH, OLD MRS. GOLISCH, + OLD KLEINERT, THE HEAD MAID SERVANT and her ASSISTANT. The men are + clad in trousers, the women have their skirts gathered up, shawls + over their breasts and manicoloured kerchiefs on their heads._ + +HAHN + +[_Thirty years old, bronzed and vigorous._] I'm always the first at the +fountain! The rest o' ye c'n run all ye want to! Ye can't never ketch up +with me! [_He kneels down and leans over the spring._] Eh, but I'd like +to jump right in. + +THE ASSISTANT MAID + +Don't ye dare! We've got a thirst too. [_To the HEAD MAID SERVANT._] Have +ye a bit of a cup with ye to dip up the water? + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +Hold on there! I comes first. + +HEINZEL + +[_Pulls the two women back by the shoulders and thrusts himself between +them up to the spring._] First comes the men, then the women folks. + +KLEINERT + +There's space enough here for us all. Eh, father Bernd? Wish you a good +meal. + +BERND + +Yes, yes. Only no meal's been brought for us to eat yet. We're waitin' +for it--waitin' in vain. + +GOLISCH + +I ... I ... I'm wet enough to be wrung out! My tongue is lyin' in my +mouth, dry as a piece o' charred wood. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Water! + +KLEINERT + +Here 'tis, enough for us all! + + _They all drink greedily, some immediately from the surface of the + mater, some out of their hollowed hands, others out of their hats or + out of little cups and bottles. The sounds of swallowing and of deep + relieved breathing are clearly audible._ + +HEINZEL + +[_Getting up._] Water's a good thing but beer would be a better. + +HAHN + +An' a bit o' brandy wouldn't come amiss neither. + +GOLISCH + +August, you might be treatin' us to a quart. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +He'd better invite us all to the weddin'. + +GOLISCH + +We're all comin' to the weddin'. They says it's to be soon. + +HEINZEL + +I'm not comin'. What for? To swill cold water? I needn't go no farther +than the spring for that. Or for the sake of a little coffee. + +HAHN + +An' prayin' an' singin' for dessert. An' mebbe, there's no tellin', the +parson from Jenkau will come over an' see if we know the ten +commandments. + +HEINZEL + +Or the seven beatitudes on top o' that! That'd be a fine state of +affairs. I've long forgot it all. + +KLEINERT + +You folks had better stop teasin' August. I'm tellin' you now, if I had a +girl of my own, I wouldn't be wantin' no better son-in-law. He knows his +business! You always know where to find him. + + _The working men and women have scattered themselves at ease in a + semicircle and are eating their evening meal; coffee in tin pots and + great wedges of bread from which they cut pieces with their + clasp-knives._ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +There comes Rosie Bernd around from behind the farm. + +GOLISCH + +Look an' see, will you, how that girl can jump. + +KLEINERT + +She can lift a sack o' wheat and drag it to the very top o' the barn. +This very mornin' I saw her with a great heavy chest o' drawers on a +wheelbarrow, trundlin' it over to the new house. That there girl has got +sap an' strength. She'll take care o' her household. + +HAHN + +If I could get along in the world like August in other respecks, my +faith, I wouldn't a bit mind tryin'; I'd see what bein' pious can do for +a man. + +GOLISCH + +You've got to know how to run after good fortune; then you'll get hold of +it. + +HAHN + +When you consider how he used to go around from village to village with a +sack full o' tracts; an' how, after that, he used to be writin' letters +for people ... an' now, to-day, he's got the finest bit o' property an' +can marry the handsomest girl in the county. + + _ROSE BERND approaches. In a basket she is carrying the evening meal + for AUGUST and OLD BERND._ + +ROSE + +A good afternoon to you. + +SEVERAL VOICES + +Good evenin'!--Good evenin'! Many thanks! + +GOLISCH + +You're lettin' your sweetheart starve, Rosie. + +ROSE + +[_Merrily unpacking the food._] Don't you worry! He don't starve so easy +as that. + +HEINZEL + +You must be feedin' him well, Rosie, or he'll put on no flesh. + +GOLISCH + +That's true. He'll be a sight too lean for you, lass. + +BERND + +Where have you been keepin' yourself so long? We've been waitin' this +half hour. + +AUGUST + +[_In a subdued but annoyed voice._] An' now the whole crowd is here +again! An' we might have been through this long time. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Let him scold, lass, an' don't mind it. + +ROSE + +Who's scoldin'? There's no one here to scold. August wouldn't do it in a +lifetime. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Even so! But that's right: you shouldn't care nothin' about it. + +HEINZEL + +'Cause, if he don't scold now, that'll be comin' later. + +ROSE + +I'm not afraid o' that ever comin'. + +GOLISCH + +You're mighty friendly, all of a sudden. + +ROSE + +We was always agreed with each other, wasn't we, August? What are you +laughin' at? [_She kisses him. Laughter is heard among the people._] + +GOLISCH + +Well, well, and I thought as I might be climbin' into her window some +day. + +KLEINERT + +If you did, you'd be carrying home your bones in a handkerchief! + +THE HEAD MAID SERVANT + +[_Sarcastically._] O Lordy, Lordy! I'd try it all the same. You can't +never tell. + +BERND + +[_Sombre but calm._] Take care what you're sayin', woman. + +KLEINERT + +Hear what he says, I tell you! Be careful of what you're sayin'. Old +Bernd, he don't take no jokes. + +ROSE + +She's not sayin' anythin' special. Let her be. + +KLEINERT + +[_Lighting his pipe._] He may be lookin' real mild now, but when he lets +go, you won't hardly believe it. I know how it used to be when he was +manager of the estate; the women folks didn't have much cause for +laughin' then. He got the upper hand o' ten like you; there wasn't no +gaddin 'about with fellers for them! + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +Who's gaddin' about with fellers, I'd like to know! + +KLEINERT + +You'd better be askin' the machinist, Streckmann, + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +[_Crimson._] For all I care you can ask the Lord hisself! + + [_All present laugh._ + + _The machinist STRECKMANN appears. He is dusty and comes straight + from the threshing machine. He shows the effects of liquor._ + +STRECKMANN + +Who's talkin' about the machinist Streckmann aroun' here? He's right +here! He's standin' right here. Anybody wantin' to pick a quarrel with +him? Good day to you all! Hope you're havin' a pleasant meal. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Talk of the devil an' he appears. + +STRECKMANN + +An' you're the devil's grandmother, I suppose. [_He takes off his cockade +and wipes the sweat from his forehead._] I tell you people I can't keep +up with this: this kind o' work uses a man up skin and bones!--Hello, +August! Good day to you, Rosie! Well, father Bernd--Great God, can't +anybody answer? + +HEINZEL + +Let him be! Some people's better off than they can stand. + +STRECKMANN + +The Lord lets his own people have an easy time. A feller like me works +and works and can't get ahead. [_He has assumed a reclining position and +squeezed himself between HEINZEL and KLEINERT. He now hands his whisky +bottle to HEINZEL._] Let her go aroun'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +You live the best life of us all, Streckmann! What in Heaven's name has +you to complain about? You drinks your drinks and makes three times over +what we do--all for standin' by the machine a bit. + +STRECKMANN + +What I want is work for my brain. I got a head on me. That's what you +bran-heads can't understand. Of course! What does an old woman know about +that! An', anyhow--the trouble I got.... + +GOLISCH + +Lord, Streckmann and trouble-- + +STRECKMANN + +More than enough!--there's somethin' that sticks into me, I can tell +you--sticks into my belly and into my heart. I feel so rotten bad I'd +like to be doin' somethin' real crazy. [_To the ASSISTANT MAID._] Lass, +shall I lie down with you? + +ASSISTANT MAID + +I'll bang you over the head with a whetstone! + +GOLISCH + +That's just what's troublin' him; everythin' gets black before his eyes, +he don't see nothin' more, an' sudden like, he's lyin' abed with a lass. + + [_Loud laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +Yon can laugh, ye ragamuffins, laugh all ye want to! It's no laughin' +matter with me, I can tell ye. [_Blustering:_] I'll let the machine +squeeze off one of my arms! Or ye can run the piston through me if ye +want to! Kill me, for all I care. + +HAHN + +Or mebbe you'd like to set a barn afire. + +STRECKMANN + +By God! There's fire enough inside of me. August there, he's a happy man +... + +AUGUST + +Whether I'm happy or whether I'm unhappy, that don't concern no one in +this world. + +STRECKMANN + +What am I doin' to you? Can't you be sociable with a feller? + +AUGUST + +I'll look for my society elsewhere. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks at him long with smouldering hatred; represses his rage and +grasps the whisky bottle which has been handed back to him._] Give it to +me! A feller's got to drown his sorrow!--[_To ROSE._] You needn't be +lookin' at me; a bargain's a bargain. [_He gets up._] I'm goin'!--I don't +want to come between you. + +ROSE + +You can go or you can stay for all I care. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +[_Calling STRECKMANN back._] Look here, Streckmann, what was that +happened t'other day? About three weeks ago at the threshin' machine?... + + [_Men and women burst into laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +That's all over. I don't know nothin' about that. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +An' yet, you swore by all that was good and holy.... + +KLEINERT + +You people stop your gossippin'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +He needn't be talkin' so big all the time. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Comes back._] And I tell you what I says, that I puts through. I'll be +damned if I don't! Let it go at that. I don't say no more. + + [_Exit._ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH It's done just as easy without talkin'. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Comes back, is about to speak out, but restrains himself._] Never mind! +I don't walk into no such trap! But if you want to know exactly what it's +all about, ask August there or father Bernd. + +BERND + +What's all this about? What's this we're supposed to know? + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +'Twas that time you went to the magistrate's, 'twas that time! An' didn't +Streckmann pass you on the road an' didn't he cry out somethin' after ye? + +KLEINERT + +It's about time for you to be stoppin'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +An' why, I'd like to know? That's all nothin' but a joke ... People +wonders if that there time you all agreed, or if Rosie wasn't so willin' +to join in! + +BERND + +God Almighty forgive you all for your sins! What I wants to ask you is +this: Why can't the whole crowd o' you leave us in peace? Or is it that +we ever did any harm to any o' ye? + +GOLISCH + +An' we're not doin' any wrong neither. + +ROSE + +An' whether I was willin' on that day or not--you needn't give yourself +no concern about that! I'm willin' now an' that settles it, + +KLEINERT + +That's the right way, Rosie! + +AUGUST + +[_Who has hitherto been reading, with apparent absorption, in his New +Testament, now closes the book and arises._] Come, father, let's go to +work. + +HAHN + +That takes it out o' you more than pastin' prayer books together or +stirrin' the paste in your pot! + +HEINZEL + +And how do you think he'll feel after the weddin'? A girl like Rosie--she +makes demands! + + [_Laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Also laughing._] Gee ...! I almost said somethin' I oughtn't to!--[_He +steps back among the people._] I'll give you a riddle to guess. Shall I? +Still waters run deep! 'Tis bad. You mustn't taste blood--no, no! The +thirst only gets worse an' worse--that's all. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +What's that? Where did you get the taste o' blood? + +BERND + +I suppose he means the taste for whisky! + +STRECKMANN + +I'm goin' my way! Good-bye! I'm a good feller! Good-bye, father Bernd! +Good-bye, August! Good-bye, Rosie! [_To AUGUST._] What's wrong?--August, +don't be showin' off. 'Tis all well! I'm willin'! You'll not see me +again! But you--you've got reason enough to be grateful to me. You've +always been an underhanded kind o' crittur! But I've given my consent to +let things be! I've given my consent an' everything can go smoothly. + + [_STRECKMANN goes._ + +ROSE + +[_With violent energy._] Let him talk, August; pay no attention to him. + +KLEINERT + +Flamm is comin'! [_He looks at his watch._] 'Tis over half an hour! + + [_The whistle of the engine is heard._ + +HAHN + +[_During the general stir._] Forward, Prussians! It's misery whistlin' +for us! + + _The workingmen and the maids disappear swiftly with their scythes. + ROSE, OLD BERND and AUGUST remain alone on the scene._ + +BERND + +All the evil on earth seems broken loose here' What's all that Streckmann +is sayin'? Tell me, Rose, do you understand it? + +ROSE + +No, an' I've got better things to be thinkin' of! [_She gives AUGUST a +friendly nudge on the head._] Isn't it so, August? We have no time for +nonsense! We have to hurry these comin' six weeks. + + [_She gathers up the remnants of the meal in her basket._ + +AUGUST + +Come over to us a bit later. + +ROSE + +I must wash and iron and sew buttonholes. 'Tis almost time now. + +BERND + +We'll be comin' to our supper after seven. + + [_Exit._ + +AUGUST + +[_Before he goes, earnestly:_] Do you care for me, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Yes, I do care for you. + + _AUGUST disappears and ROSE is left alone. The hum of the threshing + machine is heard as well as the muttering of thunder on the horizon. + After ROSE has replaced bread, butter, the coffee pots and cups into + her basket, she straightens herself up and seems to become aware of + something in the distance which attracts her and holds her captive. + With sudden, determination, she snatches up the head kerchief that + has fallen to the ground and hurries off. Before she has disappeared + from view, however, FLAMM becomes visible on the scene and calls to + her._ + +FLAMM + +Rose! Wait there! Confound it all! [_Rose stands still with her face +turned away._] You are to give me a drink! I suppose I'm worth a draught +of water. + +ROSE + +There's plenty of water here. + +FLAMM + +I see. I'm not blind. But I don't care to drink like the beasts. Have you +no cups in your basket? [_ROSE pushes the cover of her basket aside._] +Well, then! You even have a cup of Bunzlauer ware! I like to drink out of +that best of all. [_She hands him the cup, still with averted face._] I +beg your pardon. You might practise a little politeness! I suppose you'll +have to force yourself to it this one more time. [_ROSE walks over to the +spring, rinses the cup, fills it with water, sets it down next to the +spring and then returns to her basket. She picks the latter up and waits +with her back to FLAMM._] No, Rosie--that won't do at all. You might get +rid of some gaol bird in that fashion. I don't know the habits of such +persons very exactly. As things are, I'm still the magistrate Flamm. Am I +going to get a drink or am I not? Well: One ... two ... three ... and ... +there's an end to this, I' beg for some decency! No more nonsense! [_ROSE +has returned to the spring, has picked up the cup and now holds it out to +FLAMM, still refusing to look at him._] So! Higher, though, a little +higher! I can't get at it yet! + +ROSE + +But you must hold it. + +FLAMM + +How can I drink this way? + +ROSE + +[_Amused against her will, turns her face to him._] Oh, but.... + +FLAMM + +That's better already!--That's good!--[_Apparently unintentionally and as +if merely to hold the cup, he puts his own hands upon ROSE'S which +support it. His mouth at the rim he lowers himself more and more--until +he kneels on one knee._] So! Thank you, Rosie! Now you can let me go. + +ROSE + +[_Making gentle efforts to disengage herself._] Oh, no! Do let me be, Mr. +Flamm! + +FLAMM + +Is that so? You think, then, that I ought to let you be? Now, when at +last I've succeeded in catching you! No, lassie,'tis not so easy as that. +It won't do and you needn't ask it of me. You needn't wear yourself out! +You can't escape me! First of all, look me square in the eyes once more! +I haven't changed! I know; I know about--everything! I've had 'a talk +with the magistrate Steckel about your having agreed to everything now. I +thank God that I'm no longer the official who attends to the matchmaking! +Another man takes care of the man-traps now. I even know the date of the +funeral ... I'll be ... I meant the wedding, of course. And in addition, +I've talked to myself, too. Rose, 'tis a hard nut! I hope we won't break +our teeth on it! + +ROSE + +I dare not stand this way with you here. + +FLAMM + +You must. Whether you may or not--I don't care! In fact I don't give a +tinker's damn! If this thing is really decreed in the council of God, as +the song has it--I want a dismissal in all due form: I refuse to be just +coolly shunted off.--Rose, is there anything in the past for which I need +to ask your forgiveness? + +ROSE + +[_Touched, shakes her head with energy._] Nothin', nothin' at all, Mr. +Flamm. + +FLAMM + +No? Is that honest? [_ROSE nods a hearty affirmation._] Well, I'm glad of +that, at least! I hoped it would be so. Then at least we can keep +something that's harmonious in our memories. Ah, Rose, it was a good, +good time.... + +ROSE + +An' you must go back to your wife.... + +FLAMM + +A good time! And it rushes past ... past! And what do we keep of it? + +ROSE + +You must be kind, very kind to your wife, Mr. Flamm. She's an angel; 'tis +she that saved me! + +FLAMM + +Come, let's sit down under the pear tree! Very well. But why talk of it? +I'm always kind to my wife. Our relations are the very friendliest. Come, +Rose! Tell me all about that. What d'you mean by that? Saved? What did +she save you from, Rose? I'd naturally like to know that! What was the +matter with you? Mother did drop all sorts of hints; but I was no wiser +for them. + +ROSE + +Mr. Christopher ... Mr. Flamm! I can't sit down here. An' it don't +matter! It can't lead to anythin'. 'Tis all over an' past now--well--'tis +all dead an' gone. I know God will forgive me the sin. An' He won't lay +it up against the poor, innocent child neither. He's too merciful to do +that! + +FLAMM + +[_Alluding to the hum of the threshing machine which grows louder and +louder._] That confounded buzzing all the time!--What did you say, Rose? +Sit down just a moment. I won't harm you; I won't even touch you! I give +you my word, Rose. Have some confidence in me! I want you to speak +out--to tell what's on your heart! + +ROSE + +I don't know ... there's ... there's just nothin' more to say! When once +I'm married, you can go an' ask the good missis. Maybe she'll tell you +then what was the trouble with me. I haven't told August nothin' either. +I know he's good. I'm not afraid o' that. He's soft o' heart an' a good +Christian man. An' now: Good-bye, Christie--keep well.--We've a long life +ahead of us now an', maybe, we can be reel faithful an' do penance an' +work hard an' pay off the debt. + +FLAMM + +[_Holding ROSE'S hand fast in his._] Rose, stay one moment. It's all +right and I must be satisfied. I'm not coming to your wedding, God knows! +But even if I don't come to your wedding, still I admit that you're +right.--But, oh, lass, I've loved you so truly, so honestly.... I can +never tell you how much! And it's been, upon my word, as far back as I +can think.--You had crept into my heart even in the old days when you +were a child and were always so honest ... so frank about a thousand +little things--so straight and true, however things were. No sneakiness, +no subterfuge--whatever the consequences. I've known women enough in +Tarant and in Eberswalde at the agricultural college and in the army, and +I was usually lucky with them--ridiculously so. And yet I never knew true +happiness except through you. + +ROSE + +Oh, Christie, I've loved you too! + +FLAMM + +Why you've been in love with me ever since you were a little thing! Why +you used to make eyes at me.... Do you believe you'll ever think of it? +And think of the mad, old sinner Flamm? + +ROSE + +That I will. I have a pledge.... + +FLAMM + +You mean the ring with the bit of stone? And won't you come to our house +some time? + +ROSE + +No, that can't be. That would cut a body too sorely to the heart. That +wouldn't be nothin' but double sufferin' an' misery! There's got to be an +end to it all. I'll bury myself in the house! There's work an' moil +enough for two! 'Tis a new life that's beginnin' an' we mustn't look back +on the old life. There's nothin' but sorrow an' heart's need on this +earth; we has to wait for a better place. + +FLAMM + +And so this is to be our last farewell, Rose? + +ROSE + +Father an' August will be wonderin' now. + +FLAMM + +And if the little fishes in the river were to stand on their tails in +wonderment and the bitterns on the trees did the same--I wouldn't lose +one second--now! So it's to be all, all over and done with? And you won't +even come to see mother? + +ROSE + +[_Shaking her head._] I can't look her in the face no more! Maybe some +day! Maybe in ten years or so! Maybe all this'll be conquered then. +Good-bye, Mr. Christie! Good-bye, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +So be it. But, lass, I tell you, if it weren't for mother ... now ... +even now ... I wouldn't fool around much ... I wouldn't give you much +time.... + +ROSE + +Yes, if it wasn't for that little word "if"! If August wasn't livin', an' +father wasn't--who knows what I'd do. I'd like to go out into the wide +world. + +FLAMM + +And I with you, Rose! Well, then we know what's in our hearts.--And now +you might give me your hand once more.... [_He presses her hand and their +glances melt hotly into each other in this last farewell._] So it is. +What was to be, must be! I suppose we must leave each other now. + + [_He turns resolutely and walks away with firm steps and without + looking back._ + +ROSE [_Looking after him, mastering herself, with tense volition:_] What +must be, must be!--'tis well now!-- + + [_She put back the can into her basket and is about to walk in the + opposite direction._ + + _STRECKMANN appears._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_With pale, contorted face, creeping and basely hesitant in demeanour._] +Rose! Rose Bernd! D'you hear? That was that rascally Flamm again! If ever +I gets my hand on him ... I'll smash every bone in his carcase!--What's +up? What did he want again! But I'm tellin' you this: things don't go +that way! I won't bear it! One man is as good as another! I won't let +nobody turn me off this way! + +ROSE + +What d'you say? Who are you anyhow? + +STRECKMANN + +Who am I? Damn it, you know that well enough! + +ROSE + +Who are you? Where did I ever see you? + +STRECKMANN + +Me? Where you saw me? _You?_ You can look for somebody else to play your +monkey tricks on! + +ROSE + +What do you want? What are you? What business has you with me? + +STRECKMANN + +What business? What I wants? Nothin' much, y'understand? God ... don't +scream so! + +ROSE + +I'll call for all the world to come if you don't get out o' my way this +minute! + +STRECKMANN + +Think o' the cherry tree! Think o' the crucifix.... + +ROSE + +Who are you! Lies! Lies! What do you want with me? Either you get away +from here straightway ... or I'll cry out for some one to come an' help +me! + +STRECKMANN + +Girl, you've lost your senses! + +ROSE + +Then I won't have to drag 'em around with me no longer! Who are you! +Lies! You've seen nothin'! I'll cry out! I'll shriek as long as I has +breath in my body, if you don't go this very second. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Frightened._] I'm goin', Rosie. It's all right. + +ROSE + +But now! This minute! Y'understand! + +STRECKMANN + +Right away! For all I care! An' why not? [_He makes a farcical gesture as +though avoiding a shower of rain._] + +ROSE + +[_Half-mad with rage and scorn._] There he runs! The vile scoundrel! When +you see a fellow like that from behind, you see the best side o' him! Fy, +I says! He's all smooth an' spruce on the outside, an' his innards rotten +as dirt. A body could die o' disgust! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Turns, pale and sinister._] Ah ...! An' is that so indeed! You don't +never mean it!... 'Tis not very appetisin' the way you makes it out. Why +was you so hot after it, then? + +ROSE + +I? Hot after you? + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe you've forgotten already? + +ROSE + +Scoundrel! + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe I am. + +ROSE + +Scoundrel! Ruffian! Why do you go sniffin' around me now! Who are you? +What has I done? You stuck to my heels! You followed me an' baited me an' +snapped at me ... Rascal ... worse'n a dog ... + +STRECKMANN + +'Twas you that ran after me! + +ROSE + +What ...? + +STRECKMANN + +You came to my house an' made things hot for me! + +ROSE + +An' you ... + +STRECKMANN + +Well, what? + +ROSE + +An' you? An' you? + +STRECKMANN + +Well, I don't refuse a good thing that's offered. + +ROSE + +Streckmann! You has to die some day! D'you hear? Think o' your last hour! +You has to stand before your Judge some day! I ran to you in the awful +terror o' my heart! An' I begged you for the love o' God not to put +nothin' between me an' August. I crept on my knees before you--an' you +say, you, I ran after you! What was it truly? You committed a crime--a +crime against me! An' that's worse'n a scoundrel's trick! 'Twas a +crime--doubly and trebly! An' the Lord'll bring it home to you! + +STRECKMANN + +Listen to that! I'll take my chances! + +ROSE + +Is that what you say? You'll take your chances in that court? Then a +person can spit in your face! + +STRECKMANN + +Think o' the cherry tree! Think o' the crucifix! + +ROSE + +An' you swore to me that you'd never mention it again! You swore by all +that's holy. You put that hand o' yours on the cross, an' by the cross +you swore--an' now you're beginnin' to persecute me again! What do you +want? + +STRECKMANN + +I'm as good as Flamm. An' I don't want no more goin's on between you an' +him! + +ROSE + +I'll jump into his bed, scoundrel! An' it wouldn't concern you that much! + +STRECKMANN + +Well, we'll see what'll be the end of all that! + +ROSE + +What? 'Tis violence that you did to me! You confused me! You broke me +down! You pounced on me like a wild beast! I know! I tried to get out by +the door! An' you took hold an' you rent my bodice an' my skirt! I bled! +I might ha' gotten out by the door! Then you shot the latch! That's a +crime, a crime! An' I'll denounce.... + + _BERND and AUGUST appear on the scene. After them KLEINERT and + GOLISCH and the other field hands._ + +BERND + +[_Close to STRECKMANN._] What's all this? What did you do to my lass? + +AUGUST + +[_Pulls BERND back and thrusts himself forward._] 'Tis my place, father. +What did you do to Rosie? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! + +BERND + +[_Coming forward again._] What did you do to the lass? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! + +AUGUST + +[_Approaching STRECKMANN once more._] You'll tell us now what you did to +her! + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! The devil! I say nothin'! + +AUGUST + +You'll either be tellin' us now what you did to her--or ... + +STRECKMANN + +Or? Well, what? What about "or"?--Hands off!... Take your hands from my +throat!! + +KLEINERT + +[_Trying to separate them._] Hold on, now. + +STRECKMANN + +Hands off, I tell you! + +BERND + +You'll have to take the consequences now! Either ... + +AUGUST + +What did you do to the girl? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Backing, in sudden fright, toward the pear tree, cries out:_] Help! + +AUGUST + +What did you do to the girl? Answer me that! I got to know that! + + [_He has freed himself and faces STRECKMANN._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Lifts his arm and strikes AUGUST full in the face._] There's my answer! +That's what I did! + +KLEINERT + +Streckmann! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Catch hold o' August! He's fallin'! + +HEAD MAID + +[_Supports the falling man._] August! + +BERND + +[_Paying no attention to AUGUST, but addressing STRECKMANN:_] You'll have +to account for this! It'll be brought home to you! + +STRECKMANN + +What? On account o' that there wench that's common to anybody as wants +her.... + + [_Withdraws._ + +BERND + +What was that he said ...? + +KLEINERT + +[_Who is helping the MAID, HAHN, GOLISCH and MRS. GOLISCH support +AUGUST._] His eye is out! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Father Bernd, August didn't fare so very well this time.... + +KLEINERT + +'Tis an evil wooin' that he has! + +BERND + +What? How? Christ In Heaven! [_He goes to him._] August! + +AUGUST + +My left eye hurts that bad! + +BERND + +Rose, bring some water! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +'Tis a misfortune. + +BERND + +Rose, fetch some water! D'you hear me? + +GOLISCH + +That'll mean a good year o' prison! + +ROSE + +[_Suddenly awakening from a dazed condition._] He says ... he says ... +What's the meanin' o' ... Didn't I get a doll o' Christmas.... + +THE MAID + +[_To ROSE._] Are you asleep? + +ROSE + +... There's no tellin' what ... No, lass: it can't be done! Such things +don't come to good! ... Mebbe a girl can't do without a mother. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The same room in FLAMM'S house as in the second act. It is a + Saturday afternoon toward the beginning of September. FLAMM is + sitting over his accounts at the roller-top desk. Not far from the + door to the hall stands STRECKMANN._ + +FLAMM + +According to this there is due you the sum of twelve pounds, ten +shillings, sixpence. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +What was wrong with the machine? You stopped working one forenoon? + +STRECKMANN + +I had a summons to appear in the county court that day. There wasn't +nothin' wrong with the machine. + +FLAMM + +Was that in connection with the trouble about ... Keil? + +STRECKMANN + +Yes. An' besides that Bernd sued me for slanderin' his daughter. + +FLAMM + +[_Has taken money from a special pigeon hole and counts it out on the +large table._] Here are twelve pounds and eleven shillings. So you owe me +sixpence. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Pockets the money and gives FLAMM a small coin._] An' so I'm to tell +the head bailiff that by the end o' December you'll be ready for me +again. + +FLAMM + +Yes, I want you for two days. Say, by the beginning of December. I'd like +to empty the big barn at that time. + +STRECKMANN + +By the beginnin' o' December. All right, Mr. Flamm. Good-bye. + +FLAMM + +Good-bye, Streckmann. Tell me, though, what's going to be the outcome of +that affair? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Stops and shrugs his shoulders._] It isn't goin' to be much of an +outcome for me! + +FLAMM + +Why? + +STRECKMANN + +I suppose I'll have to suffer for it. + +FLAMM + +What consequences a little thing will sometimes have!--How did it happen +that you quarreled? + +STRECKMANN + +I can't say as I can remember clearly. That day--I must ha' been off my +head--but the truth is I just can't get it straight how it did happen. + +FLAMM + +The bookbinder is known to be a very peaceable man. + +STRECKMANN + +An' yet he's always quarrelin' with me! But the thing's just gone from +me.--All I know is that they fell on me just like hungry wolves! I +thought they was tryin' to kill me right there! If I hadn't been thinkin' +that, my hand wouldn't ha' slipped the way it did. + +FLAMM + +And the man's eye couldn't--be saved? + +STRECKMANN + +No, an' it makes a feller feel sorry. But ... there's nothin' to be done. +The misfortune isn't on my conscience. + +FLAMM + +A thing of that kind is bad enough in itself. And when the courts take a +hand in it, that only makes it worse. I'm especially sorry for the girl. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes; I'm thin an' wasted with the misery of it. It's gone straight to my +heart. I tell you, your honour, I don't know what it is to sleep no more. +I haven't got nothin' against August really. But, as I said, I just can't +account for it. + +FLAMM + +You ought to go over and see Bernd some day. If you insulted his daughter +and weren't in a clear state of mind, you could simply retract what you +said. + +STRECKMANN + +That's none o' my business. That's his'n. Of course, if he knew what'll +come out--he'd take back his accusation. Somebody else ought to tell him. +He's not doin' the girl no service by it. That's how things is. Good-bye, +your honour. + +FLAMM + +Good-bye. + + _STRECKMANN leaves the room._ + +FLAMM [_Excitedly, to himself._] If one could only get at the throat of a +creature like that! + + _MRS. FLAMM is wheeled in by a maid from FLAMM'S den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What are you muttering about again?--[_At a gesture from her the maid +retires._]--Did you have any annoyance? + +FLAMM + +Oh, yes; a little. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Wasn't that Streckmann? + +FLAMM + +The handsome Streckmann. Yes, that was the handsome Streckmann. + +MRS. FLAMM + +How is that affair getting on now, Christie? Did you talk about Keil? + +FLAMM + +[_Scribbling._] Oh, pshaw! My head is full of figures. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do I disturb you, Christie? + +FLAMM + +No; only you must keep quiet. + +MRS. FLAMM + +If I can't do anything else--you can be sure I can do that. + + [_Silence._] + +FLAMM + +[_Bursting out._] I'll be damned and double damned! There are times when +one would like to take a gun and simply shoot down a scoundrel like that! +There'd be no trouble about taking that on one's conscience. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But, Christie, you really frighten me. + +FLAMM + +It isn't my fault! I'm frightened myself!--I tell you, mother, that man +is so low, so rotten with evil ... I tell you ... at least he has spells +when he's that way ... that a man like myself, who is no saint either, +feels as if his very bowels were turning in him! There's no end to that +kind of corruption. A man may think he knows life inside out, that he's +digested some pretty tough bits himself--but things like that--crimes--I +tell you, one never gets beyond the elements in that kind of knowledge! + +MRS. FLAMM + +What has roused you so again? + +FLAMM + +[_Writing again._] Oh, I'm only speaking in general. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I thought it was somehow connected with Streckmann. Because, Christie, I +can't rid myself of the thought of that affair. And when it's convenient +to you some day, I'd like to have a good talk with you about it! + +FLAMM + +With me? How does Streckmann concern me? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Not Streckmann exactly--not the man. But surely old Bernd and Rose. As +far as the girl is concerned, 'tis bitter earnest for her--the whole +thing! And if I weren't tied down here as I am, I would have gone over to +see her long ago. She's never seen here any more. + +FLAMM + +You ... you want to go and see Rose? What do you want of her? + +MRS. FLAMM + +But, don't you see, Christie--you understand that--she isn't exactly the +first comer! I ought to see about setting her affairs to rights a bit! + +FLAMM + +Ah well, mother! Do what you think is your duty. I hardly think that +you'll accomplish much for the girl. + +MRS. FLAMM + +How is that, Christie? What do you mean? + +FLAMM + +One shouldn't mix up into other people's affairs. All you get for your +pains is ingratitude and worry. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Even so! We can bear the worry, an' ingratitude--that's what you expect +in this world. An' as far as Rose Bernd is concerned, I always felt as if +she were more than half my own child. You see, Christie, as far as I can +think back--when father was still chief forester--her mother already came +to wash for us. Afterward, in the churchyard, at our little Kurt's +grave--I see the girl standin' as clear as if it was to-day, even though +I was myself more dead than alive. Except you an' me, I can tell you +that, nobody was as inconsolable as the girl. + +FLAMM + +Do as you please, as far as I'm concerned! But what are your intentions +exactly? I can't think what you're after, child! + +MRS. FLAMM + +First, I'm going to be real curious now. + +FLAMM + +What about? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Oh, about nothing you can describe exactly! You know, usually, I don't +interfere in your affairs. But now ... I'd like real well to know ... +what's come over you this while past? + +FLAMM + +Over me? I thought you were talking about Rose Bernd. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But now I'm talking about you, you see. + +FLAMM + +You can spare yourself the trouble, mother. My affairs are no concern of +yours. + +MRS. FLAMM + +You say that! 'Tis easily said. But if a person sits still as I have to +do and sees a man growing more an' more restless, an' unable to sleep o' +nights, an' hears him sighin' an' sighin', and that man happens to be +your own husband--why, you have all kinds of thoughts come over you! + +FLAMM + +Now, mother, you've gone off your head entirely. You seem to want to make +me look utterly foolish! _I_ sigh! Am I such an imbecile? I'm not a +lovelorn swain. + +MRS. FLAMM + +No, Christie, you can't escape me that way! + +FLAMM + +Mother, what are you trying to do? Do you want, simply, to be tiresome, +to bore me? Eh? Or make the house too disagreeable to stay in? Is that +your intention? If so, you're going about it the best way possible. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't care what you say; you're keeping something secret! + +FLAMM + +[_Shrugging his shoulders._] Do you think so?--Well, perhaps I _am_ +keeping something from you! Suppose it is so, mother.... You know me.... +You know my nature in that respect.... The whole world could turn upside +down and not get that much [_he snaps his fingers_] out of me! As for +annoyance ... everyone has his share of it in this world! Yesterday I had +to dismiss one of the brewers; day before yesterday I had to send a +distiller to the devil. And, all in all, apart from such incidents, the +kind of life one has to live here is really flat and unprofitable enough +to make any decent individual as cross as two sticks. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Why don't you seek company? Drive in to town! + +FLAMM + +Oh, yes, to sit in the inn playing at cards with a crowd of Philistines +or to be stilted with his honour, the prefect of the county! God forbid! +I have enough of that nonsense! It couldn't tempt me out of the house! If +it weren't for the bit of hunting a man could do--if one couldn't +shoulder one's gun occasionally, one would be tempted to run away to sea. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, you see! There you are! That's what I say! You've just changed +entirely! Till two, three months ago, you was as merry as the day's long; +you shot birds an' stuffed them, increased your botanical collection, +hunted birds' eggs--and sang the livelong day! 'Twas a joy to see you! +An' now, suddenly, you're like another person. + +FLAMM + +If only we had been able to keep Kurt! + +MRS. FLAMM + +How would it be if we adopted a child? + +FLAMM + +All of a sudden? No, mother. I don't care about it now. Before, you +couldn't make up your mind to it; now I've passed that stage too. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis easily said: Take a child into the house! First of all it seemed to +me like betraying Kurt ... yes, like a regular betrayal ... that's what +the very thought of It seemed to me. I felt--how shall I say it?--as if +we were putting the child away from us utterly--out of the house, out of +his little room an' his little bed, an', last of all, out of our +hearts.--But the main thing was this: Where can you get a child in whom +you can hope to have some joy?--But let that rest where it is. Let's go +back to Rose once more!--Do you know how it is with her, Christopher? + +FLAMM + +Oh, well! Of course; why not? Streckmann has cast a slur upon her conduct +and old Bernd won't suffer that! 'Tis folly, to be sure, to bring suit in +such a matter.--Because it is the woman who has to bear the brunt of it +in the end. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I wrote a couple of letters to Rose and asked the lass to come here. In +her situation, Christopher, she may really not know what to do nor where +to turn. + +FLAMM + +Why do you think so? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Because Streckmann is right! + +FLAMM + +[_Taken aback and with a show of stupidity._] What, mother? You must +express yourself more clearly. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Now, Christie, don't let your temper get the better of you again! I've +kept the truth from you till now because I know you're a bit harsh in +such matters. You remember the little maid that you put straight out o' +the house, and the trunk-maker to whom you gave a beating! Now this lass +o' ours made a confession to me long ago--maybe eight weeks. An' we have +to consider that 'tis not only Rose that's to be considered now, but ... +a second being ... the one that's on the way. Did you understand me? Did +you? + +FLAMM + +[_With self-repression._] No! Not entirely, mother, I must say frankly. +I've got a kind of a ... just to-day ... it comes over me ... the blood, +you know ... it seems to go to my head suddenly, once in a while. It's +like a ... it's horrible, too ... like an attack of dizziness! I suppose +I'll have to ... at least, I think I'll have to take the air a bit. But +it's nothing of importance, mother. So don't worry. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looking at him through her spectacles._] And where do you want to go +with your cartridge belt? + +FLAMM + +Nowhere! What did I want to do with the cartridge belt? [_He hurls the +belt aside which he has involuntarily picked up._] One learns nothing ... +is kept in the dark about everything! And then a point comes where one +suddenly feels blind and stupid ... and a stranger ... an utter stranger +in this world. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Suspiciously._] Will you tell me, Christie, the meanin' of all this? + +FLAMM + +It hasn't any, mother--not the slightest ... none at all, in fact. And +I'm quite clear in my head again, too--quite! Only now and then a feeling +comes over me, a kind of terror, all of a sudden, I don't know how ... +and I feel as if there were no solid footing under me any longer, and as +if I were going to crash through and break my neck. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis strange things you are saying to-day, Christie. [_A knocking is +heard at the door._] Who's knocking there? Come in! + +AUGUST + +[_Still behind the scenes._] 'Tis only me, Mrs. Flamm. + + _FLAMM withdraws rapidly into his den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Oh, 'tis you, Mr. Keil. Just step right in. + + _AUGUST KEIL appears on the scene. He is paler than formerly, more + emaciated and wears dark glasses. His left eye is hidden by a black + patch._ + +AUGUST + +I have come, Mrs. Flamm, to bring Rose's excuses to you. Good-day, Mrs. +Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good-day to you, Mr. Keil. + +AUGUST + +My betrothed had to go to the county court to-day, or she would ha' come +herself. But she'll be comin' in this evenin'. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm real pleased to get a chance to see you. How are you getting on? Sit +down. + +AUGUST + +God's ways are mysterious! An' when His hand rests heavy on us, we +mustn't complain. On the contrary, we must rejoice. An' I tell you, Mrs. +Flamm, that's almost the way I'm feelin' nowadays. I'm content. The worse +things gets, the gladder I am. 'Tis layin' up more an' more treasures in +heaven. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Taking a deep and difficult breath._] I trust you are right, Mr. +Keil.--Did Rose get my letters? + +AUGUST + +She gave them to me to read. An' I told her, it wouldn't do--that she'd +have to go to see you now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I must tell you, Keil, I'm surprised that, after all these recent +happenin's, she never once found her way here. She knows that she'll find +sympathy here. + +AUGUST + +She's been reel afraid o' people recently. An', Mrs. Flamm, if you'll +permit me to say so, you mustn't take it ill. First of all she had her +hands full with tendin' to me. I was so in need o' care--an' she did a +good work by me! An' then, since that man slandered her so terrible, she +scarce dared go out o' the room. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't take offence, Keil. Oh, no! But how is she otherwise? An' what +does she do? + +AUGUST + +'Tis hard to say, that's certain. To-day, for instance, when she had to +go to court at eleven o'clock--'twas a regular dance she led us! She +talked so strange, Mrs. Flamm, 'twas enough to scare a body out o' his +wits.--First of all she didn't want to be goin' at all; next she thought +she wanted to take me with her. In the end she was gone like a flash an' +cried out to me that I wasn't to follow. Times she kept weepin' all +day!--Naturally, a man has his thoughts. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What kind o' thoughts? + +AUGUST + +About several things.--Firstly, this mishap that came to me! She spoke of +it to me many a time. That's cut her straight to the heart! An' about +father Bernd an' that he has taken that business o' Streckmann so +serious. + +MRS. FLAMM + +We're all alone here, Mr. Keil. Why shouldn't we speak openly for once. +Did it never occur to you ... I mean about this Streckmann matter ... to +you or, maybe to father Bernd--that there might be some truth in it? + +AUGUST + +I don't let myself have no thoughts about that. + +MRS. FLAMM + +That's right! I don't blame you for that in the least. There are times in +life when one can't do better than stick one's head in the sand like an +ostrich. But that isn't right for a father! + +AUGUST + +Well, Mrs. Flamm, as far as old Bernd goes, his mind is as far as the sky +from any suspicion that somethin' mightn't be quite right. His +conviction's as firm as a rock. He'd let you chop off his hands for it. +Nobody wouldn't believe how strictly he thinks about things o' that kind. +His honour was there too an' tried to persuade him to withdraw his +charge.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Excitedly._] Who was there? + +AUGUST + +His honour, Mr. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +My husband? + +AUGUST + +Yes! He talked to him a long time. You see, as for me--I've lost an eye, +to be sure--but I don't care to have Streckmann punished. Vengeance is +mine, saith the Lord. But father--he can't be persuaded to think +peaceably about this matter. Ask anythin' o' me, says he, but not that! + +MRS. FLAMM + +You say my husband went to see old Bernd? + +AUGUST + +Yes, that time he got the summons. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What kind o' summons was that? + +AUGUST + +To appear before the examining magistrate. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_With growing excitement._] Who? Old Bernd? + +AUGUST + +No; Mr. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Was my husband examined too? What did he have to do with the affair? + +AUGUST + +Yes, he was examined too. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Deeply affected._] Is that so? That's news to me! I didn't know about +that. Nor that Christie went to see old Bernd!... I wonder where my +smellin' bottle is?--No, August, you might as well go home now. I'm a bit +... I don't know what to call it! An' any special advice I can't give +you, the way it all turns out. There's something that's gone through an' +through me. Go home an' wait to see how everything goes. But if you love +the lass truly, then ... look at me: I could tell you a tale! If a body +is made that way: whether 'tis a man that the women run after, or a woman +that all the men are mad about--then there's nothin' to do but just to +suffer an' suffer and be patient!--I've lived that way twelve long +years. [_She pats her hand to her eyes and peers through her fingers._] +An' if I want to see things at all, I have to see them from behind my +hands. + +AUGUST + +I can't never believe that, Mrs. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Whether you believe me or not. Life don't ask us if we want to believe +things. An' I feel exactly like you: I can't hardly realise it either. +But we have to see how we can reconcile ourselves to it--I made a promise +to Rose! 'Tis easy promisin' an' hard keepin' the promise sometimes in +this world. But I'll do the best in my power.--Good-bye--I can't expect +you to ... God must take pity on us. That's all. + + _AUGUST, deeply moved, grasps the hand which MRS. FLAMM offers him + and withdraws in silence._ + + MRS. FLAMM leans her head far back and, lost in thought, looks up. + She sighs twice deeply and with difficulty. FLAMM enters, very pale, + looks sidewise at his wife and begins to whistle softly. He opens the + book case and pretends to be eagerly hunting for something._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Yes, yes; there it is--you whistle everything down the wind! But this ... +this ... I wouldn't ha' thought you capable of. + + _FLAMM swings around, falls silent, and looks straight at her. He + lifts both hands slightly and shrugs his shoulders very high. Then, + he relaxes all his muscles and gazes simply and without + embarrassment--thoughtfully rather than shamefacedly--at the floor._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +You men take these things very lightly! What's to happen now? + +FLAMM + +[_Repeating the same gesture but less pronouncedly._] That's what I don't +know.--I want to be quite calm now. I should like to tell you how that +came about. It may be that you will be able to judge me less harshly +then. If not ... why, then I should be very sorry for myself. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't see how a body can fail to judge such recklessness harshly. + +FLAMM + +Recklessness? I don't think that it was mere recklessness. What would you +rather have it be, mother--recklessness, or something more serious? + +MRS. FLAMM + +To destroy the future of just this girl, for whom we have to bear all the +responsibility! We made her come to the house! An' she an' her people had +blind confidence in us! 'Tis enough to make one perish o' shame! It looks +as if one had ... that ... in view! + +FLAMM + +Are you done, mother? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Far from it! + +FLAMM + +Well, then I'll have to wait a bit longer. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Christie, what did I tell you that day when you out with it an' said +you wanted to marry me? + + +FLAMM + +What was it? + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm much too old for you. A woman can be sixteen years younger than her +husband, but not three or four years older. I wish you had listened to me +then! + +FLAMM + +Isn't it real idle to dish up those old stories now? Haven't we something +more important to do?--I may be wrong, but it seems to me that we have, +mother.--I've had no notion until to-day of what Rose means to me. +Otherwise I'd have acted very differently, of course. Now it's got to be +seen if there's anything that can be retrieved. And for that very reason, +mother, I was going to beg you not to be petty, and I wanted first of all +to try to see whether you could gain some comprehension of what really +happened. Up to the moment when it was agreed that that tottery manikin +was to marry Rose--our relations were strictly honourable. But when that +marriage was determined on--it was all over.--It may be that my ideas are +becoming confused. I had seen the girl grow up ... some of our love for +little Kurt clung to her. First of all I wanted to protect her from +misfortune, and finally, one day, all of a sudden, the way such things +happen ... even old Plato has described that correctly in the passage in +Phaedrus about the two horses:--the bad horse ran away with me and then +... then the sea burst in and the dykes crashed down. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis a real interesting story that you've told me, an' even tricked out +with learned allusions. An' when you men do that--you think there's no +more to say. A poor woman can look out then to see how to get even! Maybe +you did it all just to make Rose happy, an' sacrificed yourself into the +bargain ... There's no excuse for such things! + +FLAMM + +Very well, mother. Then we'll adjourn the session. Remember though, that +when Kurt died, I couldn't bear to see the girl around the house. Who +kept her and persuaded her to come back? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Because I didn't want life to become so dead around us. I didn't keep her +for my sake. + +FLAMM + +And I have said nothing for your sake. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Every tear is wasted that one might shed for you an' your kind. But you +can spare me your speeches, Flamm. + + _The MAID brings in the afternoon coffee._ + +THE MAID + +Rose Bernd's out in the kitchen. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Come, girl! Wheel me out! [_To FLAMM._] You can help shove me aside. +Somewhere in the world there'll be a little room for me! I won't be in +the way. You can call her in when I'm gone. + +FLAMM + +[_Sternly, to the MAID._] Tell the girl to wait for a moment. [_The MAID +leaves the room._] Mother, you have to say a word to her! I can't.... My +hands are tied. + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' what am I to say to her, Flamm? + +FLAMM + +Mother, you know that better than I! You know very well ... you spoke of +it yourself.... For heaven's sake, don't be petty at this moment! She +mustn't go from our door in any such fashion! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I can't clean her boots, Flamm! + +FLAMM + +And I don't want you to! It isn't a question of that! But you sent for +her yourself.--You can't change so completely in a moment as to forget +all compassion and sympathy. What did you say to me a while ago? And if +the lass goes to the devil ... you know I'm not such a scoundrel that I'd +care to drag out my life any longer. It's one thing or the other--don't +forget that! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, Christie ... you men are not worth it, to be sure. An' yet, in the +end, what is a body to do?--The heart bleeds! 'Tis our own fault. Why +does a woman deceive herself again an' again, when she's old enough an' +sensible enough to know better! An' don't deceive yourself about this +thing either, Christie.... I'm willin'! I can do it! I'll talk to her! +Not for your sake, but because it's right. But don't imagine that I can +make whole what you've broken.--You men are like children in that +respect! + + _The MAID comes back._ + +THE MAID + +She don't want to wait no more! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Send her in! + + _The MAID withdraws again._ + +FLAMM + +Be sensible, mother! On my word of honour.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +You needn't give it! You needn't break it! + + _FLAMM leaves the room. MRS. FLAMM sighs and picks up her crochet + work again. Thereupon ROSE BERND enters._ + +ROSE + +[_Showily dressed in her Sunday clothes. Her features are peaked and +there is a feverish gleam in her eyes._] Good-day, madam. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good-day! Sit down. Well, Rose, I've asked you to come here ... I suppose +you've kept in mind what we talked about that time. There's many a thing +that's changed since then!... In many respects, anyhow! But that made me +want to talk to you all the more. That day, to be sure, you said I +couldn't help you, that you wanted to fight it all out alone! An' to-day +a good bit has grown clear to me--your strange behaviour that time, an' +your unwillingness to let me help you.--But I don't see how you're goin' +to get along all alone. Come, drink a cup o' coffee. [_ROSE sits down on +the edge of a chair by the table._] August was here to see me a while +ago. If I had been in your shoes, lass, I'd have risked it long ago an' +told him the truth. [_Looking sharply at her._] But now, the way things +has gone--I can't even advise you to do it! Isn't that true? + +ROSE + +Oh, but why, madam? + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis true, the older a person gets, the less can she understand mankind +an' their ways. We've all come into the world the same way, but there's +no mention to be made o' that! From the Emperor an' the archbishop down +to the stable boy--they've all gotten their bit o' life one way ... one +way ... an' 'tis the one thing they can't besmirch enough. An' if the +stork but flies past the chimney-top--the confusion of people is great. +Then they run away in every direction. A guest like that is never +welcome! + +ROSE + +Oh, madam, all that would ha' been straightened up this long time, if it +hadn't ha' been for this criminal an' scoundrel here ... this liar ... +this Streckmann ... + +MRS. FLAMM + +No, girl. I don't understand that. How can you bear to say that the man +lies? 'Tis your shape that almost tells the story now! + +ROSE + +He lies! He lies! That's all I know. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But in what respect does he lie? + +ROSE + +In every respeck an' in every way! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't believe you've really thought it all out! Do you remember who I +am? Think, lass, think! In the first place you confessed it all to me, +and furthermore, I know more than what you said: I know all that you +didn't say. + +ROSE + +[_Shivering with nervousness but obdurate._] An' if you was to kill me, I +couldn't say what I don't know. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that so? Oh! Is that your policy now? I must say I didn't take you for +a girl of that kind! It comes over me unexpectedly! I hope you talked a +little plainer than that when you were questioned in court. + +ROSE + +I said just the same thing there that I'm tellin' you. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Girl, come to your senses! You're talking dreadful folly! People don't +lie that way before the Judge! Listen to what I'm tellin' you! Drink a +bit o' coffee, an' don't be frightened! Nobody's pursuing you, an' I +won't eat you up either!--You haven't acted very well toward me: no one +could say that you had! You might at least have told me the truth that +day; maybe an easier way out could ha' been found. 'Tis a hard matter +now! An' yet, we won't be idle, an' even to-day, maybe, some way o' +savin' you can be found! Some way it may be possible yet! Well then!... +An' especially ... this much is certain ... an' you can trust to that +surely ... you shan't, either of you, ever suffer any need in this world! +Even if your father abandons you and August, maybe, goes his own way, +I'll provide for you an' for your child. + +ROSE + +I don't hardly know what you mean, madam! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, girl, then I'll tell you straight out! If you don't know that an' +have forgotten it, then it's simply because you have a bad conscience! +Then you've been guilty of something else! An', if you _has_ another +secret, it's connected with nobody but with Streckmann. Then, he's the +fellow that's bringin' trouble upon you! + +ROSE + +[_Violently._] No, how can you think such a thing o' me! You say that ... +oh, for the good Lord's sake ... how has I deserved it o' you!... If only +my little Kurt ... my dear little fellow ... + + [_She wrings her hands hysterically in front of the child's picture._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Rose, let that be, I beg o' you! It may be that you've deserved well o' +me in other days. We're not arguin' about that now! But you're so +changed, so ... I can never understand how you've come to change so! + +ROSE + +Why didn't my little mother take me to herself! She said she would when +she died. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Come to your senses, lass. You're alive. What is your trouble? + +ROSE + +It has nothin' to do with Streckmann! That man has lied his soul black. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What did he lie about? Did he make his statements under oath? + +ROSE + +Oath or no oath! I says he lies, lies ... + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' did you have to take an oath too? + +ROSE + +I don't know.--I'm not such a wicked lass ... If that was true,'twould be +a bitter crime!... An' that August lost his eye ... it wasn't I that was +the cause o' it. The pains that poor man had to suffer ... they follows +me day an' night. An' he might well despise me if they didn't. But you +try an' work an' pray to save somethin' from the flames o' the world ... +an' men comes an' they breaks your strength. + + _FLAMM enters in intense excitement._ + +FLAMM + +Who is breaking your strength? Look at mother here! On the contrary, we +want to save you! + +ROSE + +'Tis too late now! It can't be done no more. + +FLAMM + +What does that mean? + +ROSE + +Nothin'!--I can't wait no longer. Good-bye, I'll go my ways. + +FLAMM + +Here you stay! Don't move from this spot! I was at the door and heard +everything, and now I want to know the whole truth. + +ROSE + +But I'm tellin' you the truth! + +FLAMM + +About Streckmann too? + +ROSE + +There wasn't nothin' between us. He lies! + +FLAMM + +Does he say that there was something between you? + +ROSE + +I say nothin' but that he lies! + +FLAMM + +Did he swear to that lie? + + _ROSE is silent._ + +FLAMM + +[_Regards ROSE long and searchingly. Then:_] Well, mother, think as +charitably of me as you can. Try to forgive me as much as possible. I +know with the utmost certainty that that matter doesn't concern me in the +least any longer! I simply laugh at it! I snap my fingers at it. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_To ROSE._] Did you deny everything? + +ROSE + +... + +FLAMM + +I spoke the truth in court, of course. Streckmann doesn't lie at such +times neither. Perjury is a penitentiary crime--a man doesn't lie under +such circumstances! + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' didn't you tell the truth, girl? You lied when you were under oath, +maybe?--Haven't you any idea what that means an' what you've done? How +did you happen to do that? How could you think o' such a thing? + +ROSE + +[_Cries out brokenly._] I was so ashamed! + +MRS. FLAMM + +But Rose ... + +FLAMM + +Every word is wasted! Why did you lie to the judge? + +ROSE + +I was ashamed, I tell ye!... I was ashamed! + +FLAMM + +And I? And mother? And August? Why did you cheat us all? And you probably +cheated Streckmann in the end too? And I wonder with whom else you +carried on!... Yes, oh, yes; you have a very honest face. But you did +right to be ashamed! + +ROSE + +He baited me an' he hunted me down like a dog! + +FLAMM + +[_Laughing._] Oh, well, that's what you women make of us--dogs. This man +to-day; that man to-morrow! 'Tis bitter enough to think! You can do what +you please now; follow what ways you want to!--If I so much as raise a +finger in this affair again, it'll be to take a rope and beat it about my +ass's ears until I can't see out of my eyes! + + _ROSE stares at FLAMM in wide-eyed horror._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What I said, Rose, stands for all that! You two'll always be provided +for. + +ROSE + +[_Whispering mechanically._] I was so ashamed! I was so ashamed! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do you hear what I say, Rose?--[ROSE _hurries out._] The girl's +gone!--'Tis enough to make one pray for an angel to come down.... + +FLAMM + +[_Stricken to the heart, breaks out in repressed sobbing._] God forgive +me, mother, but ... I can't help it. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +FIFTH ACT + + + _The living room in old BERND'S cottage. The room is fairly large; it + has grey walls and an old-fashioned whitewashed ceiling supported by + visible beams. A door in the background leads to the kitchen, one at + the left to the outer hall. To the right are two small windows. A + yellow chest of drawers stands between the two windows; upon it is + set an unlit kerosene lamp; a mirror hangs above it on the wall. In + the left corner a great stove; in the right a sofa, covered with + oil-cloth, a table with a cloth on it and a hanging lamp above it. + Over the sofa on the wall hangs a picture with the Biblical subject: + "Suffer little children to come unto me"; beneath it a photograph of + BERND, showing him as a conscript, and several of himself and his + wife. In the foreground, to the left, stands a china closet, filled + with painted cups, glasses, etc. A Bible is lying on the chest of + drawers; over the door to the hall hangs a chromolithograph of + "Christ with the crown of thorns." Mull curtains hang in front of the + windows. Each of four or five chairs of yellow wood has its own + place. The whole room makes a neat but very chilly impression. + Several Bibles and hymnals lie on the china closet. On the door-post + of the door to the hall hangs a collecting-box._ + + _It is seven o'clock in the evening of the same day on which the + events in Act Four have taken place. The door that leads to the hall + as well as the kitchen door stands open. A gloomy dusk fills the + house._ + + _Voices are heard outside, and a repeated knocking at the window. + Thereupon a voice speaks through the window._ + +THE VOICE + +Bernd! Isn't there a soul at home? Let's be goin' to the back door! + + _A silence ensues. Soon, however, the back door opens and voices and + steps are heard in the hall. In the door that leads to the hall + appear KLEINERT and ROSE BERND. The latter is obviously exhausted and + leans upon him._ + +ROSE + +[_Weak and faint._] No one's at home. 'Tis all dark. + +KLEINERT + +I can't be leavin' you alone this way now! + +ROSE + +An' why not, Kleinert? There's nothin' the matter with me! + +KLEINERT + +Somebody else can believe that--that there's nothin' wrong! I wouldn't +ha' had to pick you up in that case! + +ROSE + +Eh, but I'd only gotten a bit dizzy. Truly ... 'tis better now. I really +don't need you no more. + +KLEINERT + +No, no, lass; I can't leave you this way! + +ROSE + +Oh, yes, father Kleinert! I do thank you, but 'tis well! There's nothin' +wrong with me! I'm on my feet an' strong again! It comes over me that way +sometimes; but 'tis nothin' to worry over. + +KLEINERT + +But you lay half dead yonder behind the willow! An' you writhed like a +worm. + +ROSE + +Kleinert, go your ways.... I'll be lightin' a light! An' I must light a +fire, too ... go your ways ... the folks will be comin' to their +supper!... Oh, no, Kleinert, Kleinert! But I'm that tired! Oh, I'm so +terrible tired! No one wouldn't believe how tired I am. + +KLEINERT + +An' then you want to be lightin' a fire here? That's nothin' for you! Bed +is the place where you ought to be! + +ROSE + +Kleinert, go your ways, go! If father, an' if August ... they mustn't +know nothin'! For my sake, go! Don't do nothin' that'll only harm me! + +KLEINERT + +I don't want to do nothin' that'll harm you! + +ROSE + +No, no, I know it! You was always good to me! [_She has arisen from the +chair at the right on which, she had sunk down, gets a candle from behind +the oven and lights it._] Oh, yes, yes, I'm well off again.--There's +nothin' wrong.--You can be easy in your mind. + +KLEINERT + +You're just sayin' that! + +ROSE + +Because 'tis really so! + + _MARTHEL comes in from the fields with bare arms and feet._ + +ROSE + +An' there's Marthel, too! + +MARTHEL + +Rose, is that you? Where have you been all day? + +ROSE + +I dreamed I was at the court. + +KLEINERT + +No, no; she was really at the court! Take a bit o' care o' your sister, +Marthel. Look after her at least till your fatter comes back. 'Tisn't +well with the girl. + +ROSE + +Marthel, hurry! Light the fire, so's we can start to put on the +potatoes.--Where's father? + +MARTHEL + +On August's land. + +ROSE + +An' August? + +MARTHEL + +I don't know where he is. He was out on the field to-day. + +ROSE + +Have you got new potatoes? + +MARTHEL + +I have an apron full! + + [_Immediately behind the kitchen door she pours out the potatoes on + the floor._ + +ROSE + +Fetch me a pan and a saucepan, so's I can begin the peelin'. I can't get +nothin' for myself. + +KLEINERT + +D'you want me to be givin' a message anywhere? + +ROSE + +To whom? To the grave-digger, maybe?... No, no, godfather, not on my +account. 'Tis a special bit o' ground where I'll find rest. + +KLEINERT + +Well, good-bye! + +ROSE + +Good-bye to you! + +MARTHEL + +[_Cheerily._] Come again, godfather! + + _KLEINERT as usual with his pipe in his mouth, departs shaking his + head._ + +MARTHEL + +[_Lighting the fire._] Don't you feel well, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Oh, yes; well enough! [_Softly wringing her hands, she speaks to the +crucifix._] Jesus, Mary, have mercy on me! + +MARTHEL + +Rose! + +ROSE + +What? + +MARTHEL + +What's the matter with you? + +ROSE + +Nothin'. Bring me a pan an' the potatoes. + +MARTHEL + +[_Has started the fire to burning and now brings ROSE an earthenware bowl +of potatoes and a paring knife._] Oh, but Rosie, I'm that frightened! You +look so ...! + +ROSE + +How does I look? Tell me that? How? Has I got spots on my hands? Is it +branded over my eyes? Everythin's kind o' ghastly to me this day. +[_Laughing a ghastly laugh._] Lord! I can't see the face o' you! Now I +see one hand! Now I see two eyes! Just dots now! Martha, maybe I'm +growin' blind! + +MARTHEL + +Rosie, did somethin' happen to you? + +ROSE + +God protect you from what's happened to me.... You'd better be wishin' +yourself an early death! Because, even if a body dies to this world, they +do say that he passes into rest. Then you don't have to live an' draw +breath no more.--How did it go with little Kurt Flamm? I've clean forgot +... I'm dizzy ... I'm forgettin' ... I've forgotten everythin' ... life's +that hard ... If I could only keep on feelin' this way ... an' never wake +up again ...! What's the reason o' such things comin' to pass in this +world? + +MARTHEL + +[_Frightened._] If only father would come home! + +ROSE + +Martha, come! Listen to me! You mustn't tell father that I was here or +that I am here ... Martha, sure you'll promise me that, won't you?... +Many a thing I've done for the love o' you ... Martha! You haven't +forgotten that, nor you mustn't forget it, even if things grows dark +around me now. + +MARTHEL + +Will you drink a bit of coffee? There's a drop left in the oven. + +ROSE + +An' don't be frightened! I'll go upstairs in the room an' lie down a wee +bit ... just a bit. Otherwise I'm all right ... otherwise there's nothin' +that ails me. + +MARTHEL + +An' I'm not to say nothin' to father? + +ROSE + +Not a word! + +MARTHEL + +An' not to August neither? + +ROSE + +Not a syllable! Lass, you've never known your mother an' I've raised you +with fear an' heartache.--Many's the night I've watched through in terror +because you was ill! I wasn't as old as you when I carried you about on +my arm till I was near breakin' in two! Here you was--at my breast! An' +if you go an' betray me now, 'tis all over between us! + +MARTHEL + +Rosie, 'tis nothin' bad is it ... nothin' dangerous, I mean? + +ROSE + +I don't believe it is! Come, Martha, help me a bit, support me a bit!... +A body is left too lonely in this world ... too deserted! If only a body +wasn't so lonely here ... so lonely on this earth! + + [_ROSE and MARTHEL pass out through the hall door._ + + _For some moments the room remains empty. Then old BERND appears in + the kitchen. He puts down his basket and the potato hoe and looks + about him, earnestly and inquiringly. Meanwhile MARTHEL re-enters the + living-room from the hall._ + +MARTHEL + +Is it you, father? + +BERND + +Is there no hot water! You know I have to have my foot bath! Isn't Rose +here yet? + +MARTHEL + +She isn't here yet, father! + +BERND + +What? Hasn't she come back from court yet? That isn't possible hardly! +'Tis eight o'clock. Was August here? + +MARTHEL + +Not yet. + +BERND + +Not yet either? Well, maybe she's with him then.--Have you seen that +great cloud, Marthel, that was comin' over from the mountain about six +o'clock, maybe? + +MARTHEL + +Yes, father; the world got all dark! + +BERND + +There'll come a day o' greater darkness than this! Light the lamp on the +table for me an' put the Good Book down next to it. The great thing is to +be in readiness. Marthel, are you sure you keep thinkin' o' the life +eternal, so that you can stand up before your Judge on that day? Few is +the souls that think of it here! Just now as I was comin' home along the +water's edge, I heard some one cryin' out upon me from behind, as they +often does. "Bloodsucker!" cried he. An' was I a bloodsucker when I was +overseer on the domain? Nay, I did my duty,--that was all! But the powers +of evil is strong! If a man is underhanded, an' closes his eyes to evil, +an' looks on quietly upon cheatin'--then his fellows likes him well.--But +I leans upon the Lord Jesus. We human bein's all need that support. +'Tisn't enough just to do good works! Maybe if Rose had given more +thought to that, maybe we'd ha' been spared many a visitation an' a deal +o' heaviness an' bitterness. [_A CONSTABLE appears in the doorway._] +Who's comin' there? + +CONSTABLE + +I have a summons to serve, I must speak to your daughter. + +BERND + +My oldest daughter? + +CONSTABLE + +[_Reads from the document._] To Rose Bernd. + +BERND + +My daughter hasn't come back from court yet. Can I give her the letter? + +CONSTABLE + +No; I've got to make a personal search, too. I'll be back at eight in the +mornin'. + + _AUGUST appears hastily._ + +BERND + +There's August, too. + +AUGUST + +Isn't Rose here? + +BERND + +No; an' the sergeant here is askin' after her, too. I thought you an' she +was together. + +CONSTABLE + +I has to make a search into one matter an' also to serve this paper. + +AUGUST + +Always an' forever this Streckmann business. 'Tis not only the loss of my +eye--now we has these everlastin' troubles an' annoyances. It seems, God +forgive me, to come to no end. + +CONSTABLE + +Good evenin'. To-morrow mornin' at eight! + + [_Exit._ + +AUGUST + +Marthel, go into the kitchen a bit of a while.--Father, I've got to speak +with you. Go, Marthel; go an' shut the door. But Marthel, didn't you see +anythin' o' Rose? + +MARTHEL + +No, nothin'! [_Surreptitiously she beckons to him with her hand._] I'll +tell you something August. + +AUGUST + +Close the door, lass. I have no time now. [_He himself closes the kitchen +door._] Father, you'll have to withdraw your suit. + +BERND + +Anythin' but that, August. I can't do that! + +AUGUST + +'Tis not Christian. Yon must withdraw. + +BERND + +I don't believe that 'tis not Christian!--For why? 'Tis a piece of infamy +to cut off a girl's honour that way. 'Tis a crime that needs to be +punished. + +AUGUST + +I hardly know how to begin, father Bernd.... You've been too hasty in +this matter.... + +BERND + +My wife who's in her grave demands that of me! An' my honour demands it +... the honour o' my house and o' my lass. An' yours, too, if you come to +think. + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd, father Bernd, how am I to speak to you if you're so set on +not makin' peace? You've spoke o' so many kinds of honour. But we're not +to seek our honour or glory in this world, but God's only an' no other! + +BERND + +'Tis otherwise in this matter. Here woman's honour is God's too! Or have +you any complaint to make against Rose? + +AUGUST + +I've said to you: I make no complaint! + +BERND + +Or is your own conscience troublin' you on her account? + +AUGUST + +You know me in that respeck, father Bernd. Before I'd depart from the +straight an' narrow way ... + +BERND + +Well, then. I know that! I always knew that! An' so justice can take its +course. + +AUGUST + +[_Wiping the sweat from his forehead._] If only we knew where Rose is! + +BERND + +Maybe she isn't back from the court at Striegau yet! + +AUGUST + +An examination like that don't take very long. She meant to be home by +five o'clock. + +BERND + +Maybe she went to buy some things on the way. Wasn't she to get several +things yet? I thought you were wantin' one thing or another. + +AUGUST + +But she didn't take along any money. An' the things we was needin' for +the shop--curtains for the windows an' the door--we intended to buy those +together. + +BERND + +I was thinkin' that she'd come with you! + +AUGUST + +I went to meet her on the road--more'n a mile, but I heard an' saw +nothin' of her. Instead o' that, I met Streckmann. + +BERND + +I calls that meetin' the devil! + +AUGUST + +Ah, father, that man has a wife an' children too! His sins are no fault +o' theirs! What good does it do me that he's got to go to gaol? If a man +repents ... that's all I asks! + +BERND + +That bad man don't know repentance! + +AUGUST + +It looked very much as if he did. + +BERND + +Did you speak to him? + +AUGUST + +He gave me no peace. He ran along next to me an' talked an' talked. There +wasn't a soul to be seen far an' wide! In the end I felt sorry for him; I +couldn't help it. + +BERND + +You answered him! What did he say? + +AUGUST + +He said you should withdraw your suit. + +BERND + +I couldn't rest quiet in my grave if I did! 'Twouldn't matter if it +concerned me! I can bear it; I can laugh at it! I'm not only a man but a +Christian! But 'tis a different thing with my child! How could I look you +in the face if I let that shameful thing stick to her! An' now, +especially, after that terrible misfortune! Look, August, that can't be! +That mustn't be!--Everybody's always been at our heels, because we lived +different from the rest o' the world! Hypocrites they called us an' +bigots, an' sneaks an' such names! An' always they wanted to trump up +somethin' against us! What a feast this here thing would be to 'em! An' +besides ... How did I bring up the lass? Industrious an' with the fear o' +God in her heart so that if a Christian man marries her, he can set up a +Christian household! That's the way! That's how I gives her out o' my +care! An' am I goin' to let that poison cling to her? Rather would I be +eatin' bread an' salt all my days than take a penny from you then! + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd, God's ways is mysterious! He can send us new trials daily! +No man has a right to be self-righteous! An' even if I wanted to be, I +couldn't! I can't spare you the knowledge no longer, father. Our Rose has +been but a weak human bein' like others. + +BERND + +How do you mean that, August? + +AUGUST + +Father, don't ask me no more, + +BERND + +[_Has sat down on a chair by the table in such a way that his face is +turned to the wall. At AUGUST'S last words he has looked at him with +eyes, wide-open and estranged. Then he turns to the table, opens the +Bible with trembling hands, and turns its leaves hither and thither in +growing excitement. He ceases and looks at AUGUST again. Finally he folds +his hands over the book and lets his head sink upon them while his body +twitches convulsively. In this posture he remains for a while, Then he +straightens himself up._] No. I don't understand you rightly! Because, +you see, if I did understand you rightly ... that'd be really ... an' I +wouldn't know ... my God, the room swims with me ... why, I'd have to be +deaf an' blind!--Nay, August, an' I'm not deaf an' blind! Don't let +Streckmann impose on you! He'll take any means to get out o' the trap +that he's in now. It's comin' home to him, an' he wants to sneak out at +any cost! An' so he's incitin' you against the lass. No, August, ... +truly, August ... not on that bridge ... you mustn't start for to cross +that bridge!... Anybody can see through his villainy! ... He's laid traps +enough for the lass. An' if one way don't succeed, he'll try another!... +Now he's hit on this here plan.--Maybe he'll separate you two! It's +happened in this world, more than once or twice that some devil with his +evil schemes has tore asunder people that God meant for each other. They +always grudged the girl her good fortune. Good: I'm willin'! I won't +throw Rose after you! We've satisfied our hunger up to now! But if you'll +heed my word: I'll put my right hand in the fire for.... + +AUGUST + +But Mr. Flamm took oath. + +BERND + +Ten oaths against me ... twenty oaths against me!... Then he has sworn +falsely an' damned hisself in this world an' in the world to come! + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd.... + +BERND + +Now wait a bit before ever you say another word! Here I take the books! +Here I take my hat! Here I take the collecting box o' the missions. An' +all these things I puts together here. An' if that's true what you've +been sayin'--if there's so much in it as a grain o' truth--then I'll go +this minute to the pastor an' I'll say: Your reverence, this is how +things is: I can't be a deacon no more; I can't take care o' the treasury +for missions no more! Good-bye! And then nobody would see me no more! No, +no, no, for the love o' God! But now go on! Say your say! But don't +torture me for nothin'. + +AUGUST + +I had the same thought, too. I want to sell my house an' my land! Maybe +one could find contentment somewhere else. + +BERND + +[_In unspeakable astonishment._] You want to sell your house an' your +land, August? How do all these strange things come about all of a sudden! +It's enough ... A body might be tempted to make the sign o' the cross, +even though we're not Catholics.--Has the whole world gone mad? Or is the +Day o' Judgment at hand? Or maybe, 'tis but my last hour that has come. +Now answer me, August, how is it? As you hope for a life to come, how is +it? + +AUGUST + +However it is, father Bernd, I won't desert her. + +BERND + +You can do about that as you please. That don't concern me! I don't want +to know if a man'd like a wench o' that kind in his house or not. Not me! +I'm not that kind of a man. Well now ...? + +AUGUST + +I can't say nothin' more than this--somethin' must ha' happened to her! +Whether 'twas with Flamm or with Streckmann.... + +BERND + +That makes two of 'em ...! + +AUGUST + +I can't tell exactly ...! + +BERND + +Well, then I'll be goin' to the pastor! Brush me off, August, clean me a +bit! I feel as if I had the itch on my body! + + [_He steps into the hall._ + + _At the same moment MARTHEL rushes out of the kitchen and speaks to + AUGUST in intense terror._ + +MARTHEL + +I believe a misfortune has happened to Rose! She's upstairs! She's been +home this long time! + +BERND + +[_Returns, changed somewhat by a fright which he has felt._] Somebody +must be upstairs. + +AUGUST + +Marthel is just sayin' that Rose is there. + +MARTHEL + +I hear her. She's comin' down the stairs. + +BERND + +God forgive me the sin! I don't want to see her. + + _He sits down at the table, as before, holds his thumbs over his ears + and bends his head deep over the Bible. ROSE appears in the door. She + has her house skirt on and a loose bodice of cotton cloth. She keeps + herself erect by sheer force of will. Her hair hangs down, partly + loose, partly braided. There is in her face an expression of + terrible, fatalistic calm and of bitter defiance. For several moments + she lets her eyes wander over the room, over OLD BERND sitting there + with his Bible, over AUGUST who has slowly turned from the door and + pretends to be looking intently out of the window. Then, groping for + some support, she begins to talk with desperate energy._ + +ROSE + +Good-evenin' to all o' ye!--?--Good evenin'. + +AUGUST + +[_After some hemming._] The same to you. + +ROSE + +[_With bitter iciness._] If you don't want me, I can go again. + +AUGUST + +[_Simply._] Where else do you want to go to? An' where have you been? + +ROSE + +He that asks much, hears much. More sometimes than he'd like +to.--Marthel, come over here to me a bit. [_MARTHEL goes. Rose has seated +herself not far from the stove and takes the younger girl's hand. Then +she says:_] What's the matter with father? + +MARTHEL + +[_Embarrassed, timid, speaks softly._] I don't know that neither. + +ROSE + +What's the matter with father? You can speak right out! An' with you, +August? What is the matter with you?... You've got cause, that you have, +August, to despise me. I don't deny that. No.... + +AUGUST + +I don't despise no one in this world. + +ROSE + +But I do! All of 'em ... all ... all! + +AUGUST + +Those is dark words to me that you're speakin'. + +ROSE + +Dark? Yes! I know it. The world's dark! An' you hear the roarin' o' wild +beasts in it. An' then, later, it gets brighter ... but them are the +flames o' hell that make it bright.--Martha.... + +BERND + +[_Who has been listening a little, arises and frees MARTHEL'S wrist from +ROSE'S grasp._] Don't poison the little lass's mind. Take your hand +away!--March off to bed! [_MARTHEL goes weeping._] A man would like to be +deaf, to be blind! A man'd like to be dead. + + [_He becomes absorbed again in his Bible._ + +ROSE Father!--I'm alive!--I'm sittin' here!--That's somethin'!--Yes, +that's something when you considers!--I think, father, you might +understand that! This is a world ...! Nobody can never do nothin' more to +me! O Jesus, my Saviour--! All o' you, all o' you--you live together in a +bit o' chamber an' you don't know what goes on outside in the world! I +know it now ... I've learned it in bitterness an' wailin'! I had to get +out o' that little chamber! An' then--somehow--the walls gave way, one +wall an' another ... an' there I stood, outside, in the storm ... an' +there--was nothin' under me an' nothin' above me ... nothin'. You're all +like children compared to me. + +AUGUST + +[_Frightened._] But, Rose, if it's true what Streckmann says, then you've +committed perjury!... + +ROSE + +[_Laughing bitterly._] I don't know. 'Tis possible ... I can't just +remember this moment. The world is made up o' lies an' deception. + +BERND + +[_Sighs._] O God ... my refuge evermore. + +AUGUST + +Is it so easy that you take the swearin' o' false oaths? + +ROSE + +That's nothin'! Nothin'! How could that be anythin'? There's somethin' +that lies, out there, under a willow ... That's ... somethin' ... The +rest don't concern me! There ... there ... I wanted to look up at the +stars! I wanted to cry out an' to call out! No heavenly Father stirred to +help me. + +BERND + +[_Frightened, trembling._] You're blasphemin' our heavenly Father? Has it +gone so far with you? Then I don't know you no more! + +ROSE + +[_Approaching him on her knees._] 'Tis gone so far! But you know me +anyhow, father! You cradled me on your knees, an' I've stood by you too +many a time.--Now somethin' has come over us all--I've fought against it +and struggled against it.... + +BERND + +[_Deeply perplexed._] What is it? + +ROSE + +I don't know ... I don't know! + + [_Trembling and kneeling, she crouches and stares at the floor._ + +AUGUST + +[_Overwhelmed and taken out of himself by the pity of the sight._] Rosie, +get up! I won't desert you! Get up, I can't bear to see you lyin' there! +We're all sinners together! An' anyone who repents so deep, is bound to +be forgiven. Get up, Rose, Father, raise her up! We're not among them +that condemns--not I, at least. There's nothin' in me o' the Pharisee! I +see how it goes to her heart! Come what will, I'll stand by you! I'm no +judge ... I don't judge. Our Saviour in Heaven didn't judge neither. +Truly, he bore our sickness for us, an' we thought he was one that was +tortured an' stricken, by God! Maybe we've all been guilty of error. I +don't want to acquit myself neither. I've been thinkin'. Before the lass +hardly knew me, she had to say her yea an' amen! What do I care about the +world? It don't concern me. + +ROSE + +August, they clung to me like burrs ... I couldn't walk across the street +safe ... All the men was after me!... I hid myself ... I was that scared! +I was so afraid o' men!... It didn't help! 'Twas worse an' worse! After +that I fell from one snare into another, till I hardly came to my senses +no more. + +BERND + +You used to have the strictest notion o' such things. You condemned the +Leichner girl an' despised the Kaiser wench! You boasted--you'd like to +see someone come across your path! You struck the miller's journeyman in +the face! A girl as does that, you said, don't deserve no pity; she can +go an' hang herself! An' now you speak o' snares. + +ROSE + +I know better now. + +AUGUST + +Come what will, I'll stand by you, Rose. I'll sell my land! We'll go out +into the world! I have an uncle in Brazil, across the ocean. We'll get +our bit o' livin' somehow--one way or t'other. Maybe 'tis only now that +we're ripe an' ready to take up our life together. + +ROSE + +O Jesus, Jesus, what did I do? Why did I go an' creep home? Why didn't I +stay with my little baby? + +AUGUST + +With whom? + +ROSE + +[_Gets up._] August, it's all over with me! First there was a burnin' in +my body like flames o' fire! Then I fell into a kind o' swoon! Then there +came one hope: I ran like a mother cat with her kitten in her mouth! But +the dogs chased me an' I had to drop it.... + +BERND + +Do you understand one word, August? + +AUGUST + +No, not o' this.... + +BERND + +Do you know how I feel? I feel as if one abyss after another was openin', +was yawnin' for us here. What'll we hear before the end? + +ROSE + +A curse! A curse will ye have to hear: I see you! I'll meet you! On the +Day o' Judgment I'll meet you! I'll tear out your gullet an' your jaws +together! You'll have to give an accountin'! You'll have to answer me, +there! + +AUGUST + +Whom do you mean, Rosie? + +ROSE + +_He_ knows ... _he_ knows. + + [_A great exhaustion overtakes her and, almost swooning, she sinks + upon a chair. A silence follows._ + +AUGUST + +[_Busying himself about her._] What is it that's come over you? Suddenly +you're so.... + +ROSE + +I don't know.--If you'd asked me earlier, long ago, maybe ... to-day I +can't tell you!--There wasn't nobody that loved me enough. + +AUGUST + +Who can tell which love is stronger--the happy or the unhappy love. + +ROSE + +Oh, I was strong, strong, so strong! Now I'm weak! Now it's all over with +me. + + _The CONSTABLE appears._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +[_With a quiet voice._] They say your daughter is at home. Kleinert said +she was here. + +AUGUST + +It's true. We didn't know it a while ago. + +THE CONSTABLE + +Then I might as well get through now. There's somethin' to be signed +here. + + [_Without noticing ROSE in the dim room, he lays several documents on + the table._ + +AUGUST + +Rose, here's somethin' you're to sign. + + _ROSE laughs with horrible and hysterical irony._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +If you're the one, Miss, it's no laughin' matter.--Please! + +ROSE + +You can stay a minute yet. + +AUGUST + +An' why? + +ROSE + +[_With flaming eyes, a malice against the whole world in her voice._] +I've strangled my child. + +AUGUST + +What are you sayin'? For the love of God, what are you sayin'? + +THE CONSTABLE + +[_Draws himself up, looks at her searchingly, but continues as though he +had not heard._] It'll be somethin' connected with the Streckmann +'affair. + +ROSE + +[As before, harshly, almost with a bark.] Streckmann? He strangled my +child. + +BERND + +Girl, be still. You're out o' your mind. + +THE CONSTABLE + +Anyhow, you have no child at all--? + +ROSE + +What? I has none? Could I ha' strangled it with my hands?... I strangled +my baby with these hands!!! + +THE CONSTABLE + +You're possessed! What's wrong with you? + +ROSE + +My mind's clear. I'm not possessed. I woke up clear in my mind, so +clear.... [_Coldly, mildly, but with cruel firmness._] It _was_ not to +live! I didn't want it to live! I didn't want it to suffer my agonies! It +was to stay where it belonged. + +AUGUST + +Rose, think! Don't torment yourself! You don't know what you're sayin' +here! You'll bring down misery on us all. + +ROSE + +You don't know nothin' ... that's it ... You don't see nothin'. You was +all blind together with your eyes open. He can go an' look behind the +great willow ... by the alder-trees ... behind the parson's field ... by +the pool ... there he can see the wee thing.... + +BERND + +You've done somethin' so awful? + +AUGUST + +You've been guilty o' somethin' so unspeakable? + + _ROSE faints. The men look upon her confounded and helpless. AUGUST + supports her._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +'Twould be best if she came along with me to headquarters. There she can +make a voluntary confession. If what she says isn't just fancies, it'll +count a good deal in her favour. + +AUGUST + +[_From the depth of a great experience._] Those are no fancies, sergeant. +That girl ... what she must have suffered! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE RATS + +A BERLIN TRAGI-COMEDY + + + + +PERSONS + + +HARRO HASSENREUTER, _formerly a theatrical manager._ + +MRS. HARRO HASSENREUTER. + +WALBURGA, _their daughter._ + +PASTOR SPITTA. + +ERICH SPITTA, _postulant for Holy Orders, his son._ + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH, _actress._ + +NATHANAEL JETTEL, _court actor._ + +KAeFERSTEIN, DR. KEGEL, _Pupils of HASSENREUTER._ + +JOHN, _foreman mason._ + +MRS. JOHN. + +BRUNO MECHELKE, _her brother._ + +PAULINE PIPERCARCKA, _a servant girl._ + +MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE. + +SELMA, _her daughter._ + +QUAQUARO, _house-steward._ + +MRS. KIELBACKE. + +POLICEMAN SCHIERKE. + +TWO INFANTS. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _The attic of a former cavalry barracks in Berlin, A windowless room + that receives all its light from a lamp which burns suspended over a + round table. From the back wall opens a straight passage which + connects the room with the outer door--a door with iron hasps and a + primitive signal bell which any one desiring to enter rings by means + of a bell rope. A door in the right wall leads to an adjoining room, + one in the left wall leads to the stairs into the loft immediately + under the roof. Into this store room, as well as into the space + visible to the spectator, the former theatrical manager, HARRO + HASSENREUTER has gathered his collection of properties. In the + prevalent gloom it is difficult to decide whether the place is the + armour room of an old castle, a museum of antiquities or the shop of + a costumer. Stands with helmets and breast-plates are put up on + either side of the passage; a row of similar stands almost covers the + two sides of the front room. The stairs wind upward between two + mailed figures. At the head of the stairs is a wooden trap-door. In + the left foreground, against the wall, is a high desk. Ink, pens, old + ledgers, a tall stool, as well as several chairs with tall backs and + the round table make it clear that the room serves the purposes of an + office. On the table is a decanter for water and several glasses; + above the desk hang a number of photographs. These photographs + represent HASSENREUTER in the part of Karl Moor (in Schiller's + "Robbers"), as well as in a number of other parts. One of the mailed + dummies wean a huge laurel wreath about its neck. The laurel wreath + is tied with a riband which bears, in gilt letters, the following + inscription: "To our gifted manager Hassenreuter, from his grateful + colleagues." A series of enormous red bows shows the inscriptions: + "To the inspired presenter of Karl Moor ... To the incomparable, + unforgettable Karl Moor" ... etc., etc. The room is utilised as far + as its space will permit for the storing of costumes. Wherever + possible, German, Spanish and English garments of every age hang on + hooks. Swedish riding boots, Spanish rapiers and German broadswords + are scattered about. The door to the left bears the legend: Library. + The whole room displays picturesque disorder, Trumpery of all + kinds--weapons, goblets, cups--is scattered about. It is Sunday + toward the end of May._ + + _At the table in the middle of the room are sitting, MRS. JOHN + (between thirty-five and forty) and a very young servant girl, + PAULINE PIPERCARCKA. PAULINE, vulgarly overdressed--jacket, hat, + sunshade--sits straight upright. Her pretty, round little face shows + signs of long weeping. Her figure betrays the fact that she is + approaching motherhood. She draws letters on the floor with the end + of her sunshade._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, sure now! That's right! That's what I says, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +All right. So I'm goin' to Schlachtensee or to Halensee. I gotta go and +see if I c'n meet him! + + [_She dries her tears and is about to rise._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Prevents PAULINE from getting up._] Pauline! For God's sake, don't you +be doin' that! Not that there, for nothin' in the world! That don't do +nothin' but raise a row an' cost money an' don't bring you in nothin'. +Look at the condition you're in! An' that way you want to go an' run +after that there low lived feller? + +PAULINE + +Then my landlady c'n wait an' wait for me to-day. I'll jump into the +Landwehr canal an' drownd myself. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline! An' what for? What for, I'd like to know? Now you just listen to +me for a speck of a minute, just for God's sake, for the teeniest speck +of one an' pay attention to what I'm goin' to propose to you! You know +yourself how I says to you, out on Alexander square, right by the +chronomoneter--says I to you right out, as I was comin' out o' the market +an' sees your condition with half an eye. He don't want to acknowledge +nothin', eh? That's what I axed you right out!--That happens to many gals +here, to all of 'em--to millions! An' then I says to you ... what did I +say? Come along, I says, an' I'll help you! + +PAULINE + +O' course, I don't never dare to show myself at home lookin' this way. +Mother, she'd cry it out at the first look. An' father, he'd knock my +head against the wall an' throw me out in the street. An' I ain't got no +more money left neither--nothin' but just two pieces o' gold that I got +sewed up in the linin' o' my jacket. That feller didn't leave me no crown +an' he didn't leave me no penny. + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss, my husband, he's a foreman mason. I just wants you to pay attention +... just for heaven's sake, pay attention to the propositions that I'm +goin' to make to you. They'll help us both. You'll be helped out an' the +same way I'll be. An' what's more, Paul, that's my husband, he'll be +helped, because he'd like, for all the world, to have a child, an' our +only one, little Adelbert, he went an' died o' the croup. Your child'll +be as well taken care of as an own child. Then you c'n go an' you c'n +look up your sweetheart an' you c'n go back into service an' home to your +people, an' the child is well off, an' nobody in the world don't need to +know nothin'. + +PAULINE + +I'll do it just outa spite--that's what! An' drownd myself! [_She +rises._] An' a note, a note, I'll leave in my jacket, like this: You +drove your Pauline to her death with your cursed meanness! An' then I'll +put down his name in full: Alois Theophil Brunner, instrument-maker. Then +he c'n see how he'll get along in the world with the murder o' me on his +conscience. + +MRS. JOHN + +Wait a minute, Miss! I gotta unlock the door first. + + _MRS. JOHN acts, as though she were about to conduct PAULINE to the + door._ + + _Before the two women reach the passage, BRUNO MECHELKE enters with + slow and suspicious demeanour by the door at the left and remains + standing in the room. BRUNO is short rather than tall, but with a + powerful bull's neck and athletic shoulders. His forehead is low and + receding, his close-clipped hair like a brush, his skull round and + small. His face is brutal and his left nostril has been ripped open + sometime and imperfectly healed. The fellow is about nineteen years + old. He bends forward, and his great, lumpish hands are joined to + muscular arms. The pupils of his eyes are small, black and piercing. + He is trying to repair a rat trap._ + + _BRUNO whistles to his sister as he would to a dog._ + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm comin' now, Bruno! What d'you want? + +BRUNO + +[_Apparently absorbed by the trap._] Thought I was goin' to put up traps +here. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did you put the bacon in? [_To PAULINE._] It's only my brother. Don't be +scared, Miss. + +BRUNO + +[_As before._] I seen the Emperor William to-day. I marched along wi' the +guard, + +MRS. JOHN + +[_To PAULINE, who stands fearful and moveless in BRUNO'S presence._] +'Tain't nothin' but my brother. You c'n stay.--[_To BRUNO._] Boy, what're +you lookin' that way for again? The young lady is fair scared o' you. + +BRUNO + +[_As before, without looking up._] Brrr-rr-rr! I'm a ghost. + +MRS. JOHN + +Hurry an' go up in the loft an' set your traps. + +BRUNO + +[_Slowly approaching the table._] Aw, that business ain't no good 'cept +to starve on! When I goes to sell matches, I gets more outa it. + +PAULINE + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Raging at her brother._] Are you goin' to leave me alone? + +BRUNO + +[_Knuckling under._] Aw, don' go on so. I'm leavin'. + + _Obediently he withdraws into the adjoining room. MRS. JOHN locks the + door behind him with a determined gesture._ + +PAULINE + +That's a feller I wouldn't like to meet in the _Tiergarten_. Not by night +an' not by day neither. + +MRS. JOHN + +If I sets Bruno on anyone an' he gets at him, God help him! + +PAULINE + +Good-bye. I don't like this here place. If you wants to see me again, +Mrs. John, I'd rather meet you at a bench on the _Kreuzberg_. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline, I brought up Bruno with sorrow and trouble by day an' by night. +An' I'll be twenty times better to your child. So when it's born, +Pauline, I'll take it, an' I swears to you by my father an' mother what +died in the Lord an' what I goes to visit the graves of out in Ruedersdorf +one Sunday a year an' puts candles on 'em an' don' let nobody keep me +back--I swears to you that little crittur'll live on the fat o' the land +just like a born prince nor a born princess couldn't be treated no +better. + +PAULINE + +I'm goin' and with my last penny I'm goin' to buy vitriol--I don' care +who it hits! An' I'll throw it in the face o' the wench that he goes with +... I don' care who it hits ... right in the middle o' the mug. I don' +care! It c'n burn up his fine-lookin' phiz! I don' care! It c'n burn off +his beard an' burn out his eyes if he goes with other women! What did he +do? Cheated me! Ruined me! Took my money! Robbed me o' my honour! That's +what the damn' dog did--seduced me an' lied to me an' left me an' kicked +me out into the world! I don' care who it hits! I wants him to be blind! +I wants the stuff to burn his nose offa his face! I wants it to burn him +offa the earth! + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline, as I hopes to be happy hereafter, I tells you, from the minute +where that there little one is born ... it's goin' to be treated like ... +well, I don' know what!... as if it was born to be put in silks an' in +satins. All you gotta do is to have some confidence--that's what! You +just say: Yes. I got it all figgered out. It c'n be done, it c'n be +done--that's what I tells you! An' no doctor an' no police an' no +landlady don't has to know nothin'. An' then, first of all, you gets paid +a hundred an' twenty crowns what I saved scrubbin' an' charrin' here for +manager Hassenreuter. + +PAULINE + +I might strangle it when it's born, rather 'n sell it! + +MRS. JOHN + +Who's talkin' about sellin'? + +PAULINE + +Look at the frights an' the misery I've stood from October las' to this +very day. My intended gives me the go; my landlady puts me out! They +gives me notice at a lodgin's. What does I do that I has to be despised +an' cursed an' kicked aroun'? + +MRS. JOHN + +That's what I says. That's cause the devil is still gettin' the better of +our Lord Jesus. + + _Unnoticed and busy with the trap as before BRUNO has quietly + re-entered by the door._ + +BRUNO + +[_With a strange intonation, sharply and yet carelessly._] Lamps! + +PAULINE + +That feller scares me. Lemme go! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Makes violently for BRUNO._] Is you goin' to go where you belongs? I +told you I'd call you! + +BRUNO + +[_In the same tone as before._] Well, Jette, I jus' said: Lamps! + +MRS. JOHN + +Are you crazy? What's the meanin' o' that--lamps? + +BRUNO + +Ain't that a ringin' o' the front bell? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Is frightened, listens and restrains PAULINE, who makes a motion to +go._] Sh, Miss, wait! Just wait one little minute! + + [_BRUNO continues whittling as the two women stop to listen._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Softly and in a frightened tone to BRUNO._] I don't hear nothin'! + +BRUNO + +You ol' dried up piece! You better go an' get another pair o' ears! + +MRS. JOHN + +That'd be the first time in all the three months that the manager'd be +comin' in when it's Sunday. + +BRUNO + +If that there theayter feller comes, he c'n engage me right on the spot. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Violently._] Don' talk rot! + +BRUNO + +[_Grinning at PAULINE._] Maybe you don' believe it, Miss, but I went an' +took the clown's hoss at Schumann's circus aroun' the ring three times. +Them's the kind o' things I does. An' is I goin' to be scared? + +PAULINE + +[_Seeming to notice for the first time the fantastic strangeness of the +place in which she finds herself. Frightened and genuinely perturbed._] +Mother o' God, what kind o' place is this? + +MRS. JOHN + +Whoever c'n that be? + +BRUNO + +'Tain't the manager, Jette! More like it's a spout what's drippin'! + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss, you be so kind an' go for two minutes, if you don' mind, up into +this here loft. Maybe somebody's comin' that just wants some information. + + _In her growing terror PAULINE does as she is asked to do. She + clambers up the stairs to the loft, the trap door being open. MRS. + JOHN has taken up a position in which she can, at need, hide PAULINE + from anyone entering the room. PAULINE disappears: MRS. JOHN and + BRUNO remain alone._ + +BRUNO + +What business has you with that pious mug? + +MRS. JOHN + +That ain't none o' your business, y'understan'? + +BRUNO + +I was just axin' 'cause you was so careful that nobody should see her. +Otherwise I don't know's I gives a damn. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' you ain't supposed to! + +BRUNO + +Much obliged. Maybe I better toddle along, then. + +MRS. JOHN + +D'you know what you owes me, you scamp? + +BRUNO + +[_Carelessly._] What are you gettin' excited for? What is I doin' to you? +What d'you want? I gotta go to my gal now. I'm sleepy. Las' night I slept +under a lot o' bushes in the park. An' anyhow, I'm cleaned out--[_He +turns his trowsers pockets inside out._] An' in consequence o' that I +gotta go an' earn somethin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +Here you stays! Don't you dare move! If you do you c'n whine like a +whipped purp an' you'll never be gettin' so much as a penny outa me no +more--that's what you won't! Bruno, you're goin' ways you hadn't ought +to. + +BRUNO + +Aw, what d'you think? Is I goin' to be a dam' fool? D'you think I ain' +goin' when I gets a good livin' offa Hulda? [_He pulls out a dirty +card-case._] Not so much as a measly pawn ticket has I got. Tell me what +you want an' then lemme go! + +MRS. JOHN + +What I wants? Of you? What're you good for anyhow? You ain't good for +nothin' excep' for your sister who ain't right in her head to feel sorry +for you, you loafer an' scamp! + +BRUNO + +Maybe you _ain'_ right in your head sometimes! + +MRS. JOHN + +Our father, he used to say when you was no more'n five an' six years old +an' used to do rowdy things, that we couldn't never be proud o' you an' +that I might as well let you go hang. An' my husband what's a reel honest +decent man ... why, you can't be seen alongside of a good man like him. + +BRUNO + +Sure, I knows all that there, Jette. But things ain' that easy to +straighten out. I knows all right I was born with a kind o' a twist in my +back, even if nobody don't see it. No, I wasn't born in no castle. Well, +I gotta do what I c'n do with my twist. All right. What d'you want? +'Tain't for the rats you're keepin' me. You wanta hush up somethin' wi' +that whore! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Shaking her hand under BRUNO'S nose._] You give away one word o' this +an' I'll kill you, I'll make a corpse o' you! + +BRUNO + +Well now, looka here! I'm goin', y'understan'? [_He mounts the stairs._] +Maybe someday I'll be droppin' into good luck without knowin' it. + + _He disappears through the trap-door, MRS. JOHN hurriedly blows out + the lamp and taps her way to the door of the library. She enters it + but does--not wholly close the door behind her.--The noise that BRUNO + actually heard was that of a key being turned in a rusty keyhole. A + light step is now heard approaching the door. For a moment the street + noises of Berlin as well as the yelling of children in the outer + halls had been audible. Strains of a hurdy-gurdy from the + yard.--WALBURGA HASSENREUTER enters with hesitating and embarrassed + steps. The girl is not yet sixteen and is pretty and innocent of + appearance. Sunshade, light-coloured summer dress, not coming below + the ankle._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Halts, listens, then says nervously:_] Papa!--Isn't any one up here +yet? Papa! Papa! [_She listens long and intently and then says:_] Why, +what an odour of coal oil there is here! [_She finds matches, lights one, +is about to light the lamp and burns her fingers against the hot +chimney._] Ouch! Why, dear me! Who is here? + + [_She has cried out and is about to run away._ + + _MRS. JOHN reappears._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, Miss Walburga, who's goin' to go an' kick up a row like that! You +c'n be reel quiet. 'Tain't nobody but me! + +WALBURGA + +Dear me, but I've had an awful fright, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, then I advise you to be gettin' out o' here to-day--on Sunday? + +WALBURGA + +[_Laying her hand over her heart._] Why, my heart is almost standing +still yet, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +What's the matter, Miss Walburga? What's frightenin' you? You oughta know +that from your pa that Sunday an' week day I gotta be workin' aroun' here +with them boxes an' cases, dustin' an' tryin' to get rid o' the moths! +An' then, after two or three weeks, when I've gone over the twelve or +eighteen hundred theayter rags that're lyin' here--then I gotta start all +over again. + +WALBURGA + +I was frightened because the chimney of the lamp was still quite hot to +the touch. + +MRS. JOHN + +That's right. That there lamp was burnin' 'an' I put it out jus' a minute +ago. [_She lifts up the chimney._] It don't burn me; my hands is hard. +[_She lights the wick._] Well, now we has light. Now I lit it again. +What's the danger here? I don' see nothin'. + +WALBURGA + +But you do look like a ghost, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +How do you say I looks? + +WALBURGA + +Oh, it just seems so when one comes out of the vivid sunlight into the +darkness, into these musty holes. It seems as though one were surrounded +by ghosts. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you little ghost, why did you come up here? Is you alone or has you +got somebody with you? Maybe papa'll be comin' in yet? + +WALBURGA + +No, papa has been granted an important audience out in Potsdam to-day. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right! What're you lookin' for here then? + +WALBURGA + +I? Oh, I just came out for a walk! + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, then I advise you to be gettin out o' here again. No sun don't +shine into your papa's lumber-room. + +WALBURGA + +You look so grey! You had better go out into the sunlight yourself! + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, the sunlight's just for fine folks! All I needs is a couple o' pounds +o' dust an' dirt on my lungs.--You just go along, missie! I gotta get to +work. I don' need nothin' else. I jus' lives on mildew an' insec'-powder. + + [_She coughs._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Nervously._] You needn't tell papa that I was up here. + +MRS. JOHN + +Me? Ain't I got somethin' better to do'n that? + +WALBURGA + +[_With assumed carelessness._] And if Mr. Spitta were to ask after me.... + +MRS. JOHN + +Who? + +WALBURGA + +The young gentleman who gives us private lessons at home.... + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, s'posin'? + +WALBURGA + +Then be so kind as to tell him that I've been here but left again at +once. + +MRS. JOHN + +So I'm to tell Mr. Spitta but not papa? + +WALBURGA + +[_Involuntarily._] Oh, for heaven's sake, no! + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you jus' wait an' see! You jus' look out! There's many a one has +looked like you an' has come from your part o' the city an'--has gone to +the dogs in the ditch in Dragoner street or, even, behind Swedish +hangin's in Barnim street. + +WALBURGA + +Surely you don't mean to insinuate, Mrs. John, and surely you don't +believe that there's anything unpermitted or improper in my relations +with Mr. Spitta? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In extreme fright._] Shut up!--Somebody's put the key into the keyhole. + +WALBURGA + +Blow out the lamp! + + [_MRS. JOHN blows out the lamp quickly._ + +WALBURGA + +Papa! + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss! Up into the loft with you! + + _MRS. JOHN and WALBURGA both disappear through the trap-door, which + closes behind them._ + + _Two gentlemen, the manager HARRO HASSENREUTER and the court actor + NATHANAEL JETTEL, appear in the frame of the outer door. The manager + is of middle height, clean shaven, fifty years old. He takes long + steps and shows a lively temperament in his whole demeanour. The cut + of his face is noble, his eyes have a vivid, adventurous expression. + His behaviour is somewhat noisy, which accords with his thoroughly + fiery nature. He wears a light overcoat, a top-hat thrust back on his + head, full dress suit and patent leather boots. The overcoat, which + is unbuttoned, reveals the decorations which almost cover his + chest--JETTEL wears a suit of flannels under a very light spring + overcoat. In his left hand he holds a straw hat and an elegant cane; + he wears tan shoes. He also is clean shaven and over fifty years old. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Calls:_] John! Mrs. John!--Well, now you see my catacombs, my dear +fellow! _Sic transit gloria mundi!_ Here I've stored everything--_mutatis +mutandis_--that was left of my whole theatrical glory--trash, trash! Old +rags! Old tatters!--John! John! She's been here, for the lamp chimney is +still quite hot! [_He strikes a match and lights the lamp._] _Fiat lux, +pereat mundus!_ Now you can get a good view of my paradise of moths and +rats and fleas! + +JETTEL + +You received my card, didn't you, my dear manager? + +HASSENREUTER + +Mrs. John!--I'll see if she is in the loft up there. [_He mounts the +stairs and rattles at the trap-door._] Locked! And of course the wretched +creature has the key tied to her apron. [_He beats enragedly against the +trap-door with his fist._] John! John! + +JETTEL + +[_Somewhat impatient._] Can't we manage without this Mrs. John? + +HASSENREUTER + +What? Do you think that I, in my dress suit and with all my decorations, +just back from His Highness, can go through my three hundred boxes and +cases just to rout out the wretched rags that you are pleased to need for +your engagement here? + +JETTEL + +I beg your pardon. But I'm not wont to appear in rags on my tours. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man alive, then play in your drawers for all I care! It wouldn't worry +me! Only don't quite forget who's standing before you. Because the court +actor Jettel is pleased to emit a whistle--well, that's no reason why the +manager Harro Hassenreuter should begin to dance. Confound it, because +some comedian wants a shabby turban or two old boots, is that any reason +why a _pater familias_ like myself must give up his only spare time at +home on Sunday afternoon? I suppose you expect me to creep about on all +fours into the corners here? No, my good fellow, for that kind of thing +you'll have to look elsewhere! + +JETTEL + +[_Quite calmly._] Would you mind telling me, if possible, who has been +treading on your corns? + +HASSENREUTER + +My boy, it's scarcely an hour since I had my legs under the same table +with a prince; _post hoc, ergo propter hoc!_--On your account I got into +a confounded bus and drove out to this, confounded bole, and so ... if +you don't know how to value my kindness, you can get out! + +JETTEL + +You made an appointment with use for four o'clock. Then you let me wait +one solid hour in this horrible tenement, in these lovely halls with +their filthy brats! Well, I waited and didn't address the slightest +reproach to you. And now you have the good taste and the good manners to +use me as a kind of a cuspidor! + +HASSENREUTER + +My boy ... + +JETTEL + +The devil! I'm not your boy! You seem to be kind of a clown that I ought +to force to turn sommersaults for pennies! + + [_Highly indignant, he picks up his hat and cane and goes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Starts, breaks out into boisterous laughter and then calls out after +JETTEL:_] Don't make yourself ridiculous! And, anyhow, I'm not a +costumer! + + _The slamming of the outer door is heard._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pulls out his watch._] The confounded idiot! The damned mutton +head.--It's a blessing the ridiculous ass went! [_He puts the match back +into his pocket, pulls it out again at once and listens. He walks +restlessly to and fro, then stops, gases into his top-hat, which contains +a mirror, and combs his hair carefully. He walks over to the middle door +and opens a few of the letters that lie heaped up there. At the same time +he sings in a trilling voice:_ + + "O Strassburg, O Strassburg, + Thou beautiful old town." + +_Once more he looks at his watch. Suddenly the doorbell at his head +rings._] On the minute! Ah, but these little girls can be punctual when +they really care about it! [_He hurries out into the hall and is heard to +extend a loud and merry welcome to someone. The trumpet notes of his +voice are soon accompanied by the bell-like tones of a woman's speaking. +Very soon he reappears, at his side an elegant young lady, ALICE +RUeTTERBUSCH._]--Alice! My little Alice! Come here where I can see you, +little girl! Come here into the light! I must see whether you're the same +infinitely delightful, mad little Alice that you were in the great days +of my career in Alsace? Girl, it was I who taught you to walk! I held +your leading strings for your first steps. I taught you how to talk, +girl! The things you said! I hope you haven't forgotten! + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Now, look here! You don't believe that I'm an ungrateful girl? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Draws up her veil._] Why, girlie, you've grown younger instead of +older. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +[_Flushed with delight._] Well, a person would just have to be like +everything to say that you had changed to your disadvantage! But, do you +know--it's awful dark up here really and--Harro, maybe you wouldn't mind +opening a window a little--oh, the air's a bit heavy, too, + +HASSENREUTER + + "Pillicock sat on Pillicock-hill" + "But mice and rats and such small deer + Have been Tom's food for seven long year." + +In all seriousness I have passed through dark and difficult times! In +spite of the fact that I preferred not to write you of it, I have no +doubt that you are informed. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +But it wasn't extra friendly, you know, for you not to answer one little +word to the long, nice letter I wrote you. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! What's the use of answering a little girl's letter if one has +both hands full taking care of oneself and can't possibly be of the +slightest use to her? Pshaw! _E nihilo nihil fit!_ In the vernacular: You +can't get results out of nothing! Moth and dust! Dust and moths! And +that's all my efforts for German culture in the west profited me! + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +So you didn't turn over your collection of properties to manager Kunz. + +HASSENREUTER + + "O Strassburg, O Strassburg, + Thou beautiful old town!" + +No, little one, I didn't leave my properties in Strassburg! This +ex-waiter, ex-innkeeper and lessee of disreputable dance halls, this +idiot, this imbecile who succeeded me, didn't happen to want my stuff. +No, I didn't leave my collection of properties there, but what I did have +to leave there was forty thousand crowns of hard-earned money left me +from my old touring days as an actor, and, in addition, fifty thousand +crowns which formed the dowry of my excellent wife. However, it was a +piece of good luck, after all, that I kept the properties. Ha, ha, ha! +These fellows here ... [_he touches one of the mailed figures_] ... +surely you remember them? + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Could I forget my pasteboard knights? + +HASSENREUTER + +Very well, then: it was these pasteboard knights and all the other trash +that surrounds them, that actually, after his hegira, kept the old +rag-picker and costumer, Harro Eberhard Hassenreuter, above water. But +let's speak of cheerful things: I saw with pleasure in the paper that his +Excellency has engaged you for Berlin. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +I don't care a great deal about it! I'd rather play for you, and you must +promise me, whenever you undertake the management of a theatre again--you +will promise, won't you?--that you'll let me break my contract right +away? [_The MANAGER laughs heartily._] I had to be annoyed quite enough +for three long years by the barn-stormers of the provinces. Berlin I +don't like, and a court theatre least of all. Lord, what people and what +a profession it is! You know I belong to your collection--I've always +belonged to it! + + [_She stands up primly among the pasteboard knights._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha, ha! Well then, come to my arms, faithful knight! + + [_He opens his arms wide, she flies into them, and they now salute + each other with long, continuous kisses._ + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Go on, Harro. Now tell me. How is your wife? + +HASSENREUTER + +Teresa gets along very well except that she gets fatter every day in +spite of sorrow and worries.--Girl, girl, how fragrant you are! [_He +presses her to him._] Do you know that you're a devilish dangerous +person? + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +D'you think I'm an idiot? Of course I'm dangerous! + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, I'll be ...! + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Why, do you think if I didn't know it was dangerous, dangerous for us +both, I'd make an appointment with you out here in this lovely +neighbourhood, under this stuffy roof? By the way, though, since I'm +always bound to have the queerest luck if ever I do go a bit on +questionable ways, whom should I meet on the stairs but Nathanael Jettel? +I almost ran into the gentleman's arms! He'll take good care that my +visiting you doesn't remain our secret. + +HASSENREUTER + +I must have made a mistake in writing down the date. The fellow insists +on asserting--ha, ha, ha!--that I made an engagement with him for this +very afternoon. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +And that wasn't the only person I met on the six flights. And as for the +dear little children that roll about on the stairs here! What they called +out after me was unparliamentary to a degree--such vulgarities as I've +never heard from such little beggars in my life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Laughs, then speaks seriously._] Ah, yes! But one gets accustomed to +that. You could never write down all the life that sweeps down these +stairs with its soiled petticoats--the life that cringes and creeps, +moans, sighs, sweats, cries out, curses, mutters, hammers, planes, jeers, +steals, drives its dark trades up and down these stairs--the sinister +creatures that hide here, playing their zither, grinding their +accordions, sticking in need and hunger and misery, leading their vicious +lives--no, it's beyond one's power of recording. And your old manager, +last but not least, runs, groans, sighs, sweats, cries out and curses +with the best of them. Ha, ha, ha, girlie! I've had a pretty wretched +time. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Oh, by the way, d'you know whom I ran into just as I was making for the +railroad station at the Zoological Garden? The good old Prince +Statthalter! And straight off, cool as a cucumber--that's my way you +know--I tripped along next to him for twenty minutes and got him absorbed +in a conversation. And then something happened, Harro, upon my honour, +just as I'm going to tell you--literally and truly: Suddenly on the +bridle-path His Majesty came riding along with a great suite. I thought +I'd sink into the earth with embarrassment. And His Majesty laughed right +out and threatened his Serenity playfully with his finger. But I was +delighted, you may believe me. The main thing comes now, however. Just +think! His Serenity asked me whether I'd be glad to go back to Strassburg +if the manager Hassenreuter were to assume direction of the theatre there +again. Well, you may know that I almost jumped for joy! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Throws off his overcoat and stands with his decorations displayed._] +You probably couldn't help noticing that His Serenity had had a most +excellent breakfast. Aha! We had breakfast together! We attended an +exquisite little stag party given by Prince Ruprecht out in Potsdam. I +don't deny, therefore, that a turn for good may take place in the +miserable fate of your friend. + +ALICE RUeTTERBUSCH + +Sweetheart, you look like a statesman, like an ambassador! + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, don't you know this breast covered with high and exalted decorations? +Klaerchen and Egmont! Here you can drink your fill! [_They embrace each +other anew._] _Carpe diem!_ Enjoy the passing hour! Ah, my little Miss +Simplicity, champagne is not recorded at present on the repertory of your +old manager, inspirer and friend. [_He opens a wooden case and draws +forth a bottle of wine._] But this old cloister vintage isn't to be +sneezed at either! [_He pulls the cork. At the same moment the door bell +rings._] What? Sh! I wonder who has the monstrous impudence to ring here +on Sunday afternoon? [_The bell rings with increased violence._] Confound +it all--the fellow must be a lunatic. Little girl, suppose you withdraw +into the library. [_ALICE hurries into the library. The ringing is +repeated. He hurries to the door._] Either be patient or go to the devil. +[_He is heard opening the door._] Who? What? "It is I, Miss Walburga." +What? I am not Miss Walburga. I am not the daughter. I am the father. Oh, +it's you, Mr. Spitta! Your very humble servant. I'm only her father--only +her father! What is it that you want? + + _HASSENREUTER reappears in the passage accompanied by ERICH SPITTA, a + young man of twenty-one, spectacled, with keen and not + undistinguished features, SPITTA passes as a student of theology and + is correspondingly dressed. He does not hold himself erect and his + development shows the influence of over-study and underfeeding._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Did you intend to give my daughter one of your private lessons here in my +storeroom? + +SPITTA + +I was riding past on the tram-car and I really thought I had seen Miss +Walburga hurry into the doorway downstairs. + +HASSENREUTER + +No possibility of such a thing, my dear Spitta. At this moment my +daughter Walburga is attending a ritualistic service with her mother in +the Anglican church. + +SPITTA + +Then perhaps you'll forgive my intrusion. I took the liberty of coming +upstairs because I thought that Miss Walburga might not find it +unpleasant or useless to have an escort home through this neighbourhood. + +HASSENREUTER + +Very good! Very excellent! But she isn't here. I regret it. I'm here +myself by the merest chance--on account of the mail. And in addition, I +have other pressing engagements. Can I do anything else for you? + + _SPITTA polishes his glasses and betrays signs of embarrassment._ + +SPITTA + +One doesn't grow used to the darkness at once. + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps you stand in need of the tuition due you. Sorry, but +unfortunately I have the habit of going out with only some small change +in my waistcoat pocket. So I must ask you to have patience until I am at +home again. + +SPITTA + +Not the least hurry in the world. + +HASSENREUTER + +Yes, it's easy for you to say that. I'm like a hunted animal, my dear +fellow ... + +SPITTA + +And yet I would like to beg for a minute of your precious time. I can't +but look upon this unexpected meeting as a kind of providential +arrangement. In short: may I put a question to you? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_With his eyes on his watch, which he has just been winding._] One +minute exactly. By the watch, my good fellow! + +SPITTA + +Both my question and your answer need hardly take that long. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, then! + +SPITTA + +Have I any talent for the stage? + +HASSENREUTER + +For the love of God, man! Have you gone mad?--Forgive me, my dear fellow, +if a case like this excites me to the point of being discourteous. You +have certainly given the lie to the saying: _natura non facit saltus_ by +the unnatural leap that you've taken. I must first get my breath after +that! And now let's put an end to this at once. Believe me, if we were +both to discuss the question now we wouldn't come to any conclusion in +two or three weeks, or rather, let us say years.--You are a theologian by +profession, my good fellow, and you were born in a parsonage. You have +all the necessary connections and a smooth road to a comfortable way of +life ahead of you. How did you hit upon such a notion as this? + +SPITTA + +That's a long story of the inner life, Mr. Hassenreuter, of difficult +spiritual struggles--a story which, until this moment, has been an +absolute secret and known only to myself. But my good fortune led me into +your house and from that moment on I felt that I was drawing nearer and +nearer to the true aim of my life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Wildly impatient._] That's very creditable to me; that does honour to +my family and myself! [_He puts his hands on SPITTA'S shoulders._] And +yet I must make it in the form of an urgent request that, at this moment, +you refrain from a further discussion of the question. My affairs cannot +wait. + +SPITTA + +Then I will only add the expression of my absolutely firm decision. + +HASSENREUTER + +But, my dear Spitta, who has put these mad notions into year head? I've +taken real pleasure in the thought of you. I've really been quietly +envying you the peaceful personage that was to be yours. I've attached no +special significance to certain literary ambitions that one is likely to +pick up in the metropolis. That's a mere phase, I thought, and will be +quite passing in his case! And now you want to become an actor? God help +you, were I your father! I'd lock you up on bread and water and not let +you out again until the very memory of this folly was gone. _Dixi!_ And +now, good-bye, my dear man. + +SPITTA + +I'm afraid that locking me op or resorting to force of any kind would not +help in my case at all. + +HASSENREUTER + +But, man alive, you want to become an actor--you, with your round +shoulders, with your spectacles and, above all, with your hoarse and +sharp voice. It's impossible. + +SPITTA + +If such fellows as I exist in real life, why shouldn't they exist on the +stage too? And I am of the opinion that a smooth, well-sounding voice, +probably combined with the Goethe-Schiller-Weimar school of idealistic +artifice, is harmful rather than helpful. The only question is whether +you would take me, just as I am, as a pupil? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Hastily draws on his overcoat._] I would not. In the first place my +school of acting is only one of the schools of idealistic artifice which +you mention. In the second place I wouldn't be responsible to your father +for such an action. And in the third place, we quarrel enough as it +is--every time you stay to supper at my house after giving your lessons. +If you were my pupil, we'd come to blows. And now, Spitta, I must catch +the car. + +SPITTA + +My father is already informed. In a letter of twelve pages, I have given +him a full history of the change that has taken place within me.... + +HASSENREUTER + +I'm sure the old gentleman will feel flattered! And now come along with +me or I'll go insane! + + _HASSENREUTER forcibly takes SPITTA out with him. The door is heard + to slam. The room grows silent but for the uninterrupted roar of + Berlin, which can now be clearly heard. The trap-door to the loft is + now opened and WALBURGA HASSENREUTER clambers down in mad haste, + followed by MRS. JOHN._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Whispering vehemently._] What's the matter? Nothin' ain't happened. + +WALBURGA + +Mrs. John, I'll scream! I'll have to scream in another second! Oh, for +heaven's sake, I can't help it much longer, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Stuff a handkerchief between your teeth! There ain't nothin'! Why d'you +take on so? + +WALBURGA + +[_With chattering teeth, making every effort to suppress her sobs._] I'm +frightened! Oh, I'm frightened to death, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +I'd like to know what you're so scared about! + +WALBURGA + +Why, didn't you see that horrible man? + +MRS. JOHN + +That ain't nothin' so horrible. That's my brother what sometimes helps me +clean up your pa's things here. + +WALBURGA + +And that girl who sits with her back to the chimney and whines? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, your mother didn't act no different when you was expected to come +into the world. + +WALBURGA + +Oh, it's all over with me. I'll die if papa comes back. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well then hurry and get out an' don' fool roun' no more! + + [_MRS. JOHN accompanies the horrified girl along the passage, lets + her out, and then returns._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Thank God, that girl don' know but what the moon _is_ made o' cheese! + + [_She takes the uncorked bottle, pours out a glass full of wine and + takes it with her to the loft into which she disappears._ + + _The room is scarcely empty when HASSENREUTER returns._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Still in the door. Singing._] "Come on down, O Madonna Teresa!" [_He +calls:_] Alice! [_Still in the door._] Come on! Help me put up my iron +bar with a double lock before the door, Alice! [_He comes forward._] Any +one else who dares to interrupt our Sunday quiet--_anathema sit!_ Here! +You imp! Where are you, Alice? [_He observes the bottle and lifts it +against the light._] What? Half empty! The little scamp! [_From behind +the door of the library a pleasant woman's voice is heard singing +coloratura passages._] Ha, ha, ha, ha! Heavens and earth! She's tipsy +already. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _MRS. JOHN'S rooms on the second floor of the same house in the + attics of which HASSENREUTER has stored his properties. A high, deep, + green-tinted room which betrays its original use as part of a + barracks. The rear wall shows a double door which gives on the outer + hall. Above this door there hangs a bell connected by a wire with the + knob outside. To the right of the door a partition, covered with + wall-paper, projects into the room. This partition takes a + rectangular turn and extends to the right wall. A portion of the room + is thus partitioned off and serves as sleeping-chamber. From within + the partition, which is about six feet high, cupboards are seen + against the wall._ + + _Entering the room from the hall, one observes to the left a sofa + covered with oil-cloth. The back of the sofa is pushed against the + partition wall. The latter is adorned with small photographs: the + foreman-mason JOHN as a soldier, JOHN and his wife in their wedding + garb, etc. An oval table, covered with a faded cotton cloth, stands + before the sofa. In order to reach the entrance of the + sleeping-chamber from the door it is necessary to pass the table and + sofa. This entrance is closed by hangings of blue cotton cloth. + Against the narrow front wall of the partition stands a neatly + equipped kitchen cabinet. To the right, against the wall of the main + room, the stove. This corner of the room serves the--purposes of + kitchen and pantry. Sitting on the sofa, one would look straight at + the left wall of the room, which is broken by two large windows. A + neatly planed board has been fastened to the nearer of the windows to + serve as a kind of desk. Upon it are lying blue-prints, + counter-drawings, an inch-measure, a compass and a square. A small, + raised platform is seen beneath the farther window. Upon it stands a + small table with glasses. An old easy chair of cane and a number of + simple wooden chairs complete the frugal equipment of the room, which + creates an impression of neatness and orderliness such as is often + found in the dwellings of childless couples._ + + _It is about five o'clock of an afternoon toward the end of May. The + warm sunlight shines through the windows._ + + _The foreman-mason JOHN, a good-natured, bearded man of forty, sits + at the desk in the foreground taking notes from the building plans._ + + _MRS. JOHN sits sewing on the small platform, by the farther window. + She is very pale. There is something gentle and pain-touched about + her, but her face shows an expression of deep contentment, which is + broken only now and then by a momentary gleam of restlessness and + suspense. A neat new perambulator stands by her side. In it lies a + newborn child._ + +JOHN + +[_Modestly._] Mother, how'd it be if I was to open the window jus' a +speck an' was to light my pipe for a bit? + +MRS. JOHN + +Does you have to smoke? If not, you better let it be! + +JOHN + +No, I don't has to, mother. Only I'd like to! Never mind, though. A +quid'll be just as good in the end. + + [_With comfortable circumstantiality he prepares a new quid._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_After a brief silence._] How's that? You has to go to the public +registry office again? + +JOHN + +That's what he told me, that I had to come back again an' tell him +exackly ... that I had to give the exack place an' time when that little +kid was born. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Holding a needle in her mouth._] Well, why didn't you tell him that +right away? + +JOHN + +How was I to know it? I didn't know, you see. + +MRS. JOHN + +You didn't know that? + +JOHN + +Well, I wasn't here, was I? + +MRS. JOHN + +You wasn't. That's right. If you goes an' leaves me here in Berlin an' +stays from one year's end to another in Hamburg, an' at most comes to see +me once a month--how is you to know what happens in your own home? + +JOHN + +Don't you want me to go where the boss has most work for me? I goes where +I c'n make good money. + +MRS. JOHN + +I wrote you in my letter as how our little boy was born in this here +room. + +JOHN + +I knows that an' I told him that. Ain't that natural, I axes him, that +the child was born in our room? An' he says that ain't natural at all. +Well then, says I, for all I cares, maybe it was up in the loft with the +rats an' mice! I got mad like 'cause he said maybe the child wasn't born +here at all. Then he yells at me: What kind o' talk is that? What? says +I. I takes an interest in wages an' earnin' an' not in talk--not me, Mr. +Registrar! An' now I'm to give him the exack day an' hour ... + +MRS. JOHN + +An' didn't I write it all out for you on a bit o' paper? + +JOHN + +When a man's mad he's forgetful. I believe if he'd up and axed me: Is you +Paul John, foreman-mason? I'd ha' answered: I don' know. Well an' then +I'd been a bit jolly too an' taken a drink or two with Fritz. An' while +we was doin' that who comes along but Schubert an' Karl an' they says as +how I has to set up on account o' bein' a father now. Those fellers, they +didn't let me go an' they was waitin' downstairs in front o' the public +registry. An' so I kept thinkin' o' them standin' there. So when he axes +me on what day my wife was delivered, I didn't know nothin' an' just +laughed right in his face. + +MRS. JOHN + +I wish you'd first attended to what you had to an' left your drinkin' +till later. + +JOHN + +It's easy to say that! But if you're up to them kind o' tricks in your +old age, mother, you can't blame me for bein' reel glad. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right. You go on to the registry now an' say that your child was +borne by your wife in your dwellin' on the twenty-fifth o' May. + +JOHN + +Wasn't it on the twenty-sixth? 'Cause I said right along the +twenty-sixth. Then he must ha' noticed that I wasn't quite sober. So he +says: If that's a fac', all right; if not, you gotta come back. + +MRS. JOHN + +In that case you'd better leave it as it is. + + _The door is opened and SELMA KNOBBE pushes in a wretched + perambulator which presents the saddest contrast to MRS. JOHN'S. + Swaddled in pitiful rags a newly born child lies therein._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, no, Selma, comin' into my room with that there sick child--that was +all right before. But that can't be done no more. + +SELMA + +He just gasps with that cough o' his'n. Over at our place they smokes all +the time. + +MRS. JOHN + +I told you, Selma, that you could come from time to time and get milk or +bread. But while my little Adelbert is here an' c'n catch maybe +consumption or somethin', you just leave that poor little thing at home +with his fine mother. + +SELMA + +[_Tearfully._] Mother ain't been home at all yesterday or to-day. I can't +get no sleep with this child. He just moans all night. I gotta get some +sleep sometime! I'll jump outa the window first thing or I'll let the +baby lie in the middle o' the street an' run away so no policeman can't +never find me! + +JOHN + +[_Looks at the strange child._] Looks bad! Mother, why don't you try an' +do somethin' for the little beggar? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pushing SELMA and the perambulator out determinedly._] March outa this +room. That can't be done, Paul. When you got your own you can't be +lookin' out for other people's brats. That Knobbe woman c'n look after +her own affairs. It's different with Selma. [_To the girl._] You c'n come +in when you want to. You c'n come in here after a while an' take a nap +even. + + [_She locks the door._ + +JOHN + +You used to take a good deal o' interest in Knobbe's dirty little brats. + +MRS. JOHN + +You don' understan' that. I don' want our little Adelbert to be catchin' +sore eyes or convulsions or somethin' like that. + +JOHN + +Maybe you're right. Only, don't go an' call him Adelbert, mother. That +ain't a good thing to do, to call a child by the same name as one that +was carried off, unbaptised, a week after it was born. Let that be, +mother. I can't stand for that, mother, + + _A knocking is heard at the door. JOHN is about to open._ + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? + +JOHN + +Well, somebody wants to get in! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Hastily turning the key in the lock._] I ain't goin' to have everybody +runnin' in on me now that I'm sick as this. [_She listens at the door and +then calls out:_] I can't open! What d'you want? + +A WOMAN'S VOICE + +[_Somewhat deep and mannish in tone._] It is Mrs. Hassenreuter. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Surprised._] Goodness gracious! [_She opens the door._] I beg your +pardon, Mrs. Hassenreuter! I didn't even know who it was! + + _MRS. HASSENREUTER has now entered, followed by WALBURGA. She is a + colossal, asthmatic lady aver fifty. WALBURGA is dressed with greater + simplicity than in the first act. She carries a rather large + package._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +How do you do, Mrs. John? Although climbing stairs is ... very hard for +me ... I wanted to see how everything ... goes with you after the ... +yes, the very happy event. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm gettin' along again kind o' half way. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +That is probably your husband, Mrs. John? Well, one must say, one is +bound to say, that your dear wife, in the long time of waiting--never +complained, was always cheery and merry, and did her work well for my +husband upstairs. + +JOHN + +That's right. She was mighty glad, too. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Well, then we'll have the pleasure--at least, your wife will have the +pleasure of seeing you at home oftener than heretofore. + +MRS. JOHN + +I has a good husband, Mrs. Hassenreuter, who takes care o' me an' has +good habits. An' because Paul was workin' out o town you musn't think +there was any danger o' his leavin' me. But a man like that, where his +brother has a boy o' twelve in the non-commissioned officers' school ... +it's no kind o' life for him havin' no children o' his own. He gets to +thinkin' queer thoughts. There he is in Hamburg, makin' good money, an' +he has the chance every day and--well--then he takes a notion, maybe, +he'd like to go to America. + +JOHN + +Oh, that was never more'n a thought. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you see, with us poor people ... it's hard-earned bread that we +eats ... an' yet ... [_lightly she runs her hand through JOHN'S hair_] +even if there's one more an' you has more cares on that account--you see +how the tears is runnin' down his cheeks--well, he's mighty happy anyhow! + +JOHN + +That's because three years ago we had a little feller an' when he was a +week old he took sick an' died. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +My husband has already ... yes, my husband did tell me about that ... how +deeply you grieved over that little son of yours. You know how it is ... +you know how my good husband has his eyes and his heart open to +everything. And if it's a question of people who are about him or who +give him their services--then everything good or bad, yes, everything +good or bad that happens to them, seems just as though it had happened to +himself. + +MRS. JOHN + +I mind as if it was this day how he sat in the carridge that time with +the little child's coffin on his knees. He wouldn't let the gravedigger +so much as touch it. + +JOHN + +[_Wiping the moisture out of his eyes._] That's the way it was. No. I +couldn't let him do that. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Just think, to-day at the dinner-table we had to drink wine--suddenly, to +drink wine! Wine! For years and years the city-water in decanters has +been our only table drink ... absolutely the only one. Dear children, +said my husband.--You know that he had just returned from an eleven or +twelve day trip to Alsace. Let us drink, my husband said, the health of +my good and faithful Mrs. John, because ... he cried out in his beautiful +voice ... because she is a visible proof of the fact that the cry of a +mother heart is not indifferent to our Lord.--And so we drank your +health, clinking our glasses! Well, and here I'm bringing you at my +husband's special ... at his very special and particular order ... an +apparatus for the sterilisation of milk.--Walburga, you may unpack the +boiler. + + _HASSENREUTER enters unceremoniously through the outer door which has + stood ajar. He wears a top-hat, spring overcoat, carries a + silver-headed cane, in a word, is gotten up in his somewhat shabby + meek-day outfit. He speaks hastily and almost without pauses._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Wiping the sweat from his forehead._] Berlin is hot, ladies and +gentlemen, hot! And the cholera is as near as St. Petersburg! Now you've +complained to my pupils, Spitta and Kaeferstein, Mrs. John, that your +little one doesn't seem to gain in weight. Now, of course, it's one of +the symptoms of the general decadence of our age that the majority of +mothers are either--unwilling to nurse their offspring or incapable of +it. But you've already lost one child on account of diarrhoea, Mrs. John. +No, there's no help for it: we must call a spade a spade. And so, in +order that you do not meet with the same misfortune over again, or fall +into the hands of old women whose advice is usually quite deadly for an +infant--in order that these things may not happen, I say, I have caused +my wife to bring you this apparatus. I've brought up all my--children, +Walburga included, by the help of such an apparatus ...Aha! So one gets a +glimpse of you again, Mr. John! Bravo! The emperor needs soldiers, and +you needed a representative of your race! So I congratulate you with all +my heart. + + [_He shakes JOHN'S hand vigorously._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Leaning over the infant._] How much ... how much did he weigh at birth? + +MRS. JOHN + +He weighed exactly eight pounds and ten grams. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_With noisy joviality._] Ha, ha, ha! A vigorous product, I must say! +Eight pounds and ten grams of good healthy, German national flesh! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Look at his eyes! And his little nose! His father over again! Why, the +little fellow is really, really, the very image of you, Mr. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +I trust that you will have the boy received into the communion of the +Christian Church. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_With happy impressiveness._] Oh, he'll be christened properly, right in +the parochial church at the font by a clergyman. + +HASSENREUTER + +Right! And what are his baptismal names to be? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you know the way men is. That's caused a lot o' talk. I was +thinkin' o' "Bruno," but he won't have it! + +HASSENREUTER + +Surely Bruno isn't a bad name. + +JOHN + +That may be. I ain't sayin' but what Bruno is a good enough name. I don't +want to give no opinion about that. + +MRS. JOHN + +Why don't you say as how I has a brother what's twelve years younger'n me +an' what don't always do just right? But that's only 'cause there's so +much temptation. That boy's a good boy. Only you won't believe it. + +JOHN + +[_Turns red with sudden rage._] Jette ... you know what a cross that +feller was to us! What d'you want? You want our little feller to be the +namesake of a man what's--I can't help sayin' it--what's under police +soopervision? + +HASSENREUTER + +Then, for heaven's sake, get him some other patron saint. + +JOHN + +Lord protect me from sich! I tried to take an interest in Bruno! I got +him a job in a machine-shop an' didn't get nothin' outa it but annoyance +an' disgrace! God forbid that he should come aroun' an' have anythin' to +do with this little feller o' mine. [_He clenches his fist._] If that was +to happen, Jette, I wouldn't be responsible for myself!! + +MRS. JOHN + +You needn't go on, Paul! Bruno ain't comin'. But I c'n tell you this much +for certain, that my brother was good an' helpful to me in this hard +time. + +JOHN + +Why didn't you send for me? + +MRS. JOHN + +I didn't want no man aroun' that was scared. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aren't you an admirer of Bismarck, John? + +JOHN + +[_Scratching the back of his head._] I can't say as to that exackly. My +brothers in the masons' union, though, they ain't admirers o' him. + +HASSENREUTER + +Then you have no German hearts in your bodies! Otto is what I called my +eldest son who is in the imperial navy! And believe me [_pointing to the +infant_] this coming generation will well know what it owes to that +mighty hero, the great forger of German unity! [_He takes the tin boiler +of the apparatus which WALBURGA has unpacked into his hands and lifts it +high up._] Now then: the whole business of this apparatus is mere child's +play. This frame which holds all the bottles--each bottle to be filled +two-thirds with water and one-third with milk--is sunk into the boiler +which is filled with boiling water. By keeping the water at the +boiling-point for an hour and a half in this manner, the content--of the +bottles becomes free of germs. Chemists call this process sterilisation. + +JOHN + +Jette, at the master-mason's house, the milk that's fed to the twins is +sterilised too. + + _The pupils of HASSENREUTER, KAeFERSTEIN and DR. KEGEL, two young men + between twenty and twenty-five years of age, have knocked at the door + and then opened it._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Noticing his pupils._] Patience, gentlemen. I'll be with you directly. +At the moment I am busying myself with the problems of the nourishment of +infants and the care of children. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +[_His head bears witness to a sharply defined character: large nose, +pale, a serious expression, beardless, about the mouth a flicker of +kindly mischievousness. With hollow voice, gentle and suppressed._] You +must know that we are the three kings out of the East. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who still holds the apparatus aloft in his hands._] What are you? + +KAeFERSTEIN + +[_As before._] We want to adore the babe. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha, ha! If you are the kings out of the East, gentlemen, it seems +to me that the third of you is lacking. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +The third is our new fellow pupil in the field of dramaturgic activity, +the _studiosus theologiae_, who is detained at present at the corner of +Blumen and Wallnertheater streets by an accident partly sociological, +partly psychological in its nature. + +DR. KEGEL + +We made all possible haste to escape. + +HASSENREUTER + +Do you see, a star stands above this house, Mrs. John! But do tell me, +has our excellent Spitta once more made some public application of his +quackery for the healing of the so-called sins of the social order? Ha, +ha, ha, ha! _Semper idem!_ Why, that fellow is actually becoming a +nuisance! + +KAeFERSTEIN + +A crowd gathered in the street for some reason and it seems that he +discovered a friend in the midst of it. + +HASSENREUTER + +According to my unauthoritative opinion this young Spitta would have done +much better as a surgeon's assistant or Salvation Army officer. But +that's the way of the world: the fellow must needs want to be an actor. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Mr. Spitta, the children's tutor, wants to become an actor? + +HASSENREUTER + +That is exactly the plan he has proposed to me, mama.--But now, if you +bring incense and myrrh, dear Kaeferstein, out with them! You observe what +a many sided man your teacher is. Now I help my pupils, thirsty after +the contents of the Muses' breasts, to the nourishment they +desire--_nutrimentum spiritus_--again I.... + +KAeFERSTEIN + +[_Rattles a toy bank._] Well, I deposit this offering, which is a +fire-proof bank, next to the perambulator of this excellent offspring of +the mason, with the wish that he will rise to be at least a royal +architect. + +JOHN + +[_Having put cordial glasses on the table, he fetches and opens a fresh +bottle._] Well, now I'm goin' to uncork the _Danziger Goldwasser_. + +HASSENREUTER + +To him who hath shall be given, as you observe, Mrs. John. + +JOHN + +[_Filling the glasses._] Nobody ain't goin' to say that my child's +unprovided for, gentlemen. But I takes it very kindly o' you, gentlemen! +[_All except MRS. HASSENREUTER and WALBURGA lift up their glasses._] To +you health! Come on, mother, we'll drink together too. + + [_The action follows the words._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_In a tone of reproof._] Mama, you must, of course, drink with us. + +JOHN + +[_Having drunk, with jolly expansiveness._] I ain't goin' to Hamburg no +more now. The boss c'n send some other feller there. I been quarrelin' +with him about that these three days. I gotta take up my hat right now +an' go there; he axed me to come roun' to his office again at six. If he +don' want to give in, he needn't. It won't never do for the father of a +family to be forever an' a day away from his family ... I got a +friend--why, all I gotta do's to say the word 'n I c'n get work on the +layin' o' the foundations o' the new houses o' Parliament. Twelve years I +been workin' for this same boss! I c'n afford to make a change some time. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pats JOHN'S shoulder._] Quite of your opinion, quite! Our family life +is something that neither money nor kind words can buy of us. + + _ERICH SPITTA enters. His hat is soiled; his clothes show traces of + mud. His tie is gone. He looks pale and excited and is busy wiping + his hands with his handkerchief._ + +SPITTA + +Beg pardon, but I wonder if I could brush up here a little, Mrs. John? + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! For heaven's sake, what have you been up to, my good Spitta? + +SPITTA + +I only escorted a lady home, Mr. Hassenreuter--nothing else! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who has joined in the general, outburst of laughter called forth by +SPITTA'S explanation._] Well now, listen here! You blandly say: Nothing +else! And you announce it publicly here before all these people? + +SPITTA + +[_In consternation._] Why not? The lady in question, was very well +dressed; I've often seen her on the stairs of this house, and she +unfortunately met with an accident on the street. + +HASSENREUTER + +You don't say so? Tell us about it, dear Spitta! Apparently the lady +inflicted spots on your clothes and scratches on your hands. + +SPITTA + +Oh, no. That was probably the fault of the mob. The lady had an attack of +some kind. The policeman caught hold of her so awkwardly that she slipped +down in the middle of the street immediately in front of two omnibus +horses. I simply couldn't bear to see that, although I admit that the +function of the Good Samaritan is, as a rule, beneath the dignity of +well-dressed people on the public streets. + + _MRS. JOHN wheels the perambulator behind the partition and reappears + with a basin full of water, which she places on a chair._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Did the lady, by any chance, belong to that international high society +which we either regulate or segregate? + +SPITTA + +I confess that that was quite as indifferent to me in the given instance, +as it was to one of the omnibus horses who held his left fore foot +suspended in the air for five, six or, perhaps, even eight solid minutes, +in order not to trample on the woman who lay immediately beneath it. +[_SPITTA is answered by a round of laughter._] You may laugh! The +behaviour of the horse didn't strike me as in the least ludicrous. I +could well understand how some people applauded him, clapped their hands, +and how others stormed a bakery to buy buns with which to feed him. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Fanatically._] I wish he'd trampled all he could! [_MRS. JOHN'S remark +calls forth another outburst of laughter._] An' anyhow! That there Knobbe +woman! She oughta be put in some public place, that she ought, publicly +strapped to a bench an' then beaten--beaten--that's what! She oughta have +the stick taken to her so the blood jus' spurts! + +SPITTA + +Exactly, I've never been deluded into thinking that the so-called Middle +Ages were quite over and done with. It isn't so long ago, in the year +eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, as a matter of fact, that a widow +named Mayer was publicly broken on the wheel right here in the city of +Berlin on Hausvogtei Square,--[_He displays fragments of the lenses of +his spectacles._] By the way, I must hurry to the optician at once. + +JOHN + +[_To SPITTA._] You must excuse us. But didn't you take that there fine +lady home on this very floor acrost the way? Aha! Well, mother she +noticed it right off that that couldn't ha' been nobody but that Knobbe +woman what's known for sendin' girls o' twelve out on the streets! Then +she stays away herself an' swills liquor an' has all kinds o' dealin's +an' takes no care o' her own children. Then when she's been drunk an' +wakes up she beats 'em with her fists an' with an umbrella. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pulling himself together and bethinking himself._] Hurry, gentlemen! We +must proceed to our period of instruction. We're fifteen minutes behind +hand as it is and our time is limited. We must close the period quite +punctually to-day. I'm sorry. Come, mama. See you later, ladies and +gentlemen. + + [_HASSENREUTER offers his arm to his wife and leaves the room, + followed by KAeFERSTEIN and DR. KEGEL. JOHN also picks up his slouch + hat._ + +JOHN + +[_To his wife._] Good-bye. I gotta go an' see the boss. + + [_He also leaves._ + +SPITTA + +Could you possibly lend me a tie? + +MRS. JOHN + +I'll see what c'n be found in Paul's drawer. [_She opens the drawer of +the table and turns pale._] O Lord! [_She takes from the drawer a lock of +child's hair held together by a riband._] I found a bit of a lock o' hair +here that was cut off the head of our little Adelbert by his father when +he was lyin' in the coffin. [_A profound, grief-stricken sadness suddenly +comes over her face, which gives way again, quite as suddenly, to a gleam +of triumph._] An' now the crib is full again after all! [_With an +expression of strange joyfulness, the lock of hair in her hand, she leads +the young people to the door of the partition through which the +perambulator projects into the main room by two-thirds of its length. +Arrived there she holds the lock of hair close to the head of the living +child._] Come on! Come on here! [_With a strangely mysterious air she +beckons to WALBURGA and SPITTA, who take up their stand next to her and +to the child._] Now look at that there hair an' at this! Ain't it the +same? Wouldn't you say it was the same identical hair? + +SPITTA + +Quite right. It's the same to the minutest shade, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right! That's all right! That's what I wanted to know. + + [_Together with the child she disappears behind the partition._ + +WALBURGA + +Doesn't it strike you, Erich, that Mrs. John's behaviour is rather +peculiar? + +SPITTA + +[_Taking WALBURGA'S hands and kissing them shyly but passionately._] I +don't know, I don't know ... Or, at least, my opinion musn't count +to-day. The sombre state of my own mind colours all the world. Did you +get the letter? + +WALBURGA + +Yes. But I couldn't make out why you hadn't been at our house in such a +long while. + +SPITTA + +Forgive me, Walburga, but I couldn't come. + +WALBURGA + +And why not? + +SPITTA + +Because my mind was not at one with itself. + +WALBURGA + +You want to become an actor? Is that true? You're going to change +professions? + +SPITTA + +What I'll be in the end may be left to God. But never a parson--never a +country parson! + +WALBURGA + +Listen! I've had my fortune told from the cards. + +SPITTA + +That's nonsense, Walburga. You mustn't do that. + +WALBURGA + +I swear to you, Erich, that it isn't nonsense. The woman told me I was +betrothed in secret and that my betrothed is an actor. Of course I +laughed her to scorn. And immediately after that mama told me that you +wanted to be an actor. + +SPITTA + +Is that a fact? + +WALBURGA + +It's true--every bit of it. And in addition the clairvoyant said that we +would have a visitor who would cause us much trouble. + +SPITTA + +My father is coming to Berlin, Walburga, and it's undoubtedly true that +the old gentleman will give us not a little trouble. Father doesn't know +it, but my views and his have been worlds asunder for a long time. It +didn't need these letters of his which seem actually to burn in my pocket +and by which he answered my confession--it didn't need these letters to +tell me that. + +WALBURGA + +An evil, envious, venomous star presided over our secret meeting here! +Oh, how I used to admire my papa! And since that Sunday I blush for him +every minute. And however much I try, I can't, since that day, look +frankly and openly into his eyes. + +SPITTA + +Did you have differences with your father too? + +WALBURGA + +Oh, if it were nothing more than that! I was so proud of papa! And now I +tremble to think of even your finding it out. You'd despise us! + +SPITTA + +_I_ despise anyone? Dear child, I can't think of anything less fitting +for me! Look here: I'll set you an example in the matter of frankness. A +sister of mine, six years older than I, was governess in a noble family. +Well, a misfortune happened to her and ... when she sought refuge in the +house of her parents, my Christian father put her out of doors! I believe +he thought that Jesus would have done the same. And so my sister +gradually sank lower and lower and some day we can go and visit her in +the little suicides' graveyard near Schildhorn where she finally found +rest. + +WALBURGA + +[_Puts her arms around SPITTA._] Poor boy, you never told me a word of +that. + +SPITTA + +Circumstances have changed now and I speak of it. I shall speak of it to +papa too even if it causes a breach between us.--You're always surprised +when I get excited, and that I can't control myself when I see some poor +devil being kicked about, or when I see the rabble mistreating some poor +fallen girl. I have actual hallucinations sometimes. I seem to see ghosts +in bright daylight and my own sister among them! + + _PAULINE PIPERCARCKA enters, dressed as before. Her little face seems + to have grown paler and prettier._ + +PAULINE + +Good mornin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_From behind the partition._] Who's that out there? + +PAULINE + +Pauline, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline? I don't know no Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Pauline Pipercarcka, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Who? Oh, well then you c'n wait a minute, Pauline. + +WALBURGA + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Emerges from behind the partition and carefully draws the hangings._] +That's right. I got somethin' to discuss with this here young person. So +you young folks c'n see about getting out. + + _SPITTA and WALBURGA leave hastily. MRS. JOHN locks the door behind + them._ + +MRS. JOHN + +So it's you, Pauline? An' what is it you want? + +PAULINE + +What should I be wantin'? Somethin' jus' drove me here! Couldn't wait no +longer. I has to see how everythin' goes. + +MRS. JOHN + +How what goes? What's everythin'? + +PAULINE + +[_With a somewhat bad conscience._] Well, if it's well; if it's gettin' +on nicely. + +MRS. JOHN + +If what's well? If what's gettin' on nicely? + +PAULINE + +You oughta know that without my tellin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +_What_ ought I to know without your tellin' me? + +PAULINE + +I wants to know if anythin's happened to the child! + +MRS. JOHN + +What child? An' what could ha' happened? Talk plainly, will you? There +ain't a word o' your crazy chatter that anybody c'n understand! + +PAULINE + +I ain't sayin' nothin' but what's true, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, what is it? + +PAULINE + +My child ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Gives her a terrific box on the ear._] Say that again an' I'll bang my +boots about your ears so that you'll think you're the mother o' triplets. +An now: get outa here! An' don' never dare to show your face here again! + +PAULINE + +[_Starts to go. She shakes the door which is locked._] She's beaten me! +Help! Help! I don' has to--stand that! No! [_Weeping._] Open the door! +She's maltreated me, Mrs. John has! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Utterly transformed, embraces PAULINE, thus restraining her._] Pauline! +For God's sake, Pauline! I don' know what could ha' gotten into me! You +jus' be good now an' quiet down an' I'll beg your pardon. What d'you want +me to do? I'll get down _on_ my knees if you wants me to! Anythin'! +Pauline! Listen! Let me do _some_thin'! + +PAULINE + +Why d'you go 'n hit me in the face? I'm goin' to headquarters and say as +how you slapped me in the face. I'm goin' to headquarters to give notice! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Thrusts her face forward._] Here! You c'n hit me back--- right in the +face! Then it's all right; then it's evened up. + +PAULINE + +I'm goin' to headquarters ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Yes, then it's evened up. You jus' listen to what I says: Don't you see +it'll be evened up then all right! What d'you want to do? Come on now an' +hit me! + +PAULINE + +What's the good o' that when my cheek is swollen? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Striking herself a blow on the cheek._] There! Now my cheek is swollen +too. Come on, my girl, hit me an' don' be scared!--- An' then you c'n +tell me everythin' you got on your heart. In the meantime I'll go an' +I'll cook for you an' me, Miss Pauline, a good cup o' reel coffee made o' +beans--none o' your chicory slop, so help me! + +PAULINE + +[_Somewhat conciliated._] Why did you has to go an' be so mean an' rough +to a poor girl like me, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +That's it'--that's jus' what I'd like to know my own self! Come on, +Pauline, an' sit down! So! It's all right, I tells you! Sit down! It's +fine o' you to come an' see me! How many beatin's didn't I get from my +poor mother because sometimes I jus' seemed to go crazy an' not be the +same person no more. She said to me more'n onct: Lass, look out! You'll +be doin' for yourself some day! An' maybe she was right; maybe it'll be +that way. Well now, Pauline, tell me how you are an' how you're gettin' +along? + +PAULINE + +[_Laying down bank-notes and handfuls of silver, without counting them, +on the table._] Here is the money: I don't need it. + +MRS. JOHN + +I don' know nothin' about no money, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Oh, you'll know about the money all right! It's been jus' burnin' into +me, that it has! It was like a snake under my pillow ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, come now ... + +PAULINE + +Like a snake that crept out when I went to sleep. An' it tormented me an' +wound itself aroun' me an' squeezed me so that I screamed right out an' +my landlady found me lyin' on the bare floor jus' like somebody what's +dead. + +MRS. JOHN + +You jus' let that be right now, Pauline. Take a bit of a drink first of +all! [_She pours out a small glassful of brandy._] An' then come an' eat +a bite. It was my husband's birthday yesterday. + + [_She gets out some coffee-cake of which she cuts an oblong piece._ + +PAULINE + +Oh, no, I don' feel like eatin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +That strengthens you; that does you good; you oughta eat that! But I is +pleased to see, Pauline, how your fine constitootion helped you get back +your strength so good. + +PAULINE + +But now I want to have a look at it, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? What d'you want to have a look at? + +PAULINE + +If I could ha' walked I'd ha' been here long ago. I want to see now what +I come to see! + + _MRS. JOHN, whose almost creeping courtesies have been uttered with + lips aquiver with fear, pales ominously and keeps silent. She goes to + the kitchen cabinet, wrenches the coffee handmill out and pours beans + into it. She sits down, squeezes the mill between her knees, grasps + the handle, and stares with a consuming expression of nameless hatred + over at PAULINE._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Eh? Oh, yes! What d'you want to see? What d'you want to see now all of a +sudden? That what you wanted to throttle with them two hands o' yours, +eh? + +PAULINE + +Me? + +MRS. JOHN + +D'you want to lie about it? _I'll_ go and give notice about you! + +PAULINE + +Now you've tormented me an' jabbed at me an' tortured me enough, Mrs. +John. You followed me up; you wouldn't leave me no rest where I went. +Till I brought my child into the world on a heap o' rags up in your loft. +You gave me all kinds o' hopes an' you scared me with that rascal of a +feller up there! You told my fortune for me outa the cards about my +intended an' you baited me an' hounded me till I was most crazy. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' that's what you are. Yes, you're as crazy as you c'n be. _I_ +tormented you, eh? Is that what I did? I picked you up outa the gutter! I +fetched you outa the midst of a blizzard when you was standin' by the +chronometer an' stared at the lamplighter with eyes that was that +desperate scared! You oughta seen yourself! An' I hounded you, eh? Yes, +to prevent the police an' the police-waggon an' the devil hisself from +catchin' you! I left you no rest, eh? I tortured you, did I? to keep you +from jumpin' into the river with the child in your womb! [_Mocking her._] +"I'll throw myself into the canal, mother John! I'll choke the child to +death! I'll kill the little crittur with my hat pin! I'll go an' run to +where its father plays the zither, right in the midst o' the saloon, an' +I'll throw the dead child at his feet!" That's what you said; that's the +way you talked--all the blessed day long and sometimes half the night too +till I put you to bed an' petted you an' stroked you till you went to +sleep. An' you didn't wake up again till next day on the stroke o' +twelve, when the bells was ringin' from all the churches, Yes, that's the +way I scared you, an' then gave you hope again, an' didn't give you no +peace! You forgot all that there, eh? + +PAULINE + +But it's my child, Mrs. John ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Screams._] You go an' get your child outa the canal! + + [_She jumps up and walks hastily about the room, picking up and + throwing aside one object after another._ + +PAULINE + +Ain't I goin' to be allowed to see my child even? + +MRS. JOHN + +Jump into the water an' get it there! Then you'll have it! I ain't +keepin' you back. God knows! + +PAULINE + +All right! You c'n slap me, you c'n beat me, you c'n throw things at my +head if you wants to. Before I don' know where my child is an' before I +ain't seen it with my own eyes, nothin' an' nobody ain't goin' to get me +away from this place. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Interrupting her._] Pauline, I put it out to nurse! + +PAULINE + +That's a lie! Don't I hear it smackin' its lips right behind that there +partition. [_The child behind the partition begins to cry. PAULINE +hastens toward it. She exclaims with pathetic tearfulness, obviously +forcing the note of motherhood a little._] Don' you cry, my poor, poor +little boy! Little mother's comin' to you now! + + [_MRS. JOHN, almost beside herself, has sprung in front of the door, + thus blocking PAULINE'S way._ + +PAULINE + +[_Whining helplessly but with clenched fists._] Lemme go in an' see my +child! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_A terrible change coming over her face._] Look at me, girl! Come here +an' look me in the eye!--D'you think you c'n play tricks on a woman that +looks the way I do? [_PAULINE sits down still moaning._] Sit down an' +howl an' whine till ... till your throat's swollen so you can't give a +groan. But if you gets in here--then you'll be dead or I'll be dead an' +the child--he won't be alive no more neither. + +PAULINE + +[_Rises with some determination._] Then look out for what'll happen. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Attempting to pacify the girl once more._] Pauline, this business was +all settled between us. Why d'you want to go an' burden yourself with the +child what's my child now an' is in the best hands possible? What d'you +want to do with it? Why don't you go to your intended? You two'll have +somethin' better to do than listen to a child cryin' an' takin' all the +care an' trouble he needs! + +PAULINE + +No, that ain't the way it is! He's gotta marry me now! They all says +so--Mrs. Keilbacke, when I had to take treatment, she said so. They says +I'm not to give in; he has to marry me. An' the registrar he advised me +too. That's what he said, an' he was mad, too, when I told him how I +sneaked up into a loft to have my baby! He cried out loud that I wasn't +to let up! Poor, maltreated crittur--that's what he called me an' he put +his hand in his pocket an' gave me three crowns! All right. So we needn't +quarrel no more, Mrs. John. I jus' come anyhow to tell you to be at home +to-morrow afternoon at five o'clock. An' why? Because to-morrow an +official examiner'll come to look after things here. I don't has to worry +myself with you no more.... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Moveless and shocked beyond expression._] What? You went an' give +notice at the public registry? + +PAULINE + +O' course? Does I want to go to gaol? + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you tell the registrar? + +PAULINE + +Nothin' but that I give birth to a boy. An' I was so ashamed! Oh my God, +I got red all over! I thought I'd just have to go through the floor. + +MRS. JOHN + +Is that so? Well, if you was so ashamed why did you go an' give notice? + +PAULINE + +'Cause my landlady an' Mrs. Kielbacke, too, what took me there, didn't +give me no rest. + +MRS. JOHN + +H-m. So they knows it now at the public registry? + +PAULINE + +Yes; they had to know, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Didn't I tell you over an' over again? + +PAULINE + +You gotta give notice o' that! D'you want me to be put in gaol for a +investergation? + +MRS. JOHN + +I told you as how I'd give notice. + +PAULINE + +I axed the registrar right off. Nobody hadn't been there. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you say exackly? + +PAULINE + +That his name was to be Aloysius Theophil an' that he was boardin' with +you. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' to-morrow an officer'll be comin' in. + +PAULINE + +He's a gentlemen from the guardian's office. What's the matter with that? +Why don't you keep still an' act sensible. You scared me most to death a +while ago! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_As if absent-minded._] That's right. There ain't nothin' to be, done +about that now. An' there ain't so much to that, after all, maybe. + +PAULINE + +All right. An' now c'n I see my child, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +Not to-day. Wait till to-morrow, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Why not to-day? + +MRS. JOHN + +Because no good'd come of it this day. Wait till to-morrow, five o'clock +in the afternoon. + +PAULINE + +That's it. My landlady says it was written that way, that a gentleman +from the city'll be here to-morrow afternoon five o'clock. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pushing PAULINE out and herself going out of the room with her, in the +same detached tone._] All right. Let him come, girl. + + _MRS. JOHN has gone out into the hall for a moment. She now returns + without PAULINE. She seems strangely changed and absent-minded. She + takes a few hasty steps toward the door of the partition; then stands + still with an expression of fruitless brooding on her face. She + interrupts herself in this brooding and runs to the window. Having + reached it she turns and on her face there reappears the expression + of dull detachment. Slowly, like a somnambulist, she walks up to the + table and sits down beside it, leaning her chin on her hand. SELMA + KNOBBE appears in the doorway._ + +SELMA + +Mother's asleep, Mrs. John, an' I'm that hungry. Might I have a bite o' +bread? + + _MRS. JOHN rises mechanically and cuts a slice from the loaf of bread + with the air of one under an hypnotic influence._ + +SELMA + +[_Observing MRS. JOHN'S state of mind._] It's me! What's the matter, Mrs. +John? Whatever you do, don't cut yourself with the bread knife. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Lets the loaf and the bread-knife slip involuntarily from her hand to +the table. A dry sobbing overwhelms her more and more._] +Fear!--Trouble!--You don' know nothin' about that! + + [_She trembles and grasps after some support._ + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _The same decoration as in the first act. The lamp is lit. The dim + light of a hanging lamp illuminates the passage._ + + _HASSENREUTER is giving his three pupils, SPITTA, DR. KEGEL and + KAeFERSTEIN instruction in the art of acting. He himself is seated at + the table, uninterruptedly opening letters and beating time to the + rhythm of the verses with a paper cutter. In front of him stand, + facing each other, KEGEL and KAeFERSTEIN on one side, SPITTA on the + other, thus representing the two choruses in Schiller's "Bride of + Messina." The young men stand in the midst of a diagram drawn with + chalk on the floor and separated, like a chess-board, into sixty-four + rectangles. On the high stool in front of the office desk WALBURGA is + sitting. Waiting in the background stands the house steward QUAQUARO, + who might be the manager of a wandering circus and, in the capacity + of athlete, its main attraction. His speech is uttered in a guttural + tenor. He wears bedroom slippers. His breeches are held up by an + embroidered belt. An open shirt, fairly clean, a light jacket, a cap + now held in his hand, complete his attire._ + +DR. KEGEL AND KAeFERSTEIN + +[_Mouthing the verses sonorously and with exaggerated dignity._] + + "Thee salute I with reverence, + Lordliest chamber, + Thee, my high rulers' + Princeliest cradle, + Column-supported, magnificent roof. + Deep in its scabbard ..." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Cries in a rage._] Pause! Period! Period! Pause! Period! You're not +turning the crank of a hurdy-gurdy! The chorus in the "Bride of Messina" +is no hand-organ tune! "Thee salute I with reverence!" Start over again +from the beginning, gentleman! "Thee salute I with reverence, Lordliest +chamber!" Something like that, gentlemen! "Deep in its scabbard let the +sword rest." Period! "Magnificent roof." I meant to say: Period! But you +may go on if you want to. + +DR. KEGEL AND KAeFERSTEIN + + "Deep in its scabbard + Let the sword rest, + Fettered fast by your gateway + Moveless may lie Strife's snaky-locked monster. + For ..." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_As before._] Hold on! Don't you know the meaning of a full stop, +gentlemen? Haven't you any knowledge of the elements? "Snaky-haired +monster." Period! Imagine that a pile is driven there! You've got to +stop, to pause. There must be silence like the silence of the dead! +You've got to imagine yourself wiped out of existence for the moment, +Kaeferstein. And then--out with your best trumpeting chest-notes! Hold on! +Don't lisp, for God's sake. "For ..." Go on now! Start! + +DR. KEGEL AND KAeFERSTEIN + + "For this hospitable house's + Inviolable threshold + Guardeth an oath, the Furies' child...." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Jumps up, runs about and roars._] Oath, oath, oath, oath!!! Don't you +know what an oath is, Kaeferstein? "Guardeth an oath!!--the Furies' +child." This oath is said to be the child of the Furies, Dr. Kegel! +You've got to use your voice! The audience, to the last usher, has got to +be one vast quivering gooseflesh when you say that! One shiver must run +through every bone in the house! Listen to me: "For this house's ... +threshold Guardeth an oath!!! The Furies' child, The fearfullest of the +infernal deities!"--Go ahead! Don't repeat these verses. But you can stop +long enough to observe that an oath and a Munich beer radish are, after +all, two different things. + +SPITTA + +[_Declaims._] + + "Ireful my heart in my bosom burneth...." + +HASSENREUTER + +Hold on! [_He runs up to SPITTA and pushes and nudges the latter's arms +and legs in order to produce the desired tragic pose._]--First of all, +you lack the requisite statuesqueness of posture, my dear Spitta. The +dignity of a tragic character is in nowise expressed in you. Then you did +not, as I expressly desired you to do, advance your right foot from the +field marked ID into that marked IIC! Finally, Mr. Quaquaro is waiting; +so let us interrupt ourselves for a moment. So; now I'm at your service, +Mr. Quaquaro. That is to say, I asked you to come up because, in making +my inventory, it became clear that several cases and boxes cannot be +found or, in other words, have been stolen. Now, before lodging +information with the authorities which, of course, I am determined to do, +I wanted first to get your advice. I wanted to do that all the more +because, in place of the lost cases, there was found, in a corner of the +attic, a very peculiar mess--a find that could appropriately be sent to +Dr. Virchow. First there was a blue feather-duster, truly prehistoric, +and an inexpressible vessel, the use of which, quite harmless in itself, +is equally inexpressible. + +QUAQUARO + +Well, sir, I can climb up there if you want me to. + +HASSENREUTER + +Suppose you do that. Up there you'll meet Mrs. John, whom the find in +question has disquieted even more than it has me. These three gentlemen, +who are my pupils, won't be persuaded that something very like a murder +didn't take place up there. But, if you please, let's not cause a +scandal! + +KAeFERSTEIN + +When something got lost in my mother's shop in Schneidemuehl, it was +always said that the rats had eaten it. And really, when you consider the +number of rats and mice in this house--I very nearly stepped on one on +the stairs a while ago--why shouldn't we suppose that the cases of +costumes were devoured in the same way. Silk is said to be sweet. + +HASSENREUTER + +Very excellent! Very good! You're relieved from the necessity of +indulging in any more notion-shopkeepers' fancies, my good Kaeferstein! +Ha, ha, ha! It only remains for you to dish up for us the story of the +cavalry man Sorgenfrei, who, according to your assertion, when this house +was still a cavalry barracks, hanged himself--spurred and armed--in my +loft. And then the last straw would be for you to direct our suspicions +toward him. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +You can still see the very nail he used. + +QUAQUARO + +There ain't a soul in the house what don't know the story of the soldier +Sorgenfrei who put an end to hisself with a rope somewhere under the +rooftree. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +The carpenter's wife downstairs and a seamstress in the second story have +repeatedly seen him by broad daylight nodding out of the attic window and +bowing down with military demeanour. + +QUAQUARO + +A corporal, they says, called the soldier Sorgenfrei a windbag an' gave +him a blow outa spite. An' the idjit took that to heart. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! Military brutalities and ghost stories! That mixture is +original, but hardly to our purpose. I assume that the theft, or whatever +it was, took place during those eleven or twelve days that I spent on +business in Alsace. So look the matter over and have the goodness, later, +to report to me. + + _HASSENREUTER turns to his pupils. QUAQUARO mounts the stairs to the + loft and disappears behind the trap-door._ + +HASSENREUTER + +All right, my good Spitta: Fire away! + + _SPITTA recites simply according to the sense and without any tragic + bombast._ + + "Ireful my heart in my bosom burneth, + My hand is ready for sword or lance, + For unto me the Gorgon turneth + My foeman's hateful countenance. + Scarce I master the rage that assails me. + Shall I salute him with fair speech? + Better, perchance, my ire avails me? + Only the Fury me affrighteth, + Protectress of all within her reach, + And God's truce which all foes uniteth." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who has sat down, supports his head on his hand and listens resignedly. +Not until SPITTA has ceased speaking for some moments does he look up, as +if coming to himself._] Are you quite through, Spitta? If so, I'm much +obliged!--You see, my dear fellow, I've really gotten into a deuce of a +situation as far as you are concerned: either I tell you impudently to +your face that I consider your method of elocution excellent--and in that +case I'd be guilty of a lie of the most contemptible kind: or else I tell +you that I consider it abominable and then we'd get into another beastly +row. + +SPITTA + +[_Turning pale._] Yes, all this stilted, rhetorical stuff is quite +foreign to my nature. That's the very reason why I abandoned theology. +The preacher's tone is repulsive to me. + +HASSENREUTER + +And so you would like to reel off these tragic choruses as a clerk of +court mumbles a document or a waiter a bill of fare? + +SPITTA + +I don't care for the whole sonorous bombast of the "Bride of Messina." + +HASSENREUTER + +I wish you'd repeat that charming opinion. + +SPITTA + +There's nothing to be done about it, sir. Our conceptions of dramatic art +diverge utterly, in some respects. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man alive, at this particular moment your face is a veritable monogram of +megalomania and impudence! I beg your pardon, but you're my pupil now and +no longer the tutor of my children. Your views and mine! You ridiculous +tyro! You and Schiller! Friedrich Schiller! I've told you a hundred times +that your puerile little views of art are nothing but an innate striving +toward imbecility! + +SPITTA + +You would have to prove that to me, after all. + +HASSENREUTER + +You prove it yourself every time you open your mouth! You deny the whole +art of elocution, the value of the voice in acting! You want to +substitute for both the art of toneless squeaking! Further you deny the +importance of action in the drama and assert it to be a worthless +accident, a sop for the groundlings! You deny the validity of poetic +justice, of guilt and its necessary expiation. You call all that a vulgar +invention--an assertion by means of which the whole moral order of the +world is abrogated by the learned and crooked understanding of your +single magnificent self! Of the heights of humanity you know nothing! You +asserted the other day that, in certain circumstances, a barber or a +scrubwoman might as fittingly be the protagonist of a tragedy as Lady +Macbeth or King Lear! + +SPITTA + +[_Still pale, polishing his spectacles._] Before art as before the law +all men are equal, sir. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aha? Is that so? Where did you pick up that banality? + +SPITTA + +[_Without permitting himself to be disconcerted._] The truth of that +saying has become my second nature. In believing it I probably find +myself at variance with Schiller and Gustav Freytag, but not at all with +Lessing and Diderot. I have spent the past two semesters in the study of +these two great dramaturgic critics, and the whole stilted French +pseudo-classicism is, as far as I'm concerned, utterly destroyed--not +only in creative art itself but in such manifestations as the boundless +folly of the directions for acting which Goethe prescribed in his old +age. These are mere superannuated nonsense. + +HASSENREUTER + +You don't mean it? + +SPITTA + +And if the German stage is ever to recuperate it must go back to the +young Schiller, the young Goethe--the author of "Goetz"--and ever again to +Gotthold Ephraim Lessing! There you will find set down principles of +dramatic art which are adapted to the rich complexity of life in all its +fullness, and which are potent to cope with Nature itself! + +HASSENREUTER + +Walburga! I'm afraid Mr. Spitta is taking us for each other. Mr. Spitta, +you're about to give a lesson! Walburga, you and your teacher are free to +retire to the library.--If human arrogance and especially that of very +young people could be crystallised into one formation--humanity would be +buried under that rock like an ant under the granite masses of an +antediluvian mountain range! + +SPITTA + +But I wouldn't in any wise be refuted thereby. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man, I tell you that I've not only passed through two semesters of formal +study, but I have grown grey in the practice of the actor's art! And I +tell you that Goethe's catechism for actors is the alpha and the omega of +my artistic convictions! If you don't like that--get another teacher! + +SPITTA + +[_Pursuing his argument calmly._] According to my opinion, Goethe with +his senile regulations for actors denied, in the pettiest way, himself +and his whole original nature. What is one to say of his ruling that +every actor, irrespective of the quality of the character represented by +him, must--these are his very words--show an ogre-like expression of +countenance in order that the spectator be at once reminded of the nature +of lofty tragedy. Actually, these are his very words! + + _KAeFERSTEIN and KEGEL make an effort to assume ogre-like + expressions._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Get out your note-book, most excellent Spitta, and record your opinion, +please, that Manager Hassenreuter is an ass, that Schiller is an ass, +Goethe an ass, Aristotle, too, of course--[_he begins suddenly to laugh +like mad_]--and, ha, ha, ha! a certain Spitta a--night watchman! + +SPITTA + +I'm glad to see, sir, that, at least, you've recovered your good humour. + +HASSENREUTER + +The devil! I haven't recovered it at all! You're a symptom. So you +needn't think yourself very important.--You are a rat, so to speak. One +of those rats who are beginning, in the field of politics, to undermine +our glorious and recently united German Empire! They are trying to cheat +us of the reward of our labours! And in the garden of German art these +rats are gnawing at the roots of the tree of idealism. They are +determined to drag its crown into the mire!--Down, down, down into the +dust with you! + + _KAeFERSTEIN and KEGEL try to preserve their gravity but soon break + out into loud laughter, which HASSENREUTER is impelled to join. + WALBURGA looks on in wide-eyed astonishment. SPITTA remains serious._ + + _MRS. JOHN is now seen descending the stairs of the loft. After a + little while QUAQUARO follows her._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Perceives MRS. JOHN and points her out to SPITTA with violent +gesticulations as if he had just made an important discovery._] There +comes your tragic Muse! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Approaches, abashed by the laughter of HASSENREUTER, KEGEL and +KAeFERSTEIN._] Why, what d'you see about me? + +HASSENREUTER + +Nothing but what is good and beautiful, Mrs. John! You may thank God that +your quiet, withdrawn and peaceful life unfits you for the part of a +tragic heroine.--But tell me, have you, by any chance, had an interview +with ghosts? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Unnaturally pale._] Why do you ax that? + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps you even saw the famous soldier Sorgenfrei who closed his career +above as a deserter into a better world? + +MRS. JOHN + +If it was a livin' soul, maybe you might be right. But I ain't scared o' +no dead ghosts. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, Mr. Quaquaro, how did it look under the roof there? + +QUAQUARO + +[_Who has brought down with him a Swedish riding-boot._] Well, I took a +pretty good look aroun' an' I came to the conclusion that, at least, some +shelterless ragamuffins has passed the night there; though how they got +in I ain't sayin'. An' then I found this here boot.-- + + [_Out of the boot he draws an infant's bottle, topped by a rubber + nipple and half filled with milk._ + +MRS. JOHN + +That's easily explained. I was up there settin' things to rights an' I +had little Adelbert along with me. But I don' know nothin' about the +rest. + +HASSENREUTER + +Nobody has undertaken to assert that you do, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +When you considers how my little Adelbert came into the world ... an' +when you considers how he died ... nobody c'n come an' tell me nothin' +about bein' a reel mother ... But I gotta leave now, sir ... I can't be +comin' up here for two three days. Good-bye! I has to go to my +sister-in-law an' let Adelbert enjoy the country air a little. + + [_She trots off through the door to the outer hall._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Can you make anything of her wild talk? + +QUAQUARO + +There's been a screw loose there ever since her first baby came, an' all +the more after it took an' died. Now since she's got the second one, +there's two screws what's wobbly. Howsoever, she c'n count--that's a +fac'. She's got a good bit o' money loaned out at interest on pawned +goods. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, but what is the injured party--namely, myself--to do? + +QUAQUARO + +That depends on where the suspicion falls. + +HASSENREUTER + +In this house?--You'll admit yourself, Mr. Quaquaro ... + +QUAQUARO + +That's true all right. But it won't be long before we'll have a little +cleanin' up aroun' here! The widow Knobbe with all her crowd is goin' to +be put out! An' then there's a gang in wing B, where there's some tough +customers by what Policeman Schierke tells me. Well, they're goin' to +come from headquarters pretty soon and blow up that crowd. + +HASSENREUTER + +There must be a glee club somewhere in the house. At least I hear +excellent male voices singing from time to time things like "Germany, our +highest glory," and "Who has built thee, noble wood," and "In a cool +galley turneth." + +QUAQUARO + +Them's the very fellers! That's right! An' they do sing fine! The sayin' +is that bad men has no songs, but I wouldn't advise no one to fool with +_them_! I wouldn't go into that company my own self without Prince. +That's my bull dog. You just go an' lay information against 'em an' you +won't be doin' no harm, sir. + + [_QUAQUARO exit._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Referring to QUAQUARO._] The gleam in his eye demands security. His +lips demand cash. His fist portends immediate warning. He's a lucky +creature who doesn't dream of him at the end of the month. And whoever +dreams of him roars for help. A horrible, greasy fellow. But without him +the people who rent this old shell would get no money and the +army-treasurer could strike the income of these rentals from his +books.--[_The door bell rings._]--That Is Miss Alice Ruetterbusch, the +young soubrette with whom, unfortunately, I haven't been able to make a +hard and fast contract yet on account of the way the aldermen of +Strassburg shilly shally about their final decision. After my +appointment, which I will secure by God's help, her engagement will be my +first managerial act.--Walburga and Spitta, march up into the loft! Count +the contents of the six boxes marked "Journalists" in order that we may +complete our inventory at the proper time.--[_To KAeFERSTEIN and DR. +KEGEL._] You may withdraw into the library in the meantime.... + + [_He steps forward in order to open the door._ + + _WALBURGA and SPITTA disappear swiftly and very willingly into the + loft; KAeFERSTEIN and KEGEL retire into the library._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_In the background._] If you please, step right in, my dear lady! I +_beg_ your pardon, sir! I was expecting a lady ... I was expecting a +young lady ... But, please, come in. + + _HASSENREUTER comes forward accompanied by PASTOR SPITTA. The latter + is sixty years old. A village parson, somewhat countrified. One might + equally well take him to be a surveyor or a landowner in a small way. + He is of vigorous appearance--short-necked, well-nourished, with a + squat, broad face like Luther's. He wears a slouch-hat, spectacles + and carries a cane and a coat of waterproof cloth over his arm. His + clumsy boots and the state of his other garments show that they have + long been accustomed to wind and weather._ + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Do you know who I am, Mr. Hassenreuter? + +HASSENREUTER + +Not quite exactly, but I would hazard ... + +PASTOR SPITTA + +You may, you may! You needn't hesitate to call me Pastor Spitta from +Schwoiz in Uckermark, whose son Erich--yes, that's it--has been employed +in your family as private tutor or something like that. Erich Spitta: +that's my son. And I'm obliged to say that with deep sorrow. + +HASSENREUTER + +First of all, I'm very glad, to have the privilege of your acquaintance. +I hasten at once to beg you, however, dear Pastor, not to be too much +worried, not to be too sorrowful concerning the little escapade in which +your son is indulging. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Oh, but I am greatly troubled, I am deeply grieved. [_Sitting down on a +chair he surveys the strange place in which he finds himself with +considerable interest._] It is hard to say; it is extremely difficult to +communicate to any one the real depth of anxiety. But forgive me a +question, sir: I was in the trophy-chamber.--[_He touches one of the +armored dummies with his cane._] What kind of armor is this? + +HASSENREUTER + +These figures are to represent the cuirassiers in Schiller's +"Wallenstein." + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Ah, ah, my idea of Schiller was so very different! [_Collecting +himself._] Oh, this city of Berlin! It confuses me utterly. You see a man +before you, sir, who is not only grieved, whom this Sodom of a city has +not only stirred to his very depths, but who is actually broken-hearted +by the deed of his son. + +HASSENREUTER + +A deed? What deed? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Is there any need to ask? The son of an honest man desiring to become an +... an ... an actor! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Drawing himself up. With the utmost dignity._] My dear sir, I do not +approve of your son's determination. But I am myself--_honi soit qui mal +y pense_--the son of an honest man and myself, I trust, a man of honour. +And I, whom you see before you, have been an actor, too. No longer than +six weeks ago I took part in the Luther celebration--for I am no less an +apostle of culture in the broadest sense--not only as manager but by +ascending the boards on which the world is shadowed forth as an actor! +From my point of view, therefore, your son's determination is scarcely +open to objection on the score of his social standing or his honourable +character. But it is a difficult calling and demands, above all, a high +degree of talent. I am also willing to admit that it is a calling not +without peculiar dangers to weak characters. And finally I have myself +proved the unspeakable hardships of my profession so thoroughly that I +would like to guard anyone else from entering it. That is the reason why +I box my daughters' ears if the slightest notion of going on the stage +seizes them, and why I would rather tie stones about their necks and +drown them where the sea is deepest than see them marry actors. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +I didn't mean to wound any one's feelings. I admit, too, that a simple +country parson like myself can't very well have much of a conception of +such things. But consider a father now--just such a poor country +parson--who has saved and hoarded his pennies in order that his son might +have a career at the university. Now consider, further, that this son is +just about to take his final examinations and that his father and his +mother--I have a sick wife at home--are looking forward with anxiety and +with longing, whichever you call it, toward the moment in which their son +will mount the pulpit and deliver the trial sermon before the +congregation of his choice. And then comes this letter. Why, the boy is +mad! + + _The emotion of the Pastor is not exactly consciously directed; it is + controlled. The trembling of the hand with which he searches for the + letter in his inner pocket and hands it to the manager is not quite + convincing._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Young men search after various aims. We mustn't be too much taken by +surprise if, once in a while, a crisis of this kind is not to be avoided +in a young man's life. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Well, this crisis _was_ avoidable. It will not be difficult for you to +see from this letter who is responsible for this destructive change in +the soul of a young, an excellent, and hitherto thoroughly obedient +youth. I should never have sent him to Berlin. Yes, it is this so-called +scientific theology, this theology that flirts with all the pagan +philosophers, that would change the Lord our God into empty smoke and +sublimate our blessed Saviour into thin air--it is this that I hold +responsible for the grievous mistake of my child. And to this may be +added other temptations. I tell you, sir, I have seen things which it is +impossible for me to speak of! I have circulars in every pocket--"Ball of +the Elite! Smart waitresses!" and so on! I was quietly walking, at half +past twelve one night, through the arcade that connects Friedrich street +with the Linden, and a disgusting fellow sidles up to me, wretched, +undergrown, and asks me with a kind of greasy, shifty impudence: Doesn't +the gentleman want something real fetching? And these show windows in +which, right by the pictures of noble and exalted personages, naked +actresses, dancers, in short the most shocking nudities are displayed! +And finally this Corso--oh, this Corso! Where painted and bedizened vice +jostles respectable women from the sidewalk! It's simply the end of the +world! + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, my dear Pastor, the world doesn't so easily come to an end--nor, +surely, will it do so on account of the nudities that offend or of the +vice which slinks through the streets at night. The world will probably +outlive me and the whole scurrilous interlude of humanity. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +What turns these young people aside from the right path is evil example +and easy opportunity. + +HASSENREUTER + +I beg your pardon, Pastor, but I have not observed in your son the +slightest inclination toward leading a frivolous life. He is simply +attracted to literature, and he isn't the first clergyman's son--remember +merely Lessing and Herder--who has taken the road of literary study and +creative art. Very likely be has manuscript plays in his desk even now. +To be sure, I am bound to admit that the opinions which your son defends +in the field of literature frighten even me at times! + +PASTOR SPITTA + +But that's horrible! That's frightful! That far exceeds my worst fears! +And so my eyes have been opened.--My dear sir, I have had eight children, +of whom Erich seemed our fairest hope and his next-oldest sister our +heaviest trial. And now, it seems, the same accursed city has demanded +them both as its victims. The girl developed prematurely, she was +beautiful ... and ... But I must mention another circumstance now, I +have, been in Berlin for three days and I haven't seen Erich yet. When I +tried to see him to-day, he was not at home in his rooms. I waited for a +while and naturally looked about me in my son's dwelling. And now: look +at this picture, sir! + + [_Replacing ERICH'S letter in his pocket he extracts therefrom a + small photograph and holds it immediately under HASSENREUTER'S eyes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Takes the picture and holds it at varying distances from him. He is +disconcerted._] Why should I look at this? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +The silly little face is of no importance. But pray look at the +inscription. + +HASSENREUTER + +Where? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +[_Reads._] "From Walburga to her only sweetheart." + +HASSENREUTER + +Permit me!--- What's the meaning of this? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +It simply means some seamstress if not, what is worse, some shady +waitress! + +HASSENREUTER + +H-m. [_He slips the picture into his pocket._] I shall keep this +photograph. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +It is in such filth that my son wallows. And consider the situation in +which it puts me: with what feelings, with what front shall I +henceforward face my congregation from the pulpit ...? + +HASSENREUTER + +Confound it, what business is that of mine? What have I to do with your +offspring, with your lost sons and daughters? [_He pulls out the +photograph again._] And furthermore, as far as this excellent and +sound-hearted young lady is concerned, you're quite mistaken in your +ideas about waitresses and such like. I'll say nothing more. All other +matters will adjust themselves. Good-bye. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +I confess frankly, I don't understand you. Probably this tone is the +usual one in your circles, I will go and not annoy you any longer. But as +a father I have the right before God, to demand of you that henceforth +you refuse to my deluded son this so-called dramatic instruction. I hope +I shall not have to look for further ways and means of enforcing this +demand. + +HASSENREUTER + +I won't only do that, but I'll actually put him out of doors. + + [_He accompanies the PASTOR to the door, slams it behind him and + returns alone._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Waving his arms through the air._] All that one can say here is: Plain +parson! [_He rushes halfway up the stairs to the loft._] Spitta! +Walburga! Come down here, will you? + + _WALBURGA and SPITTA come down._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_To WALBURGA, who looks at him questioningly._] Go to your high stool +over there and sit down on the humorous part of your anatomy! Well, and +you, my dear Spitta, what do you want? + +SPITTA + +You called us both, sir. + +HASSENREUTER + +Exactly. Now look me in the eye! + +SPITTA Certainly. + + [_He looks straight at HASSENREUTER._ + +HASSENREUTER + +You two want to make an ass of me. But you won't succeed! Silence! Not a +word! I would have expected something very different from you! This is a +striking proof of ingratitude. Keep still! Furthermore, a gentleman was +here just now! That gentleman is afraid in Berlin! March! Follow him! +Take him down into the street and try to make it clear to him that I'm +neither your bootblack nor his. + + [_SPITTA shrugs his shoulders, takes his hat and goes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Strides up to WALBURGA energetically and tweaks her ear._] And as for +you, my dear, you'll have your ears soundly boxed if ever again without +my permission you exchange two words with this rascal of a theologian +gone to smash! + +WALBURGA + +Ouch, papa, ouch! + +HASSENREUTER + +This fellow who is fond of making such an innocent face as if he couldn't +harm a fly and whom I was careless enough to admit to my house is, +unfortunately, a man behind whose mask the most shameless impudence lies +in wait. I and my house are in the service of true propriety. Do you want +to besmirch the escutcheon of oar honour as the sister of this fellow +seems to have done--a girl who disgraced, her parents by coming to an end +in the street and the gutter? + +WALBURGA + +I don't share your opinion about Erich, papa. + +HASSENREUTER + +What's that? Well, at least you know my opinion. Either you give him his +walking papers or else you can look out for yourself and find out what it +is to get along, away from your parental roof, in a way of life +regardless of honour, duty and decency! In that case you can go! I have +no use for daughters of that kind! + +WALBURGA + +[_Pale and sombre._] You are always saying, papa, that you too had to +make your way independently and without your parents. + +HASSENREUTER + +You're not a man. + +WALBURGA + +Certainly not. But think, for instance, of Alice Ruetterbusch. + + [_Father and daughter look firmly into each other's eyes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Why should I? Have you a fever, eh? Or have you gone mad? [_He drops the +whole discussion, noticeably put out of countenance, and taps at the +library door._] Where did we leave off? Begin at the proper place. + + _KEGEL and KAeFERSTEIN appear._ + +KEGEL _and_ KAeFERSTEIN + +[_Declaim:_] + + "A wiser temper + Beseemeth age. + I, being reasonable, + Salute him first." + + _Led and directed by SPITTA appear PAULINE PIPERCARCKA in street + dress and MRS. KIELBACKE, who carries an infant on a pillow._ + +HASSENREUTER + +What do you want here? What kind of women are you bringing here to annoy +me? + +SPITTA + +It isn't my fault, sir. The women insisted on coming to you. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +No; all we wants is to see Mrs. John. + +PAULINE + +An' Mrs. John she's always up here with you! + +HASSENREUTER + +True. But I'm beginning to regret the fact, and I must insist, at all +events, that she hold her private receptions in her own rooms and not +here. Otherwise I'll soon equip the door here with patent locks and +mantraps.--What's the matter with you, my good Spitta? I suppose you'll +have to have the goodness to show these ladies the place they really want +to go to. + +PAULINE + +But Mrs. John ain't to be found in her rooms downstairs. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, she's not to be found up here either. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +The reason is because this here young lady has her little son boardin' +with Mrs. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +Glad to hear it! Please march now without further delay! Save me, +Kaeferstein! + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +An' now a gentleman's come from the city, from the office of the +government guardian office to see how the child is an' if it's well taken +care of an' in good condition. An' then he went into Mrs. John's room an' +we went with him. An' there was the child an' a note pinned to it what +said that Mrs. John was workin' for you up here. + +HASSENREUTER + +Where was the child boarding? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +With Mrs. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Impatiently._] That's simply a piece of imbecility. You are quite +wrong.--Spitta, you would have been much better employed accompanying the +old gentleman after whom I sent you than aiding these ladies to come +here. + +SPITTA + +I looked for the gentleman you speak of but he was already gone. + +HASSENREUTER + +These ladies don't seem to believe me. Will you kindly inform them, +gentlemen, that Mrs. John has no child in board, and that they are quite +obviously mistaken in the name. + +KAeFERSTEIN + +I am asked to tell you that you are probably mistaken in the name. + +PAULINE + +[_Vehemently and tearfully._] She has got my baby! She had my baby +boardin' with her. An' the gentleman came from the city an' he said that +the child wasn't in no good hands an' that it was neglected. She went an' +ruined my baby's health. + +HASSENREUTER + +There is no doubt but what you have mistaken the name of the woman of +whom you speak, Mrs. John has no child in board. + +PAULINE + +She had my baby in her claws, that's what! An' she let it starve an' get +sick! I gotta see her! I gotta tell her right out! She's gotta make my +little baby well again! I gotta go to court. The gentleman says as how I +gotta go to court an' give notice. + +HASSENREUTER + +I beg of you not to get excited. The fact is that you are mistaken! How +did you ever hit on the idea that Mrs. John has a child in board? + +PAULINE + +Because I gave it to her myself. + +HASSENREUTER + +But Mrs. John has her own child and it just occurs to me that she has +taken it along with her on a visit to her sister-in-law. + +PAULINE + +She ain't got no child. No, Mrs. John ain't got none! She cheats an' she +lies. She ain't got none. She took my little Alois an' she ruined him. + +HASSENREUTER + +By heaven, ladies, you are mistaken! + +PAULINE + +Nobody won't believe me that I had a baby. My intended he wrote me a +letter an' he says it ain't true an' that I'm a liar an' a low creature. +[_She touches the pillow on which the infant is resting._] It's mine an' +I'll prove it in court! I c'n swear it by the holy Mother o' God. + +HASSENREUTER + +Do uncover the child. [_It is done and HASSENREUTER observes the infant +attentively._]--H-m, the matter will not remain long in obscurity. In the +first place ... I know Mrs. John. If she had had this child in board it +could never look as it does. And that is true quite simply because, where +it is a question of children, Mrs. John has her heart in the right place. + +PAULINE + +I want to see Mrs. John. That's all I says. I don't has to tell my +business to everybody in the world. I c'n tell everythin' in court, down +to the least thing--the day an' the hour an' jus' exackly the place where +it was born! People is goin' to open their eyes; you c'n believe me. + +HASSENREUTER + +What you assert, then, if I understand you rightly, is that Mrs. John has +no baby of her own at all, and that the one which passes as such is in +reality yours. + +PAULINE + +God strike me dead if that ain't the truth! + +HASSENREUTER + +And this is the child in question? I trust that God won't take you at +your word this time.--You must know that I, who stand before you, am +manager Hassenreuter and I have personally had in my own hands the child +of Mrs. John, my charwoman, on three or four occasions. I even weighed it +on the scales and found it to weigh over eight pounds. This poor little +creature doesn't weigh over four pounds. And on the basis of this fact I +can assure you that this child is not, at least, the child of Mrs. John. +You may be right in asserting that it is yours. I am in no position to +throw doubt on that. But I know Mrs. John's child and I am quite sure +that it is, in no wise, identical with this. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +[_Respectfully._] No, no; that's right enough. It ain't identical. + +PAULINE + +This baby here is identical enough all right, even if it's a bit underfed +an' weakly. This business with the child is all straight enough! I'll +take an oath that it's identical all right. + +HASSENREUTER + +I am simply speechless. [_To his pupils._] Our lesson is ruled by an evil +star to-day, my dear boys. I don't know why, but the error which these +ladies are making engrosses me. [_To the women._] You may have entered +the wrong door. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +No, me an' the gentleman from the guardian's office an' the young lady +went an' fetched this here child outa the room what has the name plate o' +Mrs. John on it, an' took it out into the hall. Mrs. John wasn't there +an' her husband the mason is absent in Hamburg. + + _POLICEMAN SCHIERKE comes in, fat and good-natured._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, there's Mr. Schierke! What do you want here? + +SCHIERKE + +I understand, sir, that two women fled up here to you. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +We ain't fled at all. + +HASSENREUTER + +They were inquiring for Mrs. John. + +SCHIERKE + +May I be permitted to ax somethin' too? + +HASSENREUTER + +If you please. + +PAULINE + +Jus' let him ax. We don't has to worry. + +SCHIERKE + +[_To MRS. KIELBACKE._] What's your name? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +I'm Mrs. Kielbacke. + +SCHIERKE + +You're connected with the society for raisin' children, eh? Where do you +live? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +Linien street number nine. + +SCHIERKE + +Is that your child that you have there? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +That's Miss Pipercarcka her child. + +SCHIERKE + +[_To PAULINE._] An' your name? + +PAULINE + +Paula Pipercarcka from Skorzenin. + +SCHIERKE + +This woman asserts that the child is yours. Do you assert that too? + +PAULINE + +Sergeant, I has to ax for your protection because suspicions is cast on +me an' I'm innercent. The gentleman from the city did come to me. An' I +did get my child outa the room o' Mrs. John what I had it in board with +... + +SCHIERKE + +[_With a searching look._] Yes? Maybe it was the door across the way +where the restaurant keeper's widow Knobbe lives. Nobody knows what +you're up to with that child nor who sent you an' bribed you. You ain't +got a good conscience! You took the child an' slipped up here with it +while its rightful mother, the widow Knobbe, what it's been stolen from, +is huntin' all over the stairs an' halls for it an' while a detective is +standin' acrost the way. + +PAULINE + +I don't care about no detective. I'm ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You are refuted, my good girl. Can't you comprehend that? First you say +that Mrs. John has no child. Next you say--kindly attend to me--that you +had taken your child, which has been passing for Mrs. John's, out of the +latter's room. However; all of us here happen to know Mrs. John's child +and the one you have here is another. Is that clear to you? Hence your +assertion cannot, in any circumstances, be a correct one!--And now, +Schierke, you would do me a favour if you would conduct these ladies out +so that I can continue giving my lesson. + +SCHIERKE + +All right, but if I does that we'll get into that Knobbe crowd. Because +her child has been stolen. + +PAULINE + +It ain't me that done it; it's Mrs. John. + +SCHIERKE + +That's all right. [_Continuing his account to HASSENREUTER._] And they +says that the child has blue blood in it on its father's side. So Mrs. +Knobbe thinks as how it's a plot of enemies 'cause they grudges her the +alimony in some quarters an' a gentleman's eddication for the kid. +[_Someone is beating at the door with fists._] That's the Knobbe woman. +There she comes now! + +HASSENREUTER + +Mr. Schierke, you are responsible to me. If these people trespass on my +premises and I suffer any damages thereby, I'll complain to the chief of +police. I know Mr. Maddei very well. Don't be afraid, my dear boys. You +are my witnesses. + +SCHIERKE + +[_At the door._] You stay out there! You don't get in here! + + _A small mob howls outside of the door._ + +PAULINE + +They c'n holler all they wants to but they can't get my child. + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps this is the better way. You go into the library for the present. +[_He escorts PAULINE, MRS. KIELBACKE and the child into the library._] +And now, Mr. Schierke, we might risk letting that fury enter in here. + +SCHIERKE + +[_Opening the door slightly._] All right. But only Mrs. Knobbe! Come in +here a minute. + + _MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE appears. She is tall and emaciated and dressed + in a badly worn but fashionable summer gown. Her face bears the + stigma, of a dissolute life but gives evidence of a not ungentle + origin. Her air is curiously like that of a gentlewoman. She talks + affectedly and her eyes show addiction to alcohol and morphine._ + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Sailing in._] There is no cause for any anxiety, Mr. Hassenreuter. +Those without are principally little boys and girls who have come with me +because I am fond of children. Pray pardon me if I intrude. One of the +children told me that two women had sneaked up here with my little boy. I +am looking for my little son, named Helfgott Gundofried, who has actually +disappeared from my dwelling. At the same time I do not wish to incommode +you. + +SCHIERKE + +An' you better not do that if I has any say about it. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Disregarding these words except by a proud toss of the head._] To my +great regret I caused a certain amount of disturbance in the yard. From +the yard as a place of vantage it is possible to command every window and +I made inquiries of the poor cigar maker in the second story and of the +consumptive little seamstress in the third as to whether my Selma and my +little son were with either of them. But nothing is farther from my +intention than to create a scandal. I want you to know--- for I am quite +conscious of being in the presence of a distinguished, indeed, of a +famous man--you are to know that where Helfgott Gundofried is concerned I +am obliged to be strictly on my guard! [_With quivering voice and an +occasional application of her handkerchief to her eyes._] I am an +unfortunate woman who is pursued by fate, who has sunk low but who has +seen better days. I do not care to bore you with my troubles. But I am +being pursued and there are those who would rob me of my last hope. + +SCHIERKE + +Aw, hurry up an' say what you has to! + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_As before._] It is not enough that I was forced to lay aside my honest +name. Later I lived in Paris and then married a brutal person, a south +German inn-keeper, because I had the foolish thought that my affairs +might be bettered thereby. O these scoundrels of men! + +SCHIERKE + +This don't lead to nothin'! You cut it short, I tell you. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +But I am glad of the opportunity of standing, once more, face to face +with a man of culture and intellect. I could a tale unfold ... Popularly +I am known here as "the countess" and God is my witness that in my +earlier youth I was not far removed from that estate! For a time I was an +actress, too. What did I say! I could unfold a tale from my life, from my +past, which would have the advantage of not being invented! + +SCHIERKE + +Maybe not. Nobody c'n tell. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_With renewed emphasis._] My wretchedness is not invented, although it +may seem so when I relate how, one night, sunk in the deepest abysses of +my shame, I met on the street a cousin--the playmate of my youth--who is +now captain in the horse-guards. He lives in the world: I live in the +underworld ever since my father from pride of rank and race disowned me +because in my earliest youth I had made a mistake. Oh, you have no +conception of the dullness, the coarseness, the essential vulgarity that +obtains in those circles. I am a trodden worm, sir, and yet not for a +moment do I yearn to be there, in that glittering wretchedness.... + +SCHIERKE + +Maybe you don't mind comin' to the point now! + +HASSENREUTER + +If you please, Mr. Schierke, all that interests me. So suppose you don't +interrupt the lady for a while. [_To MRS. KNOBBE._] You were speaking of +your cousin. Didn't you say that he is a captain in the horse-guards? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +He was in plain clothes. He is, however, a captain in the horse-guards. +He recognised me at once and we dedicated some blessed though painful +hours to memories. Accompanying him there was--I will not call his +name--a very young lieutenant, a fair, sweet boy, delicate and brooding. +Mr. Hassenreuter, I have forgotten what shame is! Was I not even, the +other day, turned out of church? Why should a down-trodden, dishonoured, +deserted creature, more than once punished by the laws--why should such +an one hesitate to confess that _he_ became the father of Helfgott +Gundofried? + +HASSENREUTER + +Of this baby that's been stolen from you? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +Yes, stolen! At least it is so asserted! It may be! But though my enemies +are mighty and have every means at their command, I am not yet wholly +convinced of it. And yet it may be a plot concocted by the parents of the +child's father whose name you would be astonished to hear, for they +represent one of the oldest and most illustrious families. Farewell! +Whatever you may hear of me, sir, do not think that my better feelings +have been wholly extinguished in the mire into which I am forced to cast +myself. I need this mire in which I am on terms of equality with the +dregs of mankind. Here, look! [_She thrusts forward her naked arm._] +Forgetfulness! Insensibility! I achieve it by means of chloral, of opium. +Or I find it in the abysses of human life. And why not? To whom am I +responsible?--There was a time when my dear mama was scolded by my father +on my account! The maid had convulsions because of me! Mademoiselle and +an English governess tore each other's _chignons_ from their heads +because each asserted that I loved _her_ best--! Now ... + +SCHIERKE + +Aw, I tell you to shut it now! We can't take up people's time an' lock +'em up. [_He opens the library door._] Now tell us if this here is your +kid? + + _PAULINE, staring at MRS. KNOBBE with eyes full of hatred, comes out + first. MRS. KIELBACKE, carrying the child, comes next. SCHIERKE + removes the shawl, that has been thrown over the child._ + +PAULINE + +What d'you want o' me? Why d'you come chasin' me? I ain' no gypsy! I don' +go in people's houses stealin' their children! Eh? You're crazy, I +wouldn't do no such thing. I ain't hardly got enough to eat for myself +an' my own child. D'you s'pose I'm goin' to steal strange children an' +feed 'em till they're grown when the one I got is trouble an' worry +enough! + + _MRS. KNOBBE stares about her inquiringly and as if seeking help. + Rapidly she draws a little flask from her pocket and pours its + contents upon a handkerchief. The latter she carries swiftly to her + mouth and nose, inhaling the fragrance of the perfume to keep her + from fainting._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, why don't you speak, Mrs. Knobbe? This girl asserts that she is the +mother of the child--not you. + + _MRS. KNOBBE lifts her umbrella in order to strike out with it. She + is restrained by those present._ + +SCHIERKE + +That won't do! You can't practice no discipline like that here! You c'n +do that when you're alone in your nursery downstairs.--The main thing is: +who does here kid belong to? An' so--now--Mrs. Knobbe, you just take care +an' think so's to tell nothin' but the truth here! Well! Is it yours or +is it her'n? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Bursts out_] I swear by the holy Mother of God, by Jesus Christ, +Father, Son and Holy Ghost that I am the mother of this child. + +PAULINE + +An' I swears by the Holy Mother o' God ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You'd better not if you want to save your soul! We may have a case here +in which the circumstances are complicated in the extreme! It is +possible, therefore, that you were about to swear in perfectly good +faith. But you will have to admit that, though each of you may well be +the mother of twins--two mothers for one child is unthinkable! + +WALBURGA + +[_Who, like MRS. KNOBBE, has been staring steadily at the child._] Papa, +papa, do look at the child a moment first! + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +[_Tearfully and horrified._] Yes, the poor little crittur's been a-dyin', +I believe, ever since I was in the other room there! + +SCHIERKE + +What? + +HASSENREUTER + +How? [_Energetically he strides forward, and now regards the child +carefully too._] The child is dead. There's no question about that! It +seems that invisible to us, one has been in our midst who has delivered +judgment, truly according to the manner of Solomon, concerning the poor +little passive object of all this strife. + +PAULINE + +[_Who has not understood._] What's the matter? + +SCHIERKE + +Keep still!--You come along with me. + + _MRS. KNOBBE seems to have lost the power of speech. She puts her + handkerchief into her mouth. A moaning sob is heard deep in her + chest. SCHIERKE, MRS. KIELBACKE with the dead child, followed by MRS. + KNOBBE and PAULINE PIPERCARCKA, leave the room. A dull murmur is + heard from the outer hall. HASSENREUTER returns to the foreground + after he has locked the door behind those who have left._ + +HASSENREUTER + +_Sic eunt fata hominum._ Invent something like that, if you can, my good +Spitta. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The dwelling of the foreman-mason JOHN as in the second act. It is + eight o'clock on a Sunday morning._ + + _JOHN is invisible behind the partition. From his plashing and + snorting it is clear that he is performing his morning ablutions._ + + _QUAQUARO has just entered. His hand is still on the knob of the + outer door._ + +QUAQUARO + +Tell me, Paul, is your wife at home? + +JOHN + +[_From behind the partition._] Not yet, Emil. My wife went with the boy +out to my married sister's in Hangelsberg. But she's goin' to come back +this mornin'. [_Drying his hands and face, JOHN appears in the door of +the partition wall._] Good mornin' to you, Emil. + +QUAQUARO + +Mornin', Paul. + +JOHN + +Well, what's the news? I didn't come from the train till about half an +hour ago. + +QUAQUARO + +Yes, I saw you goin' into the house an' mountin' the stairs. + +JOHN + +[_In a jolly frame of mind._] That's right, Emil! You're a reglar old +watch-dog, eh? + +QUAQUARO + +Tell, me, Paul: How long has your wife'n the kid been out in Hangelsberg? + +JOHN + +Oh, that must be somethin' like a week now, Emil. D'you want anythin' of +her? I guess she paid her rent an' on time all right. By the way, I might +as well give you notice right now. We got it all fixed. We're goin' to +move on the first of October. I got mother to the point at last that we +c'n move outa this here shaky old barracks an' into a better +neighbourhood. + +QUAQUARO + +So you ain't goin' back to Hamburg no more? + +JOHN + +Naw. It's a good sayin': Stay at home an' make an honest livin'! I'm not +goin' outa town no more. Not a bit of it! First of all, it's no sort o' +life, goin' from one lodgin' to another. An' then--a man don' get no +younger neither! The girls, they ain't so hot after you no more ... No, +it's a good thing that all this wanderin' about is goin' to end. + +QUAQUARO + +Your wife--she's a fine schemer. + +JOHN + +[_Merrily._] Well, this is a brand new household what's jus' had a child +born into it. I said to the boss: I'm a newly married man! Then he axed +me if my first wife was dead. On the contrary an' not a bit of it, I +says. She's alive an' kickin', so that she's jus' given birth to a +kickin' young citizen o' Berlin, that's what! When I was travellin' along +from Hamburg this mornin' by all the old stations--Hamburg, Stendal, +Ultzen--an' got outa the fourth-class coach at the Lehrter station with +all my duds, the devil take me if I didn't thank God with a sigh. I guess +he didn't hear on account o' the noise o' the trains. + +QUAQUARO + +Did you hear, Paul, that Mrs. Knobbe's youngest over the way has been +taken off again? + +JOHN + +No. What chance did I have to hear that? But if it's dead, it's a good +thing, Emil. When I saw the poor crittur a week ago when it had +convulsions an' Selma brought it in an' me an' mother gave it a spoonful +o' sugar an' water--well, it was pretty near ready for heaven then. + +QUAQUARO + +An' you mean to tell me that you didn't hear nothin' o' the +circumstances, about the how an' the why o' that child's death? + +JOHN + +Naw! [_He fetches a long tobacco pipe from behind the sofa._] Wait a +minute! I'll light a pipe first! I didn't have no chanct to hear nothin'. + +QUAQUARO + +Well, I'm surprised that your wife didn't write you nothin' at all. + +JOHN + +Aw, since we has a child o' our own, mother's taken no interest in them +Knobbe brats no more. + +QUAQUARO + +[_Observing JOHN with lurking curiosity._] You're wife was reel crazy to +have a son, wasn't she? + +JOHN + +Well, that's natural. D'you think I wasn't? What's a man to work for? +What do I slave away for? It's different thing savin' a good lump o' +money for your own son from doin' it for your sister's children. + +QUAQUARO + +So you don't know that a strange girl came here an' swore that the Knobbe +woman's child wasn't hers but belonged to the girl? + +JOHN + +Is that so? Well, Mrs. Knobbe an' child stealin'--them two things don't +go together. Now if it'd been mother, that would ha' been more likely. +But not that Knobbe woman! But tell me, Emil, what's all this here +business about? + +QUAQUARO + +Well, one person says one thing an' another says another. The Knobbe +woman says that certain people has started a plot with detectives an' +such like to get hold o' the brat. An' there ain't no doubt o' this. It's +proved that the child was hers. C'n you maybe give me a tip as to where +your brother-in-law's been keepin' hisself the past few days? + +JOHN + +You mean the butcher in Hangelsberg? + +QUAQUARO + +Naw, I don' mean the husband o' your sister, but the feller what's +brother o' your wife. + +JOHN + +It's Bruno you mean? + +QUAQUARO + +Sure, that's the feller. + +JOHN + +How do I know? I'd sooner be watchin' if the dogs still plays on the +curb. I don't want to have no dealin's with Bruno. + +QUAQUARO + +Listen to me, Paul. But don't get mad. They knows at the police station +that Bruno was seen in company o' the Polish girl what wanted to claim +this here child, first right outside o' the door here an' then at a +certain place on Shore street where the tanners sometimes looses their +soakin' hides. An' now the girl's jus' disappeared. I don' know nothin' +o' the particulars, excep' that the police is huntin' for the girl. + +JOHN + +[_Resolutely putting aside the long pipe which he had lit._] I don' know, +but I can't take no enjoyment in it this mornin'. I don' know what's +gotten into me. I was as jolly as can be. An' now all of a sudden I feel +so dam' mean I'd like to go straight back to Hamburg an' hear an' see +nothin' more!--Why d'you come aroun' with stories like that? + +QUAQUARO + +I jus' thought I'd tell you what happened while you an' your wife was +away right here in your own house? + +JOHN + +In my own house? + +QUAQUARO + +That's it! Yessir! They says that Selma pushed the perambulator with her +little brother in here where the strange girl an' her friend came an' +took him an' carried him off. But upstairs, in the actor's place, they +caught her. + +JOHN + +What's that? + +QUAQUARO + +So up there the strange girl an' the Knobbe woman pretty near tore each +other's hair out over the child's body. + +JOHN + +What I'd like to know is how all that concerns me? Ain't there trouble +here over some girl most o' the time? Let 'em go on! I don' care! That is +to say, Emil, if there ain't more to it than you're tellin' me. + +QUAQUARO + +That's why I come to you! There is more. The girl said in front o' +witnesses more'n onct that that little crittur o' Knobbe's was her own +an' that she had expressly given it in board to your wife. + +JOHN + +[_First taken aback, then relieved. Laughing._] She ain't quite right in +her upper story. That's all. + + _ERICH SPITTA enters._ + +SPITTA + +Good morning, Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Good mornin', Mr. Spitta. [_To QUAQUARO, who is still loitering in the +door._] It's all right, Emil. I'll take notice o' what you says an' act +accordin'. + + _QUAQUARO exit._ + +JOHN + +Now jus' look at a feller like that, Mr. Spitta. He's more'n half a gaol +bird an' yet he knows how to make hisself a favourite with the district +commissioner at headquarters! An' then he goes aroun' pokin' his nose +into honest folks' affairs. + +SPITTA + +Has Miss Walburga Hassenreuter been asking after me, Mr. John? + +JOHN + +Not up to this time; not that I knows of! [_He opens the door to the +hall._] Selma! Excuse me a minute, will you? Selma! I gotta know what +that there girl c'n tell me. + + _SELMA KNOBBE enters._ + +SELMA + +[_Still at the door._] What d'you want? + +JOHN + +You shut the door a minute an' come in! An' now tell me, girl, what's all +this that happened in this room about your little dead brother and the +strange girl? + +SELMA + +[_Who has, obviously, a bad conscience, gradually comes forward +watchfully. She now answers glibly and volubly._] I pushed the +perambulator over into the room here. Your wife wasn't in an' so I thinks +that maybe here there'd be more quiet, 'cause my little brother, you +know, he was sick anyhow an' cryin' all the time. An' then, all of a +sudden, a gentleman an' a lady an' another woman all comes in here, an' +they picked the little feller right outa the carridge an' put clean +clothes on him an' carried him off. + +JOHN + +An' then the lady said as how it was her child an' how she'd given it in +board with mother, with my old woman? + +SELMA + +[_Lies._] Naw, not a bit. I'd know about that if it was so. + +JOHN + +[_Bangs his fist on the table._] Well, damn it all, it'd be a idjit's +trick to have said that. + +SPITTA + +Permit me, but she did say that. I take it you're talking of the incident +with the two women that took place upstairs at manager Hassenreuter's? + +JOHN + +Did you see that? Was you there when the Knobbe woman an' the other one +was disputin' about the little crittur? + +SPITTA + +Yes, certainly. I was present throughout. + +SELMA + +I tell you all I knows. An' I couldn't say no more if officer Schierke or +the tall police lieutenant hisself was to examine me for hours an' hours. +I don' know nothin'. An' what I don' know I can't tell. + +JOHN + +The lieutenant examined you? + +SELMA + +They wanted to take mama to the lock-up because people went an' lied. +They said that our little baby was starved to death. + +JOHN + +Aha! 's that so? Well, Selma, s'pose you go over there an' cook a little +coffee. + + _SELMA goes over to the stove where she prepares coffee for JOHN. + JOHN himself goes up to his working table, takes up the compass. Then + he draws lines, using a piece of rail as a ruler._ + +SPITTA + +[_Conquering his diffidence and shame._] I really hoped to meet your wife +here, Mr. John. Someone told me that your wife has been in the habit of +lending out small sums to students against security. And I am somewhat +embarrassed. + +JOHN + +Maybe that's so. But that's mother's business, Mr. Spitta. + +SPITTA + +To be quite frank with you, if I don't get hold of some money by +to-night, the few books and other possessions I have will be attached for +rent by my landlady and I'll be put into the street. + +JOHN + +I thought your father was a preacher. + +SPITTA + +So he is. But for that very reason and because I don't want to become a +preacher, too, he and I had a terrible quarrel last night. I won't ever +accept a farthing from him any more. + +JOHN + +[_Busy over his drawing._] Then it'll serve him right if you starve or +break your neck. + +SPITTA + +Men like myself don't starve, Mr. John. But if, by any chance, I were to +go to the dogs--I shouldn't greatly care. + +JOHN + +No one wouldn't believe how many half-starved nincompoops there is among +you stoodents. But none o' you wants to put your hand to some reel +work.--[_The distant sound of thunder is heard. JOHN looks out through +the window._]--Sultry day. It's thunderin' now. + +SPITTA + +Yon can't say that of me, Mr. John, that I haven't been willing to do +real work. I've given lessons, I've addressed envelopes for business +houses! I've been through everything and in all these attempts I've not +only toiled away the days but also the nights. And at the same time I've +ground away at my studies like anything! + +JOHN + +Man alive, go to Hamburg an' let 'em give you a job as a bricklayer. When +I was your age I was makin' as much as twelve crowns a day in Hamburg. + +SPITTA + +That may be. But I'm a brain worker. + +JOHN + +I know that kind. + +SPITTA + +Is that so? I don't think you do know that kind, Mr. John. I beg you not +to forget that your Socialist leaders--your Bebels and your +Liebknechts--are brain workers too. + +JOHN + +All right. Come on, then! Let's have some breakfast first. Things look +mighty different after a man's had a good bite o' breakfast. I s'pose you +ain't had any yet, Mr. Spitta? + +SPITTA + +No, frankly, not to-day. + +JOHN + +Well, then the first thing is to get somethin' warm down your throat. + +SPITTA + +There's time enough for that. + +JOHN + +I don' know. You're lookin' pretty well done up. An' I passed the night +on the train too. [_To SELMA, who has brought in a little linen bag filed +with rolls._] Hurry an' bring another cup over here. [_He has seated +himself at his ease on the sofa, dips a roll into the coffee and begins +to eat and drink._] + +SPITTA + +[_Who has not sat down yet._] It's really pleasanter to pass a summer +night in the open if one can't sleep anyhow. And I didn't sleep for one +minute. + +JOHN + +I'd like to see the feller what c'n sleep when he's outa cash. When a +man's down in the world he has most company outa doors too. [_He suddenly +stops chewing._]--Come here, Selma, an' tell me exackly just how it was +with that there girl an' the child that she took outa our room here. + +SELMA + +I don' know what to do. Everybody axes we that. Mama keeps axin' me about +it all day long; if I seen Bruno Mechelke; if I know who it was that +stole the costumes from the actor's loft up there! If it goes on that way +... + +JOHN + +[_Energetically._] Girl, why didn't you cry out when the gentleman and +the young lady took your little brother outa his carridge? + +SELMA + +I didn't think nothin' 'd happen to him excep' that he'd get some clean +clothes. + +JOHN + +[_Grasps SELMA by the wrist._] Well, you come along with me now. We'll go +over an' see your mother. + + _JOHN and SELMA leave the room. As soon as they are gone SPITTA + begins to eat ravenously. Soon thereafter WALBURGA appears. She is in + great haste and strongly excited._ + +WALBURGA + +Are you alone? + +SPITTA + +For the moment, yes. Good morning, Walburga. + +WALBURGA + +Am I too late? It was only by the greatest cunning, by the greatest +determination, by the most ruthless disregard of everything that I +succeeded in getting away from home. My younger sister tried to bar the +door. Even the servant girl! But I told mama that if they wouldn't let me +out through the door, they might just as well bar the window, else I'd +reach the street through it, although it's three stories high. I flew. +I'm more dead than alive. But I am prepared for anything. How was it with +your father, Erich? + +SPITTA + +We have parted. He thought that I was going out to eat husks with the +swine as the Prodigal Son did, and told me not to take it into my mind +ever again to cross the threshold of my father's house in my future +capacity as acrobat or bareback rider, as he was pleased to express it. +His door was not open to such scum! Well, I'll fight it down! Only I'm +sorry for my poor, dear mother.--You can't imagine with what abysmal +hatred a man of his kind considers the theatre and everything connected +with it. The heaviest curse is not strong enough to express his feelings. +An actor is, to his mind, _a priori_, the worst, most contemptible scamp +imaginable. + +WALBURGA + +I've found out, too, how papa discovered our secret. + +SPITTA + +My father gave him your picture. + +WALBURGA + +O Erich, if you knew with what awful, with what horrible names papa +overwhelmed me in his rage. And I had to be silent through it all. I +might have said something that would have silenced all his lofty moral +discourses and made him quite helpless before me. I was almost on the +point of saying it, too. But I felt so ashamed for him! My tongue refused +to form the words! I couldn't say it, Erich! Finally mama had to +intervene. He struck me! For eight or nine hours he locked me in a dark +alcove--to break my stubbornness, as he put it, Erich. Well, he won't +succeed! He won't break it! + +SPITTA + +[_Taking WALBURGA into his arms._] You dear, brave girl! I am beginning +to see now what I possess in having your love, what a treasure you are! +[_Passionately._] And how beautiful you look, Walburga! + +WALBURGA + +Don't! Don't!--I trust you, Erich; that's all. + +SPITTA + +And you shall not be disappointed, dearest. You see, a man like me in +whom everything is still in a ferment, who feels that he was born to +achieve something great and significant but something which, for the +present, he can make sufficiently clear neither to himself nor to the +world--such a man has, at twenty, every man's hand against his and is a +burden and a laughing-stock to all the world. But believe me: it will not +always be so! The germs of the future lie in us! The soil is being +loosened even now by the budding shoots! Unseen to-day, _we_ are the +harvest of the future! We _are_ the future! And the time will come when +all this great and beautiful world will be ours! + +WALBURGA + +Ah, go on, Erich! What you say heals my heart. + +SPITTA + +Walburga, I did more, last night! I flung straight out into my father's +face, just as I felt it, my accusation of the crime committed against my +sister. And that made the break definite and unbridgeable. He said +stubbornly: He had no knowledge of such a daughter as I was describing. +Such a daughter had no existence in his soul, and it seemed to him that +his son would also soon cease to exist there. O these Christians! O these +servants of the good shepherd who took the lost lamb with double +tenderness into his arms! O thou good Shepherd, how have your words been +perverted; How have your eternal truths been falsified into their exact +contrary. But to-day when I sat amidst the flash of lightning and the +roll of thunder in the _Tiergarten_ and certain Berlin hyaenas were +prowling about me, I felt the crushed and restless soul of my sister +close beside me. How many nights, in her poor life, may she not have sat +shelterless on such benches, perhaps on this very bench in the +_Tiergarten_, in order to consider in her loneliness, her degradation, +her outcast estate, how, two thousand years after the birth of Christ, +this most Christian world is drenched with Christianity and with the love +of its fellow-men! But whatever she thought, this is what I think; the +poor harlot, the wretched sinner who is yet above the righteous, who is +weighed down by the sins of the world, the poor outcast and her terrible +accusation shall never die in my soul! And into this flame of our goals +we must cast all the wretchedness, all the lamentations of the oppressed +and the disinherited! Thus shall my sister stay truly alive, Walburga, +and effect noble ends before the face of God through the ethical impulse +that lends wings to my soul, and that will be more powerful than all the +evil, heartless parson's morality in the world. + +WALBURGA + +You were in the _Tiergarten_ all night, Erich? Is that the reason why +your hands are so icy cold, and why you look so utterly worn out? Erich, +you must take my purse! No, please, you must! Oh, I assure you what is +mine is yours! If you don't feel that, you don't love me. Erich, you're +suffering! If you don't take my few pennies, I'll refuse all nourishment +at home! By heaven, I'll do it, I'll do it, unless you're sensible about +that! + +SPITTA + +[_Chokes down his rising tears and sits down._] I'm nervous; I'm +overwrought. + +WALBURGA + +[_Puts her purse into his pocket._] And you see, Erich, this is the real +reason why I asked you to meet me here. To add to all my misfortunes I +received yesterday this summons from the court. + +SPITTA + +[_Regards a document which she hands to him._] Look here? What's behind +this, Walburga? + +WALBURGA + +I'm quite sure that it must have some connection with the stolen goods +upstairs in the loft. But it does disquiet me terribly. If papa were to +discover this ... oh, what would I do then? + + _MRS. JOHN enters, carrying the child in her arms. She is dressed for + the street, and looks dusty and harassed._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Frightened, suspicious._] Well, what d'you want here? Is Paul home yet? +I jus' went down in the street a little with the baby. + + [_She carries the child behind the partition._ + +WALBURGA + +Erich, do mention the summons to Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why, Paul's at home. There's his things! + +SPITTA + +Miss Hassenreuter wanted very much to talk to you. She received a summons +to appear in court. It's probably about those things that were stolen +from the loft. You know. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Emerging from behind the partition._] What's that? You reelly got a +summons, Miss Walburga? Well, then you better look out! I ain't jokin'. +An' maybe you're thinkin' o' the black man! + +SPITTA + +What you're saying there is quite incomprehensible, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Taking up her domestic tasks._] Did you hear that 'way out in the +Lauben settlement, beyond the Halle Gate, the lightenin' struck a man an' +a woman an' a little girl o' seven this mornin'. It was right under a +tall poplar tree. + +SPITTA + +No, Mrs. John, we didn't hear that. + +MRS. JOHN + +The rain's splashin' down again. + + _One hears a shower of rain beginning to fall._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Nervously._] Come, Erich, let's get out into the open anyhow. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Speaking louder and louder in her incoherent terror._] An' I tell you +another thing: I was talking to the woman what was struck by lightenin' +jus' a short time before. An' she says--now listen to me, Mr. Spitta--if +you takes a dead child what's lyin' in its carridge an' pushes it out +into the sun ... but it's gotta be summer an' midday ... it'll draw +breath, it'll cry, it'll come back to life!--You don't believe that, eh? +But I seen that with my own eyes! + + [_She circles about the room in a strange fashion, apparently + becoming quite oblivious of the presence of the two young people._ + +WALBURGA + +Look, here, Mrs. John is positively uncanny! Let's go! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Speaking still louder._] You don' believe that, that it'll come to life +again, eh? I tell you, its mother c'n come an' take it. But it's gotta be +nursed right off. + +SPITTA + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In strange excitement accompanies the two young people to the door. +Speaking still more loudly._] You don' believe that! But it's the solemn +truth, Mr. Spitta! + + _SPITTA and WALBURGA leave the room._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still holding the door in her hand calls out after them._] Anybody that +don' believe that don' know nothin' o' the whole secret that I +discovered. + + _The foreman-mason JOHN appears in the door and enters at once._ + +JOHN + +Why, there you are, mother! I'm glad to see you. What's that there secret +you're talkin' about? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_As though awakening, grasps her head._] Me?--Did I say somethin' about +a secret? + +JOHN + +That you did unless I'm hard o' hearin'. An' it's reelly you unless it's +a ghost. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Surprised and frightened._] Why d'you think I might be a ghost? + +JOHN + +[_Pats his wife good-naturedly on the back._] Come now, Jette, don't bite +me. I'm reel glad, that I am, that you're here again with the little kid! +[_He goes behind the partition._] But it's lookin' a little measly. + +MRS. JOHN + +The milk didn't agree with him. An' that's because out there in the +country the cows is already gettin' green fodder. I got milk here from +the dairy company that comes from dry fed cows. + +JOHN + +[_Reappears in the main room._] That's what I'm sayin'. Why did you have +to go an' take the child on the train an' outa town. The city is +healthier. That's my notion. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm goin' to stay at home now, Paul. + +JOHN + +In Hamburg everythin' is settled, too. To-day at noon I'm goin' to meet +Karl an' then he'll tell me when I c'n start workin' for the new +boss!--Look here: I brought somethin' with me, too. + + [_He takes a small child's rattle from his breeches pocket and shakes + it._ + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? + +JOHN + +That's somethin' to bring a bit o' life into the place, 'cause it's +pretty quiet inside in Berlin here! Listen how the kid's crowin'. [_The +child is heard making happy little noises._] I tell you, mother, when a +little kid goes on that way--there ain't nothin' I'd take for it! + +MRS. JOHN + +Have you seen anybody yet? + +JOHN + +No!--Leastways only Quaquaro early this mornin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In timid suspense._] Well ...? + +JOHN + +Oh, never mind! Nothin! There was nothin' to it. + +MRS. JOHN [_As before._] What did he say? + +JOHN + +What d'you think he said? But if you're bound to know--'tain't no use +talkin' o' such things Sunday mornin'--he axed me after Bruno again. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pale and speaking hastily._] What do they say Bruno has done again? + +JOHN + +Nothin'. Here, come'n drink a little coffee, Jette, an' don' get excited! +It ain't your fault that you got a brother like that. We don't has to +concern ourselves about other people. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'd like to know what an old fool like that what spies aroun' all day +long has always gotta be talkin' about Bruno. + +JOHN + +Jette, don' bother me about Bruno--You see ...aw, what's the use ... +might as well keep still!... But if I was goin' to tell you the truth, +I'd say that it wouldn't surprise me if some day Bruno'd come to a pretty +bad end right out in the yard o' the gaol, too--a quick end. [_MRS. JOHN +sits down heavily beside the table. She grows grey in the face and +breathes with difficulty._] Maybe not! Maybe not! Don't take it to heart +so right off!--How's the sister? + +MRS. JOHN + +I don' know. + +JOHN + +Why, I thought you was out there visitin' her? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Looks at him absently._] Where was I? + +JOHN + +Well, you see, Jette, that's the way it is with you women! You're jus' +shakin', but oh no--you don' want to go to no doctor! An' it'll end +maybe, by your havin' to take to your bed. That's what comes o' +neglectin' nature. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Throwing her arms about JOHN'S neck._] Paul, you're goin' to leave me! +For God's sake, tell me right out that it's so! Don' fool me aroun' an' +cheat me! Tell me right out! + +JOHN + +What's the matter with you to-day, Henrietta? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pulling herself together._] Don' attend to my fool talk. I ain't had no +rest all night--that's it. An' then I got up reel early, an' anyhow, it +ain't nothin' but that I'm a bit weak yet. + +JOHN + +Then you better lie down flat on your back an' rest a little. [_MRS. JOHN +throws herself on the sofa and stares at the ceiling._] Maybe you'd +better comb yourself a bit afterwards, Jette!--It musta been mighty dusty +on the train for you to be jus' covered all over with sand the way you +are! [_MRS. JOHN does not answer but continues staring at the ceiling._] +I must go an' bring that there little feller into the light a bit. + + [_He goes behind the partition._ + +MRS. JOHN + +How long has we been married, Paul? + +JOHN + +[_Plays with the rattle behind the partition. Then answers_:] That was in +eighteen hundred and seventy-two, jus' as I came back from the war. + +MRS. JOHN + +Then you came to father, didn't you? An' you assoomed a grand position +an' you had the Iron Cross on the left side o' your chest. + +JOHN + +[_Appears, swinging the rattle and carrying the child on its pillow. He +speaks merrily._] That's so, mother. An' I got it yet. If you want to see +it, I'll pin it on. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still stretched out on the sofa._] An' then you came to me an' you said +that I wasn't to be so busy all the time ... goin' up an' down, runnin' +upstairs an' downstairs ... that I was to be a bit more easy-goin'. + +JOHN + +An' I'm still sayin' that same thing to-day. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' then you tickled me with your moustache an' kissed me right behind my +left ear! An' then ... + +JOHN + +Then it didn't take long for us to agree, eh? + +MRS. JOHN + +Yes, an' I laughed an', bit by bit, I looked at myself in every one o' +your brass buttons. I was lookin' different then! An' then you said ... + +JOHN + +Well, mother, you're a great one for rememberin' things, I must say! + +MRS. JOHN + +An' then you said: When we has a boy, an' that'll be soon, he c'n follow +the flag into the field too "with God for King an' country." + +JOHN + +[_Sings to the child, playing with the rattle._] + + "To heaven he turns his glances bold + Whence gaze the hero sires of old: + The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!"... + +Well, an' now that I has a little feller like that I ain't half so keen +on sendin' him to the war to be food for powder. + + [_He retires with the child behind the partition._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still staring at the ceiling._] Paul, Paul! Seems as if all that was a +hundred years ago! + +JOHN + +[_Reappears from behind the partition without the child._] Not as long +ago as all that. + +MRS. JOHN + +Look here, what d'you think? How would it be if you was to take me an' +the child an' go to America? + +JOHN + +Now listen here, Jette! What's gotten into you, anyhow? What is it? Looks +as if there was nothin' but ghosts aroun' me here! You know I has a good +easy temper! When the workmen heave bricks at each other, I don't even +get excited. An' what do they say? Paul has a comfortable nature. But +now: what's this here? The sun's shinin'; it's bright daylight! I can't +_see_ nothin'; that's a fac'. But somethin's titterin' an' whisperin' an' +creepin' aroun' in here. Only when I stretches out my hand I can't lay +hold on nothin'! Now I wants to know what there is to this here story +about the strange girl what came to the room. Is it true? + +MRS. JOHN + +You heard, Paul, that the young lady didn't come back no more. An' that +shows you, don't it ... + +JOHN + +I hear what you're sayin'. But your lips is fair blue an' your eyes look +as if somebody was tormentin' you. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Suddenly changing her attitude_] Yes. Why do you leave me alone year in +an' year out, Paul? I sits here like in a cave an' I ain't got a soul to +who I c'n say what I'm thinkin'. Many a time I've sat here an' axed +myself why I works an' works, why I skimps an' saves to get together a +few crowns, an' find good investments for your earnin's an' try to add to +'em. Why? Was all that to go to strangers? Paul, it's you who's been the +ruin o' me! + + [_She lays her head on the table and bursts out in sobs._ + + _Softly and with feline stealth BRUNO MECHELKE enters the room at + this moment. He has on his Sunday duds, a sprig of lilac in his hat + and a great bunch of it in his hand. JOHN drums with his fingers on + the window and does not observe him._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Has gradually realised BRUNO'S presence as though he were a ghost._] +Bruno, is that you? + +BRUNO + +[_Who has recognised JOHN in a flash, softly._] Sure, it's me, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +Where d'you come from? What d'you want? + +BRUNO + +I been dancin' all night, Jette! You c'n see, can't you, that I'm dam' +jolly? + +JOHN + +[_Has been staring steadily at BRUNO. A dangerous pallor has overspread +his face. He now goes slowly to a small cupboard, takes out an old army +revolver and loads it. MRS. JOHN does not observe this._] You! Listen! +I'll tell you somethin'--somethin' you forgot, maybe. There ain't no +reason on God's earth why I shouldn't pull this here trigger! You +scoundrel! You ain't fit to be among human bein's! I told you ... las' +fall it was ... that I'd shoot you down if I ever laid eyes on you in my +home again! Now go ... or I'll ... shoot. Y'understan'? + +BRUNO + +Aw, I ain't scared o' your jelly squirter. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Who observes that JOHN, losing control of himself, is slowly +approaching BRUNO with the weapon and raising it._] Then kill me too, +Paul. 'Cause he's my brother. + +JOHN + +[_Looks at her long, seems to awaken and change his mind._] All right. +[_He replaces the revolver carefully in the cupboard._] You're right, +anyhow, Jette! It's hell, Jette, that your name's got to be on the tongue +of a crittur like that. All right. The powder'd be too good, too. This +here little pistol's tasted the blood o' two French cavalry men! Heroes +they was! An' I don't want it to drink no dirt. + +BRUNO + +I ain' doubtin' that there's dirt in your head! An' if it hadn't been +that you board with my sister here I'd ha' let the light into you long +ago, you dirt eater, so you'd ha' bled for weeks. + +JOHN + +[_With tense restraint._] Tell me again, Jette, that it's your brother. + +MRS. JOHN + +Go, Paul, will you? I'll get him away all right! You know's well as I +that I can't help it now that Bruno's my own brother. + +JOHN + +All right. Then I'm one too many here. You c'n bill an' coo. [_He is +dressed for the street as it is and hence proceeds to go. Close by BRUNO +he stands still._] You scamp! You worried your father into his grave. +Your sister might better ha' let you starve behind some fence rather'n +raise you an' litter the earth with another criminal like you. I'll be +back in half an hour! But I won't be alone. I'll have the sergeant with +me! + + [_JOHN leaves by the outer door, putting on his slouch hat._ + + _So soon as JOHN has disappeared BRUNO turns and spits out after him + toward the door._ + +BRUNO + +If I ever gets hold o' you! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why d'you come, Bruno? Tell me, what's the matter? + +BRUNO + +Tin's what you gotta give me. Or I'll go to hell. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Locks and latches the outer door._] Wait till I close the door! Now, +what's the matter? Where d'you come from? Where has you been? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I danced about half the night an' then, about sunrise, I went out +into the country for a bit. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did Quaquaro see you comin' in, Bruno? Then you better look out that you +ain't walked into no trap. + +BRUNO + +No danger. I crossed the yard an' then went through the cellar o' my +friend what deals in junk an' after that up through the loft. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' what happened? + +BRUNO + +Don' fool aroun', Jette. I gotta have railroad fare. I gotta take to my +heels or I'll go straight to hell. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you do with that there girl? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I found a way, Jette! + +MRS. JOHN + +What's the meanin' o' that? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I managed to make her a little more accommodatin' all right! + +MRS. JOHN + +An' is it a sure thing that she won't come back now? + +BRUNO + +Sure. I don' believe that she'll come again! But that wasn't no easy +piece of work, Jette. But I tell you ... gimme somethin' to +drink--quick!... I tell you, you made me thirsty with your damned +business--thirsty, an' hot as hell. + + [_He drains a jug full of water._ + +MRS. JOHN + +People saw you outside the door with the girl. + +BRUNO + +I had to make a engagement with Arthur. She didn't want to have nothin' +to do with me. But Arthur, he came dancin' along in his fine clothes an' +he managed to drag her along to a bar. She swallowed the bait right down +when he told her as how her intended was waitin' for her there. [_He +trills out, capering about convulsively._] + + "All we does in life's to go + Up an' down an' to an' fro + From a tap-room to a show!" + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' then? + +BRUNO + +Then she wanted to get away 'cause Arthur said that her intended had gone +off! Then I wanted to go along with her a little bit an' Arthur an' +Adolph, they came along. Next we dropped in the ladies' entrance at +Kalinich's an' what with tastin' a lot o' toddy an' other liquors she got +good an' tipsy. An' then she staid all night with a woman what's Arthur's +sweetheart. All next day there was always two or three of us boys after +her, didn't let her go, an' played all kinds o' tricks, an' things got +jollier an' jollier. + + [_The church bells of the Sunday morning services begin to ring._ + +BRUNO + +[_Goes on._] But the money's gone. I needs crowns an' pennies, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Rummaging for money._] How much has you got to have? + +BRUNO + +[_Listening to the bells._] What? + +MRS. JOHN + +Money! + +BRUNO + +The old bag o' bones in the junk shop downstairs was thinkin' as how I'd +better get across the Russian frontier! Listen, Jette, how the bells is +ringin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +Why do you has to get acrost the frontier? + +BRUNO + +Take a wet towel, Jette, an' put a little vinegar on it. I been bothered +with this here dam' nosebleed all night. + + [_He presses his handkerchief to his nose._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Breathing convulsively, brings a towel._] Who was it scratched your +wrist into shreds that way? + +BRUNO + +[_Listening to the bells._] Half past three o'clock this mornin' she +could ha' heard them bells yet. + +MRS. JOHN + +O Jesus, my Saviour! That ain't true! That can't noways be possible! I +didn't tell you nothin' like that, Bruno! Bruno, I has to sit down. Oh! +[_She sits down._] That's what our father foretold to me on his dyin' +bed. + +BRUNO + +It ain't so easy jokin' with me. If you go to see Minna, jus' tell her +that I got the trick o' that kind o' thing an' that them goin's on with +Karl an' with Fritz has to stop. + +MRS. JOHN + +But, Bruno, if they was to catch you! + +BRUNO + +Well, then I has to swing, an' out at the Charity hospital they got +another stiff to dissect. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Giving him money._] Oh, that ain't true. What did you do, Bruno? + +BRUNO + +You're a crazy old crittur, Jette.--[_He puts his hand on her not without +a tremor of emotion._] You always says as how I ain't good for nothin'. +But when things can't go on no more, then you needs me, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, but how? Did you threaten the girl that she wasn't to let herself +be seen no more? That's what you ought to ha' done, Bruno! An' did you? + +BRUNO + +I danced with her half the night. An' then we went out on the street. +Well, a gentleman came along, y'understan'? Well, when I told him that I +had some little business o' my own to transact with the lady an' pulled +my brass-knuckles outa my breeches, o' course he took to his heels.--Then +I says to her, says I: Don't you be scared. If you're peaceable an' don' +make no outcry an' don' come no more to my sister axin' after the +child--well, we c'n make a reel friendly bargain. So she toddled along +with me a ways. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' then? + +BRUNO + +Well, she didn't want to! An' all of a sudden she went for my throat that +I thought it'd be the end o' me then an' there! Like a dawg she went for +me hot an' heavy! An' then ... then I got a little bit excited too--an' +then, well ... that's how it come ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Sunk in horror._] What time d'you say it was? + +BRUNO + +It must ha' been somewhere between three an' four. The moon had a big +ring aroun' it. Out on the square there was a dam' cur behind the planks +what got up an' howled. Then it began to drip an' soon a thunderstorm +came up. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Changed and with sudden self-mastery._] It's all right. Go on. She don' +deserve no better. + +BRUNO + +Good-bye. I s'pose we ain't goin' to see each other for years an' years. + +MRS. JOHN + +Where you goin' to? + +BRUNO + +First of all I gotta lie flat on my back for a couple o' hours. I'm goin' +to Fritz's. He's got a room for rent in the old police station right +acrost from the Fisher's Bridge. I'm safe there all right. If there's +anythin' of a outcry you c'n lemme know. + +MRS. JOHN + +Don' you want to take a peek at the child onct more? + +BRUNO + +[_Trembling._] Naw! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why not? + +BRUNO + +No, Jette, not in this here life! Good-bye, Jette. Hol' on a minute: Here +I got a horseshoe. [_He puts a horseshoe on the table._] I found it. +That'll bring you good luck. I don' need it. + + _Stealthily as he has come, BRUNO MECHELKE also disappears. MRS. + JOHN, her eyes wide with horror, stares at the spot where he stood. + Then she totters backward a few paces, presses her hands, clenched + convulsively as if in prayer, against her mouth, and collapses, still + trying in vain to stammer out a prayerful appeal to heaven._ + +MRS. JOHN + +I ain't no murderer! I ain't no murderer! I didn't want that to happen! + + + + +FIFTH ACT + + + _JOHN'S room. MRS. JOHN is asleep on the sofa. WALBURGA and SPITTA + enter from the outer hall. The loud playing of a military band is + heard from the street._ + +SPITTA + +No one is here. + +WALBURGA + +Oh, yes, there is, Erich. Mrs. John! She's asleep here. + +SPITTA + +[_Approaching the sofa together with WALBURGA._] Is she asleep? So she +is! I don't understand how anyone can sleep amidst this noise. + + _The music of the band trails off into silence._ + +WALBURGA + +Oh, Erich, sh! I have a perfect horror of the woman. Can you understand +anyhow why policemen are guarding the entrance downstairs and why they +won't let us go out into the street? I'm so awfully afraid that, maybe, +they'll arrest us and take us along to the station. + +SPITTA + +Oh, but there's not the slightest danger, Walburga! You're seeing ghosts +by broad daylight. + +WALBURGA + +When the plain clothes man came up to you and looked at us and you asked +him who he was and he showed his badge under his coat, I assure you, at +that moment, the stairs and the hall suddenly began to go around with me. + +SPITTA + +They're looking for a criminal, Walburga. It is a so-called raid that is +going on here, a kind of man hunt such as the criminal police is at times +obliged to undertake. + +WALBURGA + +And you can believe me, too, Erich, that I heard papa's voice. He was +talking quite loudly to some one. + +SPITTA + +You are nervous. You may have been mistaken. + +WALBURGA + +[_Frightened at MRS. JOHN, who is speaking in her sleep._] Listen to her: +do! + +SPITTA + +Great drops of sweat are standing on her forehead. Come here! Just look +at the rusty old horseshoe that she is clasping with both hands. + +WALBURGA + +[_Listens and starts with fright again._] Papa! + +SPITTA + +I don't understand you. Let him come, Walburga. The essential thing is +that one knows what one wants and that one has a clean conscience. I am +ready. I long for the explanation to come about. + + _A loud knocking is heard at the door._ + +SPITTA + +[_Firmly._] Come in! + + _MRS. HASSENREUTER enters, more out of breath than usual. An + expression of relief comes over her face as she catches sight of her + daughter._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Thank God! There you are, children! [_Trembling, WALBURGA throws herself +into her mother's arms._] Girlie, but what a fright you've given your old +mother. + + [_A pause in which only the breathing of MRS. HASSENREUTER is heard._ + +WALBURGA + +Forgive me, mama: I couldn't act differently. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Oh, no! One doesn't write letters containing such thoughts to one's own +mother. And especially not to a mother like me. If your soul is in pain +you know very well that you can always count on me for help and counsel. +I'm not a monster, and I was young myself once. But to threaten to drown +yourself ... and things like that ... no, that's all wrong. You shouldn't +have done that. Surely you agree with me, Mr. Spitta. And now this very +minute ... heavens, how you both look!... this very minute you must both +come home with me!--What's the matter with Mrs. John? + +WALBURGA + +Oh yes, help us! Don't forsake us! Take us with you, mama! Oh, I'm _so_ +glad that you're here! I was just paralysed with fright! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Very well, then. Come along. That would be the last straw if one had to +be prepared for such desperate follies from you, Mr. Spitta, or from this +child! At your age one should have courage. If everything doesn't go +quite smoothly you have no right to think of expedients by which one has +nothing to gain and everything to lose. We live but once, after all. + +SPITTA + +Oh, I have courage! And I'm not thinking of putting an end to myself as +one who is weary and defeated ... unless Walburga is refused to me. In +that case, to be sure, my determination is firm. It doesn't in the least +undermine my belief in myself or in my future that I am poor for the +present and have to take my dinner occasionally in the people's kitchen. +And I am sure Walburga is equally convinced that a day must come that +will indemnify us for all the dark and difficult hours of the present. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Life is long; and you're almost children to-day. It's not so very bad for +a student to have to take an occasional meal in the people's kitchen. It +would be much worse, however, for Walburga as a married woman. And I hope +for the sake of you both that you'll wait till something in the nature of +a hearthstone of your own with the necessary wood and coal can be +founded. In the meantime I've succeeded in persuading papa to a kind of +truce. It wasn't easy and it might have been impossible had not this +morning's mail brought the news of his definitive appointment as manager +of the theatre at Strassburg. + +WALBURGA + +[_Joyously._] Oh, mama, mama! That is a ray of sunshine, isn't it? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Sits up with a start._] Bruno! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Apologising._] Oh, we've wakened you, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Is Bruno gone? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Who? Who's Bruno? + +MRS. JOHN + +Why, Bruno! Don' you know Bruno? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Ah, yes, yes! That's the name of your brother. + +MRS. JOHN + +Was I asleep? + +SPITTA + +Fast asleep. But you cried out aloud in your sleep just now. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did you see, Mr. Spitta, how them boys out in the yard threw stones at my +little Adelbert's wee grave? But I got after 'em, eh? An' they wasn't no +bad slaps neither what I dealt out. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +It seems that you've been dreaming of your first little boy who died, +Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +No, no; all that's fac'! I ain't been dreamin'. An' then I took little +Adelbert an' I went with him to the registrar's office. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +But if your little boy's no longer alive ... how could you ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Aw, when a little child is onct born, it don't matter if it's dead ... +it's still right inside o' its mother. Did you hear that dawg howlin' +behind the board fence? An' the moon had a big ring aroun' it! Bruno, you +ain' doin' right! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Shaking MRS. JOHN._] Wake up, my good woman! Wake up, Mrs. John! You +are ill! Your husband ought to take you to see a physician. + +MRS. JOHN + +Bruno, you ain' doin' right! [_The bells are ringing again._] Ain't them +the bells? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +The service is over, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Wholly awake now, stares about her._] Why does I wake up? Why didn't +you take an ax when I was asleep an' knock me over the head with +it?--What did I say? Sh! Only don't tell a livin' soul a word, Mrs. +Hassenreuter. + + [_She jumps up and arranges her hair by the help of many hairpins._ + + _Manager HASSENREUTER appears in the doorway._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Starting at the sight of his family._] + + "Behold, behold, Timotheus, + _Here_ are the cranes of Ibicus!" + +Didn't you tell me there was a shipping agent's office in the +neighbourhood, Mrs. John?--[_To WALBURGA._] Ah, yes, my child! While, +with the frivolousness of youth you have been thinking of your pleasure +and nothing but your pleasure, your papa has been running about for three +whole hours again purely on business.--[_To SPITTA._] You wouldn't be in +such a hurry to establish a family, young man, if you had the least +suspicion how hard it is--a struggle from day to day--to get even the +wretched, mouldy necessary bit of daily bread for one's wife and child! I +trust it will never be your fate to be suddenly hurled one day, quite +penniless, into the underworld of Berlin and be obliged to struggle for a +naked livelihood for yourself and those dear to you, breast to breast +with others equally desperate, in subterranean holes and passages! But +you may all congratulate me! A week from now we will be in Strassburg. +[_MRS. HASSENREUTER, WALBURGA and SPITTA all press his hand._] Everything +else will be adjusted. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +You have fought an heroic battle for us during these past years, papa. +And you did it without stooping to anything unworthy. + +HASSENREUTER + +It was a fight like that of drowning men who struggle for planks in the +water. My noble costumes, made to body forth the dreams of poets, in what +dens of vice, on what reeking bodies have they not passed their +nights--_odi profanum vulgus_--only that a few pennies of rental might +clatter in my cashbox! But let us turn to more cheerful thoughts. The +freight waggon, alias the cart of Thespis is at the door in order to +effect the removal of our Penates to happier fields--[_Suddenly turning +to SPITTA._] My excellent Spitta, I demand your word of honour that, in +your so-called despair, you two do not commit some irreparable folly. In +return I promise to lend my ear to any utterances of yours characterised +by a modicum of good sense.--Finally: I've come to you, Mrs. John, +firstly because the officers bar all the exits and will permit no one to +go out; and secondly because I would like exceedingly to know why a man +like myself, at the very moment when his triumphant flag is fluttering in +the wind again, should have become the object of a malicious newspaper +report! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Dear Harro, Mrs. John doesn't understand you. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aha! Then let us begin _ab ovo_. I have letters here [_he shows a bundle +of them_] one, two, three, five--about a dozen! In these letters unknown +but malicious individuals congratulate me upon an event which is said to +have taken place in my storage loft. I would pay no attention to these +communications were they not confirmed by a news item in the papers +according to which a newborn infant is said to have been found in the +loft of a costumer in the suburbs ... a costumer, forsooth! I would have +said nothing, I repeat, if this item had not perplexed me. Undoubtedly +there is a case of mistaken identity involved here. In spite of that, I +don't like to have the report stick to me. Especially since this cub of a +reporter speaks of the costumer as being a bankrupt manager of barn +stormers. Read it, mama: "The Stork Visits Costumer." I'll box that +fellow's ears! This evening my appointment at Strassburg is to be made +public in the papers and at the same time I am to be offered as a kind of +comic dessert _urbi et orbi_. As if it were not obvious that of all +curses that of being made ridiculous is the worst! + +MRS. JOHN + +You say there's policemen at the door downstairs, sir? + +HASSENREUTER + +Yes, and their watch is so close that the funeral procession of Mrs. +Knobbe's baby has been brought to a standstill. They won't even let the +little coffin and the horrid fellow from the burial society who is +carrying it go out to the carriage. + +MRS. JOHN + +What child's funeral was that? + +HASSENREUTER + +Don't you know? It's the little son of Mrs. Knobbe which was brought up +to me in so mysterious a way by two women and died almost under my very +eyes, probably of exhaustion. _A propos_ ... + +MRS. JOHN + +The Knobbe woman's child is dead? + +HASSENREUTER + +_A propos_, Mrs. John, I was going to say that you ought really to know +how the affair of those two half-crazy women who got hold of the child +finally ended? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well now, tell me, ain't it like the very finger of God that they didn't +take my little Adelbert an' that he didn't die? + +HASSENREUTER + +Just why? I don't understand the logic of that. On the other hand, I have +been asking myself whether the confused speeches of the Polish girl, the +theft committed in my loft, and the milk bottle which Quaquaro brought +down in a boot--whether all these things had not something to do with the +notice in the papers. + +MRS. JOHN + +No, there ain't no connection between them things. Has you seen Paul, +sir? + +HASSENREUTER + +Paul? Ah yes; that's your husband. Yes, yes. Indeed I saw him in +conversation with detective Puppe, who visited me too in connection with +the theft. + + _JOHN enters._ + +JOHN + +Well, Jette, wasn't I right? This here thing's happened soon enough! + +MRS. JOHN + +What's happened? + +JOHN + +D'you want me to go an' earn the thousand crowns' reward what's offered +accordin' to placards on the news pillars by the chief o' police's office +for denouncin' the criminal? + +MRS. JOHN + +How's that? + +JOHN + +Don't you know that all this manoeuverin' o' police an' detectives is +started on account o' Bruno? + +MRS. JOHN + +How so? Where? What is it? What's been started? + +JOHN + +The funeral's been stopped an' two o' the mourners--queer customers they +is, too--has been taken prisoner. Yes, sir! That's the pass things has +come to, Mr. Hassenreuter. I'm a man, sir, what's tied to a women as has +a brother what's bein' pursued by the criminal police an' by detectives +because he killed a woman not far from the river under a lilac bush. + +HASSENREUTER + +But my dear Mr. John: God forbid that that be true! + +MRS. JOHN + +That's a lie! My brother don' do nothin' like that. + +JOHN + +Aw, don' he though, Jette? Mr. Hassenreuter, I was sayin' the other day +what kind of a brother that is! [_He notices the bunch of lilacs and +takes it from the table._] Look at this here! That there monster's been +in my home! If he comes back I'll be the first one that'll take him, +bound hand an' foot, an' deliver him up to justice! + + [_He searches through the whole room._ + +MRS. JOHN + +You c'n tell dam' fools there's such a thing as justice. There ain't no +justice, not even in heaven. There wasn't a soul here. An' that bit o' +lilac I brought along from Hangelsberg where a big bush of it grows +behind your sister's house. + +JOHN + +Jette, you wasn't at my sister's at all. Quaquaro jus' told me that! They +proved that at headquarters. You was seen in the park by the river ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Lies! + +JOHN + +An' 'way out in the suburbs where you passed the night in a arbour! + +MRS. JOHN + +What? D'you come into your own house to tear everythin' into bits? + +JOHN + +All right! I ain't sorry that things has come to this. There ain't no +more secrets between us here. I foretold all that. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Tense with interest._] Did that Polish girl who fought like a lioness +for Mrs. Knobbe's baby the other day ever show herself again? + +JOHN + +She's the very one. She's the one what they pulled out o' the water this +morning. An' I has to say it without bitin' my tongue off: Bruno Mechelke +took that girl's life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Quickly._] Then she was probably his mistress? + +JOHN + +Ask mother! I don' know about that! That's what I was scared of; that's +the reason I rather didn't come home at all no more, that my own wife was +loaded down with a crowd like that an' didn't have the strength to shake +it off. + +HASSENREUTER + +Come, children! + +JOHN + +Why so? You jus' stay! + +MRS. JOHN + +You don' has to go an' open the windows an' cry out everythin' for all +the world to hear! It's bad enough if fate's brought a misfortune like +that on us. Go on! Make a noise about it if you want to. But you won't +see me very soon again. + +HASSENREUTER + +And you mean to say that that ... + +JOHN + +That's jus' what I'll do! Jus' that! I'll call in anybody as wants to +know--outa the street, offa the hall, the carpenter outa the yard, the +boys an' the girls what takes their confirmation lessons--I'll call 'em +all an' I'll tell 'em what a woman got into on account o' her fool love +for her brother! + +HASSENREUTER + +And so that good-looking girl who laid claim to the child is actually +dead to-day? + +JOHN + +Maybe she was good-lookin'. I don' know nothin' about that, whether she +was pretty or ugly. But it's a fac' that she's lyin' in the morgue this +day. + +MRS. JOHN + +I c'n tell you what she was! She was a common, low wench! She had +dealin's with a Tyrolese feller that didn't want to have nothin' more to +do with her an' she had a child by him. An' she'd ha' liked to kill that +child while it was in her own womb. Then she came to fetch it with that +Kielbacke what's been in prison eighteen months as a professional +baby-killer. Whether she had any dealin's with Bruno, I don' know! Maybe +so an' maybe not! An' anyhow, I don' see how it concerns me what Bruno's +gone an' done. + +HASSENREUTER + +So you _did_ know the girl in question, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +How so? I didn't know her a bit! I'm only sayin' what everybody as knows +says about that there girl. + +HASSENREUTER + +You're an honourable woman: you're an honourable man, Mr. John. This +matter with your wayward brother is terrible enough as a fact, but it +ought not seriously to undermine your married life. Stay honest and ... + +JOHN + +Not a bit of it! I don't stay with such people; not anywhere near 'em. +[_He brings his fist down on the table, taps at the walls, stamps on the +floor._] Listen to the crackin'! Listen, how the plasterin' comes +rumblin' down behind the wall-paper! Everything rotten here, everythin's +worm eaten! Everythin's undermined by varmint an' by rats an' by mice. +[_He see-saws on a loose plank in the floor._] Every thin' totters! Any +minute the whole business might crash down into the cellar.--[_He opens +the door._] Selma! Selma! I'm goin' to pull outa here before the whole +thing just falls together into a heap o' rubbish! + +MRS. JOHN + +What do you want o' Selma? + +JOHN + +Selma is goin' to take that child an' I'll go with 'em on the train an' +take it out to my sister. + +MRS. JOHN + +You'll hear from me if you try that! Oh, you jus' try it! + +JOHN + +Is my child to be brought up in surroundin's like this, an' maybe some +day be driven over the roofs with Bruno an' maybe end in the +penitentiary? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Cries out at him._] That ain't your child at all! Y'understan'? + +JOHN + +'S that so? Well, we'll see if an honest man can't be master o' his own +child what's got a mother that's gone crazy an' is in the hands of a +crowd o' murderers. I'd like to see who's in the right there an' who's +the stronger. Selma! + +MRS. JOHN + +I'll scream! I'll tear open the windows! Mrs. Hassenreuter, they wants to +rob a mother o' her child! That's my right that I'm the mother o' my +child! Ain't that my right? Ain't that so, Mrs. Hassenreuter? They're +surroundin' me! They wants to rob me o' my rights! Ain't it goin' to +belong to me what I picked up like refuse, what was lyin' on rags +half-dead, an' I had to rub it an' knead it all I could before it began +to breathe an' come to life slowly? If it wasn't for me, it would ha' +been covered with earth these three weeks! + +HASSENREUTER + +Mr. John, to play the part of an arbitrator between married people is not +ordinarily my function. It's too thankless a task and one's experiences +are, as a rule, too unhappy. But you should not permit your feeling of +honour, justly wounded as, no doubt, it is, to hurry you into acts that +are rash. For, after all, your wife is not responsible for her brother's +act. Let her have the child! Don't increase the misery of it all by such +hardness toward your wife as must hurt her most cruelly and +unnecessarily. + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, that child's like as if it was cut outa my own flesh! I bought that +child with my blood. It ain't enough that all the world's after me an' +wants to take it away from me; now you gotta join 'em an' do the same! +That's the thanks a person gets! Why, it's like a pack o' hungry wolves +aroun' me. You c'n kill me! But you can't touch my baby! + +JOHN + +I comes home, Mr. Hassenreuter, only this mornin'. I comes home with all +my tools on the train, jolly as c'n be. I broke off all my connections in +Hamburg. Even if you don' earn so much, says I to myself, you'd rather be +with your family, an' take up your child in your arms a little, or maybe +take it on your knee a little! That was about the way I was thinkin'! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul! Here, Paul! [_She goes close up to him._] You c'n tear my heart out +if you want to! + + [_She stares long at him, then runs behind the partition, whence her + loud weeping is heard._ + + _SELMA enters from the hall. She is dressed in mourning garments and + carries a little wreath in her hand._ + +SELMA + +What is I to do? You called me, Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Put on your cloak, Selma. Ax your mother if you c'n go an' take a trip +with me to Hangelsberg. You'll earn a bit o' money doin' it. All you +gotta do is to take my child on your arm an' come along with me. + +SELMA + +No, I ain' goin' to touch that child no more. + +JOHN + +Why not? + +SELMA + +No; I'm afraid, Mr. John! I'm that scared at the way mama an' the police +lieutenant screamed at me. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Appears._] Why did they scream at you? + +SELMA + +[_Crying vociferously._] Officer Schierke even slapped my face. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, I'll see about that ... he oughta try that again. + +SELMA + +I can't tell why that Polish girl took my little brother away. If I'd +known that my little brother was goin' to die, I'd ha' jumped at her +throat first. Now little Gundofried's coffin stands on the stairs. I +believe mama has convulsions an' is lyin' down in Quaquaro's alcove. An' +me they wants to take to the charity organisation, Mrs. John. + + [_She weeps._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Then you c'n be reel happy. They can't treat you worse'n you was treated +at home. + +SELMA + +An' I gotta go to court! An' maybe they'll take me to gaol! + +MRS. JOHN + +On account o' what? + +SELMA + +Because they says I took the child what the Polish girl had up in the +loft an' carried it down to you. + +HASSENREUTER + +So a child actually was born up there. + +SELMA + +Certainly. + +HASSENREUTER + +In _whose_ loft? + +SELMA + +Why, where them actors lives! It ain't none o' my business! How is I to +know anythin' about it? All I c'n say is ... + +MRS. JOHN + +You better hurry on about your business now, Selma! You got a clean +conscience! You don' has to care for what people jabber. + +SELMA + +An' I don' want to betray nothin' neither, Mrs. John. + +JOHN + +[_Grasps SELMA, who is about to run away, and holds her fast._] Naw, you +ain't goin'! Here you stays! The truth! "I don' want to betray nothin'," +you says. You heard that, too, Mrs. Hassenreuter? An' Mr. Spitta an' the +young lady here heard it too. The truth! You ain't goin' to leave this +here spot before I don' know the rights o' this matter about Bruno an' +his mistress, an' if you people did away with that child! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, I swear before God that I ain't done away with it! + +JOHN + +Well ...? Out with what you know, girl! I been seein' for a long time +that there's been some secret scheming between you an' my wife. There +ain't no use no more in all that winkin' an' noddin'. Is that child dead +or alive? + +SELMA + +No, that child is alive all right. + +HASSENREUTER + +The one, you mean, that you carried down here under your apron or in some +such way? + +JOHN + +If it's dead you c'n be sure that you an' Bruno'll both be made a head +shorter'n you are! + +SELMA + +I'm tellin' you the child is alive. + +HASSENREUTER + +But you said at first that you hadn't brought down any child at all. + +JOHN + +An' you pretend to know nothin' o' that whole business, mother? [_MRS. +JOHN stares at him; SELMA gazes helplessly and confusedly at MRS. JOHN._] +Mother, you got rid o' the child o' Bruno an' that Polish wench an' then, +when people came after it, you went an' substitooted that little crittur +o' Knobbe's. + +WALBURGA + +[_Very pale and conquering her repugnance._] Tell me, Mrs. John, what +happened on that day when I so foolishly took flight up into the loft at +papa's coming? I'll explain that to you later, papa. On that occasion, as +became clear to me later, I saw the Polish girl twice: first with Mrs. +John and then with her brother. + +HASSENREUTER + +You, Walburga? + +WALBURGA + +Yes, papa. Alice Ruetterbusch was with you that day, and I had made an +engagement to meet Erich here. He came to see you finally but failed to +meet me because I kept hidden. + +HASSENREUTER + +I can't say that I have any recollection of that. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_To her husband._] The girl has really passed more than one sleepless +night on account of this matter. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, Mrs. John, if you are inclined to attach any weight to the opinion +of a former jurist who exchanged the law for an artistic career only +after having been plucked in his bar examination--in that case let me +assure you that, under the circumstances, ruthless frankness will prove +your best defense. + +JOHN + +Jette, where did you put that there child? The head detective told me--I +jus' remember it now--that they're still huntin' aroun' for the child o' +the dead woman! Jette, for God's sake, don't you have 'em suspect you o' +layin' hands on that there newborn child jus' to get the proofs o' your +brother's rascality outa the world! + +MRS. JOHN + +_Me_ lay hands on little Adelbert, Paul? + +JOHN + +Nobody ain't talkin' o' Adelbert here. [_To SELMA._] I'll knock your head +off for you if you don' tell me this minute what's become o' the child o' +Bruno an' the Polish girl! + +SELMA + +Why, it's behind your own partition, Mr. John! + +JOHN + +Where is it, Jette? + +MRS. JOHN + +I ain't goin' to tell that. + + _The child begins to cry._ + +JOHN + +[_To SELMA._] The truth! Or I'll turn you over to the police, +y'understan'? See this rope? I'll tie you hand and foot! + +SELMA + +[_Involuntarily, in the extremity of her fear._] It's cryin' now! You +know that child well enough. Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Me? + + [_Utterly at sea he looks first at SELMA, then at HASSENREUTER. + Suddenly a suspicion flashes upon him as he turns his gaze upon his + wife. He believes that he is beginning to understand and wavers._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Don't you let a low down lie like that take you in, Paul! It's all +invented by the fine mother that girl has outa spite! Paul, why d'you +look at me so? + +SELMA + +That's low of you, mother John, that you wants to make me out so bad now. +Then I won't be careful neither not to let nothin' out! You know all +right that I carried the young lady's child down here an' put it in the +nice, clean bed. I c'n swear to that! I c'n take my oath on that! + +MRS. JOHN + +Lies! Lies! You says that my child ain't my child! + +SELMA + +Why, you ain't had no child at all, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Embraces her husband's knees._] Oh, that ain't true at all! + +JOHN + +You leave me alone, Henrietta! Don' dirty me with your hands! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, I couldn't do no different. I had to do that, I was deceived myself +an' then I told you about it in my letter to Hamburg an' then you was so +happy an' I couldn't disappoint you an' I thought: it's gotta be! We c'n +has a child this way too an' then ... + +JOHN + +[_With ominous calmness._] Lemme think it over, Jette. [_He goes to the +chest of drawers, opens a drawer and flings the baby linen and baby +dresses that he finds therein into the middle of the room._] C'n anybody +understan' how week after week, an' month after month, all day long an' +half the nights she could ha' worked on this trash till her fingers was +bloody? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Gathers up the linen and the dresses in insane haste and hides them +carefully in the table drawer and elsewhere._] Paul, don' do that! You +c'n do anythin' else! It's like tearin' the last rag offa my naked body! + +JOHN + +[_Stops, grasps his forehead and sinks into a chair._] If that's true, +mother, I'll be too ashamed to show my face again. + + [_He seems to sink into himself, crosses his arms over his head and + hides his face._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Mrs. John, how could you permit yourself to be forced into a course of so +much error and deception? You've entangled yourself in the most frightful +way! Come, children! Unhappily there is nothing more for us to do here. + +JOHN + +[_Gets up._] You might as well take me along with you, sir. + +MRS. JOHN + +Go on! Go on! I don' need you! + +JOHN + +[_Turning to her, coldly._] So you bargained for that there kid someway +an' when its mother wanted it back you got Bruno to kill her? + +MRS. JOHN + +You ain't no husband o' mine! How could that be! You been bought by the +police! You took money to give me up to my death! Go on, Paul, you ain't +human even! You got poison in your eyes an' teeth like wolves'! Go on an' +whistle so they'll come an' take me! Go on, I says! Now I see the kind o' +man you is an' I'll despise you to the day o' judgment! + + [_She is about to run from the room when policeman SCHIERKE and + QUAQUARO appear._ + +SCHIERKE + +Hold on! Nobody can't get outa this room. + +JOHN + +Come right in, Emil! You c'n come in reel quiet, officer. Everything in +order here an' all right. + +QUAQUARO + +Don't get excited, Paul! This here don' concern you! + +JOHN + +[_With rising rage._] Did you laugh, Emil? + +QUAQUARO + +Man alive, why should I? Only Mr. Schierke is to take that there little +one to the orphan house in a cab. + +SCHIERKE + +Yessir! That's right. Where is the child? + +JOHN + +How is I to know where all the brats offa junk heaps that witches use in +their doin's gets to in the end? Watch the chimney! Maybe it flew outa +there on a broomstick. + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul!--Now it _ain't_ to live! No, outa spite! Now it don' _has_ to live! +Now it's gotta go down under the ground with me! + + [_With lightning-like rapidity she has run behind the partition and + reappears at once with the child and makes for the door. HASSENREUTER + and SPITTA throw themselves in front of the desperate woman, intent + on saving the child._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Stop! I'll interfere now! I have the right to do so at this point! +Whomever the little boy may belong to--so much the worse if its mother +has been murdered--it was born on my premises! Forward, Spitta! Fight for +it, my boy! Here your propensities come properly into play! Go on! +Careful! That's it! Bravo! Be as careful as though it were the Christ +child! Bravo! That's it! You yourself are at liberty, Mrs. John. We don't +restrain you. You must only leave us the little boy. + + _MRS. JOHN rushes madly out._ + +SCHIERKE + +Here you stays! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +The woman is desperate. Stop her! Hold her! + +JOHN + +[_With a sudden change._] Look out for mother! Mother! Stop her! Catch +hold o' her! Mother! Mother! + + _SELMA, SCHIERKE and JOHN hurry after MRS. JOHN. SPITTA, + HASSENREUTER, MRS. HASSENREUTER and WALBURGA busy themselves about + the child, which lies on the table._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Carefully wrapping the infant._] The horrible woman may be desperate +for all I care! But for that reason she needn't destroy the child. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +But, dearest papa, isn't it quite evident that the woman has pinned her +love, silly to the point of madness as it is, to this very infant? +Thoughtless and harsh words may actually drive the unhappy creature to +her death. + +HASSENREUTER + +I used no harsh words, mama. + +SPITTA + +An unmistakable feeling assures me that the child has only now lost its +mother. + +QUAQUARO + +That's true. Its father ain't aroun' an' don' want to have nothin' to do +with it. He got married yesterday to the widow of a man who owned a +merry-go-roun'! Its mother was no better'n she should be! An' if Mrs. +Kielbacke was to take care of it, it'd die like ten outa every dozen what +she boards. The way things has come aroun' now--it'll have to die too. + +HASSENREUTER + +Unless our Father above who sees all things has differently determined. + +QUAQUARO + +D'you mean Paul, the mason? Not now! No sir! I knows him! He's a ticklish +customer where his honour is concerned. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Just look how the child lies there! It's incomprehensible! Fine +linen--even lace! Neat and sweet as a doll! It makes one's heart ache to +think how suddenly it has become an utterly forlorn and forsaken orphan. + +SPITTA + +Where I judge in Israel ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You would erect a monument to Mrs. John! It may well be that many an +element of the heroic, much that is hiddenly meritorious, lurks in these +obscure fates and struggles. But not even Kohlhaas of Kohlhaasenbrueck +with his mad passion for justice could fight his way through! Let us use +practical Christianity! Perhaps we could permanently befriend the child. + +QUAQUARO + +You better keep your hands offa that! + +HASSENREUTER + +Why? + +QUAQUARO + +Unless you're crazy to get rid o' money an' are anxious for all the +worries an' the troubles you'll have with the public charities an' the +police an' the courts. + +HASSENREUTER + +For such things I have no time to spare, I confess. + +SPITTA + +Won't you admit that a genuinely tragic fatality has been active here? + +HASSENREUTER + +Tragedy is not confined to any class of society. I always told you that! + + _SELMA, breathless, opens the outer door._ + +SELMA + +Mr. John! Mr. John! Oh, Mr. John! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Mr. John isn't here. What do you want, Selma? + +SELMA + +Mr. John, you're to come out on the street! + +HASSENREUTER + +Quiet, quiet now! What is the matter? + +SELMA + +[_Breathlessly._] Your wife ... your wife ... The whole street's crowded +... 'buses an' tram-cars ... nobody can't get through ... her arms is +stretched out ... your wife's lyin' on her face down there. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Why, what has happened? + +SELMA + +Lord! Lord God in Heaven! Mrs. John has killed herself. + + +THE END + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dramatic Works of Gerhart +Hauptmann by Gerhart Hauptmann + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DRAMATIC WORKS OF *** + +This file should be named 7hwk210.txt or 7hwk210.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 7hwk211.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 7hwk210a.txt + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Thomas Berger and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann + Volume II + +Author: Gerhart Hauptmann + +Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9972] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on November 5, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO Latin-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DRAMATIC WORKS OF *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Thomas Berger and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + +THE DRAMATIC WORKS + +OF + +GERHART HAUPTMANN + +(Authorized Edition) + + + +Edited By LUDWIG LEWISOHN + +Assistant Professor in The Ohio State University + + + +VOLUME TWO: SOCIAL DRAMAS + + +1913 + + + + +CONTENTS + + +INTRODUCTION +_By the Editor_. + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL (Fuhrmann Henschel) +_Translated by the Editor_. + +ROSE BERND (Rose Bernd) +_Translated by the Editor_. + +THE RATS (Die Ratten) +_Translated by the Editor_. + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +The first volume of the present edition of Hauptmann's Dramatic Works is +identical in content with the corresponding volume of the German edition. +In the second volume _The Rats_ has been substituted for two early prose +tales which lie outside of the scope of our undertaking. Hence these two +volumes include that entire group of dramas which Hauptmann himself +specifically calls social. This term must not, of course, be pressed too +rigidly. Only in _Before Dawn_ and in _The Weavers_ can the dramatic +situation be said to arise wholly from social conditions rather than from +the fate of the individual. It is true, however, that in the seven plays +thus far presented all characters are viewed primarily as, in a large +measure, the results of their social environment. This environment is, in +all cases, proportionately stressed. To exhibit it fully Hauptmann uses, +beyond any other dramatist, passages which, though always dramatic in +form, are narrative and, above all, descriptive in intention. The silent +burden of these plays, the ceaseless implication of their fables, is the +injustice and inhumanity of the social order. + +Hauptmann, however, has very little of the narrow and acrid temper of the +special pleader. He is content to show humanity. It is quite conceivable +that the future, forgetful of the special social problems and the +humanitarian cult of to-day, may view these plays as simply bodying forth +the passions and events that are timeless and constant in the inevitable +march of human life. The tragedies of _Drayman Henschel_ and of _Rose +Bernd_, at all events, stand in no need of the label of any decade. They +move us by their breadth and energy and fundamental tenderness. + +No plays of Hauptmann produce more surely the impression of having been +dipped from the fullness of life. One does not feel that these men and +women--Hanne Schäl and Siebenhaar, old Bernd and the Flamms--are called +into a brief existence as foils or props of the protagonists. They led +their lives before the plays began: they continue to live in the +imagination long after Henschel and Rose have succumbed. How does +Christopher Flamm, that excellent fellow and most breathing picture of +the average man, adjust his affairs? He is fine enough to be permanently +stirred by the tragedy he has earned, yet coarse enough to fall back into +a merely sensuous life of meaningless pleasures. But at his side sits +that exquisite monitor--his wife. The stream of their lives must flow on. +And one asks how and whither? To apply such almost inevitable questions +to Hauptmann's characters is to be struck at once by the exactness and +largeness of his vision of men. Few other dramatists impress one with an +equal sense of life's fullness and continuity, + +"The flowing, flowing, flowing of the world." + +The last play in this volume, _The Rats_, appeared in 1911, thirteen +years after _Drayman Henschel_, nine years after _Rose Bernd_. A first +reading of the book is apt to provoke disappointment and confusion. Upon +a closer view, however, the play is seen to be both powerful in itself +and important as a document in criticism and _Kulturgeschichte_. It +stands alone among Hauptmann's works in its inclusion of two separate +actions or plots--the tragedy of Mrs. John and the comedy of the +Hassenreuter group. Nor can the actions be said to be firmly interwoven: +they appear, at first sight, merely juxtaposed. Hauptmann would +undoubtedly assert that, in modern society, the various social classes +live in just such juxtaposition and have contacts of just the kind here +chronicled. His real purpose in combining the two fables is more +significant. Following the great example, though not the precise method, +of Molière, who produced _La Critique de l'École des Femmes_ on the +boards of his theater five months after the hostile reception of _L'École +des Femmes_, Hauptmann gives us a naturalistic tragedy and, at the same +time, its criticism and defense. His tenacity to the ideals of his youth +is impressively illustrated here. In his own work he has created a new +idealism. But let it not be thought that his understanding of tragedy and +his sense of human values have changed. The charwoman may, in very truth, +be a Muse of tragedy, all grief is of an equal sacredness, and even the +incomparable Hassenreuter--wind-bag, chauvinist and consistent +_Goetheaner_--is forced by the essential soundness of his heart to blurt +out an admission of the basic principle of naturalistic dramaturgy. + +The group of characters in _The Rats_ is unusually large and varied. The +phantastic note is somewhat strained perhaps in Quaquaro and Mrs. Knobbe. +But the convincingness and earth-rooted humanity of the others is once +more beyond cavil or dispute. The Hassenreuter family, Alice Rütterbusch, +the Spittas, Paul John and Bruno Mechelke, Mrs. Kielbacke and even the +policeman Schierke--all are superbly alive, vigorous and racy in speech +and action. + +The language of the plays in this volume is again almost wholly +dialectic. The linguistic difficulties are especially great in _The Rats_ +where the members of the Berlin populace speak an extraordinarily +degraded jargon. In the translation I have sought, so far as possible, to +differentiate the savour and quaintness of the Silesian dialect from the +coarseness of that of Berlin. But all such attempts must, from their very +nature, achieve only a partial success. The succeeding volumes of this +edition, presenting the plays written in normal literary German, will +offer a fairer if not more fascinating field of interpretation. + +LUDWIG LEWISOHN. + + + + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL + + + + +_LIST OF PERSONS_ + + +DRAYMAN HENSCHEL. + +MRS. HENSCHEL. + +HANNE SCHÄL (_later MRS. HENSCHEL_). + +BERTHA. + +HORSE DEALER WALTHER. + +SIEBENHAAR. + +KARLCHEN. + +WERMELSKIRCH. + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH. + +FRANZISKA WERMELSKIRCH. + +HAUFFE. + +FRANZ. + +GEORGE. + +FABIG. + +HILDEBRANT. + +VETERINARIAN GRUNERT. + +FIREMAN. + +Time: Toward the end of the eighteen sixties. +Scene: The "Gray Swan" hotel in a Silesian watering place. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _A room, furnished peasant fashion, in the basement of the "Grey + Swan" hotel. Through two windows set high in the left wall, the + gloomy light of a late winter afternoon sickers in. Under the windows + there stands a bed of soft wood, varnished yellow, in which MRS. + HENSCHEL is lying ill. She is about thirty-six years of age. Near the + bed her little six-months-old daughter lies in her cradle. A second + bed stands against the back wall which, like the other walls, is + painted blue with a dark, plain border near the ceiling. In front, + toward the right, stands a great tile-oven surrounded by a bench. A + plentiful supply of small split kindling wood is piled up in the + roomy bin. The wall to the right has a door leading to a smaller + room. HANNE SCHÄL, a vigorous, young maid servant is very busy in the + room. She has put her wooden pattens aside and walks about in her + thick, blue stockings. She takes from the oven an iron pot in which + food is cooking and puts it back again. Cooking spoons, a twirling + stick and a strainer lie on the bench; also a large, thick + earthenware jug with a thin, firmly corked neck. Beneath the bench + stands the water pitcher. HANNE'S skirts are gathered up in a thick + pad; her bodice is dark grey; her muscular arms are bare. Around the + top of the oven is fastened a square wooden rod, on which long + hunting stockings are hung up to dry, as well as swaddling clothes, + leathern breeches and a pair of tall, water-tight boots. To the right + of the oven stand a clothes press and a chest of drawers--old + fashioned, gaily coloured, Silesian pieces of furniture. Through the + open door in the rear wall one looks out upon a dark, broad, + underground corridor which ends in a glass door with manicoloured + panes. Behind this door wooden steps lead upward. These stairs are + always illuminated by a jet of gas so that the panes of the door + shine brightly. It is in the middle of February; the weather without + is stormy._ + + _FRANZ, a young fellow in sober coachman's livery, ready to drive + out, looks in._ + +FRANZ + +Hanne! + +HANNE + +Eh? + +FRANZ + +Is the missis asleep? + +HANNE + +What d'you suppose? Don't make so much noise! + +FRANZ + +There's doors enough slammin' in this house. If that don't wake her up--! +I'm goin' to drive the carriage to Waldenburg. + +HANNE + +Who's goin'? + +FRANZ + +The madam. She's goin' to buy birthday presents. + +HANNE + +Whose birthday is it? + +FRANZ + +Little Karl's. + +HANNE + +Great goin's on--those. To hitch up the horses on account o' that fool of +a kid an' travel to Waldenburg in such weather! + +FRANZ + +Well, I has my fur coat! + +HANNE + +Those people don't know no more how to get rid o' their money! We got to +slave instead! + + _In the passage appears, slowly feeling his may, the veterinarian + GRUNERT. He is a small man in a coat of black sheep's fur, cap and + tall boots. He taps with the handle of his whip against the door post + in order to call attention to his presence._ + +GRUNERT + +Isn't Henschel at home yet? + +HANNE + +What's wanted of him? + +GRUNERT + +I've come to look at the gelding. + +HANNE + +So you're the doctor from Freiburg, eh? Henschel, he's not at home. He +went to Freiburg carryin' freight; seems to me you must ha' met him. + +GRUNERT + +In which stall do you keep the gelding? + +HANNE + +'Tis the chestnut horse with the white star on his face, I believe they +put him in the spare stall. [_To FRANZ._] You might go along an' show him +the way. + +FRANZ + +Just go straight across the yard, 's far as you can, under the big hall, +right into the coachman's room. Then you c'n ask Frederic; he'll tell +you! + + [_Exit GRUNERT._ + +HANNE + +Well, go along with him. + +FRANZ + +Haven't you got a few pennies change for me? + +HANNE + +I s'pose you want me to sell my skin on your account? + +FRANZ + +[_Tickling her._] I'd buy it right off. + +HANNE + +Franz! Don't you--! D'you want the woman to wake up? You don't feel reel +well, do you, if you can't wring a few farthings out o' me! I'm fair +cleaned out. [_Rummaging for the money._] Here! [_She presses something +into his hand._] Now get out! + + [_The bell rings._ + +FRANZ + +[_Frightened._] That's the master. Good-bye. + + [_He goes hastily._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Has waked up and says weakly._] Girl! Girl! Don't you hear nothin'? + +HANNE + +[_Roughly._] What d'you want? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I want you to listen when a body calls you! + +HANNE + +I hear all right! But if you don't talk louder I can't hear. I got only +just two ears. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Are you goin' to cut up rough again? + +HANNE + +[_Surly._] Ah, what do I--! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Is that right, eh? Is it right o' you to talk rough like that to a sick +woman? + +HANNE + +Who starts it, I'd like to know! You don't hardly wake up but what you +begin to torment me. Nothin's done right, no matter how you do it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's because you don't mind me! + +HANNE + +You better be doin' your work yourself. I slaves away all day an' half o' +the night! But if things is that way--I'd rather go about my business! + + [_She lets her skirts fall and runs out._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Girl! Girl!--Don't do that to me! What is it I said that was so bad? O +Lord, O Lord! What'll happen when the men folks comes home? They wants to +eat! No, girl ... girl! + + [_She sinks back exhausted, moans softly, and begins to rock her + baby's cradle by means of a cord which is within her reach._ + + _Through the glass door in the rear KARLCHEN squeezes himself in with + some difficulty. He carries a dish full of soup and moves carefully + and timidly toward MRS. HENSCHEL'S bed. There he sets down the dish + on a wooden chair._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, Karlchen, is that you! Do tell me what you're bringin' me there? + +KARLCHEN + +Soup! Mother sends her regards and hopes you'll soon feel better and that +you'll like the soup, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, little lad, you're the best of 'em all. Chicken soup! 'Tis not +possible. Well, tell your mother I thank her most kindly. D'you hear? +Don't go an' forget that! Now I'll tell you somethin', Karlchen! You c'n +do me a favour, will you? See that rag over there? Get on this bench, +will you, an' pull the pot out a bit. The girl's gone off an' she put it +too far in. + +KARLCHEN + +[_After he has found the rag mounts the bench cheerfully and looks into +the oven. He asks:_] The black pot or the blue one, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What's in the blue pot? + +KARLCHEN + +Sauerkraut. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Agitated._] Pull it out! That'll be boilin' to nothin'!--Eh, what a +girl, what a girl! + +KARLCHEN + +[_Has pulled the pot in question forward._] Is this right? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You c'n let it stand that way! Come here a bit now an' I'll give you a +piece o' whip cord. [_She takes the cord from the window-sill and gives +it to him._] An' how is your mother? + +KARLCHEN + +She's well. She's gone to Waldenburg to buy things for my birthday. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not well, myself. I think I'm goin' to die! + +KARLCHEN + +Oh, no, Mrs. Henschel! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, you c'n believe me; I'm goin' to die. For all I care you can +say so to your mother. + +KARLCHEN + +I'm goin' to get a Bashly cap, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, you c'n believe me. Come over here a bit. Keep reel still an' +listen. D'you hear how it ticks? D'you hear how it ticks in the rotten +wood? + +KARLCHEN + +[_Whose wrist she holds in her fevered grasp._] I'm afraid, Mrs. +Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, never mind. We all has to die! D'you hear how it ticks? Do you? What +is that? 'Tis the deathwatch that ticks. [_She falls back._] One ... two +... one ...--Oh, what a girl, what a girl! + + _KARLCHEN, released from her grasp, withdraws timidly toward the + door. When his hand is on the knob of the glass door a sudden terror + overtakes him. He tears the door open and slams it behind him with + such force that the panes rattle. Immediately thereupon a vigorous + cracking of whips is heard without. Hearing this noise MRS. HENSCHEL + starts up violently._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's father comin'! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Out in the hallway and yet unseen._] Doctor, what are we goin' to do +with the beast? + + [_He and the veterinarian are visible through the doorway._ + +GRUNERT + +He won't let you come near him. We'll have to put the twitch on him, I +think. + +HENSCHEL + +[_He is a man of athletic build, about forty-five years old. He wears a +fur cap, a jacket of sheep's fur under which his blue carter's blouse is +visible, tall boots, green hunting stockings. He carries a whip and a +burning lantern._] I don't know no more what's wrong with that beast. I +carted some hard coal from the mine yesterday. I came home an' unhitched, +an' put the horses in the stable, an'--that very minute--the beast throws +hisself down an' begins to kick. + + [_He puts his long whip in a corner and hangs up his cap._ + + _HANNE returns and takes up her work again, although visibly + enraged._ + +HENSCHEL + +Girl, get a light! + +HANNE + +One thing after another! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Puts out the light in the lantern and hangs it up._] Heaven only knows +what all this is comin' to. First my wife gets sick! Then this here horse +drops down! It looks as if somethin' or somebody had it in for me! I +bought that gelding Christmas time from Walther. Two weeks after an' the +beast's lame. I'll show him. Two hundred crowns I paid. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Is it rainin' outside? + +HENSCHEL + +[_In passing._] Yes, yes, mother; it's rainin'.--An' it's a man's own +brother-in-law that takes him in that way. + + [_He sits down on the bench._ + + _HANNE has lit a tallow candle and puts it into a candle stick of + tin, which she sets on the table._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're too good, father. That's what it is. You don't think no evil o' +people. + +GRUNERT + +[_Sitting down at the table and writing a prescription._] I'll write down +something for you to get from the chemist. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +No, I tell you, if that chestnut dies on top o' everythin' else--! I +don't believe God's meanin' to let that happen! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Holding out his leg to HANNE._] Come, pull off my boots for me! That +was a wind that blew down here on the road from Freiburg. People tell me +it unroofed the church in the lower village more'n half, [_To HANNE._] +Just keep on tuggin'! Can't you get it? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_To HANNE._] I don't know! You don't seem to learn nothin'! + + [_HANNE succeeds in pulling off one boot. She puts it aside and + starts on the other._ + +HENSCHEL + +Keep still, mother! You don't do it any better! + +HANNE + +[_Pulls off the second boot and puts it aside. Then in a surly voice to +HENSCHEL._] Did you bring me my apron from Kramsta? + +HENSCHEL + +All the things I'm axed to keep in my head! I'm content if I c'n keep my +own bit of business straight an' get my boxes safe to the railroad. What +do I care about women or their apron-strings? + +GRUNERT + +No, you're not famous for caring about them. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' it'd be a bad thing if he was! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Slips on wooden pattens and rises. To HANNE._] Hurry now! Hurry! We got +to get our dinner. This very day we still has to go down to the smithy. + +GRUNERT + +[_Has finished writing his prescription, which he leaves lying on the +table. He slips his note book and pencil back into his pocket and says as +he is about to go:_] You'll hurry this to the chemist's. I'll look in +early in the morning. + + [_HENSCHEL sits down at the table._ + + _HAUFFE comes in slowly. He has wooden pattens on and leathern + breeches and also carries a lighted lantern._ + +HAUFFE + +That's dirty weather for you again! + +HENSCHEL + +How's it goin' in the stable? + +HAUFFE + +He's goin' to end by knockin' down the whole stall. + + [_He blows out the light in the lantern and hangs it up next to + HENSCHEL'S._ + +GRUNERT + +Good night to all of you. All we can do is to wait. We doctors are only +human too. + +HENSCHEL + +To be sure. We know that without your telling us! Good night; I hope you +won't overturn. [_GRUNERT goes._] Now tell me, mother, how is it with +you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh. I've been worritin' so much again! + +HENSCHEL + +What is it that worries you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Because for all I c'n do, I'm not able to lend a hand even. + + _HANNE places a disk of dumplings and one of sauerkraut on the table; + she takes forks from the table drawer and puts them on the table._ + +HENSCHEL + +The girl's here to do the work! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A girl like her is that thoughtless! + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, we gets enough to eat an' everythin' seems to go smoothly.--If you +hadn't got up out o' bed too soon the first time, you might be dancin' +this day! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +O Lord, me an' dancin'. What an idea! + + _HANNE has prepared three plates, putting a small piece of pork on + each. She now draws up a stool for herself and sits down at the + table._ + +HAUFFE + +There's not much left o' the oats, neither. + +HENSCHEL + +I bought some yesterday; thirty sacks. Saturday a load o' hay'll come +too. The feed gets dearer all the time. + +HAUFFE + +If the beasts is to work they has to eat. + +HENSCHEL + +But people thinks they live on air, an' so everybody wants to cut down +the carting charges. + +HAUFFE + +He said somethin' like that to me too. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who said that--the inspector? + +HENSCHEL + +Who else but him? But this time he met the wrong man. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, well, I'm not sayin', but that's the end of everythin'! What's to +become of us these hard times? + +HANNE + +The inspector of roads was here. He wants you to send him teams for the +big steam roller, I believe. They're in Hinterhartau now. + + _Behind the glass door MR. SIEBENHAAR is seen descending the stairs. + He is little over forty. Most carefully dressed; black broadcloth + coat, white waist-coat, light-coloured, English trousers--an elegance + of attire derived from the style of the 'sixties. His hair, already + grey, leaves the top of his head bald; his moustache, on the + contrary, is thick and dark blond. SIEBENHAAR wears gold-rimmed + spectacles. When he desires to see anything with exactness, he must + use, in addition, a pair of eye-glasses which he slips in behind the + lenses of his spectacles. He represents an intelligent type._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Approaches the open door of the room. In his right hand he holds a +candle-stick of tin with an unlit candle in it and a bunch of keys; with +his left hand he shades his sensitive eyes._] Has Henschel come back yet? + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, Mr. Siebenhaar. + +SIEBENHAAR + +But you're just at your dinner. I have something to do in the cellar. We +can talk that matter over later. + +HENSCHEL + +No, no; you needn't put nothin' off on my account. I'm through! + +SIEBENHAAR + +In that case you'd better come up to see me. [_He enters the room and +lights his candle by the one which is burning on the table._] I'll only +get a light here now. We're more undisturbed in my office.--How are you, +Mrs. Henschel? How did you like the chicken-soup? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, goodness, gracious! I clean forgot about it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Is that so, indeed? + +HANNE + +[_Discovering the dish of chicken soup._] That's true; there it stands. + +HENSCHEL + +That's the way that woman is! She'd like to get well an' she forgets to +eat and to drink. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_As a violent gust of wind is felt even indoors._] Do tell me: what do +you think of it? My wife's driven over to Waldenburg, and the weather is +getting wilder and wilder. I'm really beginning to get worried. What's +your opinion? + +HENSCHEL + +I s'pose it sounds worse than it is. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, well, one shouldn't take such risks. Didn't you hear that rattling? +The wind broke one of the large windows in the dining-hall looking out +over the verandah. You know. It's a tremendous storm! + +HENSCHEL + +Who'd ha' thought it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That'll be costin' you a good bit again! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Leaving the room by way of the passage to the left._] There's nothing +inexpensive except death. + +HENSCHEL + +He's got his bunch o' troubles like the rest of us. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What do you think he wants o' you again, father? + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin'! How c'n I tell? I'll hear what he says. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I do hope he won't be askin' for money again. + +HENSCHEL + +Don't begin talkin' nonsense, mother. + +HANNE + +But if them people is as hard up as all that, why does the woman has to +have a twenty shillin' hat? + +HENSCHEL + +You hold your tongue! No one asked you! You poke your nose over your +kneadin' board an' not into other folks' affairs! It takes somethin' to +keep a hotel like this goin'. Two months in the year he makes money. The +rest o' the time he has to do the best he can. + +HAUFFE + +An' he had to go an' build atop o' that! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' 'twas that as got him in worse'n ever. He should ha' let it be. + +HENSCHEL + +Women don't understand nothin' o' such affairs. He had to build; he +couldn't do no different. We gets more an' more people who come here for +their health nowadays; there wasn't half so many formerly. But in those +times they had money; now they wants everythin' for nothin'. Get the +bottle. I'd like to drink a nip o' whiskey. + +HAUFFE + +[_Slowly clasping his knife and getting ready to rise._] Forty rooms, +three big halls, an' nothin' in 'em excep' rats an' mice. How's he goin' +to raise the interest? + + [_He rises._ + + _FRANZISKA WERMELSKIRCH peeps in. She is a pretty, lively girl of + sixteen. She wears her long, dark hair open. Her costume is slightly + eccentric: the skirts white and short, the bodice cut in triangular + shape at the neck, the sash long and gay. Her arms are bare above the + elbows. Around her neck she wears a coloured ribbon from which a + crucifix hangs down._ + +FRANZISKA + +[_Very vivaciously._] Wasn't Mr. Siebenhaar here just now? I wish you a +pleasant meal, ladies and gentlemen! I merely took the liberty of asking +whether Mr. Siebenhaar hadn't been here just now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Gruffly._] We don't know nothin'. He wasn't with us! + +FRANZISKA + +No? I thought he was! + + [_She puts her foot coquettishly on the bench and ties her shoe + strings._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar here an' Mr. Siebenhaar there! What are you always wantin' +of the man? + +FRANZISKA + +I? nothing! But he's so fond of gooseliver. Mama happens to have some and +so papa sent me to tell him so.--By the way, Mr. Henschel, do you know +that you might drop in to see us again, too! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You just let father bide where he is! That'd be a fine way! He's not +thinkin' about runnin' into taverns these days. + +FRANZISKA + +We're broaching a new keg to-day, though. + +HENSCHEL + +[_While HAUFFE grins and HANNE laughs._] Mother, you stick to your own +affairs. If I should want to go an' drink a glass o' beer I wouldn't be +askin' nobody's consent, you c'n be sure. + +FRANZISKA + +--How are you anyhow, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, to-morrow I'll be gettin' me a sash too an' take to rope-dancin'. + +FRANZISKA + +I'll join you. I can do that splendidly. I always practice on the +carriage shafts. + +HENSCHEL + +So that's the reason why all the shafts are bent! + +FRANZISKA + +Do you see, this is the way it's done; this is the way to balance +oneself. [_Imitating the movements of a tight rope dancer, she prances +out by the door._] Right leg! Left leg! _Au revoir!_ + + [_Exit._ + +HAUFFE + +[_Taking down his lantern._] She'll go off her head pretty soon if she +don't get no husband. + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If she had to lend a hand an' work good an' hard, she'd get over that +foolishness. + +HANNE + +She's not allowed to come upstairs. Mrs. Siebenhaar won't have her. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' she's right there. I wouldn't bear it neither. + +HANNE + +She's always chasin' an' sniffin' around Mr. Siebenhaar. I'm willin' +people should please theirselves. But she's goin' it hard. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +The Siebenhaars ought to put them people out. The goin's on with the men +an' the wenches. + +HENSCHEL + +Aw, what are you talkin' about, mother? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, in the tap room. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, they has to live same as anybody. D'you want to see 'em put in the +streets? Wermelskirch's not a bad fellow at all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But the woman's an old witch. + +HENSCHEL + +If he pays his rent nothin' won't happen to him on that account. An' not +on account o' the girl by a long way. [_He has arisen and bends over the +cradle._] We've got a little thing like that here too, an' nobody's goin' +to put us out for that! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Eh, that would be ...! She's asleep all the time; she don't seem to want +to wake up! + +HENSCHEL + +There's not much strength in her.--Mother, sure you're not goin' to +die!--[_Taking his cap from the nail._] Hanne, I was just foolin' you a +while ago. Your apron is lyin' out there in the waggon. + +HANNE + +[_Eagerly._] Where is it? + +HENSCHEL + +In the basket. Go an' look for it! + + [_HENSCHEL leaves by way of the middle door; HANNE disappears into + the small adjacent room._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +So he brought her the apron after all! + + _HANNE runs quickly through the room again and goes out by the middle + door._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he brought her the apron after all! + + _SIEBENHAAR enters carefully, carrying his candle and keys as before + and, in addition, two bottles of claret._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +All alone, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he brought the apron ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +It's me, Mrs. Henschel. Did you think it was a stranger? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't hardly believe ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +I hope I didn't wake you up. It's me--Siebenhaar. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +To be sure. Yes. To be sure. + +SIEBENHAAR + +And I'm bringing you a little wine which you are to drink. It will do you +good.--Is it possible you don't recognize me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, now, that'd be queer. You are, sure--you are our Mr. Siebenhaar. +Things hasn't come to such a pass with me yet. I recognise you all +right!--I don't know: has I been dreamin' or what? + +SIEBENHAAR + +You may have been. How are you otherwise? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But sure enough you're Siebenhaar. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Perhaps you thought I was your husband! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't know ... I reely can't say ... I was feelin' so queer ... + +SIEBENHAAR + +Seems to me you're not lying comfortably. Let me straighten your pillows +a bit. Does the doctor see you regularly? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With tearful excitement._] I don't know how it is--they just leaves me +alone. No, no, you're Mr. Siebenhaar, I know that. An' I know more'n +that: you was always good to me an' you has a good heart, even if +sometimes you made an angry face. I can tell you: I'm that afraid! I'm +always thinkin': it don't go quick enough for him. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What doesn't go quick enough? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Bursting into tears._] I'm livin' too long for him--! But what's to +become o' Gustel? + +SIEBENHAAR + +But, my dear Mrs. Henschel, what kind of talk is that? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Sobbing softly to herself._] What's to become o' Gustel if I die? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Mrs. Henschel, you're a sensible woman! And so do listen to me! If one +has to lie quietly in bed, you see, the way you have had to do +unfortunately--week after week--why then one naturally has all kinds of +foolish thoughts come into one's head. One has all sorts of sickly +fancies. But one must resist all that resolutely, Mrs. Henschel! Why, +that would be a fine state of affairs, if that--! Such stuff! Put it out +of your mind, Mrs. Henschel! it's folly! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Dear me, I didn't want to believe it: I know what I says! + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's just what you don't know. That's just what, unfortunately, you +don't know at present. You will simply laugh when you look back upon, it +later. Simply laugh! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Breaking out passionately._] Didn't he go an' see her where she sleeps! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Utterly astonished but thoroughly incredulous._] Who went to see whom? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Henschel! The girl! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Your husband? And Hanne? Now look here; whoever persuaded you of that is +a rascally liar. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' when I'm dead he'll marry her anyhow! + + _HENSCHEL appears in the doorway._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +You're suffering from hallucinations, Mrs. Henschel! + +HENSCHEL + +[_In good-natured astonishment._] What's the matter, Malchen? Why are you +cryin' so? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you mustn't leave your wife alone! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Approaches the bed in kindly fashion._] Who's doin' anythin' to you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Throws herself in sullen rage on her other side, turning her back to +HENSCHEL and facing the wall._] ... Aw, leave me in peace! + +HENSCHEL + +What's the meanin' o' this? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Snarling at him through her sobs._] Oh, go away from me! + + _HENSCHEL, visibly taken aback, looks questioningly at SIEBENHAAR, + who polishes his glasses and shakes his head._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Softly._] I wouldn't bother her just now. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_As before._] You're wishin' me into my grave! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To HENSCHEL, who is about to fly into a rage._] Sh! Do me the favour to +keep still! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A body has eyes. A body's not blind! You don't has to let me know +everythin'. I'm no good for nothin' no more; I c'n go! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Controlling himself._] What do you mean by that, Malchen? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's right! Go on pretendin'! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Perplexed in the extreme._] Now do tell me--anybody ...! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Things c'n go any way they wants to ... I won't be deceived, an' you c'n +all sneak aroun' all you want to! I c'n see through a stone wall! I c'n +see you for all--yes--for all! You thinks: a woman like that is easy to +deceive. Rot, says I! One thing I tell you now--If I dies, Gustel dies +along with me! I'll take her with me! I'll strangle her before I'd leave +her to a damned wench like that! + +HENSCHEL + +But mother, what's come over you? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're wishin' me into my grave! + +HENSCHEL + +Hold on, now, hold on! Or I'll be gettin' wild! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Warning him softly._] Be calm, Henschel. The woman is ill. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Who has overheard._] Ill? An' who was it made me ill? You two--you an' +your wench! + +HENSCHEL + +Now I'd like to know who in the world put notions like that into your +head? The girl an' I! I don't understand the whole blasted thing! I'm +supposed to have dealin's with her? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Don't you fetch aprons an' ribands for her? + +HENSCHEL + +[_With renewed perplexity._] Aprons and ribands? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, aprons and ribands. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, that's the queerest thing--! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Don't you think everythin' she does right an' fine? D'you ever give her a +angry word? She's like the missis of the house this very day. + +HENSCHEL + +Mother, keep still: I'm advisin' you! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +'Tis you that has to keep still, 'cause there's nothin' you c'n say! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Standing by the bed._] Mrs. Henschel, you must collect yourself! All +this you're saying is the merest fancy! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're no better'n he; you don't do no different! An' the poor +women--they dies of it! [_Dissolved in self-pitying tears._] Well, let +'em die! + + _SIEBENHAAR gives a short laugh with an undertone of seriousness, + steps up to the table and opens one of the bottles of wine + resignedly._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Sitting on the edge of the bed speaks soothingly_] Mother, mother--you +turn over now an' I'll say a word to you in kindness. [_He turns her over +with kindly violence._] Look at it this way, mother: You've been havin' a +dream. You dreamed--that's it! Our little dog, he dreams queer things too +now an' then. You c'n see it. But now wake up, mother! Y'understan'? The +stuff you been talkin'--if a man wanted to make a load o' that the +strongest freight waggon'd break down. My head's fair spinnin' with it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Having looked for and found a glass which he now fills._] And then you +raked me over the coals too! + +HENSCHEL + +Don't take no offence, sir. A woman like that! A man has his troubles +with her.--Now you hurry up, mother, an' get well, or some fine day +you'll be tellin' me I been to Bolkenhain an' stole horses. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Here, drink your wine and try to gain some strength. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If only a body could be sure! + + _SIEBENHAAR supports her while she drinks._ + +HENSCHEL + +What's wrong now again? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_After she has drunk._] Could you give me a promise? + +HENSCHEL + +I'll give you any promise you wants. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If I dies, would you go an' marry her? + +HENSCHEL + +Don't ask such fool questions. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes or no! + +HENSCHEL + +Marry Hanne? [_Jestingly._] O' course I would! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I mean it--serious ...! + +HENSCHEL + +Now I just wish you'd listen to this, Mr. Siebenhaar! What's a man to +say? You're not goin' to die! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But if I does? + +HENSCHEL + +I won't marry her anyhow! Now you see? An' now you know it! We can make +an end o' this business. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Can you promise it? + +HENSCHEL + +Promise what? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That you wouldn't go an' marry the girl! + +HENSCHEL + +I'll promise, too; I'm willin' to. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' you'll give me your hand in token? + +HENSCHEL + +I'm tellin' you: Yes. [_He puts his hand into hers._] But now it's all +right. Now don't worry me no more with such stuff. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _A beautiful forenoon in May._ + + _The same room as in the first act. The bed, in which MRS. HENSCHEL + lay, is no longer there. The window which it covered is wide open. + HANNE, her face toward the window, her sleeves turned up above her + elbows, is busy at the washtub._ + + _FRANZ, his shirt-sleeves and trousers also rolled up, his bare feet + in wooden pattens, comes in carrying a pail. He has been washing + waggons._ + +FRANZ + +[_With awkward merriment._] Hanne, I'm comin' to see you! Lord A'mighty! +Has you got such a thing as some warm water? + +HANNE + +[_Angrily throwing the piece of linen which she has on the washboard back +into the tub and going over to the oven._] You come in here a sight too +often! + +FRANZ + +Is that so? What's wrong, eh? + +HANNE + +[_Pouring hot water into the pail._] Don't stop to ask questions. I got +no time. + +FRANZ + +I'm washin' waggons; I'm not idlin' neither. + +HANNE + +[_Violently._] You're to leave me alone! That's what you're to do! I've +told you that more'n once! + +FRANZ + +What am I doin' to you? + +HANNE + +You're not to keep runnin' after me! + +FRANZ + +You've forgotten, maybe, how it is with us? + +HANNE + +How 'tis with us? No ways; nothin'! You go you way an' I goes mine, an' +that's how it is! + +FRANZ + +That's somethin' bran' new! + +HANNE + +It's mighty old to me! + +FRANZ + +That's how it seems.--Hanne, what's come between us! + +HANNE + +Nothin', nothin'! Only just leave me alone! + +FRANZ + +Has you anythin' to complain of? I been true to you! + +HANNE + +Oh, for all I care! That's none o' my business! Carry on with anybody you +want to! I got nothin' against it! + +FRANZ + +Since when has you been feelin' that way? + +HANNE + +Since the beginnin' o' time! + +FRANZ + +[_Moved and tearful._] Aw, you're just lyin', Hanne! + +HANNE + +You don't need to start that way at me. 'Twon't do you no good with me! I +don't let a feller like you tell me I'm lyin'! An' now I just want you to +know how things is. If your skin's that thick that you can't be made to +notice nothin' I'll tell you right out to your face: It's all over +between us! + +FRANZ + +D'you really mean that, Hanne? + +HANNE + +All over--an' I want you to remember that. + +FRANZ + +I'll remember it all right! [_More and more excited and finally weeping +more than speaking._] You don't need to think I'm such a fool; I noticed +it long before to-day. But I kept thinkin' you'd come to your senses. + +HANNE + +That's just what I've done. + +FRANZ + +It's all the way you look at it. I'm a poor devil--that's certain; an' +Henschel--he's got a chest full o' money. There's one way, come to think +of it, in which maybe you has come to your senses. + +HANNE + +You start at me with such talk an' it just makes things worse an' worse. +That's all. + +FRANZ + +It's not true, eh? You're not schemin' right on to be Mrs. Henschel? I'm +not right, eh? + +HANNE + +That's my business. That don't concern you. We all has to look out for +ourselves. + +FRANZ + +Well, now, supposin' I was to look out for myself, an' goes to Henschel +an' says: Hanne, she promised to marry me; we was agreed, an' so.... + +HANNE + +Try it, that's all I says. + +FRANZ + +[_Almost weeping with pain and rage._] An' I will try it, too! You take +care o' yourself an' I'll take care o' myself. If that's the way you're +goin' to act, I c'n do the same! [_With a sudden change of front._] But I +don't want to have nothin' more to do with you! You c'n throw yourself at +his head for all I cares! A crittur like you isn't good enough for me! + + [_Exit hastily._ + +HANNE + +So it worked at last. An' that's all right. + + _While HANNE continues busy at her washing, WERMELSKIRCH appears in + the passage at the rear. He is a man in the fifties; the former actor + is unmistakable in him. He wears a thread-bare dressing-gown, + embroidered slippers, and smokes a very long pipe._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Having looked in for a while without being noticed by HANNE._] Did you +hear him cough? + +HANNE + +Who? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why, a guest--a patient--has arrived upstairs. + +HANNE + +'Tis time they began to come. We're in the middle of May. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Slowly crosses the threshold and hums throatily._] + + A pulmonary subject I, + Tra la la la la, bum bum! + It can't last long until I die, + Tra la la la la, bum bum! + +[_HANNE laughs over her washing._] Things like that really do one good. +They show that the summer is coming. + +HANNE + +One swallow don't make no summer, though! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Clears a space for himself on the bench and sits down._] Where is +Henschel? + +HANNE + +Why he went down, to the cemetery to-day. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +To be sure, it's his wife's birthday. [_Pause._] It was a deuce of a blow +to him, that's certain.--Tell me, when is he coming back? + +HANNE + +I don't know why he had to go an' drive there at all. We needs the horses +like anything an' he took the new coachman with him too. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I tell you, Hanne, anger spoils one's appetite. + +HANNE + +Well, I can't help bein' angry! He leaves everythin' in a mess. The 'bus +is to leave on time! An' the one-horse carriage sticks in the mud out +there an' Hauffe can't budge it! The old fellow is as stiff as a goat! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Yes, things are beginning to look busy. The _chef_ upstairs starts in +to-day. It's beginning to look up in the tap-room too. + +HANNE + +[_With a short derisive laugh._] You don't look, though, as if you had +much to do! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Taking no offence._] Oh, that comes later, at eleven o'clock. But then +I'm like a locomotive engine! + +HANNE + +I believe you. There'll be a lot o' smoke. You won't let your pipe get +cold whatever happens. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Smiling a little._] You're pleased to be pointed in your +remarks--pointed as a needle.--We've got to-day, for our table music, +wait now, let me think--: First of all, a bass violin; secondly, two +cellos; thirdly, two first violins and two second violins. Three first, +two second, three second, two first: I'm getting mixed up now. At all +events we have ten men from the public orchestra. What are you laughing +at? Do you think I'm fooling you? You'll see for yourself. The bass +violin alone will eat enough for ten. There'll be work enough to do! + +HANNE + +[_Laughing heartily._] Of course: the cook'll have a lot to do! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Simply._] My wife, my daughter, the whole of my family--we have to work +honestly and hard.--And when the summer is over we've worked ourselves to +the bone--for nothing! + +HANNE + +I don't see what you has to complain of. You've got the best business in +the house. Your taproom don't get empty, if it's summer or winter. If I +was Siebenhaar upstairs, you'd have to whistle a different tune for me. +You wouldn't be gettin' off with no three hundred crowns o' rent. There +wouldn't be no use comin' around me with less'n a thousand. An' then +you'd be doin' well enough for yourself! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Has arisen and walks about whistling._] Would you like anything else? +You frighten me so that my pipe goes out! + + _GEORGE, a young, alert, neat waiter comes very rapidly down the + stairs behind the glass door, carrying a tray with breakfast service. + While still behind the door he stops short, opens the door, however, + and gazes up and down the passage way._ + +GEORGE + +Confound it all! What's this place here? + +HANNE + +[_Laughing over her tub._] You've lost your way! You has to go back! + +GEORGE + +It's enough, God knows, to make a feller dizzy, No horse couldn't find +his way about this place. + +HANNE + +You've just taken service here, eh? + +GEORGE + +Well o' course! I came yesterday. But tell me, ladies an' gentlemen! +Nothin' like this has ever happened to me before. I've been in a good +many houses but here you has to take along a kind o' mountain guide to +find your way. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Exaggerating the waiter's Saxonian accent._] Tell me, are you from +Dresden, maybe? + +GEORGE + +Meissen is my native city. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_As before._] Good Lord A'mighty, is that so indeed? + +GEORGE + +How do I get out of here, tell me that! + +HANNE + +[_Alert, mobile, and coquettish in her way in the waiter's presence._] +You has to go back up the stairs. We has no use down here for your +swallow tails. + +GEORGE + +This is the first story, eh? Best part o' the house? + +HANNE + +You mean the kennels or somethin' like that? We'll show you--that we +will! The very best people live down here! + +GEORGE + +[_Intimately and flirtatiously._] Young woman, do you know what? You come +along an' show me the way? With you I wouldn't be a bit afraid, no matter +where you lead me to. I'd go into the cellar with you or up into the hay +loft either. + +HANNE + +You stay out o' here! You're the right kind you are! We've got enough of +your sort without you. + +GEORGE + +Young woman, do you want me to help with the washin'? + +HANNE + +No! But if you're aimin' at it exackly, I c'n help you to get along! +[_Half drawing a piece of linen out of the suds._] Then you'd be lookin' +to see where your starched shirt-front went to! + +GEORGE + +O dear! You're not goin' to mess me up that way, are you? Well, well, +that wouldn't do! We'd have to have a talk about that first! That so, +young woman? Well, o' course! We'll talk about it--when I has time, +later. + + [_He mounts the stairs and disappears._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +He won't lose his way very often after this! Siebenhaar will see to it +that he gets to know the way from the dining hall to the kitchen.--Hanne, +when is Henschel coming back? + +HANNE + +About noon, I s'pose! D'you want me to give him a message? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Tell him--don't forget, now--tell him that I--send him my regards. + +HANNE + +Such foolishness. I might ha' thought ...! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Passing her with a slight bow._] Thoughts are free ... I wish you a +good morning. + + [_Exit._ + +HANNE + +[_Alone, washing vigorously._] If only Henschel wasn't such a fool! + + _Above the cellar, outside, the pedlar FABIG, kneeling down, looks in + at the window._ + +FABIG + +Good mornin', young woman! How are you? How's everythin'? + +HANNE + +Who are you anyhow? + +FABIG + +Why--Fabig, from Quolsdorf. Don't you know me no more? I'm bringin' you a +greetin' from your father. An' he wants me to tell you ... Or maybe you'd +want me to come in? + +HANNE + +Aw, I know. I believe you. He wants money again. Well, I has none myself. + +FABIG + +I told him that myself. He wouldn't believe me. Are you all alone, young +woman? + +HANNE + +Why d'you ax? + +FABIG + +[_Lowering his voice._] Well now you see, there's more'n one thing I has +on my heart. An', through the window, people might be hearin' it. + +HANNE + +Oh well, I don't care. You c'n come in! [_FABIG disappears from the +window._] That that feller had to be comin' to-day ...! + + [_She dries her hands._ + + _FABIG enters. He is a poorly clad, strangely agile, droll pedlar, + with a sparse beard, about thirty-six years old._ + +FABIG + +A good mornin' to you, young woman. + +HANNE + +[_Fiercely._] First of all, I'm no young woman but a girl. + +FABIG + +[_With cunning._] Maybe so. But from all I hears you'll be married soon. + +HANNE + +That's nothin' but a pack o' mean lies--that's what it is. + +FABIG + +Well, that's what I heard. It's no fault o' mine. People is sayin' it all +over; because Mrs. Henschel died ... + +HANNE + +Well, they can talk for all I care. I does my work. That's all that +concerns me. + +FABIG + +That's the best way. I does that way myself. There's little that folks +hasn't said about me some time ... In Altwasser they says I steals +pigeons. A little dog ran after me ... o' course, they said I stole it. + +HANNE + +Well now, if you got anythin' to say to me, go ahead an' don't waste +words. + +FABIG + +Now you see, there you are. That's what I always says too. People talks a +good deal more'n they ought to. They has a few rags to sell an' they +talks an' talks as if it was an estate. But I'll say just as little as +possible. What I wants to tell you about, young woman--now don't fly up: +the word just slipped out!--I meant to say: lass--what I wants to tell +you about is your daughter. + +HANNE + +[_Violently._] I has no daughter, if you want to know it. The girl that +father is takin' care of, is my sister's child. + +FABIG + +Well now, that's different, that is. We've all been thinkin' the girl was +yours. Where is your sister? + +HANNE + +Who knows where she is? She's not fool enough to tell us. She thinks, +thinks she: they c'n have the trouble an' see how they gets along. + +FABIG + +Well, well, well! There you see again how folks is mistaken. I'd ha' +taken any oath ... an' not me, not me alone, but all the folks over in +Quolsdorf, that you was the mother o' that child. + +HANNE + +Yes, I knows right well who says that o' me. I could call 'em all by +name! They'd all like to make a common wench o' me. But if ever I lays my +hands on 'em I'll give 'em somethin' to remember me by. + +FABIG + +Well, it's a bad business--all of it! Because this is the way it is: the +old man, your father, I needn't be tellin' you--things is as they is--he +don't hardly get sober. He just drinks in one streak. Well, now that your +mother's been dead these two years, he can't leave the little thing--the +girl I mean--at home no more. The bit o' house is empty. An' so he drags +her around in the pubs, in all kinds o' holes, from one village taproom +to the next. If you sees that--it's enough to stir a dumb beast with +pity. + +HANNE + +[_With fierce impatience._] Is it my fault that he swills? + +FABIG + +By no means an' not at all. Nobody c'n keep your old man from doin' his +way! 'Tis only on account o' the child, an' it's that makes a body feel +sorry. But if that there little one can't be taken away from him an' +given in the care o' decent folks, she won't live no ten weeks after +this. + +HANNE + +[_Hardening herself._] That don't concern me. I can't take her. I got all +I can do to get along! + +FABIG + +You'd better come over to Quolsdorf some time an' look into it all. +That'd be best, too. The little girl ... 'tis a purty little thing, with +bits o' hands an' feet like that much porcelain, so dainty an' delicate. + +HANNE + +She's not my child an' she don't concern me. + +FABIG + +Well, you better come over an' see what's to be done. It's hard for +people to see such things goin' on. If a man goes into an inn, in the +middle of the night or some time like that--I got to do that, you see, in +the way o' business--an' sees her sittin' there with the old man in the +midst o' tobacco smoke--I tell you it hurts a body's soul. + +HANNE + +The innkeepers oughtn't to serve him nothin'. If they was to take a stick +an' beat him out o' their places, maybe he'd learn some sense.--A +waggon's just come into the yard. Here you got a sixpence. Now you get +along an' I'll be thinkin' it all over. I can't do nothin' about it this +minute. But if you goes aroun' here in the inns an' talks about it--then +it's all over between us. + +FABIG + +I'll take good care, an' it don't concern me. If it's your child or your +sister's child--I'm not goin' to poke my nose in the parish register, nor +I'm not goin' to say nothin' neither. But if you want a bit o' good +advice,'tis this: Tell Henschel straight out how 'tis. He won't tear your +head off by a long way! + +HANNE + +[_With increasing excitement as HENSCHEL'S voice grows more clearly +audible._] Oh this here jabberin'! It's enough to drive you crazy. + + [_Exit into the adjoining room._ + + _HENSCHEL enters slowly and seriously. He wears a black suit, a top + hat and white knitted gloves._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Remains standing and looks at FABIG with an expression of slow +recollection. Simply and calmly._] Who are you? + +FABIG + +[_Alertly._] I buy rags, waste paper, furniture, cast off clothes, +anythin' that happens to be aroun'. + +HENSCHEL + +[_After a long glance, good-naturedly but with decision._] Out with the +fellow! + + _FABIG withdraws with an embarrassed smile._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Takes off his top-hat and wipes his forehead and neck with a +manicoloured handkerchief. Thereupon, he places his hat on the table and +speaks toward the door of the next room:_] Girl, where are you? + +HANNE + +I'm with Gustel here in the little room. + +HENSCHEL + +All right. I c'n wait. [_He sits down with a sigh that is almost a +groan._] Yes, yes, O Lord--a man has his troubles. + +HANNE + +[_Enters busily._] The dinner'll be ready this minute. + +HENSCHEL + +I can't eat; I'm not hungry. + +HANNE + +Eatin' and drinkin' keeps body an' soul together. I was once in service +with a shepherd, an' he said to us more'n one time: If a body has a +heartache or somethin' like that, even if he feels no hunger, 'tis best +to eat. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, cook your dinner an' we'll see. + +HANNE + +You shouldn't give in to it. Not as much as all that. You got to resign +yourself some time. + +HENSCHEL + +Was that man Horand, the bookbinder, here? + +HANNE + +Everythin's attended to. He made forty new billheads. There they are on +the chest. + +HENSCHEL + +Then the work an' the worry begins again. Drivin' in to Freiburg mornin' +after mornin' an' noon after noon haulin' sick people across the hills. + +HANNE + +You're doin' too much o' the work yourself. Old Hauffe is too slow by +half. I can't help it--if I was you I'd get rid o' him. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Gets up and goes to the window._] I'm sick of it--of the whole haulin' +business. It c'n stop for all I care. I got nothin' against it if it +does. To-day or to-morrow; it's the same to me. All you got to do is to +take the horses to the flayers, to chop up the waggons for kindlin' wood, +an' to get a stout, strong bit o' rope for yourself.--I think I'll go up +an' see Siebenhaar. + +HANNE + +I was wantin' to say somethin' to you when I got a chance. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, what is it, eh? + +HANNE + +You see, it's not easy for me. No, indeed. [_Elaborately tearful._] But +my brother--he needs me that bad. [_Weeping._] I'll have to leave--that's +sure. + +HENSCHEL + +[_In extreme consternation._] You're not right in your mind. Don't start +that kind o' business! + + _HANNE, shedding crocodile tears, holds her apron to her eyes._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well now, look here, lass: you're not goin' to play me that kind of a +trick now! That would be fine! Who's goin' to manage the house? Summer's +almost with us now an' you want to leave me in the lurch? + +HANNE + +[_With the same gesture._] 'Tis the little one I feels sorry for! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't take care of her, who's goin' to? + +HANNE + +[_After a space collecting herself apparently by an effort of the will. +Quietly:_] It can't be done no different. + +HENSCHEL + +Everythin' c'n be done in this world. All you needs is to want to do +it.--You never said nothin' about it before. An' now, suddenly, you talk +about your brother!--Maybe I been offendin' you some way? Don't you feel +suited with me no more? + +HANNE + +There's no end to the gossip that's goin' round. + +HENSCHEL + +What kind o' gossip? + +HANNE + +Oh, I don't know. I'd rather be goin out o' the way of it. + +HENSCHEL + +I'd like to know just what you mean! + +HANNE + +I does my work an' I takes my pay! An' I won't have nobody say such +things o' me. When the wife was still alive I worked all day; now that +she's dead, I don't do no different. People c'n say all they wants to; +I'm tryin' to make you think I'm fine, an' I want dead people's shoes. +I'd rather go into service some other place. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Relieved._] You needn't say no more if that's all it is! + +HANNE + +[_Takes up some piece of work as an excuse for leaving the room._] No, +no, I'll go. I can't never stay! + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Talking after her._] You c'n let people talk an' not say much yourself. +All them tongues has to wag for an occupation. [_He takes off his black +coat and hangs it up. Sighing._] The pack o' troubles don't get no +smaller. + + _SIEBENHAAR comes in slowly. He carries a decanter full of water and + a glass._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +Good morning, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +Good mornin' Mr. Siebenhaar, + +SIEBENHAAR + +Am I disturbing you? + +HENSCHEL + +Not a bit; not at all. You're very welcome. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Placing the decanter and the glass on the table._] I've got to drink +the medicinal spring water again. I'm having that old trouble with my +throat. Well, dear me, a man has to die of something! + +HENSCHEL + +You must just go ahead an' drink the waters. They'll cure you. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Yes, that's just what I'm doing. + +HENSCHEL + +An' not from the Mill Spring nor from the Upper Spring. Ours is the best. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well now, to change the subject. [_Half lost in thought he has been +toying with a sprig of ivy. Now he observes this, starts slightly, runs +his eyes over the top-hat and HENSCHEL himself and says suddenly:_] This +was your wife's birthday, wasn't it? + +HENSCHEL + +She'd ha' been thirty-six years old to-day. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Is it possible? + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, yes, yes. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I'd better leave you alone now. But when it's agreeable to +you--to-morrow maybe, I'd like to talk over some business with you. + +HENSCHEL + +I'd rather you went ahead right now. + +SIEBENHAAR + +It's about the thousand crowns ... + +HENSCHEL + +Before we says any more, Mr. Siebenhaar. You c'n just keep that money +till winter. Why should I be lyin' to you? You see? I don't need the +money. I don't care exackly when I gets it; an' that it's safe, I'm +satisfied o' that. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, Henschel, in that case I'm very grateful to you. You're doing me a +great favour. During the summer I take in money; you know that. Just now +it would have been difficult for me. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you see, so we c'n agree fine. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR. + +[_Walking to and fro._] Yes, yes, I sometimes wonder over myself. I grew +up in this house. And yet, to-day, if I could but make a decent closing +out, I could leave it quite calmly. + +HENSCHEL + +I wouldn't like to go, I must say. I wouldn't hardly know where to go to. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Things have moved ahead with you, Henschel. But the same set of +conditions that has counted in your favour, has been that against which +I've had to struggle to keep my head above water. + +HENSCHEL + +The shoe pinches one man in this place an' another man in that. Who's +goin' to say which is worse off? You see, I got a good, hard blow, too. +An' if I'm goin' to recover ... well, I don't hardly feel like myself +yet. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, there's a time for everything! You'll have to conquer that now. +You must go out among people, hear things, see things, drink a glass of +beer once in a while, plunge into business, perhaps--somehow, put an end +to this sad business. It can't be helped, and so--forward! + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis just as you say! You're quite right! + +SIEBENHAAR + +To be sure, your wife was the best, most faithful woman. There's only one +opinion about that. But you are in the full current of life, Henschel; +you're in your best years; you still have a great deal to do in the +world: who knows how much. You needn't forget your wife on that account; +on the contrary. And that's entirely out of the question in the case of a +man like you. But you must honour her memory in a saner way. This kind of +brooding does no good. I've been watching you for a good while and I +determined, without saying anything, to make a really strong appeal to +you one day. You're letting yourself be actually downed. + +HENSCHEL + +But what's a man to do against it? You're right--that you are; but times +I hardly know what to do! You say: Plunge into business. But there's +somethin' lackin' all around. Four eyes sees better'n two; four +hands--they c'n do a sight more. Now I got all these coaches here in the +summer! An' there's no one to see to things at home! 'Tis not easy, I c'n +tell you that. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I thought that Hanne was quite a capable girl. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you see, she's given me notice, too.--'Tis too hard for a man to +get along without a wife. Yon can't depend on no one. That's just it; +that's just what I says! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Why don't you marry, Henschel? + +HENSCHEL + +'Twould be best!--What c'n I do without a wife? A man like me can't get +along without one. I was thinking in fact, of goin' upstairs an' askin' +the missis if, maybe, she could give me some advice in that direction. +She died an' left me alone in the midst of all these worries.--An', also, +to tell you the truth, this business of mine's not what it used to be. +How long is it goin' to be before the railroad comes here? Well, you see, +we'd put by a little, an' we wanted to buy a small inn--maybe in two +years or so. Well, that can't be done without a woman neither. + +SIEBENHAAR + +True. You won't be able to get along this way permanently. You can't +remain a widower the rest of your life. If for no other reason but for +the child's sake. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what I always says. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Of course I have no right to interfere in your affairs. Still, we're old +friends. To wait, Henschel, just on account of what people will +think--that's sheer nonsense, no more, no less. If you are quite +seriously thinking of marrying again, it would be better both for you and +for the child if you did it soon. You needn't be overhasty; assuredly +not! But if you've quite made up your mind, then--go straight ahead! Why +should you hesitate? [_After a pause during which HENSCHEL scratches his +head._] Have you any one particular in view? + +HENSCHEL + +--If I got some one in view? That's what you'd like to know? Maybe I has. +Only I can't marry her. + +SIEBENHAAR + +But why not? + +HENSCHEL + +You know it yourself. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I? I know it? How's that? + +HENSCHEL + +All you got to do is a little thinkin'. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Shaking his head._] I can't say that I recall at this moment. + +HENSCHEL + +Didn't I have to go an' promise my wife ... + +SIEBENHAAR. + +------?--Oh, yes!!--You mean the girl--Hanne?-- + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +I been thinkin' an' thinkin'. There's no use in denyin' it. When I wakes +up during the night, I can't sleep for a couple o' hours sometimes. I got +to be thinkin' of it all the time. I can't get over it any way!--The +girl's a good girl. She's a bit young for an old fellow like me, but she +c'n work enough for four men. An' she's taken very kindly to Gustel; no +mother could do more'n she. An' the girl's got a head on her, that's +sure, better'n mine. She c'n do sums better'n I can. She might go an' be +a calculator. She knows a bit o' business to the last farthing, even if +six weeks have come an' gone since. I believe she could make a fool o' +two lawyers. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, if you're so thoroughly convinced of all that ...! + +HENSCHEL + +There wouldn't be no better wife for me! An' yet ... an' yet! I can't get +over it. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +I do remember quite dimly now what you mean. It was quite at the end of +her life.--But I confess to you quite frankly: I didn't take that matter +so very seriously. Your wife was in a very excited condition. And that +was caused largely by her illness.--I can't think that that is the main +question. The real question must finally be whether Hanne is really +suitable for you! She has her advantageous qualities: no doubt about +that. There are things about her that I like less. However: who hasn't +some faults. People say that she has a child. + +HENSCHEL + +That she has. I've inquired. Well, even so. I don't care nothin' about +that. Was she to wait for me, eh? She didn't know nothin' about me when +that happened. She's hot-blooded; all right. That'll come out somehow. +When the pears is ripe, they falls to the ground. On that account--no, +that don't trouble me none. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, then! The other matter is trivial. Perhaps not trivial exactly. I +can well understand how it's taken hold of you. Still, one must get free +of it. To be bound by it, in spite of one's saner thought--that's clearly +folly, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +I've said that to myself ten times over. You see, my wife she didn't +never want anythin' but what was for my best good. I mean, in the days +when she was well. She wouldn't want to stand in my way. Wherever she is, +maybe, she'd want to see me get along. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Assuredly. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, I went out to her grave to-day. The missis had a wreath put there +too. I thought to myself I'd better go there, that's what I thought. +Maybe she'll be sendin' you some message. Mother, I said in my thoughts, +give me a sign. Yes or no! Anyway you answers, that way it'll be! An' I +stood, there half an hour.--I prayed, too, an' I put it all to her--just +to myself, o' course--about the child an' the inn an' that I don't know +what to do in my business--but she didn't give me no sign. + + _HANNE enters throwing sidelong glances at the two men, but at once + going energetically to work. She puts the washbench and tub aside and + busies herself at the stove._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To HENSCHEL._] God give the dead peace and blessedness. You are a man; +you're in the midst of life. Why should you need signs and miracles? We +can find our way in this world by depending with fair certainty on our +reason. You simply go your way. You're captain on your own ship. +Overboard with all these fancies and sickly notions! The more I think of +your plan, the more rational it seems to me ... + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, what do you say about it? + +HANNE + +I don't know. How c'n I tell what you're talkin' about? + +HENSCHEL + +You just wait: I'll tell you later. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, good morning, Henschel. I'll see you later. Meanwhile--good luck! + +HENSCHEL + +I'll hope I'll have it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I'm not worried about you. You had a lucky way with you always. + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +Yon shouldn't be sayin' it! 'Tis bad luck. + +HANNE + +If you spits three times, it'll take the curse off. + + [_Pause._] + +HANNE + +I can't help thinkin' as you're too good. + +HENSCHEL + +What makes you think so? + +HANNE + +People just robs you: that's what I says. + +HENSCHEL + +Did you think he wanted somethin' of me? + +HANNE + +Well, what else? He ought to be ashamed to come beggin' o' poor people. + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, you don't know what you're sayin'. + +HANNE + +I knows well enough. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what you don't. An' you couldn't know. But some day, later on, +you'll come to understand.--Now I'll be goin' to the taproom an' buy me a +mug o' beer. It'll be the first time these eight weeks. After that we c'n +eat, an' after the dinner then--listen to me--then we might say a word to +each other. Then we c'n see how everythin' c'n be straightened out.--Or, +maybe, you don't care about it? + +HANNE + +You was sayin' yourself: We c'n see. + +HENSCHEL + +An' that's what I says now. We c'n wait. + + [_Exit._ + + [_Pause._] + +HANNE + +[_Works on undisturbed. When HENSCHEL is out of hearing, she suddenly +ceases, scarcely mastering her joyous excitement, she dries her hands and +tears off her apron. In involuntary triumph:_] I'll show you. Watch out! + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _The same room as tn the two preceding acts._ + + _It is evening toward the end of November. A fire is burning in the + oven; a lighted candle stands on the table. The middle door is + closed. Muffled dance music penetrates into the room from the upper + stories of the house._ + + _HANNE, now MRS. HENSCHEL, sits by the table and knits; she is neatly + and suitably clad in a dress of blue cotton, and wears a red kerchief + across her breast._ + + _HILDEBRANT, the smith, enters. A small, sinewy person._ + +HILDEBRANT + +Good evenin', missis, where's your husband? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Gone to Breslau. He's fetchin' three new horses. + +HILDEBRANT + +Then I s'pose he won't be comin' home to-day, eh? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Not before Monday. + +HILDEBRANT + +Well, this is Saturday.--We've brought back the board waggon. It's +downstairs in the entry way. We had to renew all the four tires. Where's +Hauffe? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He hasn't been with us this long time. + +HILDEBRANT + +So he hasn't. 'Tis nonsense I'm talkin'. I mean the new servant. Is +Schwarzer here? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He's gone along to Breslau. + +HILDEBRANT + +Fact is I knows all about Hauffe. He comes down to the smithy an' just +stands aroun'. He's got nothin' to do yet. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +People says he's beginnin' to drink. + +HILDEBRANT + +I believes it. That's the way it goes. 'Tis bad for an old fellow like +that; nobody wants him now.--What's goin' on up there to-day? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Dancin'! + +HILDEBRANT + +How'd it be if we was to go up there too, missis. Why shouldn't we be +joinin' in a little waltz too? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +They'd open their eyes pretty wide up there if we did.--But what is it +you want of Henschel? + +HILDEBRANT + +His honour, the judge, has a chestnut stallion that don't want to let +hisself be shoed. So we wanted to ax Henschel to step over. If he can't +get any beast to stand still, why then--! Well, good evenin', Mrs. +Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Good evenin'. + + _HILDEBRANT withdraws._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL. + +[_Listens to a dragging noise out in the passage._] What kind of a noise +is that there? [_She steps forward and opens the door._] Who's makin' all +that racket out there? + +FRANZISKA + +[_Comes dancing in._] Get out of the way, Mrs. Henschel! I have no time. + + [_She whirls about in the room to the measure of the waltz heard from + above._] + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, this is a fine way to act! What's the matter with you? Did a mad +dog bite you, maybe? + + _FRANZISKA dances on and hums the melody of the waltz._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_More and more amused._] For heaven's sake! Somethin's goin' to happen +to you!--No, girl, you're goin' clear out o' your mind! + +FRANZISKA + +[_Sinks exhausted into a chair as the music breaks off._] Oh, Mrs. +Henschel, I could dance myself to death! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing._] At this here rate I believes you! It makes a body feel +dizzy just to watch you. + +FRANZISKA + +Don't you dance at all? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Me? If I dance? To be sure I do. 'Twasn't once or twice only that I got a +pair o' new shoes an' danced 'em to pieces in one night! + +FRANZISKA + +Come and dance with me then! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why don't you go upstairs an' dance with the folks there? + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, if only I might! Do you know what I'll do? I'll sneak up! I'll sneak +into the gallery! Have you ever been up there? The bags of prunes stand +up there. I go up there quite boldly and look down, and eat prunes. Why +shouldn't I look down from there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' maybe Siebenhaar'll send for you to come down. + +FRANZISKA + +I just stare down as bold as you please. I don't care a bit. And whenever +a lady dances with Mr. Siebenhaar, I pelt her with plum pits. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're crazy about Siebenhaar--that's certain! + +FRANZISKA + +Well, he's a real swell--that's what none of the others are. [_The music +is heard again._] Ah, they're starting. That's a polka! [_Dancing +again._] I'd like to dance with Mr. Siebenhaar this minute. D'you know +what I'd do? I'd just kiss him before he knew what was happening. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Siebenhaar'd be too old for me! + +FRANZISKA + +Your husband is just as old, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Look here, girl, I want you to know that my husband is a good five years +younger. + +FRANZISKA + +Well, he looks much older anyhow. Why, he looks so old and wrinkled. No, +I wouldn't care to kiss him. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You better see about getting out o' here, or I'll take a broom an' help +you along! Don't you abuse my husband! An' where would I get a better +one? You wait till you're a few years older an' you'll see what it means +in this world to have a husband! + +FRANZISKA + +I won't marry at all. I'll wait till some fine, rich gentleman +comes--some summer--for his health--a Russian, by preference--and then +I'll let him take me out into the world. I want to see the world--to +wander far--I want to go to Paris. And then I'll write you about myself, +Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I do believe you'll run off some day! + +FRANZISKA + +You can wager anything that I will. Mr. Siebenhaar was in Paris, too, you +know, during the revolution in 'forty-eight, and he can tell you the most +interesting stories! Oh, I'd like to see a revolution like that some day +too. They build barricades ... + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! Franziska! Where are you keeping yourself again? + +FRANZISKA + +Sh! Don't say anything! + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! Franziska! + +FRANZISKA + +Sh! Keep still! He wants me to serve at the bar. And that's horrid and I +won't do it! + +WERMELSKIRCH'S VOICE + +Franziska! + +FRANZISKA + +It's papa's or mama's place to do that. Or they can hire a waiter. I +won't be turned into a bar maid. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's not the worst kind o' thing! + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, if there were real gentlemen to serve! But they're just +well--attendants, coachmen and miners. Much obliged for such company! I +don't care about it! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If I was you, I'd do that reel easy. An' I'd be gettin' good tips. You +could save a good many pennies an' put by a nice sum. + +FRANZISKA + +I won't accept pennies and farthings. And if some time Mr. Siebenhaar or +the architect or Dr. Valentiner gives me a present, I spend it on +sweetmeats right away. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Ah, that's just it. You're your father's daughter. An' your mother wasn't +much different neither. You people don't take care o' the business you +has! If you'd ha' done so you'd have money out at interest this day. + +FRANZISKA + +We're not as stingy as you, that's all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not stingy. But you got to keep your substance together. + +FRANZISKA + +People say you're stingy, though! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +People c'n be--! An' you too! Hurry now an' get out o' here! I'm sick o' +your jabberin' now! An' you don't need to come back here neither! I +haven't been longin' for you, exackly! 'Tis best not to see or hear +anything o' the whole crowd o' you. + +FRANZISKA + +[_Turning once more at the door, with angry malice._] Do you know what +else people say? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't want to know nothin'! Get out o' here! You look out that you +don't get to hear things about yourself! Who knows what's between you an' +Siebenhaar? You two knows it an' I knows it too. Otherwise you'd ha' been +kicked out twenty times over with your slovenly management! Teach me to +know Siebenhaar! + +FRANZISKA + +Fy, fy and fy again! + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +The baggage! + + _The middle door has remained open. SIEBENHAAR and the waiter GEORGE, + coming from different directions along the passage way, are seen to + meet at the door. GEORGE affects the height of Vienna fashions--hat, + cane, long overcoat, gay tie._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +What are you after here? + +GEORGE + +You'll forgive me but I have some business with Drayman Henschel. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel is not at home. You've been told three times now that there is +no place for you in my house. If you can't remember that henceforth I +shall be compelled to have your memory assisted by--the constable. + +GEORGE + +I beg your pardon very humbly, Mr. Siebenhaar, but I begs to submit that +I don't come to see you. These people lives in your house. An' you can't +prove nothin' as touchin' the question of my honour. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very well. Only, if I should meet you again I'll have the porter kick you +out. So you had better act accordingly. + + [_Exit._ + +GEORGE + +_[Enters the room cursing.]_ I'll take that there risk! We'll see about +that later! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Closes the door, with difficulty mastering her rage toward +SIEBENHAAR._] We're here, too, I'd have him know. Just let him try it! +This here is our room, not his room, an' anybody that comes here comes to +us an' not to him! He's got no right to say nothin' about it! + +GEORGE + +We'll just wait an' see--that's all I says. He might have to pay good an' +dear for that. That kind o' thing takes a man to the pen. He got hisself +into a nasty mess with Alphonse, who was here two years ago. But he'd be +gettin' into a worse mess with me. A hundred crowns o' damages'd be too +little for me. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' he hasn't got no hundred crowns in his pocket--the damned bankrupt! +He's been borrowing of everybody in the county. He's got nothin' but +debts; you hear that on all sides. 'Twon't be long before there won't be +nothin' left an' he'll have to leave the house hisself instead o' puttin' +other people out of it! + +GEORGE + +[_Has recovered his overcoat, hung up his hat, and is now picking off the +little feathers from his coat and trousers._] That's right! An' that's no +secret to nobody. Even the people that come here year in an' out says the +same. An' nobody is sorry for him; no, they're willin' it should happen +to him. My present boss, he can't stand him neither. He gets reel +venomous if you so much as mention Siebenhaar's name. [_Takes a +pocket-mirror and comb from his pocket and smooths his hair._] Lord +knows, he says, there's more tricks to that man than a few. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I believes that; I s'ppose he's right there. + +GEORGE + +Now then, Hanne, has you got somethin' warm for me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why didn't you come yesterday? + +GEORGE + +You thinks I c'n get off every day, don't you? 'Twas hard enough to get +to come here to-day! Yesterday I was busy till three o'clock in the +mornin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL: + +What was it happened? + +GEORGE + +There was a meetin' o' the fire board. They bought a new engine, an' so +they wanted to celebrate the purchase. That's how they came to have a +meetin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +All they wants is an excuse to swill. An' all that while I sat till late +at night and waited. Once--I don't know, but it must ha' been a bird +flyin' against the window--I thought 'twas you, an' so I went to the +window an' opened it. After that I was that mad, I couldn't sleep half +the night. + +GEORGE + +Oh, pshaw! What's the use o' havin' things like that spoil one's temper. +[_He puts his arms around her._] That's nothin'! Nothin' at all. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Frees herself from his embrace._] Oh, I don't know! 'Tis true--I don't +know how it comes--but things seem to go contrary with a body. Henschel +sits aroun' at home the whole week, an' now that he's gone for a bit, we +has to let the time slide away! + +GEORGE + +Well, we got plenty o' time to-day. He don't come back till Monday, I +thought. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who knows if it's true! + +GEORGE + +I don't know no reason why it shouldn't be true! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That man is bound to sit aroun' at home. 'Twasn't half as bad formerly. +He used to go on trips weeks at a time; nowadays he whines if he's got to +sleep away from home a single night. An' if he says: I'll stay three +days, he mostly comes back on the second--Listen ... I believe they've +come already! Who else'd be crackin' whips like that in the yard? + +GEORGE + +[_After he has listened, in a restrained tone:_] The devil take 'em +all--the whole damned crowd! A man hasn't had time to get warm a bit. I +s'pose I'll have to leave right off, eh? I thought it'd be mighty +different, I must say! + + [_He slips his overcoat back on and takes up his hat._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Tears his hat from his head._] You stay right here! What d'you want to +run off for? D'you think I got to be scared o' Henschel. He's got to come +to my terms. I don't has to think about him. If you'd come yesterday!--I +told you ...! Then nobody wouldn't ha' interrupted us, no Henschel an' no +Siebenhaar. To-day the devil's broke loose! + + _The horse dealer WALTHER enters--a handsome, vigorous fellow of + forty. Bashly cap, fur jacket, hunting stockings and tall boots; his + mits are fastened by cords._ + +WALTHER + +Missis, your husband is outside in the yard. I'm just comin' in for a +minute to bid you good evenin'. I got to ride off again straight way. +He's bought some fine Flemish horses. An' he's brought along something +else, for you too. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I thought he wouldn't be comin' back till Monday. + +WALTHER + +An' that's the way it would ha' been. But we couldn't ride on horseback +no farther'n Kanth. There we had to take the train with the horses or +they'd ha' broken their necks an' their limbs. Travellin' was that bad on +account o' the sleet. + +GEORGE + +You makes better time with the train--that's certain! + +WALTHER + +What kind of a feller is that there? Why, you're tryin' to be invisible, +eh? Well, if that isn't little George--I do believe! Why, you looks like +a natural born baron! + +GEORGE + +A man earns more over there in the "Star" hotel. I has a much more +profitable position. Here I had to work till my clothes dropped from me +in rags. I was most naked in the end; now I'm beginnin' to buy somethin' +again. + +WALTHER + +Now guess, missis, what your husband has brought home for you! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, what is it? + +WALTHER + +I wager you'll be mighty glad of that present! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +We'll see. It depends on what it is. + +WALTHER + +Good luck to you then. I got to hurry or my wife'll get ugly. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Good luck to you. + +GEORGE + +I might as well come along. Good night, Mrs. Henschel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Didn't you want to see Henschel about somethin'? + +GEORGE + +There's plenty o' time for that. There's no hurry. + +WALTHER + +If you got somethin' to say to him you'd better wait till to-morrow. He's +got different kinds o' things in his mind to-day. D'you know what he's +bringin' you, missis? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What should he be bringin' me? Don't talk so much nonsense. + +WALTHER + +Why, he's bringin' you your daughter! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--What's that he's bringin'? I didn't hear right! + +WALTHER + +We was in Quolsdorf and fetched her. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're drunk, the two o' ye, eh? + +WALTHER + +No, no, I'm tellin' you the truth. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who did you get? + +WALTHER + +He didn't tell me nothin' about it. All of a sudden we was in the pub at +Quolsdorf an' sat down there. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, an' what then? + +WALTHER + +We was sittin' there an' then, after a little while, your father came in +with the bit of a girl. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +'Tis no girl o' mine! + +WALTHER + +I don't know nothin' about that! I knows this much though: he's got the +child out there. He went up to your father an' he said: The child's a +pretty child.--Then he took her in his arms an' petted her. Shall I take +you with me, he axes her, an' she was willin' right off. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, an' my father? + +WALTHER + +Well, your father didn't know who Henschel was! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Better an' better! An' is that all? + +WALTHER + +[_Almost addressing GEORGE now._] No, there was nothin' more. He just +took the little one out an' said to your father: I'll let the lass ride +horseback. An' she kept cryin' out: Lemme ride! Lemme ride! Then Henschel +mounted his great Flemish horse an' I had to hand the child up to him. +After that he said: Good-bye, an' rode off. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' father just stood there an' looked on? + +WALTHER + +What was he goin' to do about it? The whole village might ha' turned out +for all the good it would ha' done. When once Henschel lays his hands on +somethin'--I wouldn't advise nobody to cross him! An' there's no one in +the county that likes to pick a quarrel with him neither! Your father, he +didn't know what was goin' on. Then suddenly, o' course, he roared like +fury an' cried out an' cursed more'n enough. But the people just laughed. +They knew Henschel. An' he--Henschel--he just said reel quiet: Good luck +to you, father Schäl; I'm takin' her along. The mother is waitin' for her +at home. Stop drinkin'! he said, an' maybe there'll be a place with us +for you some day, too. + +GEORGE + +Good-bye, I think I'll maybe drop in to-morrow. + + [_Exit._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' so he thinks I'm goin' to keep her here. I'll never do that--never in +the world. She's no child o' mine! How would I be lookin' before people? +First in Quolsdorf, then here! Didn't I work an' worry enough? Day an' +night, you might say, I was busy with Gustel. An' now the weary trouble +is to begin all over again. That'd be fine, wouldn't it? He'd better take +care! + + _HENSCHEL appears in the middle door. He is also clad in leathern + breeches, fur jacket, tall boots, etc., just as he has dismounted. He + leads by the hand a little girl of six--ragged and unwashed._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Almost merrily referring to HANNE'S last words, which he has +overheard._] Who's to take care? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--Oh, I don't know! + +HENSCHEL + +Look, Hanne, look who comes here! [_To the child._] Go ahead, Berthel, +an' say good evenin'. Go on an' say it! Say: Good evenin', mama! + + _BERTHEL leaving HENSCHEL unwillingly and walks, encouraged by + friendly little shoves from him, diagonally across the room to where + HANNE, assuming a disgruntled attitude, sits on the bench._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_To the child, who stands helplessly before her._] What do you want +here? + +BERTHEL + +I rode on such a pitty horsie? + + _HENSCHEL and WALTHER laugh heartily._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well now we'll keep her here. Hallo, Hanne! Are you angry about anythin'? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You are sayin' you wouldn't be back till Monday. There's not a bite for +supper in the house now. + +HENSCHEL + +There'll be a bit o' bread an' bacon. + + [_He hangs up his cap._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Pulling ungently at BERTHEL'S clothes._] How'd you get this way? + +HENSCHEL + +You'll soon have to buy her somethin' to put on! She's got hardly nothin' +on her little body. 'Twas a good thing I had plenty o' blankets along, or +she'd ha' been half froze on the way. [_After he has removed his fur +jacket and warmed his hands._] Best thing would be to put her right +straight in a tub. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Best thing would ha' been if you'd ha' left her where she was. + +HENSCHEL + +What did you say? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Nothin'. + +HENSCHEL + +I thought you were sayin' somethin'.--Into the tub with her! An' then to +bed! An' you might go over her head a bit! I believe she's got a little +colony there. [_BERTHEL cries out._] What's the matter? Don't tug at her +so rough! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, don't cry, girl! That'd be the last straw! + +HENSCHEL + +You must be a bit friendly with her. The lass is thankful for every kind +word. Be quiet, Berthel, be quiet! + +BERTHEL + +I want to go to father! + +HENSCHEL + +You're with mother now! Mother is good!--I'm reel satisfied that we has +her with us. 'Twas the highest time. A bit longer an' we might ha' had to +look for her in the graveyard. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That wasn't half as bad as you're tryin' to make out. + +HENSCHEL + +[_In some consternation but still kindly._] What's the meanin' o' that? + + [_Pause._] + +WALTHER + +Well, good luck to you all. I'll have to be goin'. + +HENSCHEL + +Wait a bit an' drink a glass o' toddy. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If there were only some rum in the house! + +HENSCHEL + +Well, you can fetch it from Wermelskirch's! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I don't want to have nothin' to do with those people! + +WALTHER + +No, no. I got to go home. I got no time. I got to be ridin' half an hour +yet. [_To HANNE._] I don't want to be a bother to you. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who mentioned such a thing? + +WALTHER + +[_Humorously._] Nothin'! I didn't say nothin' at all. God forbid! I won't +let myself in for nothin'. You're a hard customer. Good-bye an' good +luck! + +HENSCHEL + +Good-bye, an' don't forget a greetin' to the wife! + +WALTHER + +[_Already from outside._] All right! Good night! I won't forget nothin'. + + [_Exit._ + +HENSCHEL + +Well, didn't I do the right thing this time? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What is I to say to people? + +HENSCHEL + +--You're not goin' to be ashamed o' your own daughter! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who's sayin' I is, eh? 'Tis all the same to me! You're willin' to have +'em say evil o' me. You force 'em to it! [_Harshly to the child._] Here, +drink this milk! An' then off to bed with you! [_BERTHEL drinks._] + +HENSCHEL + +Are you goin' to go on this way? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Go on how? + +HENSCHEL + +With the child! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm not goin' to bite her; there's no fear! + + [_She takes the still weeping child into the little room to bed._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Speaking after her._] She's not here to be bitten. I needn't ha' +brought her, you know! + + [_A brief pause, after which HANNE returns._ + +HENSCHEL + +A man can't never know how to please you. There's no gettin' along with +women folks. You always acted as if.... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With tears of rage._] That's a lie if you want to know it! + +HENSCHEL + +What's a lie! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_As above._] I never bothered you about Berthel. I never so much as +mentioned her to you! + +HENSCHEL + +I didn't say you had. Why d'you howl so? On that account, because you +didn't say nothin', I wanted to help you in spite o' your silence. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +But couldn't you ha' asked? A man ought to say somethin' before he does a +thing like that! + +HENSCHEL + +Well now, I'll tell you somethin': This is Saturday night. I hurried all +I could so's to be at home again. I thought you'd meet me different! But +if it's not to be, it can't be helped. Only, leave me in peace! You +understand! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Nobody's robbin' you o' your peace. + +HENSCHEL + +D'you hear me? I want my peace an' that's all. You brought me to that +point. I didn't think nothin' but what was good doin' this thing. Gustel +is dead. She won't come back no more. Her mother took her to a better +place. The bed is empty, an' we're alone. Why shouldn't we take care o' +the little lass? That's the way I thinks an' I'm not her father! You +ought to think so all the more, 'cause you're the child's mother! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There you are! You're beginnin' to throw it up to me this minute! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't stop I'll go to Wermelskirch an' not come back all night! +D'you want to drive me out o' the house?--I'm always hopin' things'll be +different, but they gets worse ... worse! I thought maybe if you had your +child with you, you'd learn a little sense. If these goin's on don't end +soon ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +All I say is this: If she stays in the house an' if you tell people that +she's mine ... + +HENSCHEL + +They all know it! I don't have to tell 'em. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Then you c'n take your oath on it--I'll run away! + +HENSCHEL + +Run, run all you can--all you want to! You ought to be ashamed o' +yourself to the bottom o' your heart! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The tap room in WERMELSKIRCH'S public house. A flat, whitewashed + room with a door leading to the inner rooms of the house on the left. + The rear wall of this room is broken, toward its middle. The opening + leads to a second, smaller, oblong room. On the right wall of this + second room there is a glass door leading out into the open and, + farther forward, a window. On the rear wall of the main room the bar + is situated, filled with square whisky-bottles, glasses, etc. The + beer is also on draught there. Highly varnished tables and chairs of + cherry wood are scattered about the room. A red curtain divides the + two rooms. In the oblong rear room are also chairs and tables and, in + the extreme background, a billiard table. Lithographs, representing + mainly hunting scenes, are hung on the walls._ + + _WERMELSKIRCH, in a dressing gown and smoking a long pipe, sits on + the left, himself playing the piano. Three members of the voluntary + fire-corps play billiards. In the foreground to the right HAUFFE sits + brooding over a glass of whisky. He is noticeably shabby. MRS. + WERMELSKIRCH, a gipsy-like, slovenly old woman, is rinsing glasses + behind the bar. FRANZISKA is crouching on a window ledge at the right + playing with a kitten. The waiter GEORGE is standing at the bar over + a glass of beer. He has an elegant spring suit on, as well as + patent-leather shoes, kid-gloves and a top-hat set far back on his + head._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Plays and sings._] + + "When I was prince in realms Arcadian, + I lived in splendour and in wealth." + +GEORGE + +[_Who has accompanied the music by dancing gestures._] Go on, go on with, +that! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Coughing affectedly._] Can't be done! Quite hoarse! Anyhow ... +pshaw!... I'll try again. + + "When I was prince ...." [_He coughs._] + + "When I was prince in realms Arcadian, + I lived in splen ... I lived in splen ... "! + +The devil take it! + +GEORGE + +Aw, why don't you go on? That was quite right! That was fine! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I see myself trying! It's all over with me! + +GEORGE + +I don't understand you! That's the finest kind o' chamber music! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Laughing._] Chamber music! + +GEORGE + +Well, maybe not! I don't know the differences so well. Hallo, Miss +Franziska, what are you laughin' at? + +FRANZISKA + +I'm laughing at your beautiful patent-leather boots. + +GEORGE + +Go right ahead! You don't expect me to go barefoot. Give that man over +there a glass of beer. How would you like a bit o' cordial, Miss +Franziska? You're right, my boots is pretty fine ones. They cost me +twenty crowns. Why not? I c'n stand the expense; I'm able to do it! In +the "Sword" hotel a man c'n at least earn somethin'. To be sure, while I +was at the "Star" I couldn't ha' bought no boots like this. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +So you like it better at the "Sword"? + +GEORGE + +I should say so! A boss like I got now, a reel good fellow--I never had +before long's I've been in the business. We're like old friends--like +brothers. I could say most anythin' to him! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, that's very different from Siebenhaar. + + _FRANZISKA laughs out._ + +GEORGE + +An' that just shows you: Pride goeth before a fall. Two or three weeks +an' he'll be under the hammer. Then I c'n buy myself his gold watch. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +You'd better buy the whole house! + +GEORGE + +Not just now. You got to wait for the proper time to do a thing like +that. An' anyhow, it's sold. Your health, gentlemen!... Your health, +gentlemen! When you're through, I'll order more! What's the name o' the +man that bought the house? Exner? Eh? He's goin' to bottle the spring +water an' export it. He's goin' to rent out the hotel.--I'd rent it this +minute if I had the money. + +HAUFFE + +Why don't you go to Henschel? He'll give it to you. + +GEORGE + +That wouldn't be as much out o' the question as you thinks. + +HAUFFE + +No, that a fac'! You're on pretty good terms with the wife! + + [_FRANZISKA laughs aloud._] + +GEORGE + +Well, why shouldn't I be. That there woman's not half bad. I tell you, a +fellow that knows how, c'n make the women feed out o' his hand! + +HAUFFE + +Well, if you know enough to make Mrs. Henschel feed out o' your hand, you +must know your business pretty well. I'll say that for you. + + _FABIG enters, the cord of his pack around his shoulders. He sits + down modestly in a corner._ + +GEORGE + +Well, there you are; that's what I'm tellin' you! There's pretty few that +could come up to me that way. But a man has to be on the lookout, or he'd +get a good beatin' an' that's all! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, you're not through with it yet yourself. [_SIEBENHAAR enters from +the left._] Where Henschel strikes down the grass stops growing. Your +servant, Mr. Siebenhaar! + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Somewhat pale._] Good morning! + +GEORGE + +I think I'll play a game o' billiards. + + [_He takes up his glass and disappears behind the curtain in the + rear._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Sitting down at a table near the piano._] Weren't you just singing, Mr. +Wermelskirch? Don't let me interrupt you, please. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +What? I? Singing? That's hardly possible! You know how deeply this +business affects me. But if you say so it must be true. Permit me to sit +down by you. Bring me a glass of beer, too, Franziska! + +SIEBENHAAR + +When one considers that you were completely hoarse three or four years +ago, you must admit that you've recuperated remarkably. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +You're quite right. But what good does it do me? I've half way crawled +out of the slough. But who knows what'll happen now? + +FRANZISKA + +[_Places a glass of beer before SIEBENHAAR; to WERMELSKIRCH:_] I'll bring +yours at once. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Having drunk._] What do you mean by that, exactly? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +I don't know that I can tell you very exactly what I do mean. But I feel +something in my bones. I believe there'll be a change in the weather. +Jesting aside--I have all kinds of omens that are familiar to an old +actor. When the waters here began to do me so much good, I knew certainly +that ten horses couldn't drag me away. And it wasn't a month before my +road company had gone to smash. Now I suppose I'll have to wander on in +the same old way again--who knows whither? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Who knows whither? That's the way of the world. As for me--I'm not sorry! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Ah, but you're a man in the prime of life. The world has a place for a +man like you everywhere. It's different with an old fellow like me. If I +lose my means of making a living, I mean, if I'm given notice, what is +there left me, I'd like to know? I might actually get me a hurdy-gurdy +and Franziska could go about and collect the pennies. + +FRANZISKA + +That wouldn't embarrass me a bit, papa! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Not if it were to rain gold pieces! + +FRANZISKA + +And, anyhow, papa, how you always talk! You could go back on the stage! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Not even at a monkey-show, girlie! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Did Mr. Exner intimate anything to you? According to what he told me he +meant to leave everything pretty much as it is. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well, I hardly belong to what could be summed up as "everything." + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Approaching the table in great excitement._] I must say, Mr. +Siebenhaar, I must say ... And you can take my word for it! I'm an old +woman of fifty and I've seen a good deal of the world, but the way we've +been treated here--that's really--I don't know what to call it--but it's +just vulgar malice, the lowest kind of scheming, pure meanness. You can +take my word for that! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Oh, mother, are you starting in too? You'd better withdraw, if you don't +mind, and retire behind your barricade! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +I'd like to know what our little Fanny did to that woman! + +FRANZISKA + +Oh, never mind, mama! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +On the contrary! Are we to put up with everything? Isn't one to offer any +resistance if that woman robs us of our very bread--if she spreads +slander about our daughter? [_To SIEBENHAAR._] Did the child ever offend +you in any way? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mama, mama! Come along now, mama, and rest a while. So! You spoke your +part very well indeed. You can repeat it to-night. + + [_He leads her behind the bar where her sobbing is heard for some + time after._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +[_Having resumed his seat._] She's quite right at bottom. I've heard all +kinds of rumours too, to the effect that Henschel will rent the barroom. +And, of course, his wife is behind that! + +HAUFFE + +An' who else'd be back of it I'd like to know? If there's anythin' low +happenin' in the village nowadays, you don't has to go an ax who's back +of it! That Henschel woman's got the devil in her! + +FABIG + +An' she's had her eye on the barroom this long time. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_To_ HAUFFE.] One hardly ever sees you any longer, Hauffe? Where did you +land? + +HAUFFE + +Where d'you suppose? In misery an' hunger' An' who gave me the shove? +That damned crittur of a woman! Who else'd do it, I'd like to know! I +never had no trouble with Henschel! + +FABIG + +His wife has the breeches on--that's all! + +HAUFFE + +I wasn't quick enough for her no more. I'm not as young as I was--that's +a fac'! An' I don't go hangin' aroun' no woman's apron strings neither. +An' that there is what she wants. That's what you got to do with her! +She's a hot one--you might say--she don't never get enough.--But as for +workin': I c'n work! Them young fellers that she hires--they're that +stinkin' lazy.... I could do as much as any three of 'em. + +SIEBENHAAR + +One feels sorry for old Henschel. + +HAUFFE + +If he's satisfied, I don't care. But he ought to know why my bones is +stiff! They didn't get stiff with lazyin' aroun', an' if that man has a +chest full o' money to-day, he knows who it is that helped him earn a +good lot of it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +I recall very well that you even worked for Wilhelm Henschel's father. + +HAUFFE + +Well, who else but me! That's the way it is! An' I fed Wilhelm's horses +eighteen years an' more--hitched 'em up an' unhitched 'em--went on trips +summer an' winter. I drove 's far's Freiburg an' 's far's Breslau: I had +to drive 'way to Bromberg. Many a night I had to sleep in the waggon. I +got my ears an' my hands frost bitten: I got chilblains on both feet big +as pears. An' now he puts me out! Now I c'n go! + +FABIG + +That's all the woman's doin's: he's a good man. + +HAUFFE + +Why did he go an' load hisself with that wench! Now he can look out for +hisself! An' he couldn't hardly wait to do it decent. His first wife--she +wasn't hardly cold when he ran to get married to this one! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, no one knew her, of course. + +FABIG + +I knew her well enough. O Lord--that I did! If he'd ha' axed me, I could +ha' told him! If he wanted to send Gustel after her mother, there wasn't +no surer way for him to take: all he had to do was to make Hanne the +child's step-mother. + +HAUFFE + +Ah yes, yes ... well, well ... I'm not sayin' nothin' more. There's many +a one has shaken his head about that! But that'll be comin' home to him +some day. First people just wondered; now they'd believe anythin' of him. + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's undoubtedly mere idle talk. + + _The horse dealer WALTHER enters in riding boots, hunting jacket and + cap. His whip is in his hand. He sits down at one of the tables and + beckons FRANZISKA to bring him beer._ + +HAUFFE + +You c'n say that. Maybe it's true. But if the dead was to come back an' +was to say their say--'tis old Mrs. Henschel that could tell you a thing +or two. She couldn't live an' she didn't want to live! An' what's the +main thing--she wasn't to live! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Hauffe, you'd better take care! If Henschel were to get wind of that ... + +HAUFFE + +I wouldn't have to take care if he did! I'd say that to anyone's face. +Old Mrs. Henschel--she was meant to die! If they pisened her, I couldn't +say; I wasn't on the spot. But that thing didn't happen no natural way. +She was a well woman; she might ha' lived thirty years. + + _SIEBENHAAR drinks and rises._ + +WALTHER + +I c'n bear witness that she was well. She was my own sister an' I ought +to know. She was in the way an' had to go. + + _SIEBENHAAR leaves quietly._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Would you like a little snuff, gentlemen? [_Softly and confidentially._] +And don't you think, gentlemen, that you're going a little far? It seems +so to me. I wish you would watch the man. He sat here till quite late +yesterday. The man sighed so pitifully--there was no one else here--that +I really felt very sorry for him. + +HAUFFE + +'Tis his bad conscience that's botherin' him! + +WALTHER + +Don't talk to me about Henschel! I'm sick o' hearin' about him. He an' +me--we're through with each other this long time. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +No, no, Mr. Siebenhaar is right. One ought to feel sorry for him. + +WALTHER + +He c'n think about it what he pleases. I don't care. But what I ought to +think about Henschel--there's nobody that need tell me nothin' about +that! + + _HENSCHEL and the smith HILDEBRANT enter at the right. HENSCHEL is + carrying little BERTHA, more neatly dressed than formerly, on his + arm. A little pause of embarrassment falls upon the men._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Welcome, Mr. Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +Good mornin', all of ye. + +FRANZISKA + +Well, Berthel, how are you? + +HENSCHEL + +Say thank you! Well, can't you talk?--We gets along. A body has to be +satisfied. Good mornin', brother. [_He stretches out his hand carelessly +to WALTHER who takes it in the same fashion._] How are you? How's +everythin'? + +WALTHER + +I gets along as usual. 'Twouldn't be bad if it was better! You're a +reg'lar nurse girl nowadays! + +HENSCHEL + +True, true! 'Tis almost that! + +WALTHER + +You're hardly ever seen without the girl. Can't you leave her with her +mother? + +HENSCHEL + +She's always scourin' an' workin'. The little thing is just in her way! +[_He sits down on a bench along the wall near the bar, not far from his +brother-in-law. He keeps the little girl on his lap. HILDEBRANT sits down +opposite him._] How is it, Hildebrant, what shall we have? I think we've +earned a bumper o' beer? Two of 'em, then, an two glasses o' brandy. + +HILDEBRANT + +That son of a--actually broke my skin! + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin' but a foal neither an' has the strength o'--... Good mornin', +Hauffe. + +HAUFFE + +Mornin'. + +HENSCHEL + +He's a bit surly. Let's not bother him. + +FABIG + +Mr. Henschel, won't you buy something o' me? A needle box for the wife, +maybe, or a pretty little comb to stick in the hair! [_All laugh._] +George, the waiter, he bought one too. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing good-naturedly with the others._] Don't you come botherin' me +with your trash! [_To WERMELSKIRCH._] Give him a measure o' beer!--'Tis a +quaint little chap he is. Who is it? + +HILDEBRANT + +'Tis Fabig from Quolsdorf, I think--the most mischievous little scamp in +the county. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, I got a little native from Quolsdorf here too. + +FABIG + +[_To BERTHA._] We're good old friends, eh? + +BERTHA + +[_To FABIG._] Why don't you dive me some nuts? + +FABIG + +Aha, she knows who I is! I'll look an' see if I c'n find some! + +BERTHA + +Outside in the waggon! + +FABIG + +No, they're here in my pocket! [_He gives them to the child._] You see, +you don't get out o' the pubs. Long ago your grandfather took you along; +now you got to go about with Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +[_To BERTHA._] Tell him to attend to his bit o' trash! Tell him you're +bein' looked out for! Tell him that! + + _GEORGE comes vivaciously out of the billiard room._ + +GEORGE + +[_Without noticing HENSCHEL._] Well,--I never saw the likes o' that! That +there feller c'n eat glass like anythin'. Put it down on the reckoning, +Miss Franziska: a lot o' beer! There's five o' us! + +FRANZISKA + +[_Has taken BERTHA on her arm. She goes with the child behind the bar._] +Bertha won't permit it; I can't do it now! + +GEORGE + +Good heavens, Mr. Henschel, there you are too! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Without noticing GEORGE, to HILDEBRANT._] Your health, Hildebrant! + + [_They clink their glasses and drink._ + +FABIG + +[_To GEORGE who, a little taken aback, lights his cigar at one of the +tables._] Tell me this, mister George, you're a kind of a wizard, eh? + +GEORGE + +Well, I do declare! What makes you think so? + +FABIG + +'Cause a while ago, you was gone like a light that's blown out. + +GEORGE + +Well, what's the use o' huntin' for disagreeable things. Siebenhaar an' +me--we can't agree, that's all. + +FABIG + +[_With the gesture of boxing another's ears._] People do say that +somethin' happened.--[_Passing by, to HAUFFE._] Did you win in the +lottery? eh? + +HAUFFE + +You damned vermin! + +FABIG + +Yes, that's just what I am. + +HENSCHEL + +Is it true that you're working down at Nentwich's now? + +HAUFFE + +What business is it o' yours? + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing and quite even-tempered._] Now look at that feller. He pricks +like a weasel wherever you touches him. + +WALTHER + +I s'pose you'll be our host here pretty soon now? + +HENSCHEL + +[_After he has glanced at him in astonishment._] That's the first ever +I've heard of it! + +WALTHER + +Oh, I thought! I don't know exackly who 'twas that told me. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Drinking: indifferently._] Whoever told you that must ha' been +dreamin'! + + [_Pause._] + +HILDEBRANT + +In this here house everythin' is bein' turned upside down now. An' what I +says is this: You'll be all sighin' to have Siebenhaar back some day. + +HENSCHEL + +[_To HAUFFE._] You might go over to Landeshut. I got two coach horses +standin' there. You might ride them in for me. + +HAUFFE + +The hell I will--that's what I'll do for you. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Laughing and calmly._] Well, now you c'n sit there till you gets blue +in the face. I won't concern myself that much about you! + +HAUFFE + +You c'n keep busy sweepin' before your own door. + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis well, 'tis well. We'll let that there be. + +HAUFFE + +You got filth enough in your own house! + +HENSCHEL + +Hauffe, I tell you right now: I wouldn't like to do it. But if you're +goin' to start trouble here--I tell you that--I'll kick you out! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Peace, gentlemen! I beg of you: peace! + +HAUFFE + +You're not the host here an' you can't kick nobody out! You has no more +right to say anythin' here than me! I don't let you nor nobody tell me to +hold my tongue. No, not you an' not your wife, no matter how you scheme, +you two! That don't scare me an' don't bother me that much! + + _Without any show of anger, HENSCHEL grasps HAUFFE by the chest and + pushes him, struggling in vain, toward the door. Just before reaching + it he turns slightly, opens the door, puts HAUFFE out, and closes it + again. During this scene the following colloquy takes place:_ + +HAUFFE + +Let go, I tell you! I just warn you: let go! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mr. Henschel, that won't do; I can't permit that! + +HENSCHEL + +I gave you fair warnin'! There's no help for you now. + +HAUFFE + +Are you goin' to choke me? Let go, I tell you! You're not the host here! + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_From behind the bar._] What's the meaning of this? That will never do, +Ludwig! You can't permit yourself to be treated that way! + +FABIG + +[_While HENSCHEL, holding HAUFFE, is rapidly approaching the door._] You +might as well let it be. There's nothin' to be done. That there man--he's +like an athlete. He'll bite his teeth into the edge of a table, and he'll +lift the table up for you so steady, you won't notice a glass on it +shakin'. If he went an' took the notion, I tell you, we'd all be flyin' +out into the street different ways! + + _HAUFFE has been put out, HENSCHEL returns._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Resuming his seat amid a general silence._] He wouldn't give no +rest--he's that stubborn. + +FIRST FIREMAN + +[_Who has come in out of the billiard room and drunk a glass of whisky at +the bar._] I'd like to pay. A man had better go. In the end anybody +might be flyin' out o' here, you know. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Yon take another glass of beer. That would be the last straw. After all, +I am still master here. + +WALTHER + +If that's the way you're goin' to do, Henschel, when you stands behind +the bar and runs this here place instead o' Wermelskirch--you won't keep +many customers, I c'n tell you that! + +HENSCHEL + +Customers like that don't matter. + +WALTHER + +You won't be able to pick 'em out, though. Hauffe don't pay with +counterfeit money neither. + +HENSCHEL + +He c'n pay anyway he wants to, for all I care. But I tell you again now: +Don't start that there business over again. I won't be takin' this place +at all. If I was goin' to take it, I ought to know better than anybody +else. Well, then: if I'm ready to buy a pub some day--I'll let you know! +Afterward you c'n give me your advice. An' if you don't like the place +an' don't patronise it--well, then, Lord A'mighty, you don't has to! + + _The FIREMAN goes out slamming the door angrily behind him._ + +WALTHER + +I s'pose it's just as well to go.... + + [_He prepares to pay his score._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Mr. Henschel, surely that isn't right of you. You drive my customers out. + +HENSCHEL + +Well, my goodness! Now tell me: If that man runs out, what has I to do +with it? For my part he can stay here till mornin'. + +WALTHER + +[_Pocketing his money again._] You got no right to put anybody out o' +here. You're not the host. + +HENSCHEL + +Anythin' else you know? + +WALTHER + +People knows a good deal. Only they rather keep still. Wermelskirch knows +that best of all! + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why I exactly? Now, look here, that's ... + +HENSCHEL + +[_Firmly and collectedly._] What is't you know? Out with it! One o' you +knows one thing an' another another, an' altogether you don't know that +much! + + [_Pause._] + +WALTHER + +[_In a changed tone._] If you were only the same man you used to be! But +God only knows what's gotten into you! In those days you had a standin' +among men. People came from far an' wide to get your advice. An' what you +said, that was--you might say--almost like the law o' the land. 'Twas +like Amen in church. An' now there's no gettin' along with you! + +HENSCHEL + +Go right ahead with your preachin'. + +WALTHER + +Very well, I s'pose you're noticin' it all yourself. Formerly, you had +nothin' but friends. Nowadays nobody comes to you no more; an' even if +they did want to come they stay away on account o' your wife. Twenty +years Hauffe served you faithful. Then, suddenly, he don't suit your +wife, an' you take him by the scruff an' put him out. What's the meanin' +o' that! That woman has but to look at you an' you're jumpin' at her +beck, instead o' goin' an' takin' a stout rope an' knockin' the +wickedness out o' her! + +HENSCHEL + +If you don't keep still this minute--I'll take you by the scruff too. + +GEORGE + +[_To HENSCHEL._] Don't forget yourself, whatever you do, Mr. Henschel! +That man don't know no better, you see. + + [_Exit rapidly into the billiard room._ + +WALTHER + +I believe, Henschel, if a man comes nowadays an' tells you the truth, +you're capable o' flingin' him against the wall. But a feller like that, +a worthless windbag like George--he c'n lie to you day an' night. Your +wife an' he--they c'n compete with each other makin' a fool o' you! If +you want to be cheated--all right! But if you got a pair o' eyes left in +your head, open 'em once an' look around you an' look at that there +feller good an' hard. Them two deceive you in broad daylight! + +HENSCHEL + +[_About to hurl himself upon WALTHER, masters his rage._] What did you +say--eh? Nothin'! Aw, it's all right. + + [_Pause._] + +FABIG + +It's reg'lar April weather this day. Now the sun shines an' now it blows +again. + +HAUFFE'S VOICE + +[_From without._] I'll pay you back for this! You watch out! You c'n let +it be now! We'll meet again: we'll meet at court--that's where. + +WALTHER + +[_Finishes his glass._] Good-bye. I'm meanin' well by you, Henschel. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Lays his hand about WALTHER'S wrist._] You stay here! Y' understan'? + +WALTHER + +What is I to do here? + +HENSCHEL + +You'll see for yourself. All I says is: You stay! [_To FRANZISKA._] Go +down an' tell my wife she's to come up! + + _FRANZISKA goes._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +But, dear Mr. Henschel, I beg you, for heaven's sake, don't cause a +scandal here! The police will be coming at me next, and then ... + +HENSCHEL + +[_In an outburst of towering, withering rage--bluish-red of face._] I'll +beat you all to death if Hanne don't come here--now!!! + +WALTHER + +[_In helpless perplexity._] Wilhelm, Wilhelm, don' go an' commit some +foolishness now! I wish I hadn't said nothin'. An' it didn't mean +nothin'. You know yourself how people will talk! + +HILDEBRANT + +Wilhelm, you're a good man. Come to your senses! My God, how you look! +Think, man, think! Why, you fairly roared! What's the matter with you? +That must ha' been heard all over the house! + +HENSCHEL + +Anybody c'n hear me now that wants to. But you stay here an' Hanne is to +come here. + +WALTHER + +Why should I be stayin' here? I don't know what for! Your affairs--they +don't concern me a bit. I don't mingle in 'em an' I don't want to! + +HENSCHEL + +Then you should ha' thought before you spoke! + +WALTHER + +Everythin' else that's between us'll be settled in court. There we'll see +who's in the right. I'll get hold o' my money; never fear! Maybe you're +wife'll think it over once or twice before she goes an' perjures herself. +The rest don't concern me. I tell you to let me go. I has no time. I has +to go to Hartau, an' I can't be kept waitin' here. + + _SIEBENHAAR re-enters._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +What's happened here? + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Goodness, gracious, I don't know! I don't know what Mr. Henschel wants! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Who continues to imprison WALTHER'S wrist._] Hanne is to come here: +that's all. + +MRS. WERMELSKIRCH + +[_To SIEBENHAAR._] The men were drinking their beer quite peacefully. +Suddenly Mr. Henschel came in and began a dispute as though he were +master here. + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_With a deprecating gesture._] All right; all right. [_To HENSCHEL._] +What's happened to you, Henschel? + +HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar, it's no fault o' mine. I couldn't help things comin' +about this way. You may think what you please, Mr. Siebenhaar. I give you +my word--'twasn't my fault. + +SIEBENHAAR + +You needn't excuse yourself to me, Henschel. I know you're a man of +peace. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes. I was in your father's service long ago, an' even if it looks that +way a thousand times over--it wasn't my fault that this here has +happened. I don't know myself what I has done. I never was +quarrelsome--that's certain! But now things has come about ...! They +scratch an' they bite at me--all of 'em! An' now this man here has said +things o' my wife that he's got to prove--prove!!--or God help him! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Why don't you let the people gossip? + +HENSCHEL + +Proofs! Proofs! Or God help him! + +WALTHER + +I can prove it an' I will. There are not many people in this room that +don't know it as well as I. That there woman is on an evil way. 'Tis no +fault o' mine, an' I wouldn't ha' mentioned it. But I'm not goin' to let +you strike me. I'm no liar. I always speaks the truth! Ask it of anybody! +Ask Mr. Siebenhaar here on his honour an' conscience! The sparrows is +twitterin' it on every roof--an' worse things 'n that! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Think over what you're saying carefully, Walther. + +WALTHER + +He forces me to it! Why don't he let me go? Why is I to suffer for other +people? You know it all as well as I? How did you used to stand with +Henschel in other years when his first wife was alive? D'you think people +don't know that? An' now you don't cross his threshold. + +SIEBENHAAR + +The relations between us are our private affair. And I will not permit +remark or interference. + +WALTHER + +All right. But if first his wife dies, though she's as well as anybody, +an' when Gustel goes an' dies eight weeks later, then, I'm thinkin' it's +more'n a private affair! + +HENSCHEL + +What?--Hanne is to come! + + _MRS. HENSCHEL enters suddenly and quickly, just as she has come from + her work and still drying her hands._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What're you roarin' about so? + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis well that you're here.--This man here says-- + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Makes a movement as if to go._] Damned rot that it ... + +HENSCHEL + +You're to stay here! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Are you all drunk together? What're you thinkin' of, anyhow? D'you think +I'm goin' to stay here an' play monkey tricks for you? + + [_She is about to go._ + +HENSCHEL + +Hanne, I advise you ... This man here says ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Aw, he c'n say what he wants to, for all I cares! + +HENSCHEL + +He says that you deceive me before my face an' behind my back! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What? What? What? What? + +HENSCHEL + +That's what he says! Is he goin' to dare to say that? An' that ... my +wife ... + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Me? Lies! Damned lies! + + [_She throws her apron over her face and rushes out._ + +HENSCHEL + +That I ... that my wife ... that we together ... that our Gustel ... 'Tis +well! 'Tis well! + + [_He releases WALTHER'S hand and lets his head sink, moaning, on the + table._ + +WALTHER + +I won't be made out a liar here. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE FIFTH ACT + + + _The same room as in the first three acts. It is night, but the + moonlight throws a moderate brightness into the room. It is empty. + Several days have passed since the occurrences in the fourth act._ + + _A candle is lit in the small adjoining room; at the end of a few + seconds HENSCHEL enters, carrying the candle in a candlestick of tin. + He wears leathern breeches but his feet are cased in bedroom + slippers. Slowly he approaches the table, gazes hesitatingly first + backward, then toward the window, finally puts the candlestick on the + table and sits down by the window. He leans his chin on his hand and + stares at the moon._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Invisible, from the adjoining chamber, calls:_] Husband! Husband! What +are you doin' out there?--the same mortal foolishness all the time! +--[_She looks in, but half-clad._] Where are you? Come 'n go to bed! 'Tis +time to sleep! To-morrow you won't be able to go out again! You'll be +lyin' like a sack o' meal and everythin' 'll go upside down in the yard. +[_She comes out, half-clad as she is, and approaches HENSCHEL +hesitatingly and fearfully._] What are you doin', eh? + +HENSCHEL + +--Me? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Why are you sittin' there an' not sayin' a word? + +HENSCHEL + +I'm lookin' at the clouds. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Oh, no, my goodness; it's enough to confuse a person's head! What's to be +seen up there, I'd like to know! The same worry, night after night. +There's no rest in the world for nobody no more. What are you starin' at? +Say somethin', won't you? + +HENSCHEL + +Up there!... That's where they are! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're dreaming, eh? You, Wilhelm, wake up! Lay down in your bed an' go +to sleep. There's nothin' but clouds up there! + +HENSCHEL + +Anybody that has eyes c'n see what there is! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +An' anybody that gets confused in his mind goes crazy. + +HENSCHEL + +I'm not confused. + +MRS. HENSCHEL I'm not sayin' that you are! But if you go on actin' this +way, you will be! + + [_She shivers, pulls on a jacket, and stirs the ashes in the oven + with a poker._ + +HENSCHEL + +What time is it? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +A quarter of two. + +HENSCHEL + +You've got a watch hangin' to you; it used to hang behind the door. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What fancies is you goin' to have next? 'Tis hangin' where it always did. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Rising._] I think I'll go over to the stables a bit. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I tells you to go to bed, or I'll raise an alarm. You got nothin' to do +in the stable now! 'Tis night, an' in bed is where you belong! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Remains standing quietly and looking at HANNE._] Where's Gustel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What are you botherin' for? She's lyin' in bed asleep! What are you +always worritin' over the girl for? She don't lack for nothin'! I don't +do nothin' to her! + +HENSCHEL + +She don't lack for nothin'. She's gone to bed. She's gone to sleep +betimes--Gustel has. I don't mean Berthel. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Wailing, stuffs her apron into her mouth._] I'll run away! I won't stay +here! + +HENSCHEL + +--Go to bed, go! I'll come too. Your cryin' can't help no more now. 'Tis +our Lord alone knows whose fault it is. You can't help it; you don't need +to cry.--Our Lord an' me--we two, we knows. + + _[He turns the key in the door._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Hastily turning it back again._] Why d'you lock the door? I won't stand +bein' locked in. + +HENSCHEL + +I don't rightly know why I turned the key. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Them people has gone an' addled your brains for you! They'll have to +answer some day for the things they've put into your head! I took as good +care o' your girl as I did o' my own. She wouldn't ha' died o' that! But +I can't wake the dead. If a body is to die, she dies--in this world. +There's no holdin' people like that; they has to go. There never was much +strength in Gustel--you know that as well as I. Why do you go axin' me +an' lookin' at me as if I done God knows what to her! + +HENSCHEL + +[_Suspiciously._] Maybe you did somethin'. 'Tis not impossible. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Beside herself._] Oh, if somebody'd foretold this--I'd ha' gone beggin' +my bread first. No, no, O my goodness, if I'd ha' known that! To have to +listen to things like that! Didn't I want to go? An' who kept me back? +Who held me fast in the house here? I could ha' made my livin' any time! +I wasn't afraid; I could always work. But you didn't let up. Now I got my +reward. Now _I_ got to suffer for it! + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis true, maybe, that you has to suffer for it. Things comes _as_ they +come. What c'n a body do? + + [_He locks the door again._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to leave the door open, Wilhelm, or I'll cry for help! + +HENSCHEL + +--Sh! Keep still! Did you hear? There's somethin' runnin' along the +passage. D'you hear? Now it goes to the washstand. D'you hear the +splashin'? She's standin' there an' washin' herself! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You! Wilhelm! You're dreamin'! The wash-stand is in here! + +HENSCHEL + +That's just it! I know very well! They can't deceive me. I know what I +know, [_Hurriedly._] That's all I say.--Come, come, let's go to bed. +Time'll show. + + [_While he approaches the door of the next room, Mrs. HENSCHEL softly + unlocks the door to the hall and slips out._ + +HENSCHEL + +[_Taking down a whip from the frame of the door._] Why, that's my old +Triest whip! Where does that old thing come from? I haven't seen it for +over a year. That was bought in mother's time. [_He listens._] What d'you +say? Eh?--O' course ... Certainly.--Nothin'!--Well, s'posin'! An' why +not? 'Tis well!--I know what I has to do!--I won't be stubborn.--You let +that be too. + + _SIEBENHAAR enters by the door which is slightly ajar. By means of + gestures he signifies to WERMELSKIRCH, who follows him, that the + latter is to remain behind, also to MRS. HENSCHEL. He is fully clad + except that he wears a silk kerchief instead of a collar. + WERMELSKIRCH is in his dressing-gown._ + +SIEBENHAAR + +Good evening, Mr. Henschel! What? Are you still up? You're not well, eh? +What's the matter with you? + +HENSCHEL + +[_After he has, for several seconds, regarded him with perplexity; +simply:_] I just can't sleep. I don't get sleepy at all! I'd like to take +some medicine, if I knew any. I don't know how it comes. God knows! + +SIEBENHAAR + +I'll tell you somethin', old friend: You go quietly to bed now, and +to-morrow, real early, I'll send the doctor in. You must really take some +serious step now. + +HENSCHEL + +No doctor won't be able to help me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +You mustn't say that; we'll see about that! Doctor Richter knows his +business. My wife couldn't sleep for weeks; her head ached as if it would +burst. Last Monday she took a powder, and now she sleeps all night like +the dead. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes ... well, well ... 'Tis possible! I'd like it well enough if I +could sleep.--Is the madam reel sick? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Oh, we're all a little under the weather. When once Monday is past, +everything will straighten out again. + +HENSCHEL + +I s'pose you has to turn over the property on Monday. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Yes, I hope it will be possible to arrange it by Monday. In the meantime +the work is heaping up so--what with writing and making the +inventory--that I scarcely get out of my clothes. But come now, Henschel, +and go to bed. One man has one trouble and another has another. Life is +no joke and we must all see how we can best fight our way through. And +even if many strange thoughts pass through your head--don't take them to +heart so! + +HENSCHEL + +Thank you many times, Mr. Siebenhaar. Don't take anythin' in ill part, +please. An' good luck to you an' your wife! + +SIEBENHAAR + +We'll see each other again to-morrow, Henschel. You owe me no thanks for +anything. We've done each other many a service in the years that we've +lived together here. And those services compensate for each other. We +were good friends and, surely, we will remain such. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Silently takes a few steps toward the window and looks out._]--Ah, +them's queer things here. Time don't stand still in this world. Little +Karl, he never came to see us no more ... I can't make no objection. +Maybe you was right. The lad couldn't ha' learned nothin' good here. +'Twas different--once! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I don't know what you mean now! + +HENSCHEL + +An' you didn't cross my threshold neither. 'Tis nine months since you +did. + +SIEBENHAAR + +I had too much to worry me; that's all. + +HENSCHEL + +Those were the very times you used to come before. No, no, I know. You +were right. An' the people are right too--all of 'em. I can't take no +pride in myself no more. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you must take some rest now. + +HENSCHEL + +No, no; we c'n talk about it a bit. You see, I know 'tis all my fault--I +know that, an' with that we can let it be. But before I went an' took +this woman--Hanne, I mean--before that it all began ... slowly it began, +slowly--but downhill right along. First thing, a good bonehandled whip +broke. After that, I remember it right well, I drove over my dog an' he +died. 'Twas the best little dog I had. Then, one right after another, +three o' my horses died; an' one of 'em was the fine stallion that cost +me five hundred crowns. An' then, last of all ... my wife died. I noticed +it well enough in my own thoughts that fate was against me. But when my +wife went away from me, I had a minute in my own mind when I thought to +myself: Now it's enough. There's not much else that c'n be taken from me. +But you see, there was somethin' else.--I don't want to talk about +Gustel. A man loses first his wife an' then a child--that's common. But +no: a snare was laid for me an' I stepped into it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Who laid a snare for you? + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe the devil; maybe, too, somebody else. It's throttlin' me--that's +certain. + + [_Pause._] + +SIEBENHAAR + +That's a most unhappy notion of yours ... + +HENSCHEL + +An' I'm denyin' nothin'. A bad man I've come to be, only it's no fault o' +mine. I just, somehow, stumbled into it all. Maybe it's my fault too. You +c'n say so if you want to. Who knows? I should ha' kept a better watch. +But the devil is more cunnin' than me. I just kept on straight ahead. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, you're just your own worst enemy. You're fighting phantoms +which have no existence at any time or place. The devil has done nothing +to you, nor have you stepped into any snare. And no one is throttling you +either. That is all nonsense. And such fancies are dangerous. + +HENSCHEL + +We'll see; we c'n wait an' see. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, tell me something definite. You won't be able to do it, however you +try. You are neither bad, as you say, nor are you burdened by any guilt. + +HENSCHEL + +Ah, I know better. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Well, what is your guilt? + +HENSCHEL + +Here stood the bed. An' she was lyin' in it. An' here I gave her my +promise. I gave her my promise an' I've broken it! + +SIEBENHAAR + +What promise was that? + +HENSCHEL + +You know well enough!--I broke it an' when I did that, I was lost. I was +done for. The game was up.--An' you see: now she can't find no rest. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Are you speaking of your dead wife? + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis of her, of her exackly that I'm speakin'. She can't find no rest in +the grave. She comes an' she goes an' she finds no rest.--I curry the +horses; there she stands. I take a sieve from the feed-bin, an' I see her +sittin' behind the door. I mean to go to bed in the little room; 'tis she +that's lyin' in the bed an' lookin' at me.--She's hung a watch aroun' my +neck; she knocks at the wall; she scratches on the panes.--She puts her +finger on my breast an' I'm that smothered, I has to gasp for air. No, +no, I know best. You got to go through a thing like that before you know +what it is. You can't tell about It. I've gone through a deal--you c'n +believe me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, this is my last word to you: Gather all the strength you have +in you; plant yourself firmly on both legs. Go and consult a physician. +Tell yourself that you are ill, very ill, but drive these phantoms away. +They are mere cobwebs of the brain, mere fancies. + +HENSCHEL + +That's what you said that there time, too. Just so or somethin' like it +you said. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very likely, and I'm willing to stand by it now. What you did in the +matter of your marriage, it was your entire right to do. There was no +question of any sin or guilt. + + _WERMELSKIRCH steps forward._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Henschel, come over to me. We'll light the gas and play cards. We'll +drink beer or whatever you want to and smoke a pipe with it; then the +ghosts can come if they want to. In two hours it will be bright daylight. +Then we can drink some coffee and take a walk. The devil is in this if +you can't be made to be your old self again. + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe so; we c'n try it all right. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Well then, come along. + +HENSCHEL + +I won't go to your place no more. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +On account of that little nonsense the other day? That was only a +misunderstanding. And all that has been cleared up. I simply won't let +Hauffe come in any more. The fellow is always drunk; that's a fact. +Things are often said in heat that simply enter at one ear and pass out +at the other. And that's the way to treat such incidents, I always do. + +HENSCHEL + +An' that'd be best too. You're quite right. But no--I won't be comin' +into the barroom no more. I'm goin' to travel about a good bit, I think. +Maybe they won't follow me all roun'. An' now sleep well. I'm feelin' +sleepy too. + +SIEBENHAAR + +How would it be, Henschel, if you came up with me? There's light upstairs +and my office is heated. There we can all three play a little game. I +wouldn't lie down to-night anyhow. + +HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes; we could be doin' that together. 'Tis long since I've touched a +card. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That's right. Go on up. You wouldn't be able to sleep nohow. + +HENSCHEL + +I'm not goin'! Y' understand me now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Well, if you're goin' to stay, then I won't. God knows what you'll be up +to this night. You'll begin to be playin' aroun' with knives again. Yes, +that's what he did yesterday. A body's not sure o' her life no more. + +HENSCHEL + +You won't see me goin' up there. He advised me to do what I did, an' then +he was the first one to despise me for doin' it. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, I never despised you. You're an honourable fellow, through and +through; don't talk nonsense now. There are certain fates that come upon +men. And what one has to bear is not easy. You have grown ill, but you +have remained a good man. And for that truth I'll put my hand in the +fire! + +HENSCHEL + +Maybe that's true too, Mr. Siebenhaar.--Let it be; we'll talk about +somethin' else. 'Tisn't your fault; I always said that. An' I can't blame +my brother-in law neither. He knows where he gets all that from, 'Tis she +herself goes roun' to people an' tells 'em. She's everywhere--now here +an' now there. I s'pose she was with her brother too. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Who is it that goes about among people? Not a soul is thinking of that +affair of the other night, That's quite forgotten by this time. + +HENSCHEL + +It sticks to me--it does--turn it any way you please. _She_ knows how to +go about it. She's everywhere, an' she'll persuade folks. An' even, if +people was goin' to be silent for my sake an' wasn't after me like so +many dogs--nothin' c'n do any good. It'll stick to me. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Henschel, we won't go away until you've put that, out of your mind. You +must calm, yourself entirely. + +HENSCHEL + +Oh, I'm sensible now an' quiet, reel quiet. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Very well. In that case we can talk quite frankly. You see for yourself +how your wife repents. That waiter fellow is gone; he's far away by this +time and you'll never set your eyes on him again. Anyone may fall into +sin--no matter who it is. And so take each other's hands. Bury that +matter, hide it out of sight and be at peace. + +HENSCHEL + +I don't has to make no peace with her. [_To HANNE._] I c'n give you my +hand! I don't mind. That you've gone an' made a mistake--the Lord c'n +judge that in this world. I won't condemn you on that account.--If only +... about Gustel ... if only we could know somethin' ... about that ... +for certain! + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You c'n both kill me this minute. May I drop dead if I did any harm to +Gustel!! + +HENSCHEL + +That's what I've been sayin': It'll stick to me.--Well, we c'n talk it +over again to-morrow. Before we get through talkin' about that, many a +drop o' water'll have time to run into the sea, I'm thinkin'. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Why don't you build a comfortable fire and cook a cup of hot coffee. +After rain comes the sunshine. That's the way it is between married +people. There will be storms in every marriage. But after the storm +everything grows greener. The main thing is: Bye, baby, bye--[_He +imitates the gesture of one rocking a child in his arms._]--That's the +right way. That's the thing that you two must get for yourselves. +[_Jovially patting HENSCHEL'S shoulder._] That's what the old man likes. +You two must get together and buy a toy like that. Confound it, Henschel! +It would be queer if that weren't easy. A giant of a man like you! Good +night all. + +SIEBENHAAR + +Everything changes. One must have courage. + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Just keep cool and dress warmly--that's it! + + _SIEBENHAAR and WERMELSKIRCH withdraw. HENSCHEL goes slowly to the + door and is about to lock it again._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to leave that open! + +HENSCHEL + +All right; I don't mind.--What are you doin' there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Who has been bending down before the oven, draws herself up quickly._] +I'm makin' a fire. Don't you see that? + +HENSCHEL + +[_Sitting down, heavily by the table._] For my part you c'n light the +lamp too. + + [_He pulls out the drawer of the table._ + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +What are you lookin' for? + +HENSCHEL + +Nothin'. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Then you c'n push it back in. [_She steps forward and shuts the drawer._] +I s'ppose you want to wake Berthel up? + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +Monday he's goin'. Then we'll be alone. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Who's goin' on Monday? + +HENSCHEL + +Siebenhaar. The Lord knows how we'll get along with the new owner. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +He's a rich man. He won't borrow money of you at least. + +HENSCHEL + +--Hanne, one of us two'll have to go. One of us two. Yes, yes,'tis true. +You c'n look at me. That can't be changed. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I'm to go away? You want to drive me away? + +HENSCHEL + +We'll see about that later--_who_ has to go! Maybe 'twill be me, an' +maybe 'twill be you. If I was to go ... I know this for sure--you +wouldn't be scared about yourself. You're able to look after the business +like a man.--But 's I said: it don't matter about me. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +If one of us has to go--I'll go. I'm still strong enough. I'll leave an' +nobody needn't see me no more. The horses an' the waggons--they're all +yours. You got the business from your father an' you can't go an' leave +it. I'll go an' then the trouble'll be over. + +HENSCHEL + +'Tis easy sayin' that. We got to consider one thing at a time. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There's no use in drawin' it out. What's over and done with is over. + +HENSCHEL + +[_Rising heavily and going toward the adjoining room._] An' Berthel? +What's to become o' the lass? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +She'll have to go to father, over in Quolsdorf. + +HENSCHEL + +[_At the door of the bedroom._] Let it be. To-morrow is another day. +Everythin' changes, as Siebenhaar says. To-morrow, maybe, everythin' 'll +look different. + + [_Pause._] + +HENSCHEL + +[_Invisible in the next room._] Berthel is sweating all over again. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +That won't do her no harm to be sweatin' a bit. The drops are runnin' +down my neck too. Oh, what a life--[_She opens a window._]--a body'd +rather be dead. + +HENSCHEL + +What are you talkin' about? I don't understand. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Lie down on your side an' leave me alone. + +HENSCHEL + +Are you comin' too? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +It's most day now. + + [_She winds the clock._] + +HENSCHEL + +Who's windin' the clock? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +You're to keep still now. If Berthel was to wake up it'd be a fine to do. +She'd howl for half an hour. [_She sits down at the table and leans both +elbows upon it._] 'Twould be best if a body got up an' went away, + + _SIEBENHAAR peers in._ + +SIEBENHAAR I'm lookin' in once more. Is your husband calmer now? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Yes, yes, he lay down to sleep. [_She calls._] Husband! Wilhelm! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Sh! You'd better be grateful. Hurry and go to bed yourself. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +There's nothin' else left to do. I'll go an' try. [_She goes to the door +of the bedroom, stands still as if spellbound and listens._] Wilhelm! You +might answer.--[_Louder and more frightened._] Wilhelm! You're not to +frighten me this way! Maybe you think I don't know that you're still +awake!!--[_In growing terror._]--Wilhelm, I tell you!... [_BERTHEL has +waked up and wails._] Berthel, you look out an' keep still! Keep still or +I don't know what'll happen!--Wilhelm! Wilhelm! + + [_She almost shrieks._ + + SIEBENHAAR looks in again. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What's the matter, Mrs. Henschel? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +I call an' call an' he don't answer! + +SIEBENHAAR + +Are you crazy? Why do you do that? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +--'Tis so still ... Somethin's happened. + +SIEBENHAAR + +What?--[_He takes up the candle and goes toward the bedroom door._] +Henschel, have you fallen asleep? + + [_He enters the bedroom._ + + [_Pause._] + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Not daring to follow him._] What is it? What is it? What's goin' on? + + _WERMELSKIRCH looks in._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Who's in there? + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +Mr. Siebenhaar.--'Tis so still. Nobody don't answer.-- + +SIEBENHAAR + +[_Very pale and holding BERTHEL on his arm hurries out of the bedroom._] +Mrs. Henschel, take your child and go up to my wife. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_Already with the child in her arms._] For God's sake, what has +happened? + +SIEBENHAAR + +You'll find that out all too soon. + +MRS. HENSCHEL + +[_With a voice that is first repressed and at last rises to a scream._] O +God, he's done hisself some harm! + + _[She runs out with the child._ + +WERMELSKIRCH + +Shall I call the doctor? + +SIEBENHAAR + +Too late! He could give no help here. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +ROSE BERND + + + + +LIST OF PERSONS + + +BERND. + +ROSE BERND. + +MARTHEL. + +CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. + +MRS. FLAMM. + +ARTHUR STRECKMANN. + +AUGUST KEIL. + +HAHN. HEINZEL. GOLISCH. KLEINERT. _Field Labourers_ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH. + +THE HEAD MAID SERVANT. + +THE ASSISTANT MAID SERVANT. + +A CONSTABLE. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _A level, fertile landscape. It is a clear, warm, sunny morning in + May. Diagonally from the middle to the foreground extends a path. The + fields on either side are raised slightly above it. In the immediate + foreground a small potato patch on which the green shoots are already + visible. A shallow ditch, covered with field flowers, separates the + path from the fields. To the left of the path on a slope about six + feet in height an old cherry tree, to the right hazelnut and + whitethorn bushes. Nearly parallel with this path, but at some + distance in the background, the course of a brook is marked by + willows and alder trees. Solitary groves of ancient trees add a + park-like appearance to the landscape. In the background, left, from + among bushes and tree-tops arise the gables and the church steeple of + the village. A crucifix stands by the wayside in the foreground, + right. It is Sunday._ + + _ROSE BERND, a beautiful, vigorous peasant girl of twenty-two + emerges, excited and blushing, from the bushes at the left and sits + down on the slope, after having peered shyly and eagerly in all + directions. Her skirt is caught up, her feet are bare, as are her + arms and neck. She is busily braiding one of her long, blonde + tresses. Shortly after her appearance a man comes stealthily from the + bushes on the other side. It is the landowner and magistrate, + CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. He, too, gives the impression of being embarrassed + but at the same time amused. His personality is not undignified; his + dress betrays something of the sportsman, nothing of the dandy--laced + boots, hunter's hose, a leather bottle slung by a strap across his + shoulder. Altogether FLAMM is robust, unspoiled, vivid and + broad-shouldered and creates a thoroughly pleasant impression. He + sits down on the slope at a carefully considered distance from ROSE. + They look at each other silently and then break out into + inextinguishable laughter._ + +FLAMM + +[_With rising boldness and delight sings ever louder and more heartily, +beating time like a conductor._] + + "In heath and under greenwood tree, + There is the joy I choose for me! + I am a huntsman bold + I am a huntsman bold!" + +ROSE + +[_Is at first frightened by his singing; then, more and more amused, her +embarrassment gives way to laughter._] Oh, but Mr. Flamm ... + +FLAMM + +[_With a touch of jaunty boldness._] Sing with me, Rosie! + +ROSE + +Oh, but I can't sing, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Ah, that isn't true, Rosie. Don't I hear you often and often singing out +on the farm: + + "A huntsman from the Rhineland ..." Well! + "Rides through the forest green." + +ROSE + +But I don't know that song a bit, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +You're not to say Mr. Flamm! Come now! + + "Girlie, come and move + Here to my favourite si-i-ide!" + +ROSE + +[_Anxiously._] The people will be comin' from church in a minute, Mr. +Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Let 'em come! [_He gets up and takes his rifle from the hollow cherry +tree to the left._] I'd better hang it around again anyhow. So.--And now +my hat and my pipe! Good. They can come whenever they please. [_He has +slung his gun across his shoulder, straightened his hat which is +ornamented with a cock's feather, taken a short pipe out of his pocket +and put it between his lips._] Look at the wild cherries. They're thick. +[_He picks up a handful of them and shows them to ROSE. With heartfelt +conviction:_] Rosie, I wish you were my wife! + +ROSE + +Goodness, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +I do, so help me! + +ROSE + +[_Nervously trying to restrain him_] Oh no, no! + +FLAMM + +Rosie, give me your dear, good, faithful little paw. [_He holds her hand +and sits down._] By heaven, Rosie! Look here, I'm a deucedly queer +fellow! I'm damned fond of my dear old woman; that's as true as ... + +ROSE + +[_Hiding her face in her arm._] You make me want to die o' shame. + +FLAMM + +Damned fond of her I tell you ... but--[_His patience snaps._]--this +doesn't concern her a bit! + +ROSE + +[_Again tempted to laugh against her will._] Oh, but how you talk, Mr. +Flamm! + +FLAMM + +[_Filled with hearty admiration of her._] Oh, you're a lovely woman! You +are lovely! You see: my wife and I ... that's a queer bit of business, +that is. Not the kind of thing that can be straightened out in a minute. +You know Henrietta ... She's sick. Nine solid years she's been bedridden; +at most she creeps around in a wheel chair.--Confound it all, what good +is that sort o' thing to me? + + [_He grasps her head and kisses her passionately._ + +ROSE + +[_Frightened under his kisses._] The people are comin' from church! + +FLAMM + +They're not thinking of it! Why are you so worried about the people in +church to-day? + +ROSE + +Because August's in church too. + +FLAMM + +That long-faced gentry is always in church! Where else should they be? +But, Rosie, it isn't even half past ten yet; and when the service is over +the bells ring. No, and you needn't be worried about my wife either. + +ROSE + +Oh, Christopher, she keeps lookin' at a body sometimes, so you want to +die o' shame. + +FLAMM + +You don't know my old lady; that's it. She's bright; she can look through +three board walls! But on that account ...! She's mild and good as a lamb +... even if she knew what there is between us; she wouldn't take our +heads off. + +ROSE + +Oh, no! For heaven's sake, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +Nonsense, Rosie! Have a pinch, eh? [_He takes snuff._] I tell you once +more: I don't care about anything! [_Indignantly._] What is a man like me +to do? What, I ask you? No, don't misunderstand me! Surely you know how +seriously I think of our affair. Let me talk ahead once in a while. + +ROSE + +Mr. Christie, you're so good to me ...! [_With a sudden ebullition of +tenderness, tears in her eyes, she kisses FLAMM'S hand._] So good ... but +... + +FLAMM + +[_Moved and surprised._] Good to you? No wonder! Deuce take me, Rosie. +That's very little, being good to you. If I were free, I'd marry you. You +see, I've lost the ordinary way in life! Not to speak of past affairs! +I'm fit for ... well, I wonder what I _am_ fit for! I might have been a +royal chief forester to-day! And yet, when the governor died, I went +straight home and threw over my career. I wasn't born for the higher +functions of society. All this even is too civilised for me. A block +house, a rifle, bear's ham for supper and a load of lead sent into the +breeches of the first comer--that would be ...! + +ROSE + +But that can't be had, Mr. Flamm! And ... things has got to end sometime. + +FLAMM + +[_Half to himself._] Confound it all to everlasting perdition! Isn't +there time enough left for that spindle-shanked hypocrite? Won't there be +far too much left for that fellow anyway? No> girlie, I'd send him about +his business. + +ROSE + +Oh, but I've kept him danglin' long enough. Two years an' more he's been +waitin'. Now he's urgent; he won't wait any longer. An' things can't go +on this way no more. + +FLAMM + +[_Enraged._] That's all nonsense; you understand. First you worked +yourself to the bone for your father. You haven't the slightest notion of +what life is, and now you want to be that bookbinder's pack horse. I +don't see how people can be so vulgar and heartless as to make capital +out of another human being in that way! If that's all you're looking +forward to, surely there's time enough. + +ROSE + +No, Christie ... It's easy to talk that way, Mr. Flamm! But if you was +put into such circumstances, you'd be thinkin' different too.--I know how +shaky father's gettin'! An' the landlord has given us notice too. A new +tenant is to move in, I believe! An' then it's father's dearest wish that +everythin's straightened out. + +FLAMM + +Then let your father marry August Keil, if he's so crazy about the +fellow. Why, he's positively obsessed. It's madness the way he's taken +with that man! + +ROSE + +You're unjust, Mr. Flamm; that's all. + +FLAMM + +Say rather ... Well, what? What was I going to say?... I can't bear that +sanctimonious phiz! My gorge rises at the sight of him. God forgive me, +Rosie, and forgive you especially! Why shouldn't I be open with you? It +may be that he has his merits. They say, too, that he's saved up a few +shillings. But that's no reason why you should go and drown yourself in +his paste-pot! + +ROSE + +No, Christopher! Don't talk that way! I musn't listen to such talk, the +dear Lord knows!--August, he's been through a lot!--His sickness an' his +misfortunes--that goes right to a person's soul ... + +FLAMM + +A man can never understand you women folks. You're an intelligent and +determined girl, and suddenly, on one point, your stupidity is simply +astonishing--goose-like, silly! It goes straight to your soul, does it? +From that point of view you might as well marry an ex-convict, if pity or +stupidity are reasons. You ought to raise a bit of a row with your father +for once! What's hurting August? He grew up in the orphan house and +succeeded in making his way for all that. If you won't have him, his +brethren in the Lord will find him another. They're expert enough at +that! + +ROSE + +[_With decision._] No, that won't do. And--it has got to be, Mr. +Flamm.--I'm not sorry for what's happened, though I've had my share o' +sufferin' in quiet. All to myself, I mean. But never mind. An' nothin' +can change that now. But it's got to come to an end some day--it can't +never an' never go on this way. + +FLAMM + +Can't go on? What do you mean by that exactly? + +ROSE + +Just ... because things is no different in this world. I can't put him +off no longer; an' father wouldn't bear with it. An' he's quite right in +that matter. Dear Lord ha' mercy! 'Tis no easier on that account! But +when it'll all be off a body's soul ... I don't know--[_She touches her +breast._] they calls it, I believe, strain o' the heart, Oh, times are +when I has real pains in my heart ... An' a person can't feel that way +all the time. + +FLAMM + +Well, then there's nothing more to be done just now. It's time for me to +be getting home. [_He gets up and throws the rifle across his shoulder._] +Another time then, Rosie. Good-bye! + + _ROSE stares straight in front of her without answering._ + +FLAMM + +What's the matter, Rosie? Won't there be another time? + + _ROSE shakes her head._ + +FLAMM + +What, have I hurt you, Rosie? + +ROSE + +There'll never be another time--like this--Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +[_With despairing passion._] Girl, I don't care if it costs me everything +... + + [_He embraces her and kisses her again and again._ + +ROSE + +[_Suddenly in extreme terror._] For the love o' ... some one's comin', +Mr. Flamm! + + _FLAMM in consternation, jumps up and disappears behind a bush._ + + _ROSE gets up hastily, straightens her hair and her dress and looks + anxiously about her. As no one appears she takes up the hoe and + begins to weed the potato patch. After a while there approaches, + unnoticed by her, the machinist ARTHUR STRECKMANN dressed in his + Sunday coat. He is what would generally be called a handsome + man--large, broad-shouldered, his whole demeanour full of + self-importance. He has a blond beard that extends far down his + chest. His garments, from his jauntily worn huntsman's hat to his + highly polished boots, his walking coat and his embroidered + waistcoat, are faultless and serve to show, in connection with his + carriage, that STRECKMANN not only thinks very well of himself but is + scrupulously careful of his person and quite conscious of his unusual + good looks._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_As though but now becoming conscious of ROSE'S presence, in an +affectedly well-modulated voice._] Good day, Rosie. + +ROSE + +[_Turns frightened._] Good day, Streckmann. [_In an uncertain voice_] +Why, where did you come from? From church? + +STRECKMANN + +I went away a bit early. + +ROSE + +[_Excitedly and reproachfully._] What for? Couldn't you put up with the +sermon? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Boldly._] Oh, it's such beautiful weather out. An' that's why! I left +my wife in the church too. A feller has got to be by himself once in a +while. + +ROSE + +I'd rather be in church. + +STRECKMANN + +That's where the women folks belongs. + +ROSE + +I shouldn't wonder if you had your little bundle o' sins. You might ha' +been prayin' a bit. + +STRECKMANN + +I'm on pretty good terms with the Lord. He don't keep such very +particular accounts o' my sins. + +ROSE + +Well, well! + +STRECKMANN + +No, he don't bother with me much. + +ROSE + +A vain, fool--that's what you is! + + _STRECKMANN laughs in a deep and affected tone._ + +ROSE + +If you was a real man, you wouldn't have to go an' beat your wife at +home. + +STRECKMANN + +[_With a gleam in his eyes._] That shows that I'm a real man! That shows +it! That's proper! A man's got to show you women that he's the master. + +ROSE + +Don't be fancyin' such foolishness. + +STRECKMANN + +That's so, for all you say. Right _is_ right. An' I never failed to get +what I was wantin' that way. + + _ROSE laughs constrainedly._ + +STRECKMANN + +People says you're goin' to leave Flamm's service. + +ROSE + +I'm not in Flamm's service at all. You see now that I'm doin' other +things. + +STRECKMANN + +You were helpin' at Flamm's no later'n yesterday. + +ROSE + +Maybe so! Maybe I was or maybe I wasn't! Look after your own affairs. + +STRECKMANN + +Is it true that your father has moved? + +ROSE + +Where to? + +STRECKMANN + +With August over into Lachmann's house. + +ROSE + +August hasn't even bought the house yet. Those people--they knows more +than I. + +STRECKMANN + +An' they says too that you'll be celebratin' your weddin' soon. + +ROSE + +They can be talkin' for all I care. + +STRECKMANN + +[_After a brief silence approaches her and stands before her with legs +wide apart._] Right you are! You can marry him any time. A fine girl like +you don't need to hurry so; she can have a real good time first! I +laughed right in his face when he told me. There's no one believes him. + +ROSE + +[_Quickly._] Who's been sayin' it? + +STRECKMANN + +August Keil. + +ROSE + +August himself? An' this is what he gets from his silly talkin'. + +STRECKMANN + +[_After a silence._] August he's such a peevish kind.... + +ROSE + +I don't want to hear nothing. Leave me alone! Your quarrels don't concern +me! One o' you is no better'n another. + +STRECKMANN + +Well, in some things--when it comes to bein' bold. + +ROSE + +Oh, heavens! That boldness o' yours. We knows that. Go about an' asks the +women folks a bit. No, August isn't that kind. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Laughs with lascivious boastfulness._] I'm not denyin' that. + +ROSE + +An' you couldn't. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looking at her sharply through half-closed lids._] It's not comfortable +to make a fool o' me. What I wants of a woman--I gets. + +ROSE + +[_Jeeringly._] Oho! + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, oho! What would you wager, Rosie! You been makin' eyes at me many a +time. + + [_He has approached and offered to put his arms around her._ + +ROSE + +Don't be foolish, Streckmann! Keep your hands off o' me! + +STRECKMANN + +If it was.... + +ROSE + +[_Thrusts him away._] Streckmann! I've been tellin' you! I don't want to +have nothin' to do with you men. Go your own way. + +STRECKMANN + +What am I doin' to you?--[_After a silence with a smile that is half +malicious, half embarrassed._] You wait! You'll be comin' to me one o' +these days! I'm tellin' you: you'll be comin' to me yourself some day! +You can act as much like a saint as you wants to.--D'you see that cross? +D'you see that tree? Confound it! There's all kinds o' things! I've been +no kind o' a saint myself! But ... right under a cross ... you might be +sayin' just that ... I'm not so very partic'lar, but I'd take shame at +that. What would your father be sayin' or August? Now, just f'r instance: +this pear tree is hollow. Well an' good. There was a rifle in there. + +ROSE + +[_Has been listening more and more intently in the course of her work. +Deadly pale and quivering she bursts out involuntarily:_] What are you +sayin'? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'!--I'm sayin' nothin' more.--But when a feller hasn't no notion of +nothin' an' is thinkin' no ill, a wench like you acts as high an' mighty! + +ROSE + +[_Losing self-control and leaping in front of him in her terror._] What +is't you say? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Calmly returning her terrible gaze._] I said: A wench like you. + +ROSE + +An' what's the meanin' o' that? + +STRECKMANN + +That's got no special meanin'. + +ROSE + +[_Clenches her fists and pierces him with her eyes in an intense passion +of rage, hate, terror and consternation until in the consciousness of her +powerlessness she drops her arms and utters almost whiningly the words:_] +I'll know how to get my good right about this! + + [_Holding her right arm before her weeping eyes and wiping her face + with the left, she returns, sobbing brokenly, to her work._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks after her with his old expression of malicious coldness and +determination. Gradually he is seized with a desire to laugh and finally +bursts out:_] That's the way things go! Don't worry a bit.--What do you +take me for anyhow, Rose? What's the row about? This kind o' thing don't +do no harm! Why shouldn't a person fool her neighbours? Why not? Who made +'em so stupid? Them as can do it are the finest women in the world! Of +course, a man like me knows how things are! You can believe me--I've +always known about you. + +ROSE + +[_Beside herself._] Streckmann! I'll do myself some harm! Do you hear? Or +else go away from our bit o' patch! Go ... I ... something awful will +happen, I tell you! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Sits down and claps his flat hands over his knees._] For goodness' +sake! Don't carry on so! D'you think I'll be goin' about everywhere an' +tellin' what I know an' rakin' you over the coals? How does it concern +me, I'd like to know, what your goin's on are? + +ROSE + +I'll go home an' hang myself on a beam! That's what Mary Schubert did +too. + +STRECKMANN + +That was a different thing with her! That girl had different things on +her conscience! An' I didn't have nothin' to do with her.--But if every +woman was to go an' hang herself on account o' what you've done--there +wouldn't be no more women in this world. That sort o' thing happens +wherever you look--everywhere--that's the way things is. O' course, I +have to laugh. That father o' yours, he carries himself so high! The way +he stares at a feller that's gone a bit off the narrow way. It's enough +to make you want to go an' hide your face. Well--people ought to begin at +home ... + +ROSE + +[_Trembling in the terror of her heart._] O dear Lord, have mercy! + +STRECKMANN + +Can you deny that I'm right? You people stick in piety up to the very +eyes--your father an' August Keil an' you too! A feller like me can't +compete with you there. + +ROSE + +[_With a new outburst of despair._] It's a lie ... a lie! You saw +nothing! + +STRECKMANN + +No? Saw nothing? Well, I'll be...! Then I must ha' been dreamin'. That's +what it must ha' been! If that wasn't Squire Flamm from Diessdorf! I +haven't had a drop o' anythin' to-day. Didn't he play at drivin' you by +the braids o' your hair? Didn't he throw you into the grass? [_With +uncontrollable, hard laughter._] He had a good hold on you! + +ROSE + +Streckmann, I'll beat your head in with my hoe! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Still laughing._] Listen to that! What now? You're not goin' to cut up +so rough! Why shouldn't you ha' done it? I don't blame you. First come, +first served: that's the way o' the world. + +ROSE + +[_Weeping and moaning in her helpless grief and yet working +convulsively._] A feller like that, presumes to ...! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Enraged and brutally._] It's you that presumes! 'Tisn't me that does! +Not that I'd mind presumin' a good deal. If Flamm's good enough, it's +certain that I am! + +ROSE + +[_Sobbing and crying out in her despair._] I've been a decent girl all my +life long! Let anybody come an' say somethin' against me if he can! I +took care o' three little brothers an' sisters! Three o'clock in the +mornin' I've gotten up, an' not so much as taken a drop o' milk! An' +people knows that! Every child knows it! + +STRECKMANN + +Well, you needn't make such a noise about it! The bells is ringin' and +the people is comin' from church. You might be a bit sociable with a +feller. You people are just burstin' with pride. Maybe it's true ... +things look as if it was. I'm not sayin' but what you're a good worker +an' a good saver. But otherwise you're no better'n other folks. + +ROSE + +[_Gazing into the distance; in extreme fear._] Isn't that August that's +comin' there? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks in the same direction toward the village. Contemptuously_:] +Where? Oh, yes, that's him! There they both are! They're just walkin' +around the parson's garden. Well, what about it? You think I ought to be +gettin' away? I'm not afeard o' them psalm-singin' donkeys. + +ROSE + +[_In quivering fear._] Streckmann, I've saved up twelve crowns ... + +STRECKMANN + +Rosie, you know you've saved more than that. + +ROSE + +All right, I'll give you all my bit o' savin's! I don't care for the +money ... I'll bring it to you, to the last farthing. Streckmann, only +have pity ... + + [_She seeks to grasp his hands beseechingly, but he draws them away._ + +STRECKMANN + +I takes no money. + +ROSE + +Streckmann! For the sake o' all good things in the world ... + +STRECKMANN + +Well now, I can't see why you don't act sensible. + +ROSE + +If one person in the village finds that out.... + +STRECKMANN + +It depends on you! Nobody needn't know. All you need to do is not to +force it on 'em ... [_With sudden passion._] What's at the bottom of +it?--I'm crazy about you ... + +ROSE + +Where's the woman or girl you're not crazy about! + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe it's so. I can't change things. A man like me who has to go the +round o' all the estates in the country with his threshin' machine--he +don't have worry because he's not talked about. I know best how it is +with me. Before ever Flamm came--I'm not mentionin' August--I'd thrown an +eye on you. An' nobody knows what it's cost me. [_With iron +stubbornness._] But the devil fetch me now! Come what may, Rosie! There's +no more use tryin' to joke with me! I happened to come upon somethin' +to-day! + +ROSE + +An' what is it? + +STRECKMANN + +You'll see soon enough. + + _MARTHEL, ROSE'S younger sister, comes skipping along the field-path. + She is neatly dressed in her Sunday garments and is still + pronouncedly child-like._ + +MARTHEL + +[_Calls out._] Rose, is that you? What are you doin' here? + +ROSE + +I've got to finish hoein' the patch. Why didn't you stop to finish it o' +Saturday? + +MARTHEL + +Oh, dearie me, Rosie, if father sees you! + +STRECKMANN + +If there's a bit o' profit in it, he won't do nothing very bad. You let +old Bernd alone for that! + +MARTHEL + +Who is that, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Oh, don't ask me! + + _Old BERND and AUGUST KEIL are approaching along the field-path from + the village. The old, white-haired man, as well as the other who is + about thirty-five years old, is dressed in his Sunday coat and each + carries a hymn book. Old BERND has a white beard; his voice has a + certain softness as though he had had and been cured of a severe + pulmonary affection. One might imagine him to be a dignified retired + family coachman. AUGUST KEIL, who is a bookbinder, has a pale face, + thin, dark moustache and pointed beard. His hair is growing notably + thin and he suffers from occasional nervous twitching. He is lean, + narrow-chested; his whole appearance betrays the man of sedentary + employment._ + +BERND + +Isn't that Rosie? + +AUGUST + +Yes, father Bernd. + +BERND + +You can't nowise make the girl stop that. When the fit takes her, she's +got to go an' toil--if it's weekday or holiday. [_He is quite near her by +this time._] Is there not time enough o' weekdays? + +AUGUST + +You do too much, Rosie! There's no need o' that! + +BERND + +If our good pastor saw that, it'd hurt him to the very soul. He wouldn't +trust his own eyes. + +AUGUST + +An' he's been askin' for you again. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Suggestively._] They say, too, as he wants her to be his housekeeper. + +BERND + +[_Noticing him for the first time._] Why, that's Streckmann! + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, here I am, life-size. That girl, she's as busy as an ant or a bee! +She'll be workin' if her sides crack. She's got no time to be sleepin' in +the church. + +BERND + +It's little sleepin' we does there, I tell you. You might better say that +them as are out here do the sleepin' an' don't want no awakenin'. The +Bridegroom is at hand ... + +STRECKMANN + +An' that's certainly true! But the bride, meantime, runs off! + +AUGUST + +You're in a merry mood this day. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, that I am. I could hug a curbstone ... or the handle o' your +collection bag. I do feel most uncommonly jolly. I could laugh myself +sick. + +BERND + +[_To ROSE._] Put up your things an' we'll go home! Not that way! That way +I'm not goin' home with you! Put your hoe in the hollow of the tree! +Carryin' that o' Sunday would give offence. + +AUGUST + +There's them that even gads about with guns. + +STRECKMANN + +An' devils that take no shame carryin' a whisky-bottle. + + [_He pulls his bottle out of his pocket._ + +AUGUST + +Each man does those things on his own responsibility. + +STRECKMANN + +True. An' at his own expense! Come, take courage an' have a drink with me +for once. + + [_He holds out the bottle to AUGUST who pays no attention to him._ + +BERND + +You know well enough that August drinks no spirits!--Whereabouts is your +threshin' machine now? + +STRECKMANN + +But you, father Bernd; you can't go an' refuse to take a drop with me! +You've been a distiller yourself! My machine is on the great estate down +below. + +BERND + +[_Takes the bottle hesitatingly._] Just because it's you, Streckmann, +otherwise I wouldn't be touchin' it. When I was manager of the estate, I +had to do a good many things! But I never liked to distil the drink an' I +didn't touch it in them days at all. + +STRECKMANN + +[_To AUGUST who has placed a spade in the hollow of the cherry tree._] +You just look at that tree! Piff, paff! All you got to do is to take your +aim and let it fly. + +BERND + +There's people that goes hunting o' Sundays. + +STRECKMANN + +Squire Flamm. + +BERND + +Just so. We ha' met him. 'Tis bad. I'm sorry for them folks. + + _STRECKMANN throws cock-chafers at ROSE._ + +ROSE + +[_Trembling._] Streckmann! + +BERND + +What's wrong? + +AUGUST + +What's the meanin' o' that? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! We've got a little private quarrel! + +AUGUST + +You can have your little quarrels. But it'd be better if you had 'em +without her. + +STRECKMANN + +[_With malicious hostility._] You take care, August! Watch out! + +BERND + +Peace! Don't be quarrelsome! In God's name! + +STRECKMANN + +The dam' carrion always spits at me! + +AUGUST + +Carrion is a dead beast ...! + +STRECKMANN + +August, let's be at peace. Father Bernd is right; people ought to like +each other! An' it isn't Christian the way you act sour like! Come on +now! Have a drink! You're not good-lookin', your worst enemy'd have to +admit that, but you're fine when it comes to readin' an' writin' an' +you've got your affairs pretty well arranged! Well, then, here's to your +weddin'--an early one an' a merry one! + + _BERND takes the bottle and drinks since AUGUST remains quite + unresponsive._ + +STRECKMANN + +I take that real kind o' you, father Bernd. + +BERND + +When it comes to drinkin' to a happy weddin', I makes an exception! + +STRECKMANN + +Exactly! That's proper! That's right!--It isn't as if I was a horse-boy +to-day as in the old times on the estate when you had the whip hand o' +me. I've gotten to be a reputable kind o' feller. Anybody that's got a +head on his shoulders makes his way. + +BERND + +God bestows his favours on them he wants to.--[_To AUGUST._] Drink to a +happy weddin'. + +AUGUST + +[_Takes the bottle._] May God grant it! We don't have to drink to it. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Slapping his thigh._] An' may he give plenty o' little Augusts, so that +the grandfather can be glad. An' the oldest of 'em all must grow up to be +a squire!--But now you ought to let Rosie have a drink too. + +BERND + +You're weepin', Rosie. What's troublin' you? + +MARTHEL + +The tears keep runnin' out o' her eyes all the time. + +AUGUST + +[_To ROSE._] Drink a drop, so's to let him have his will. + + _ROSE takes the bottle, overcoming her repugnance by a violent + effort._ + +STRECKMANN + +Right down with it now! Let's be jolly! + + _ROSE drinks trembling and hands back the bottle to AUGUST with + undisguised disgust._ + +BERND + +[_Softly in his paternal pride to STRECKMANN._] There's a girl for you! +He'd better keep a good hold o' her. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _The large living room in FLAMM'S house. The large, low room which is + on a level with the ground has a door at the right leading to the + outer hall. A second door in the rear hall leads into a smaller + chamber, filled with hunting implements, etc., which FLAMM calls his + den. When this door is open, garments and rifles and stuffed bird + heads are to be seen covering the walls of the smaller room. In it + stands, also, the chest of drawers in which FLAMM stores the + documents kept by him as magistrate. The large room with its three + windows on the left side, its dark beams and its furnishings creates + an impression of home-likeness and comfort. In the left corner stands + a large sofa covered with material of an old-fashioned, flowery + pattern. Before it stands an extension table of oak. Above the door + of the den hangs a glass case containing a group of stuffed + partridges. Immediately to the right of this door a key-rack with + keys. Not far from this stands a bookcase with glass doors which is + filled with books. Upon this bookcase stands a stuffed owl and next + to it hangs a cuckoo clock. A great tile oven of dappled blue + occupies the right corner of the room. In all the three windows of + the left wall are potted plants in bloom. The window beside the table + is open as well as the one farther forward. In front of the latter + MRS. FLAMM is sitting in an invalid's chair. All the windows have + mull curtains. Not far from the window nearest to the spectator there + is an old chest of drawers covered by a lace scarf upon which are to + be seen glasses, bric-a-brac and family mementos of various kinds. On + the wall above hang family photographs. Between the oven and the door + that leads to the outer hall stands an old-fashioned grand piano and + an embroidered piano-stool. The keyboard of the instrument is turned + toward the tile oven. Above the piano there are glass cases + containing a collection of butterflies. In the foreground, to the + right, a brightly polished roller-top desk of oak with a simple + chair. Several such chairs are set against the mall near the desk. + Between the windows an old armchair covered with brown leather. Above + the table a large brass lamp of English manufacture is suspended. + Above the desk hangs the large photograph of a handsome little boy of + five. The picture is in a simple wooden frame wreathed in fresh field + flowers. On top of the desk a large globe of glass covers a dish of + forget-me-nots. It is eleven o'clock in the forenoon on a magnificent + day of late spring._ + + _MRS. FLAMM is an attractive, matronly woman of forty. She wears a + smooth, black alpaca dress with a bodice of old-fashioned cut, a + small cap of white lace on her head, a lace collar and soft lace + cuffs which all but cover her emaciated, sensitive hands. A book and + a handkerchief of delicate material lie in her lap. MRS. FLAMM'S + features are not without magnanimity and impressiveness. Her eyes are + light blue and piercing, her forehead high, her temples broad. Her + hair, already gray and thin is plainly parted in the middle. From + time to time she strokes it gently with her finger tips. The + expression of her face betrays kindliness and seriousness without + severity. About her eyes, her nose and her mouth there is a flicker + of archness. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looks thoughtfully out into the open, sighs, becomes absorbed in her +book for a moment, then listens and closes her book after inserting a +bookmark. Finally she turns toward the door and speaks in a slightly +raised, sympathetic voice._] Whoever is out there ... come in! [_A tap is +heard, the door to the hall is slightly opened and the head of old BERND +is seen._] Well, who is it? Ah, that's father Bernd, our deacon and +trustee. Come right in! I'm not going to bite you. + +BERND + +We was wantin' to speak to the squire. + + [_He enters, followed by AUGUST KEIL. Both are once more in their + best clothes._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, well, you do look solemn. + +BERND + +Good mornin', Missis. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good day to you, father Bernd.--My husband was in his den there a minute +ago. [_Referring to AUGUST._] And there is your future son-in-law too. + +BERND + +Yes, by God's help, Mrs. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, then, do take a seat. I suppose you want to make official +announcement of the marriage? It's to be at last. + +BERND + +Yes, thanks be to God; everythin' is in readiness now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm glad o' that. This waiting leads to very little. If something is to +be, then 'tis better to have it done! So the girl has made up her mind to +it at last? + +BERND + +Yes. An' it's like takin' a stone off my heart. She has kept us all +hangin' about this long time. Now she wants to hurry of her own free +will. She'd rather have the weddin' to-day than to-morrow. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm very glad of that, Mr. Keil! Very glad, indeed, Bernd. Christie! I +think my husband will be here presently! So this matter has been adjusted +at last! Well, father Bernd, I think you ought to feel that you're lucky! +You must be well content. + +BERND + +An' so I am! You're right indeed, Mrs. Flamm! Day before yesterday we +talked it all over. An' God has given us an especial blessin' too. For +August went to see the lady of Gnadau an' she was so extraordinar' +kind-hearted as to loan him a thousand crowns. An' with that he can go +an' buy the Lachmann house now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that true? Is that possible? Now there you see again how life is, +father Bernd. When your master let you go without a bit o' pension or +anything for your old age, you were quite desperate and hopeless. An' +'twas an unfeeling thing to do! But now God has turned everything to +good. + +BERND + +So it is! But men has too little faith! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, then! Now you're well off! In the first place the house is right +opposite the church, an' then it has a good bit o' land that goes with +it! And Rose, well, I'm sure she knows how to manage. Yes, you can really +be satisfied. + +BERND + +The blessin's that a lady like that can spread! Next to God ... it's to +her we owe the most. If I'd been in her service an' had ruined my health +as I did workin' for my master, I wouldn't ha' had to complain. + +MRS. FLAMM + +You have nothing more to complain of now, Bernd. + +BERND + +My goodness, no! In one way not! + +MRS. FLAMM + +You can't count on gratitude in this world. My father was chief forester +for forty years an' when he died my mother knew want for all that.--You +have an excellent son-in-law. You can live in a pleasant house and you'll +even have your own land to work on. And that everything goes from better +to better--well, you can let your children see to that. + +BERND + +An' that's what I hope for too. No, I haven't no doubt o' that at all. A +man who has worked himself up in the world that way by carryin' tracts +... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Weren't you thinking once of being a missionary? + +AUGUST + +Unfortunately my health was too bad for that. + +BERND + +... An' learned readin' an' writin' an' his trade too the while, an' is +so upright an' Christian--well, I feel that I can lay down my head in +peace if it is to lay it down to my last sleep. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do you know, by the way, father Bernd, that my husband is giving up his +office as magistrate? He'll hardly marry your girl. + +BERND + +They're in a hurry.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +I know, I know. Rose is helpin' along too. She was in to see me this +morning. If you wouldn't mind, going to look ... right behind the yard +... Christie!... There he is.... + +FLAMM + +[_Not yet visible, calls:_] Presently! In a moment! + +MRS. FLAMM + +It's official business. + + _FLAMM, without coat or waistcoat, appears in the door of his den. + His gleaming white shirt is open in front. He is busy cleaning the + barrels of a shotgun._ + +FLAMM + +Here I am. The machinist Streckmann was here just now. I'd like to have +my threshing done at once, but the machine is down there on the estate +and they're far from being done ... Dear me! Surely that's father Bernd. + +BERND + +Yes, Mr. Flamm, we have come here. We were wantin' to.... + +FLAMM + +One thing after another! Patience! [_He examines the barrels of the gun +carefully._] If you have official business for the magistrate, you'd +better wait a little while. Steckel will be my successor and he will take +these matters a deal more solemnly. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Holding her crocheting needle to her chin and observing her husband +attentively._] Christie, what silly stuff are you talking? + +AUGUST + +[_Who, pale from the first, has grown paler at the mention of +STRECKMANN'S name, now arises solemnly and excitedly._] Your honour, we +want to announce a marriage.--I am ready, by God's help, to enter into +the holy state of matrimony. + +FLAMM + +[_Stops looking at the gun. Lightly._] Is it possible? And are you in +such a hurry about it? + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Banteringly._] How does that concern you, Christie? Dear me, let the +good folks marry in peace! You're a reg'lar preacher, you are! If that +man had his will, father Bernd, there wouldn't be hardly anything but +single men and women. + +FLAMM + +Well, marriage is a risky business,--You're the bookbinder August Keil. + +AUGUST + +At your service. + +FLAMM + +You live over in Wandriss? And you've bought the Lachmann house? + +AUGUST + +Exactly. + +FLAMM + +And you want to open a book-shop? + +AUGUST + +A book and stationery shop. Yes. Probably, + +BERND + +He thinks o' sellin' mostly devotional books. + +FLAMM + +There's some land that belongs to the Lachmann house, isn't there? It +must be there by the big pear tree? + +BERND _and_ AUGUST + +[_At the same time._] Yes. + +FLAMM + +Why then our properties adjoin! [_He lays down the barrels of the gun, +searches in his pockets for a bunch of keys and then calls out through +the door:_] Minna! Come and wheel your mistress out! + + [_Resignedly though unable to control his disquiet, he sits down at + the desk._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +A very chivalrous man! But he's in the right! I'm in the way just now! +[_To the neat maid who has come in and stepped behind her._] Come, my +girl, wheel me into the den. An' you might well pin up your hair more +smoothly. + + _MRS. FLAMM and the MAID disappear in the den._ + +FLAMM + +I'm really sorry for the Lachmanns. [_To KEIL._] You invested your +savings in a mortgage on that property, didn't you? [_AUGUST coughs +excitedly and in embarrassment._] Well, that's all the same in the end! +Whoever owns that property, though, has cause to congratulate +himself.--So you want to marry? Well, all that's wanting is the lady! How +is that? Is the lady stubborn? + +AUGUST + +[_Very much wrought up and quite determined._] We're at one entirely, so +far as I know. + +BERND + +I'll go an' fetch her, Mr. Flamm. + + [_Exit rapidly._ + +FLAMM + +[_Who has opened the desk in obvious absentmindedness, observes BERND'S +departure too late._] Nonsense, there's no such terrible hurry. [_For a +few moments he gazes in some consternation at the door through which +BERND has disappeared. Then he shrugs his shoulders._] Do as you please! +Exactly as you please! I can light a pipe in the meanwhile. [_He gets up, +takes a tobacco pouch from the bookcase and a pipe from a rack on the +wall, fills the pipe and lights it. To AUGUST._] Do you smoke? + +AUGUST + +No. + +FLAMM + +Nor take snuff? + +AUGUST + +No. + +FLAMM + +And you drink no whisky, no beer, no wine? + +AUGUST + +Nothing except the wine in the sacrament. + +FLAMM + +Iron principles, I must say! Quite exemplary!--Come in! I thought someone +was knocking. Or wasn't there? Those confounded ...! You practise a bit +of quackery now and then as a diversion, don't you? [_AUGUST shakes his +head._] I thought you healed by prayer? Seems to me I heard something +like that. + +AUGUST + +That would be somethin' very different from quackery. + +FLAMM + +In what respect? + +AUGUST + +Faith can move mountains. And whatever is asked in the right spirit ... +there the Father is still almighty to-day. + +FLAMM + +Come in! Surely someone's been knocking again! Come in! Come in! Confound +it all! [_Old BERND, very pale himself, urges ROSE to enter. She is pale +and resists him. She and FLAMM look steadfastly into each other's eyes +for a moment. Thereupon FLAMM continues:_] Very well! Just wait one +little minute. + + [_He goes into the den as though to search for something._ + + _The following colloquy of BERND, ROSE and AUGUST is carried on in + eager whispers._ + +BERND + +What was Streckmann sayin' to you? + +ROSE + +Who? But, father ... + +BERND + +Streckmann was out there, talkin' an' talkin' to her! + +ROSE + +Well, what should he ha' been talkin' to me about? + +BERND + +That's what I'm askin' you. + +ROSE + +An' I know about nothin'. + +AUGUST + +You ought to have no dealin's with such a scamp! + +ROSE + +Can I help it if he talks to me? + +BERND + +You see, you must confess that he's been talkin' to you! + +ROSE + +An' if he has! I didn't listen to him-- + +BERND + +I'll have to be givin' notice about that feller Streckmann. I'll have to +get the help o' the law against him. We was walkin' past there a while +ago where they're workin' with that threshin' machine. You hear? They're +beginnin' again! [_From afar the humming and rumbling of the machine is +heard._] An' then he called out somethin' after us. I couldn't just +rightly hear what it was. + +AUGUST + +If a girl talks as much as two words to that man, her good repute is +almost ruined. + +ROSE + +Well, go an' get yourself a better girl. + +FLAMM + +[_Re-enters. He has put on a collar and a hunting coat. His demeanour is +firm and dignified._] + +Good morning, everybody. Now what can I do for you? When is this wedding +to take place? What's the trouble? You don't seem to be in agreement. +Well, won't you please say something? Well, my good people, it doesn't +look as though you were really ready. Suppose you take my advice: go home +and think it all over once more. And when you've quite made up your minds +come in again. + +AUGUST + +[_Dictatorially._] The matter'll be adjusted now. + +FLAMM + +I have surely nothing against it, Keil. [_About to make the necessary +notes with a pencil._] When is the ceremony to take place? + +BERND + +As soon as ever it's possible, we was thinkin'. + +AUGUST + +Yes; in four or five weeks if it could be done. + +FLAMM + +In four or five weeks? So soon as that? + +AUGUST + +Yes, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +Then I must beg you to name the exact date. It's very difficult to make +such arrangements so rapidly and.... + +ROSE + +[_Involuntarily from the depth of her painful excitement._] An' it might +well wait a bit longer'n that. + +FLAMM + +What do you mean, Rosie? I should say Miss Bernd. We've known, each other +all our lives. But one shouldn't--be so familiar with a girl who's +betrothed. However, it seems, then, that you are not in agreement.... + +AUGUST + +[_Who has started violently at ROSE'S words, has stared at her +uninterruptedly since. Now he fights down his emotion and says with +unnatural calm:_] Very well then. Good-bye and good luck to you, father +Bernd. + +BERND + +Stay right where you are, August, I tell you! [_To ROSE._] An' as for +you! I'm tellin' you now that you must make up your mind one way or +t'other! D'you understand? Long enough has I had patience with you, an' +August too, more than was need. We went an' took your foolishness upon +ourselves. We was thinkin': Patience, patience! The Almighty will bring +the lass to her senses. But things gets worse an' worse with you. Three +days ago you give me your sacred promise an' plighted your troth to +August, an' you yourself was hard put to it to wait. An' to-day comes an' +you want to be shirkin'. What's the meanin' o' that? What do you think o' +yourself? D'you think you can dare anything because you've been a good, +decent lass? Because you've had self-respect an' been industrious, an' no +man can say evil o' you? Is that the reason? Ah, you're not the only one +o' that kind. That's no more'n our dooty! An' we're not permitted to +think anything of ourselves on that account! There's others as don't go +gaddin' to the dance! There's others as has taken care o' her brothers +an' sisters an' kept house for an old father! They're not all slovens an' +gadabouts even though you're a pious, decent lass! An' how would things +ha' been if you had been different? The street would ha' been your home! +No girl like that could be a daughter o' mine! This man here, August, he +has no need o' you! A man like that has but to stretch out his hand ... +an' he can have any girl he wants, even if her people are of the best. He +might be havin' a very different wife from yourself! Truly, a man's +patience can't bear everything! It'll snap sometime! Pride, arrogance, +recklessness--that's what it is in you! Either you keep your promise, +or.... + +FLAMM + +Now, now, father Bernd! You must be gentle! + +BERND + +Your honour, you don't know how it's been! A girl that leads on and makes +a fool of an honest man that way--she can't be no daughter o' mine! + +AUGUST + +[_Nearly weeping._] What have you got to reproach me with, Rose? Why are +you so hard toward me? 'Tis true, I never had no confidence in my good +fortune? An' why should I have? I'm made for misfortune! An' that's what +I've always told you, father Bernd, in spite of it all I've taken thought +an' I've worked an' God has given his blessin' so that I've not fallen by +the wayside. But I can weep; these things aren't for me! That would ha' +been too much of a blessin'. I grew up in an orphan house! I never knew +what it was to have a home! I had no brother an' no sister ... well, a +man can still hold fast to his Saviour.--It may be I'm not much to look +at, lass! But I asked you an' you said yes. 'Tis the inner man that +counts! God looks upon the heart ... You'll be bitter sorry some day! + + [_He tries to go but BERND holds him back._ + +BERND + +Once more! Here you stay, August!--D'you understand, Rosie! I means these +words: This man here ... or ... no, I can't permit that! That man here +was my friend an' support long before he asked you to be his wife. When I +was down with the sickness an' couldn't earn nothin', an' no one was good +to us--he shared his bit o' bread with us! [_AUGUST, unable to master his +emotion any longer, takes his hat and goes out._] He was like an angel o' +the Lord to us!--August! + +ROSE + +I'm willin'. Can't you give me a little time? + +BERND + +He's given you three years! The good pastor has tried to persuade you ... +Now August is tired out! Who's to blame him for't? Everything must end +somewhere! He's in the right! But now you can look after yourself an' see +what becomes o' you ... I can't take no more pride in such a daughter. + + [_Exit._ + +FLAMM Well, well, well, well! This is the damnedest ...! + + _ROSE has become alternately red and deathly pale. It is clear that + she is struggling with emotions so violent that she can scarcely hold + them in check. After BERND has gone out the girl seems to fall into a + state of desperate numbness._ + +FLAMM + +[_Closing the public registration book and finding courage to look at +ROSE._] Rose! Wake up! What's the matter with you? Surely you're not +going to worry about all that ranting? [_A fever seems to shake her and +her great eyes are full of tears._] Rose! Be sensible! What's the ...? + +ROSE + +I know what I want--and--maybe--I'll be able to put it through! An'--if +not--it don't matter--neither! + +FLAMM + +[_Walks up and down excitedly, stopping to listen at the door._] +Naturally. And why not? [_Apparently absorbed in the key-rack from which +he takes several keys, whispers in feverish haste._] Rose! Listen! Rose, +do you hear me? We must meet behind the outbuildings! I must talk it all +over with you once more. Ssh! Mother's in there in the den. It's not +possible here! + +ROSE + +[_Uttering her words with difficulty but with an iron energy._] Never an' +never, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +I suppose you want to drive us all mad? The devil has gotten into you! +I've been running around after you for the better part of a month, trying +to say a sensible word to you and you avoid me as if I were a leper! +What's the result? Things of this kind! + +ROSE + +[_As before._] An' if everythin' gets ten times worse'n it is--_no_! You +can all beat down on me; I don't deserve no better! Go on an' wipe your +boots on me, but ... + +FLAMM + +[_Who is standing by the table, turns suddenly with indignant +astonishment toward ROSE. He strives to master his rage. Suddenly however +he brings down his fist on the table top with resounding violence._] I +will be damned to all ...! + +ROSE + +For heaven's sake ... + + _MRS. FLAMM, wheeled by a maid servant, appears at the door of the + den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What is the trouble, Christopher? + + _FLAMM who has turned deadly pale, pulls himself together + energetically, takes his hat and cane from the wall and goes out + through the door at the right._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looks at her husband in consternation, shakes her head at his abrupt +departure and then turns questioningly to ROSE._] What has happened? +What's the matter with him? + +ROSE + +[_Overwhelmed by her profound wretchedness._] Oh, dear Mrs. Flamm, I'm +that unhappy! + + [_She sinks down before MRS. FLAMM and buries her head in the + latter's lap._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Now do tell me!... For pity's sake, lass ... what's come over you! What +is it? You're like a different creature. I can't never understand that! +[_To the maid who has wheeled her in._] I don't need you now; you can +come back later! Get everything ready in the kitchen. [_The maid leaves +the room._] Now then! What is the trouble? What has happened? Tell me +everything! It'll ease you! What? What is't you say? Don't you want to +marry that pasty August? Or maybe you're carryin' some other fellow +around in your thoughts? Dear me! one o' them is about as good as +another, an' no man is worth a great deal. + +ROSE + +[_Controlling herself and rising._] I know what I wants and that's the +end o't! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that true? You see, I was afraid you didn't know! Sometimes a woman +don't know, especially a young one like you. An' then, maybe, an older +woman can help a bit. But if you know what you want,'tis well! You'll be +findin' your own way out o' your trouble. [_Putting on her spectacles, +with a keen glance._] Rosie, are you ill maybe? + +ROSE + +[_Frightened and confused._] Ill? How ...? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Why, don't people get ill? You used to be so different formerly. + +ROSE + +But I'm not ill! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm not sayin' it. I just ask. I ask because I want to know! But we must +understand each other rightly! 'Tis true! Don't let's talk round about +the thing we want to know, or play hide an' seek.--You're not afraid that +I don't mean well? [_ROSE shakes her head vigorously._] An 'twould be +strange if you did. That's settled then. You used to play with my little +Kurt. You two grew up together until it pleased God to take my only +child.--An' that very time your mother died too an' I remember--she was +lyin' on her deathbed--that she was askin' me that I might, if possible, +look after you a bit. + +ROSE + +[_Staring straight before her._] The best thing for me would be to jump +into the river! If things is that way ... God forgive me the sin! + +MRS. FLAMM + +If things are that way? How? I don't understand you! You might well speak +a bit more clearly.--In the first place, I'm a woman myself, an' it won't +astonish me. An' then--I've been a mother myself, even if I have no +children now. Lass, who knows what's wrong with you? I've been watchin' +you for weeks an' weeks; maybe you didn't notice anything, but now I want +you to come out with the truth.--Wheel me over to that chest o' drawers. +[_ROSE obeys her._] So! Here in these drawers are old things--a child's +clothes an' toys. They were Kurt's ... Your mother said to me once: My +Rose, she'll be a mother o' children! But her blood is a bit too hot!--I +don't know. Maybe she was right. [_She takes a large doll from one of the +drawers._] Do you see? Things may go as they want to in this world, but a +mother is not to be despised.--You and Kurt used to play with this doll. +'Twas you mainly that took care o' her, washed her, fed her, gave her +clean linen, an' once--Flamm happened to come up--you put her to your +breast.--You brought those flowers this morning, didn't you? The +forget-me-nots in the little dish yonder? An' you put flowers on Kurt's +grave o' Sunday. Children an' graves--they're women's care. [_She has +taken a little child's linen shift from the drawer, she unfolds it, +holding it by the sleeves, and speaks from behind it._] Didn't you, +Rosie? An' I thank you for it, too. Your father, you see, he's busy with +his missionary meetin's an' his Bible lessons an' such things. All people +are sinners here, says he, an' he wants to make angels of 'em. It may be +that he's right, but I don't understand those things. I've learned one +thing in this world, an' that is what it is to be a mother an' how a +mother is blessed with sorrows. + + _ROSE overwhelmed and moaning has sunk down beside MRS. FLAMM and + kisses the latter's hands again and again in gratitude and as a sign + of confession._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Shows by a sudden gleam in her eyes that she understands the truth and +has received the confession. But she continues to speak quietly._] You +see, lass, that's what I've learned. I've learned that one thing which +the world has forgotten. I don't know very much about anything else. As +much as most people, maybe, an' that's not any real knowledge. [_She lays +down the child's shift carefully on her lap._] Well, now you go home an' +be of good courage! I'll be thinkin' things over for you. 'Tis well so +far. I'll ask you no more just now. You're different now ... all's +different. An' I'll be doubly careful. I don't want to know anything, but +I want you to depend on me. Little I care, anyhow, who the father is--if +'tis a councillor or a beggar. It's we who have to bring the children +into the world, an' no one can help us there. Three things you must think +about--how about your father, and about August ... an' something more. +But I have time enough! I'll think it all over an' I'll feel that I'm +still good for something in this world. + +ROSE + +[_Has arisen and passed again into a state of moral numbness._] No, no, +Mrs. Flamm, don't do that! You can't! Don't take no interest in me! I've +not deserved it of him nor of no one! I know that! I've got to fight it +through--alone! There's no help in others for me; it's ... no, I can't +tell you no clearer!... You're as good to me as an angel! Dear God, +you're much too good! But it's no use! I can't take your help. +Good-bye.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Wait a little! I can't let you go this way. Who knows what you may be +doin'? + +ROSE + +No, you can be reel quiet about that, Mrs. Flamm. I'm not that desperate +yet. If there's need, I can work for my child. Heaven's high an' the +world is wide! If it was just me, an' if it wasn't for father an' if +August didn't seem so pitiful ... an' then, a child ought to have a +father! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good. You just be resolute. You were always a brave girl. An' 'tis better +if you can keep your courage up!--But, if I've understood you rightly, I +can't see at all why you want to fight against the weddin'. + +ROSE + +[_Becomes sullen, pale and fearful._] What can I say? I don't hardly +know! An' I don't want to fight against it no more. Only ... +Streckmann.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +Be open with me, you understand? For my part you can go home now! But +come back to-morrow! An' listen to this thing I say: Be glad! A woman +ought to be glad of her child.... + +ROSE + +An' God knows that I am! An' I will fight it all through! Only--nobody +can't help me to do it! + + [_Exit quickly._ + +MRS. FLAMM [_Alone. She looks after ROSE, sighs, takes the child's shift +from her lap, unfolds it as before and says:_] Ah, lass,'tis a good +fortune that you have, not an evil! There's none that's greater for a +woman! Hold it fast! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _A fertile landscape. In the foreground, to the right, on a + triangular piece of greensward slightly below the level of the + fields, there stands an old pear tree, at the foot of which a spring + empties into a primitive basin of stone. The middle distance is of + meadow land. In the background a pool, bordered by reeds and dotted + by water plants, lies in a grove of alder trees and bushes of + hazelnut, willow and beech. The meadows extend on either side + encircled by immemorial oaks, elms, beeches and birch trees. Between + the foliage of the trees and bushes the church spires of distant + villages are visible. To the left, behind the bushes, arise the + thatched roofs of the field barns._ + + _It is a hot afternoon of early August._ + + _From afar is heard the hum of the threshing machine. BERND and + AUGUST KEIL come from, the right. They are worn out from labour and + from the heat. The men are clad only in their shirts, breeches, boots + and caps. Each carries a hoe across his shoulder, a scythe in his + hand, and carries at his belt a cowherd's horn and whetstone._ + +BERND + +'Tis hot an' to spare to-day. A man must rest a bit! But a feelin' o' +peace comes to you workin' on your own ground. + +AUGUST + +The trouble is I'm not used to mowin'. + +BERND + +You went an' did your share right bravely. + +AUGUST + +Yes, yes! But how long can I do it? All my limbs are twitchin' an' +hurtin' me now. + +BERND + +You can rest content, my son. A man's got to be used to that kind o' +work. An' in your case 'tis only an exception. But, 's I said, you could +well go an' be a gard'ner. + +AUGUST + +For the space of a day. On the second I'd collapse. There's no use; I'm +but a broken reed. I went to the county physician again. 'Twas the same +as always. He just shrugged his shoulders. + +BERND + +You're well now an' in God's hands. The most you might do is to put a few +rusty nails in water an' drink the rinsings two or three times a week. +That purifies the blood an' strengthens the heart.--I only hope the +weather'll keep on this way. + +AUGUST + +The heat's too terrible. When we were mowin', I thought I heard thunder. + +BERND + +[_Kneeling down on the edge of the basin and drinking from the surface of +the spring._] Water is the best drink for all they say. + +AUGUST + +How late is it? + +BERND + +'Tis about four o'clock, I'm wonderin' what keeps Rose with our evenin' +meal. [_He raises his scythe and looks at the blade. AUGUST does the +same._] Will you have to sharpen? Mine will do a bit longer. + +AUGUST + +I can try it this way a while longer. + +BERND + +[_Throws himself on the grass under the pear tree._] You'd better come +an' sit down by me. An' if, maybe, you got your Testament with you, we +might refresh ourselves with the Good Word. + +AUGUST + +[_Sitting down exhausted and glad to be free._] All I say is: Thanks and +praise be to the Lord. + +BERND + +D'you see, August, I said to you then: Let her be! The lass will find her +own way! Now she's come to her senses! In the old days, before your time, +often an' often I worried about her. A kind o' stubbornness used to come +over her from time to time. An' 'twas always best to let her +be!--Sometimes it seemed, as God lives, as if the lass was runnin' +against a wall--a strong wall that nobody else couldn't see, an' as if +she had to grope her way around it first. + +AUGUST + +What got into her that day ... I'm thankin' God on my knees ... but that +day I didn't know what to make of it! Suddenly she--how that came about +...? No, I can't see the rights of it to this day. + +BERND + +An' how different did she act this time when we went down to the +magistrate. + +AUGUST + +I'm glad that it's no longer Squire Flamm. + +BERND + +Yes, an' this time she didn't say a word an' in four or five minutes +everythin' was straight. That's the way she is. 'Tis the way o' women. + +AUGUST + +D'you think it had somethin' to do with Streckmann? He called out some +words behind you that day, an' first he had talked to her. + +BERND + +It may be so, an' it may not be so. I can't tell you. Times is when one +can't get a word out o' her. 'Tis not a good thing. An' on that account +I'm glad that she'll be the wife of a man who can influence her an' take +that sullen way from her. You two are meant for one another. 'Tis well! +The girl needs to be led, an' you have a kind hand an' a gentle one. + +AUGUST + +When I see that Streckmann, I feel as if I had to look upon the evil one +hisself.... + +BERND + +Maybe she thought as the feller meant mischief. He's been a sinner from +his childhood on! Many a time his mother complained of it!... It may be! +'Twouldn't surprise no one in him. + +AUGUST + +When I see that man, I don't seem to be myself no longer. Hot an' cold +shudders run down my back, an' I come near to accusin' our Heavenly +Father ... because he didn't make me a Samson in strength. Such times, +God forgive me, I have evil thoughts. [_The whizzing of Streckmann's +engine is heard._] There he is! + +BERND + +Don't take no notice of him. + +AUGUST + +I won't. An' when 'tis all over, I'll shut myself up in my four walls an' +we can lead a quiet life. + +BERND + +A good, quiet life--God grant it! + +AUGUST + +And I don't want to know nothin' of the world no more! The whole business +fills me with horror! I have taken such a disgust to the world and to +men, that I ... Father, I don't hardly know how to say it ... but when +the bitterness o' things rises up into my throat--then I laugh! Then I +have a feelin' of peace in the thought of death; and I rejoice in it like +a child. + + _A number of thirsty field labourers, an old woman and two young + girls, all from the estate of the magistrate FLAMM, come hurriedly + across the fields. They are HAHN, HEINZEL, GOLISCH, OLD MRS. GOLISCH, + OLD KLEINERT, THE HEAD MAID SERVANT and her ASSISTANT. The men are + clad in trousers, the women have their skirts gathered up, shawls + over their breasts and manicoloured kerchiefs on their heads._ + +HAHN + +[_Thirty years old, bronzed and vigorous._] I'm always the first at the +fountain! The rest o' ye c'n run all ye want to! Ye can't never ketch up +with me! [_He kneels down and leans over the spring._] Eh, but I'd like +to jump right in. + +THE ASSISTANT MAID + +Don't ye dare! We've got a thirst too. [_To the HEAD MAID SERVANT._] Have +ye a bit of a cup with ye to dip up the water? + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +Hold on there! I comes first. + +HEINZEL + +[_Pulls the two women back by the shoulders and thrusts himself between +them up to the spring._] First comes the men, then the women folks. + +KLEINERT + +There's space enough here for us all. Eh, father Bernd? Wish you a good +meal. + +BERND + +Yes, yes. Only no meal's been brought for us to eat yet. We're waitin' +for it--waitin' in vain. + +GOLISCH + +I ... I ... I'm wet enough to be wrung out! My tongue is lyin' in my +mouth, dry as a piece o' charred wood. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Water! + +KLEINERT + +Here 'tis, enough for us all! + + _They all drink greedily, some immediately from the surface of the + mater, some out of their hollowed hands, others out of their hats or + out of little cups and bottles. The sounds of swallowing and of deep + relieved breathing are clearly audible._ + +HEINZEL + +[_Getting up._] Water's a good thing but beer would be a better. + +HAHN + +An' a bit o' brandy wouldn't come amiss neither. + +GOLISCH + +August, you might be treatin' us to a quart. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +He'd better invite us all to the weddin'. + +GOLISCH + +We're all comin' to the weddin'. They says it's to be soon. + +HEINZEL + +I'm not comin'. What for? To swill cold water? I needn't go no farther +than the spring for that. Or for the sake of a little coffee. + +HAHN + +An' prayin' an' singin' for dessert. An' mebbe, there's no tellin', the +parson from Jenkau will come over an' see if we know the ten +commandments. + +HEINZEL + +Or the seven beatitudes on top o' that! That'd be a fine state of +affairs. I've long forgot it all. + +KLEINERT + +You folks had better stop teasin' August. I'm tellin' you now, if I had a +girl of my own, I wouldn't be wantin' no better son-in-law. He knows his +business! You always know where to find him. + + _The working men and women have scattered themselves at ease in a + semicircle and are eating their evening meal; coffee in tin pots and + great wedges of bread from which they cut pieces with their + clasp-knives._ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +There comes Rosie Bernd around from behind the farm. + +GOLISCH + +Look an' see, will you, how that girl can jump. + +KLEINERT + +She can lift a sack o' wheat and drag it to the very top o' the barn. +This very mornin' I saw her with a great heavy chest o' drawers on a +wheelbarrow, trundlin' it over to the new house. That there girl has got +sap an' strength. She'll take care o' her household. + +HAHN + +If I could get along in the world like August in other respecks, my +faith, I wouldn't a bit mind tryin'; I'd see what bein' pious can do for +a man. + +GOLISCH + +You've got to know how to run after good fortune; then you'll get hold of +it. + +HAHN + +When you consider how he used to go around from village to village with a +sack full o' tracts; an' how, after that, he used to be writin' letters +for people ... an' now, to-day, he's got the finest bit o' property an' +can marry the handsomest girl in the county. + + _ROSE BERND approaches. In a basket she is carrying the evening meal + for AUGUST and OLD BERND._ + +ROSE + +A good afternoon to you. + +SEVERAL VOICES + +Good evenin'!--Good evenin'! Many thanks! + +GOLISCH + +You're lettin' your sweetheart starve, Rosie. + +ROSE + +[_Merrily unpacking the food._] Don't you worry! He don't starve so easy +as that. + +HEINZEL + +You must be feedin' him well, Rosie, or he'll put on no flesh. + +GOLISCH + +That's true. He'll be a sight too lean for you, lass. + +BERND + +Where have you been keepin' yourself so long? We've been waitin' this +half hour. + +AUGUST + +[_In a subdued but annoyed voice._] An' now the whole crowd is here +again! An' we might have been through this long time. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Let him scold, lass, an' don't mind it. + +ROSE + +Who's scoldin'? There's no one here to scold. August wouldn't do it in a +lifetime. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Even so! But that's right: you shouldn't care nothin' about it. + +HEINZEL + +'Cause, if he don't scold now, that'll be comin' later. + +ROSE + +I'm not afraid o' that ever comin'. + +GOLISCH + +You're mighty friendly, all of a sudden. + +ROSE + +We was always agreed with each other, wasn't we, August? What are you +laughin' at? [_She kisses him. Laughter is heard among the people._] + +GOLISCH + +Well, well, and I thought as I might be climbin' into her window some +day. + +KLEINERT + +If you did, you'd be carrying home your bones in a handkerchief! + +THE HEAD MAID SERVANT + +[_Sarcastically._] O Lordy, Lordy! I'd try it all the same. You can't +never tell. + +BERND + +[_Sombre but calm._] Take care what you're sayin', woman. + +KLEINERT + +Hear what he says, I tell you! Be careful of what you're sayin'. Old +Bernd, he don't take no jokes. + +ROSE + +She's not sayin' anythin' special. Let her be. + +KLEINERT + +[_Lighting his pipe._] He may be lookin' real mild now, but when he lets +go, you won't hardly believe it. I know how it used to be when he was +manager of the estate; the women folks didn't have much cause for +laughin' then. He got the upper hand o' ten like you; there wasn't no +gaddin 'about with fellers for them! + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +Who's gaddin' about with fellers, I'd like to know! + +KLEINERT + +You'd better be askin' the machinist, Streckmann, + +HEAD MAID SERVANT + +[_Crimson._] For all I care you can ask the Lord hisself! + + [_All present laugh._ + + _The machinist STRECKMANN appears. He is dusty and comes straight + from the threshing machine. He shows the effects of liquor._ + +STRECKMANN + +Who's talkin' about the machinist Streckmann aroun' here? He's right +here! He's standin' right here. Anybody wantin' to pick a quarrel with +him? Good day to you all! Hope you're havin' a pleasant meal. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Talk of the devil an' he appears. + +STRECKMANN + +An' you're the devil's grandmother, I suppose. [_He takes off his cockade +and wipes the sweat from his forehead._] I tell you people I can't keep +up with this: this kind o' work uses a man up skin and bones!--Hello, +August! Good day to you, Rosie! Well, father Bernd--Great God, can't +anybody answer? + +HEINZEL + +Let him be! Some people's better off than they can stand. + +STRECKMANN + +The Lord lets his own people have an easy time. A feller like me works +and works and can't get ahead. [_He has assumed a reclining position and +squeezed himself between HEINZEL and KLEINERT. He now hands his whisky +bottle to HEINZEL._] Let her go aroun'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +You live the best life of us all, Streckmann! What in Heaven's name has +you to complain about? You drinks your drinks and makes three times over +what we do--all for standin' by the machine a bit. + +STRECKMANN + +What I want is work for my brain. I got a head on me. That's what you +bran-heads can't understand. Of course! What does an old woman know about +that! An', anyhow--the trouble I got.... + +GOLISCH + +Lord, Streckmann and trouble-- + +STRECKMANN + +More than enough!--there's somethin' that sticks into me, I can tell +you--sticks into my belly and into my heart. I feel so rotten bad I'd +like to be doin' somethin' real crazy. [_To the ASSISTANT MAID._] Lass, +shall I lie down with you? + +ASSISTANT MAID + +I'll bang you over the head with a whetstone! + +GOLISCH + +That's just what's troublin' him; everythin' gets black before his eyes, +he don't see nothin' more, an' sudden like, he's lyin' abed with a lass. + + [_Loud laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +Yon can laugh, ye ragamuffins, laugh all ye want to! It's no laughin' +matter with me, I can tell ye. [_Blustering:_] I'll let the machine +squeeze off one of my arms! Or ye can run the piston through me if ye +want to! Kill me, for all I care. + +HAHN + +Or mebbe you'd like to set a barn afire. + +STRECKMANN + +By God! There's fire enough inside of me. August there, he's a happy man +... + +AUGUST + +Whether I'm happy or whether I'm unhappy, that don't concern no one in +this world. + +STRECKMANN + +What am I doin' to you? Can't you be sociable with a feller? + +AUGUST + +I'll look for my society elsewhere. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Looks at him long with smouldering hatred; represses his rage and +grasps the whisky bottle which has been handed back to him._] Give it to +me! A feller's got to drown his sorrow!--[_To ROSE._] You needn't be +lookin' at me; a bargain's a bargain. [_He gets up._] I'm goin'!--I don't +want to come between you. + +ROSE + +You can go or you can stay for all I care. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +[_Calling STRECKMANN back._] Look here, Streckmann, what was that +happened t'other day? About three weeks ago at the threshin' machine?... + + [_Men and women burst into laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +That's all over. I don't know nothin' about that. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +An' yet, you swore by all that was good and holy.... + +KLEINERT + +You people stop your gossippin'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +He needn't be talkin' so big all the time. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Comes back._] And I tell you what I says, that I puts through. I'll be +damned if I don't! Let it go at that. I don't say no more. + + [_Exit._ + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH It's done just as easy without talkin'. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Comes back, is about to speak out, but restrains himself._] Never mind! +I don't walk into no such trap! But if you want to know exactly what it's +all about, ask August there or father Bernd. + +BERND + +What's all this about? What's this we're supposed to know? + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +'Twas that time you went to the magistrate's, 'twas that time! An' didn't +Streckmann pass you on the road an' didn't he cry out somethin' after ye? + +KLEINERT + +It's about time for you to be stoppin'. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +An' why, I'd like to know? That's all nothin' but a joke ... People +wonders if that there time you all agreed, or if Rosie wasn't so willin' +to join in! + +BERND + +God Almighty forgive you all for your sins! What I wants to ask you is +this: Why can't the whole crowd o' you leave us in peace? Or is it that +we ever did any harm to any o' ye? + +GOLISCH + +An' we're not doin' any wrong neither. + +ROSE + +An' whether I was willin' on that day or not--you needn't give yourself +no concern about that! I'm willin' now an' that settles it, + +KLEINERT + +That's the right way, Rosie! + +AUGUST + +[_Who has hitherto been reading, with apparent absorption, in his New +Testament, now closes the book and arises._] Come, father, let's go to +work. + +HAHN + +That takes it out o' you more than pastin' prayer books together or +stirrin' the paste in your pot! + +HEINZEL + +And how do you think he'll feel after the weddin'? A girl like Rosie--she +makes demands! + + [_Laughter._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Also laughing._] Gee ...! I almost said somethin' I oughtn't to!--[_He +steps back among the people._] I'll give you a riddle to guess. Shall I? +Still waters run deep! 'Tis bad. You mustn't taste blood--no, no! The +thirst only gets worse an' worse--that's all. + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +What's that? Where did you get the taste o' blood? + +BERND + +I suppose he means the taste for whisky! + +STRECKMANN + +I'm goin' my way! Good-bye! I'm a good feller! Good-bye, father Bernd! +Good-bye, August! Good-bye, Rosie! [_To AUGUST._] What's wrong?--August, +don't be showin' off. 'Tis all well! I'm willin'! You'll not see me +again! But you--you've got reason enough to be grateful to me. You've +always been an underhanded kind o' crittur! But I've given my consent to +let things be! I've given my consent an' everything can go smoothly. + + [_STRECKMANN goes._ + +ROSE + +[_With violent energy._] Let him talk, August; pay no attention to him. + +KLEINERT + +Flamm is comin'! [_He looks at his watch._] 'Tis over half an hour! + + [_The whistle of the engine is heard._ + +HAHN + +[_During the general stir._] Forward, Prussians! It's misery whistlin' +for us! + + _The workingmen and the maids disappear swiftly with their scythes. + ROSE, OLD BERND and AUGUST remain alone on the scene._ + +BERND + +All the evil on earth seems broken loose here' What's all that Streckmann +is sayin'? Tell me, Rose, do you understand it? + +ROSE + +No, an' I've got better things to be thinkin' of! [_She gives AUGUST a +friendly nudge on the head._] Isn't it so, August? We have no time for +nonsense! We have to hurry these comin' six weeks. + + [_She gathers up the remnants of the meal in her basket._ + +AUGUST + +Come over to us a bit later. + +ROSE + +I must wash and iron and sew buttonholes. 'Tis almost time now. + +BERND + +We'll be comin' to our supper after seven. + + [_Exit._ + +AUGUST + +[_Before he goes, earnestly:_] Do you care for me, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Yes, I do care for you. + + _AUGUST disappears and ROSE is left alone. The hum of the threshing + machine is heard as well as the muttering of thunder on the horizon. + After ROSE has replaced bread, butter, the coffee pots and cups into + her basket, she straightens herself up and seems to become aware of + something in the distance which attracts her and holds her captive. + With sudden, determination, she snatches up the head kerchief that + has fallen to the ground and hurries off. Before she has disappeared + from view, however, FLAMM becomes visible on the scene and calls to + her._ + +FLAMM + +Rose! Wait there! Confound it all! [_Rose stands still with her face +turned away._] You are to give me a drink! I suppose I'm worth a draught +of water. + +ROSE + +There's plenty of water here. + +FLAMM + +I see. I'm not blind. But I don't care to drink like the beasts. Have you +no cups in your basket? [_ROSE pushes the cover of her basket aside._] +Well, then! You even have a cup of Bunzlauer ware! I like to drink out of +that best of all. [_She hands him the cup, still with averted face._] I +beg your pardon. You might practise a little politeness! I suppose you'll +have to force yourself to it this one more time. [_ROSE walks over to the +spring, rinses the cup, fills it with water, sets it down next to the +spring and then returns to her basket. She picks the latter up and waits +with her back to FLAMM._] No, Rosie--that won't do at all. You might get +rid of some gaol bird in that fashion. I don't know the habits of such +persons very exactly. As things are, I'm still the magistrate Flamm. Am I +going to get a drink or am I not? Well: One ... two ... three ... and ... +there's an end to this, I' beg for some decency! No more nonsense! [_ROSE +has returned to the spring, has picked up the cup and now holds it out to +FLAMM, still refusing to look at him._] So! Higher, though, a little +higher! I can't get at it yet! + +ROSE + +But you must hold it. + +FLAMM + +How can I drink this way? + +ROSE + +[_Amused against her will, turns her face to him._] Oh, but.... + +FLAMM + +That's better already!--That's good!--[_Apparently unintentionally and as +if merely to hold the cup, he puts his own hands upon ROSE'S which +support it. His mouth at the rim he lowers himself more and more--until +he kneels on one knee._] So! Thank you, Rosie! Now you can let me go. + +ROSE + +[_Making gentle efforts to disengage herself._] Oh, no! Do let me be, Mr. +Flamm! + +FLAMM + +Is that so? You think, then, that I ought to let you be? Now, when at +last I've succeeded in catching you! No, lassie,'tis not so easy as that. +It won't do and you needn't ask it of me. You needn't wear yourself out! +You can't escape me! First of all, look me square in the eyes once more! +I haven't changed! I know; I know about--everything! I've had 'a talk +with the magistrate Steckel about your having agreed to everything now. I +thank God that I'm no longer the official who attends to the matchmaking! +Another man takes care of the man-traps now. I even know the date of the +funeral ... I'll be ... I meant the wedding, of course. And in addition, +I've talked to myself, too. Rose, 'tis a hard nut! I hope we won't break +our teeth on it! + +ROSE + +I dare not stand this way with you here. + +FLAMM + +You must. Whether you may or not--I don't care! In fact I don't give a +tinker's damn! If this thing is really decreed in the council of God, as +the song has it--I want a dismissal in all due form: I refuse to be just +coolly shunted off.--Rose, is there anything in the past for which I need +to ask your forgiveness? + +ROSE + +[_Touched, shakes her head with energy._] Nothin', nothin' at all, Mr. +Flamm. + +FLAMM + +No? Is that honest? [_ROSE nods a hearty affirmation._] Well, I'm glad of +that, at least! I hoped it would be so. Then at least we can keep +something that's harmonious in our memories. Ah, Rose, it was a good, +good time.... + +ROSE + +An' you must go back to your wife.... + +FLAMM + +A good time! And it rushes past ... past! And what do we keep of it? + +ROSE + +You must be kind, very kind to your wife, Mr. Flamm. She's an angel; 'tis +she that saved me! + +FLAMM + +Come, let's sit down under the pear tree! Very well. But why talk of it? +I'm always kind to my wife. Our relations are the very friendliest. Come, +Rose! Tell me all about that. What d'you mean by that? Saved? What did +she save you from, Rose? I'd naturally like to know that! What was the +matter with you? Mother did drop all sorts of hints; but I was no wiser +for them. + +ROSE + +Mr. Christopher ... Mr. Flamm! I can't sit down here. An' it don't +matter! It can't lead to anythin'. 'Tis all over an' past now--well--'tis +all dead an' gone. I know God will forgive me the sin. An' He won't lay +it up against the poor, innocent child neither. He's too merciful to do +that! + +FLAMM + +[_Alluding to the hum of the threshing machine which grows louder and +louder._] That confounded buzzing all the time!--What did you say, Rose? +Sit down just a moment. I won't harm you; I won't even touch you! I give +you my word, Rose. Have some confidence in me! I want you to speak +out--to tell what's on your heart! + +ROSE + +I don't know ... there's ... there's just nothin' more to say! When once +I'm married, you can go an' ask the good missis. Maybe she'll tell you +then what was the trouble with me. I haven't told August nothin' either. +I know he's good. I'm not afraid o' that. He's soft o' heart an' a good +Christian man. An' now: Good-bye, Christie--keep well.--We've a long life +ahead of us now an', maybe, we can be reel faithful an' do penance an' +work hard an' pay off the debt. + +FLAMM + +[_Holding ROSE'S hand fast in his._] Rose, stay one moment. It's all +right and I must be satisfied. I'm not coming to your wedding, God knows! +But even if I don't come to your wedding, still I admit that you're +right.--But, oh, lass, I've loved you so truly, so honestly.... I can +never tell you how much! And it's been, upon my word, as far back as I +can think.--You had crept into my heart even in the old days when you +were a child and were always so honest ... so frank about a thousand +little things--so straight and true, however things were. No sneakiness, +no subterfuge--whatever the consequences. I've known women enough in +Tarant and in Eberswalde at the agricultural college and in the army, and +I was usually lucky with them--ridiculously so. And yet I never knew true +happiness except through you. + +ROSE + +Oh, Christie, I've loved you too! + +FLAMM + +Why you've been in love with me ever since you were a little thing! Why +you used to make eyes at me.... Do you believe you'll ever think of it? +And think of the mad, old sinner Flamm? + +ROSE + +That I will. I have a pledge.... + +FLAMM + +You mean the ring with the bit of stone? And won't you come to our house +some time? + +ROSE + +No, that can't be. That would cut a body too sorely to the heart. That +wouldn't be nothin' but double sufferin' an' misery! There's got to be an +end to it all. I'll bury myself in the house! There's work an' moil +enough for two! 'Tis a new life that's beginnin' an' we mustn't look back +on the old life. There's nothin' but sorrow an' heart's need on this +earth; we has to wait for a better place. + +FLAMM + +And so this is to be our last farewell, Rose? + +ROSE + +Father an' August will be wonderin' now. + +FLAMM + +And if the little fishes in the river were to stand on their tails in +wonderment and the bitterns on the trees did the same--I wouldn't lose +one second--now! So it's to be all, all over and done with? And you won't +even come to see mother? + +ROSE + +[_Shaking her head._] I can't look her in the face no more! Maybe some +day! Maybe in ten years or so! Maybe all this'll be conquered then. +Good-bye, Mr. Christie! Good-bye, Mr. Flamm! + +FLAMM + +So be it. But, lass, I tell you, if it weren't for mother ... now ... +even now ... I wouldn't fool around much ... I wouldn't give you much +time.... + +ROSE + +Yes, if it wasn't for that little word "if"! If August wasn't livin', an' +father wasn't--who knows what I'd do. I'd like to go out into the wide +world. + +FLAMM + +And I with you, Rose! Well, then we know what's in our hearts.--And now +you might give me your hand once more.... [_He presses her hand and their +glances melt hotly into each other in this last farewell._] So it is. +What was to be, must be! I suppose we must leave each other now. + + [_He turns resolutely and walks away with firm steps and without + looking back._ + +ROSE [_Looking after him, mastering herself, with tense volition:_] What +must be, must be!--'tis well now!-- + + [_She put back the can into her basket and is about to walk in the + opposite direction._ + + _STRECKMANN appears._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_With pale, contorted face, creeping and basely hesitant in demeanour._] +Rose! Rose Bernd! D'you hear? That was that rascally Flamm again! If ever +I gets my hand on him ... I'll smash every bone in his carcase!--What's +up? What did he want again! But I'm tellin' you this: things don't go +that way! I won't bear it! One man is as good as another! I won't let +nobody turn me off this way! + +ROSE + +What d'you say? Who are you anyhow? + +STRECKMANN + +Who am I? Damn it, you know that well enough! + +ROSE + +Who are you? Where did I ever see you? + +STRECKMANN + +Me? Where you saw me? _You?_ You can look for somebody else to play your +monkey tricks on! + +ROSE + +What do you want? What are you? What business has you with me? + +STRECKMANN + +What business? What I wants? Nothin' much, y'understand? God ... don't +scream so! + +ROSE + +I'll call for all the world to come if you don't get out o' my way this +minute! + +STRECKMANN + +Think o' the cherry tree! Think o' the crucifix.... + +ROSE + +Who are you! Lies! Lies! What do you want with me? Either you get away +from here straightway ... or I'll cry out for some one to come an' help +me! + +STRECKMANN + +Girl, you've lost your senses! + +ROSE + +Then I won't have to drag 'em around with me no longer! Who are you! +Lies! You've seen nothin'! I'll cry out! I'll shriek as long as I has +breath in my body, if you don't go this very second. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Frightened._] I'm goin', Rosie. It's all right. + +ROSE + +But now! This minute! Y'understand! + +STRECKMANN + +Right away! For all I care! An' why not? [_He makes a farcical gesture as +though avoiding a shower of rain._] + +ROSE + +[_Half-mad with rage and scorn._] There he runs! The vile scoundrel! When +you see a fellow like that from behind, you see the best side o' him! Fy, +I says! He's all smooth an' spruce on the outside, an' his innards rotten +as dirt. A body could die o' disgust! + +STRECKMANN + +[_Turns, pale and sinister._] Ah ...! An' is that so indeed! You don't +never mean it!... 'Tis not very appetisin' the way you makes it out. Why +was you so hot after it, then? + +ROSE + +I? Hot after you? + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe you've forgotten already? + +ROSE + +Scoundrel! + +STRECKMANN + +Maybe I am. + +ROSE + +Scoundrel! Ruffian! Why do you go sniffin' around me now! Who are you? +What has I done? You stuck to my heels! You followed me an' baited me an' +snapped at me ... Rascal ... worse'n a dog ... + +STRECKMANN + +'Twas you that ran after me! + +ROSE + +What ...? + +STRECKMANN + +You came to my house an' made things hot for me! + +ROSE + +An' you ... + +STRECKMANN + +Well, what? + +ROSE + +An' you? An' you? + +STRECKMANN + +Well, I don't refuse a good thing that's offered. + +ROSE + +Streckmann! You has to die some day! D'you hear? Think o' your last hour! +You has to stand before your Judge some day! I ran to you in the awful +terror o' my heart! An' I begged you for the love o' God not to put +nothin' between me an' August. I crept on my knees before you--an' you +say, you, I ran after you! What was it truly? You committed a crime--a +crime against me! An' that's worse'n a scoundrel's trick! 'Twas a +crime--doubly and trebly! An' the Lord'll bring it home to you! + +STRECKMANN + +Listen to that! I'll take my chances! + +ROSE + +Is that what you say? You'll take your chances in that court? Then a +person can spit in your face! + +STRECKMANN + +Think o' the cherry tree! Think o' the crucifix! + +ROSE + +An' you swore to me that you'd never mention it again! You swore by all +that's holy. You put that hand o' yours on the cross, an' by the cross +you swore--an' now you're beginnin' to persecute me again! What do you +want? + +STRECKMANN + +I'm as good as Flamm. An' I don't want no more goin's on between you an' +him! + +ROSE + +I'll jump into his bed, scoundrel! An' it wouldn't concern you that much! + +STRECKMANN + +Well, we'll see what'll be the end of all that! + +ROSE + +What? 'Tis violence that you did to me! You confused me! You broke me +down! You pounced on me like a wild beast! I know! I tried to get out by +the door! An' you took hold an' you rent my bodice an' my skirt! I bled! +I might ha' gotten out by the door! Then you shot the latch! That's a +crime, a crime! An' I'll denounce.... + + _BERND and AUGUST appear on the scene. After them KLEINERT and + GOLISCH and the other field hands._ + +BERND + +[_Close to STRECKMANN._] What's all this? What did you do to my lass? + +AUGUST + +[_Pulls BERND back and thrusts himself forward._] 'Tis my place, father. +What did you do to Rosie? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! + +BERND + +[_Coming forward again._] What did you do to the lass? + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! + +AUGUST + +[_Approaching STRECKMANN once more._] You'll tell us now what you did to +her! + +STRECKMANN + +Nothin'! The devil! I say nothin'! + +AUGUST + +You'll either be tellin' us now what you did to her--or ... + +STRECKMANN + +Or? Well, what? What about "or"?--Hands off!... Take your hands from my +throat!! + +KLEINERT + +[_Trying to separate them._] Hold on, now. + +STRECKMANN + +Hands off, I tell you! + +BERND + +You'll have to take the consequences now! Either ... + +AUGUST + +What did you do to the girl? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Backing, in sudden fright, toward the pear tree, cries out:_] Help! + +AUGUST + +What did you do to the girl? Answer me that! I got to know that! + + [_He has freed himself and faces STRECKMANN._ + +STRECKMANN + +[_Lifts his arm and strikes AUGUST full in the face._] There's my answer! +That's what I did! + +KLEINERT + +Streckmann! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Catch hold o' August! He's fallin'! + +HEAD MAID + +[_Supports the falling man._] August! + +BERND + +[_Paying no attention to AUGUST, but addressing STRECKMANN:_] You'll have +to account for this! It'll be brought home to you! + +STRECKMANN + +What? On account o' that there wench that's common to anybody as wants +her.... + + [_Withdraws._ + +BERND + +What was that he said ...? + +KLEINERT + +[_Who is helping the MAID, HAHN, GOLISCH and MRS. GOLISCH support +AUGUST._] His eye is out! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +Father Bernd, August didn't fare so very well this time.... + +KLEINERT + +'Tis an evil wooin' that he has! + +BERND + +What? How? Christ In Heaven! [_He goes to him._] August! + +AUGUST + +My left eye hurts that bad! + +BERND + +Rose, bring some water! + +OLD MRS. GOLISCH + +'Tis a misfortune. + +BERND + +Rose, fetch some water! D'you hear me? + +GOLISCH + +That'll mean a good year o' prison! + +ROSE + +[_Suddenly awakening from a dazed condition._] He says ... he says ... +What's the meanin' o' ... Didn't I get a doll o' Christmas.... + +THE MAID + +[_To ROSE._] Are you asleep? + +ROSE + +... There's no tellin' what ... No, lass: it can't be done! Such things +don't come to good! ... Mebbe a girl can't do without a mother. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The same room in FLAMM'S house as in the second act. It is a + Saturday afternoon toward the beginning of September. FLAMM is + sitting over his accounts at the roller-top desk. Not far from the + door to the hall stands STRECKMANN._ + +FLAMM + +According to this there is due you the sum of twelve pounds, ten +shillings, sixpence. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes, Mr. Flamm. + +FLAMM + +What was wrong with the machine? You stopped working one forenoon? + +STRECKMANN + +I had a summons to appear in the county court that day. There wasn't +nothin' wrong with the machine. + +FLAMM + +Was that in connection with the trouble about ... Keil? + +STRECKMANN + +Yes. An' besides that Bernd sued me for slanderin' his daughter. + +FLAMM + +[_Has taken money from a special pigeon hole and counts it out on the +large table._] Here are twelve pounds and eleven shillings. So you owe me +sixpence. + +STRECKMANN + +[_Pockets the money and gives FLAMM a small coin._] An' so I'm to tell +the head bailiff that by the end o' December you'll be ready for me +again. + +FLAMM + +Yes, I want you for two days. Say, by the beginning of December. I'd like +to empty the big barn at that time. + +STRECKMANN + +By the beginnin' o' December. All right, Mr. Flamm. Good-bye. + +FLAMM + +Good-bye, Streckmann. Tell me, though, what's going to be the outcome of +that affair? + +STRECKMANN + +[_Stops and shrugs his shoulders._] It isn't goin' to be much of an +outcome for me! + +FLAMM + +Why? + +STRECKMANN + +I suppose I'll have to suffer for it. + +FLAMM + +What consequences a little thing will sometimes have!--How did it happen +that you quarreled? + +STRECKMANN + +I can't say as I can remember clearly. That day--I must ha' been off my +head--but the truth is I just can't get it straight how it did happen. + +FLAMM + +The bookbinder is known to be a very peaceable man. + +STRECKMANN + +An' yet he's always quarrelin' with me! But the thing's just gone from +me.--All I know is that they fell on me just like hungry wolves! I +thought they was tryin' to kill me right there! If I hadn't been thinkin' +that, my hand wouldn't ha' slipped the way it did. + +FLAMM + +And the man's eye couldn't--be saved? + +STRECKMANN + +No, an' it makes a feller feel sorry. But ... there's nothin' to be done. +The misfortune isn't on my conscience. + +FLAMM + +A thing of that kind is bad enough in itself. And when the courts take a +hand in it, that only makes it worse. I'm especially sorry for the girl. + +STRECKMANN + +Yes; I'm thin an' wasted with the misery of it. It's gone straight to my +heart. I tell you, your honour, I don't know what it is to sleep no more. +I haven't got nothin' against August really. But, as I said, I just can't +account for it. + +FLAMM + +You ought to go over and see Bernd some day. If you insulted his daughter +and weren't in a clear state of mind, you could simply retract what you +said. + +STRECKMANN + +That's none o' my business. That's his'n. Of course, if he knew what'll +come out--he'd take back his accusation. Somebody else ought to tell him. +He's not doin' the girl no service by it. That's how things is. Good-bye, +your honour. + +FLAMM + +Good-bye. + + _STRECKMANN leaves the room._ + +FLAMM [_Excitedly, to himself._] If one could only get at the throat of a +creature like that! + + _MRS. FLAMM is wheeled in by a maid from FLAMM'S den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What are you muttering about again?--[_At a gesture from her the maid +retires._]--Did you have any annoyance? + +FLAMM + +Oh, yes; a little. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Wasn't that Streckmann? + +FLAMM + +The handsome Streckmann. Yes, that was the handsome Streckmann. + +MRS. FLAMM + +How is that affair getting on now, Christie? Did you talk about Keil? + +FLAMM + +[_Scribbling._] Oh, pshaw! My head is full of figures. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do I disturb you, Christie? + +FLAMM + +No; only you must keep quiet. + +MRS. FLAMM + +If I can't do anything else--you can be sure I can do that. + + [_Silence._] + +FLAMM + +[_Bursting out._] I'll be damned and double damned! There are times when +one would like to take a gun and simply shoot down a scoundrel like that! +There'd be no trouble about taking that on one's conscience. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But, Christie, you really frighten me. + +FLAMM + +It isn't my fault! I'm frightened myself!--I tell you, mother, that man +is so low, so rotten with evil ... I tell you ... at least he has spells +when he's that way ... that a man like myself, who is no saint either, +feels as if his very bowels were turning in him! There's no end to that +kind of corruption. A man may think he knows life inside out, that he's +digested some pretty tough bits himself--but things like that--crimes--I +tell you, one never gets beyond the elements in that kind of knowledge! + +MRS. FLAMM + +What has roused you so again? + +FLAMM + +[_Writing again._] Oh, I'm only speaking in general. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I thought it was somehow connected with Streckmann. Because, Christie, I +can't rid myself of the thought of that affair. And when it's convenient +to you some day, I'd like to have a good talk with you about it! + +FLAMM + +With me? How does Streckmann concern me? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Not Streckmann exactly--not the man. But surely old Bernd and Rose. As +far as the girl is concerned, 'tis bitter earnest for her--the whole +thing! And if I weren't tied down here as I am, I would have gone over to +see her long ago. She's never seen here any more. + +FLAMM + +You ... you want to go and see Rose? What do you want of her? + +MRS. FLAMM + +But, don't you see, Christie--you understand that--she isn't exactly the +first comer! I ought to see about setting her affairs to rights a bit! + +FLAMM + +Ah well, mother! Do what you think is your duty. I hardly think that +you'll accomplish much for the girl. + +MRS. FLAMM + +How is that, Christie? What do you mean? + +FLAMM + +One shouldn't mix up into other people's affairs. All you get for your +pains is ingratitude and worry. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Even so! We can bear the worry, an' ingratitude--that's what you expect +in this world. An' as far as Rose Bernd is concerned, I always felt as if +she were more than half my own child. You see, Christie, as far as I can +think back--when father was still chief forester--her mother already came +to wash for us. Afterward, in the churchyard, at our little Kurt's +grave--I see the girl standin' as clear as if it was to-day, even though +I was myself more dead than alive. Except you an' me, I can tell you +that, nobody was as inconsolable as the girl. + +FLAMM + +Do as you please, as far as I'm concerned! But what are your intentions +exactly? I can't think what you're after, child! + +MRS. FLAMM + +First, I'm going to be real curious now. + +FLAMM + +What about? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Oh, about nothing you can describe exactly! You know, usually, I don't +interfere in your affairs. But now ... I'd like real well to know ... +what's come over you this while past? + +FLAMM + +Over me? I thought you were talking about Rose Bernd. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But now I'm talking about you, you see. + +FLAMM + +You can spare yourself the trouble, mother. My affairs are no concern of +yours. + +MRS. FLAMM + +You say that! 'Tis easily said. But if a person sits still as I have to +do and sees a man growing more an' more restless, an' unable to sleep o' +nights, an' hears him sighin' an' sighin', and that man happens to be +your own husband--why, you have all kinds of thoughts come over you! + +FLAMM + +Now, mother, you've gone off your head entirely. You seem to want to make +me look utterly foolish! _I_ sigh! Am I such an imbecile? I'm not a +lovelorn swain. + +MRS. FLAMM + +No, Christie, you can't escape me that way! + +FLAMM + +Mother, what are you trying to do? Do you want, simply, to be tiresome, +to bore me? Eh? Or make the house too disagreeable to stay in? Is that +your intention? If so, you're going about it the best way possible. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't care what you say; you're keeping something secret! + +FLAMM + +[_Shrugging his shoulders._] Do you think so?--Well, perhaps I _am_ +keeping something from you! Suppose it is so, mother.... You know me.... +You know my nature in that respect.... The whole world could turn upside +down and not get that much [_he snaps his fingers_] out of me! As for +annoyance ... everyone has his share of it in this world! Yesterday I had +to dismiss one of the brewers; day before yesterday I had to send a +distiller to the devil. And, all in all, apart from such incidents, the +kind of life one has to live here is really flat and unprofitable enough +to make any decent individual as cross as two sticks. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Why don't you seek company? Drive in to town! + +FLAMM + +Oh, yes, to sit in the inn playing at cards with a crowd of Philistines +or to be stilted with his honour, the prefect of the county! God forbid! +I have enough of that nonsense! It couldn't tempt me out of the house! If +it weren't for the bit of hunting a man could do--if one couldn't +shoulder one's gun occasionally, one would be tempted to run away to sea. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, you see! There you are! That's what I say! You've just changed +entirely! Till two, three months ago, you was as merry as the day's long; +you shot birds an' stuffed them, increased your botanical collection, +hunted birds' eggs--and sang the livelong day! 'Twas a joy to see you! +An' now, suddenly, you're like another person. + +FLAMM + +If only we had been able to keep Kurt! + +MRS. FLAMM + +How would it be if we adopted a child? + +FLAMM + +All of a sudden? No, mother. I don't care about it now. Before, you +couldn't make up your mind to it; now I've passed that stage too. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis easily said: Take a child into the house! First of all it seemed to +me like betraying Kurt ... yes, like a regular betrayal ... that's what +the very thought of It seemed to me. I felt--how shall I say it?--as if +we were putting the child away from us utterly--out of the house, out of +his little room an' his little bed, an', last of all, out of our +hearts.--But the main thing was this: Where can you get a child in whom +you can hope to have some joy?--But let that rest where it is. Let's go +back to Rose once more!--Do you know how it is with her, Christopher? + +FLAMM + +Oh, well! Of course; why not? Streckmann has cast a slur upon her conduct +and old Bernd won't suffer that! 'Tis folly, to be sure, to bring suit in +such a matter.--Because it is the woman who has to bear the brunt of it +in the end. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I wrote a couple of letters to Rose and asked the lass to come here. In +her situation, Christopher, she may really not know what to do nor where +to turn. + +FLAMM + +Why do you think so? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Because Streckmann is right! + +FLAMM + +[_Taken aback and with a show of stupidity._] What, mother? You must +express yourself more clearly. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Now, Christie, don't let your temper get the better of you again! I've +kept the truth from you till now because I know you're a bit harsh in +such matters. You remember the little maid that you put straight out o' +the house, and the trunk-maker to whom you gave a beating! Now this lass +o' ours made a confession to me long ago--maybe eight weeks. An' we have +to consider that 'tis not only Rose that's to be considered now, but ... +a second being ... the one that's on the way. Did you understand me? Did +you? + +FLAMM + +[_With self-repression._] No! Not entirely, mother, I must say frankly. +I've got a kind of a ... just to-day ... it comes over me ... the blood, +you know ... it seems to go to my head suddenly, once in a while. It's +like a ... it's horrible, too ... like an attack of dizziness! I suppose +I'll have to ... at least, I think I'll have to take the air a bit. But +it's nothing of importance, mother. So don't worry. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Looking at him through her spectacles._] And where do you want to go +with your cartridge belt? + +FLAMM + +Nowhere! What did I want to do with the cartridge belt? [_He hurls the +belt aside which he has involuntarily picked up._] One learns nothing ... +is kept in the dark about everything! And then a point comes where one +suddenly feels blind and stupid ... and a stranger ... an utter stranger +in this world. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Suspiciously._] Will you tell me, Christie, the meanin' of all this? + +FLAMM + +It hasn't any, mother--not the slightest ... none at all, in fact. And +I'm quite clear in my head again, too--quite! Only now and then a feeling +comes over me, a kind of terror, all of a sudden, I don't know how ... +and I feel as if there were no solid footing under me any longer, and as +if I were going to crash through and break my neck. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis strange things you are saying to-day, Christie. [_A knocking is +heard at the door._] Who's knocking there? Come in! + +AUGUST + +[_Still behind the scenes._] 'Tis only me, Mrs. Flamm. + + _FLAMM withdraws rapidly into his den._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Oh, 'tis you, Mr. Keil. Just step right in. + + _AUGUST KEIL appears on the scene. He is paler than formerly, more + emaciated and wears dark glasses. His left eye is hidden by a black + patch._ + +AUGUST + +I have come, Mrs. Flamm, to bring Rose's excuses to you. Good-day, Mrs. +Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good-day to you, Mr. Keil. + +AUGUST + +My betrothed had to go to the county court to-day, or she would ha' come +herself. But she'll be comin' in this evenin'. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm real pleased to get a chance to see you. How are you getting on? Sit +down. + +AUGUST + +God's ways are mysterious! An' when His hand rests heavy on us, we +mustn't complain. On the contrary, we must rejoice. An' I tell you, Mrs. +Flamm, that's almost the way I'm feelin' nowadays. I'm content. The worse +things gets, the gladder I am. 'Tis layin' up more an' more treasures in +heaven. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Taking a deep and difficult breath._] I trust you are right, Mr. +Keil.--Did Rose get my letters? + +AUGUST + +She gave them to me to read. An' I told her, it wouldn't do--that she'd +have to go to see you now. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I must tell you, Keil, I'm surprised that, after all these recent +happenin's, she never once found her way here. She knows that she'll find +sympathy here. + +AUGUST + +She's been reel afraid o' people recently. An', Mrs. Flamm, if you'll +permit me to say so, you mustn't take it ill. First of all she had her +hands full with tendin' to me. I was so in need o' care--an' she did a +good work by me! An' then, since that man slandered her so terrible, she +scarce dared go out o' the room. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't take offence, Keil. Oh, no! But how is she otherwise? An' what +does she do? + +AUGUST + +'Tis hard to say, that's certain. To-day, for instance, when she had to +go to court at eleven o'clock--'twas a regular dance she led us! She +talked so strange, Mrs. Flamm, 'twas enough to scare a body out o' his +wits.--First of all she didn't want to be goin' at all; next she thought +she wanted to take me with her. In the end she was gone like a flash an' +cried out to me that I wasn't to follow. Times she kept weepin' all +day!--Naturally, a man has his thoughts. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What kind o' thoughts? + +AUGUST + +About several things.--Firstly, this mishap that came to me! She spoke of +it to me many a time. That's cut her straight to the heart! An' about +father Bernd an' that he has taken that business o' Streckmann so +serious. + +MRS. FLAMM + +We're all alone here, Mr. Keil. Why shouldn't we speak openly for once. +Did it never occur to you ... I mean about this Streckmann matter ... to +you or, maybe to father Bernd--that there might be some truth in it? + +AUGUST + +I don't let myself have no thoughts about that. + +MRS. FLAMM + +That's right! I don't blame you for that in the least. There are times in +life when one can't do better than stick one's head in the sand like an +ostrich. But that isn't right for a father! + +AUGUST + +Well, Mrs. Flamm, as far as old Bernd goes, his mind is as far as the sky +from any suspicion that somethin' mightn't be quite right. His +conviction's as firm as a rock. He'd let you chop off his hands for it. +Nobody wouldn't believe how strictly he thinks about things o' that kind. +His honour was there too an' tried to persuade him to withdraw his +charge.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Excitedly._] Who was there? + +AUGUST + +His honour, Mr. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +My husband? + +AUGUST + +Yes! He talked to him a long time. You see, as for me--I've lost an eye, +to be sure--but I don't care to have Streckmann punished. Vengeance is +mine, saith the Lord. But father--he can't be persuaded to think +peaceably about this matter. Ask anythin' o' me, says he, but not that! + +MRS. FLAMM + +You say my husband went to see old Bernd? + +AUGUST + +Yes, that time he got the summons. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What kind o' summons was that? + +AUGUST + +To appear before the examining magistrate. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_With growing excitement._] Who? Old Bernd? + +AUGUST + +No; Mr. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Was my husband examined too? What did he have to do with the affair? + +AUGUST + +Yes, he was examined too. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_Deeply affected._] Is that so? That's news to me! I didn't know about +that. Nor that Christie went to see old Bernd!... I wonder where my +smellin' bottle is?--No, August, you might as well go home now. I'm a bit +... I don't know what to call it! An' any special advice I can't give +you, the way it all turns out. There's something that's gone through an' +through me. Go home an' wait to see how everything goes. But if you love +the lass truly, then ... look at me: I could tell you a tale! If a body +is made that way: whether 'tis a man that the women run after, or a woman +that all the men are mad about--then there's nothin' to do but just to +suffer an' suffer and be patient!--I've lived that way twelve long +years. [_She pats her hand to her eyes and peers through her fingers._] +An' if I want to see things at all, I have to see them from behind my +hands. + +AUGUST + +I can't never believe that, Mrs. Flamm. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Whether you believe me or not. Life don't ask us if we want to believe +things. An' I feel exactly like you: I can't hardly realise it either. +But we have to see how we can reconcile ourselves to it--I made a promise +to Rose! 'Tis easy promisin' an' hard keepin' the promise sometimes in +this world. But I'll do the best in my power.--Good-bye--I can't expect +you to ... God must take pity on us. That's all. + + _AUGUST, deeply moved, grasps the hand which MRS. FLAMM offers him + and withdraws in silence._ + + MRS. FLAMM leans her head far back and, lost in thought, looks up. + She sighs twice deeply and with difficulty. FLAMM enters, very pale, + looks sidewise at his wife and begins to whistle softly. He opens the + book case and pretends to be eagerly hunting for something._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Yes, yes; there it is--you whistle everything down the wind! But this ... +this ... I wouldn't ha' thought you capable of. + + _FLAMM swings around, falls silent, and looks straight at her. He + lifts both hands slightly and shrugs his shoulders very high. Then, + he relaxes all his muscles and gazes simply and without + embarrassment--thoughtfully rather than shamefacedly--at the floor._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +You men take these things very lightly! What's to happen now? + +FLAMM + +[_Repeating the same gesture but less pronouncedly._] That's what I don't +know.--I want to be quite calm now. I should like to tell you how that +came about. It may be that you will be able to judge me less harshly +then. If not ... why, then I should be very sorry for myself. + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't see how a body can fail to judge such recklessness harshly. + +FLAMM + +Recklessness? I don't think that it was mere recklessness. What would you +rather have it be, mother--recklessness, or something more serious? + +MRS. FLAMM + +To destroy the future of just this girl, for whom we have to bear all the +responsibility! We made her come to the house! An' she an' her people had +blind confidence in us! 'Tis enough to make one perish o' shame! It looks +as if one had ... that ... in view! + +FLAMM + +Are you done, mother? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Far from it! + +FLAMM + +Well, then I'll have to wait a bit longer. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Christie, what did I tell you that day when you out with it an' said +you wanted to marry me? + + +FLAMM + +What was it? + +MRS. FLAMM + +I'm much too old for you. A woman can be sixteen years younger than her +husband, but not three or four years older. I wish you had listened to me +then! + +FLAMM + +Isn't it real idle to dish up those old stories now? Haven't we something +more important to do?--I may be wrong, but it seems to me that we have, +mother.--I've had no notion until to-day of what Rose means to me. +Otherwise I'd have acted very differently, of course. Now it's got to be +seen if there's anything that can be retrieved. And for that very reason, +mother, I was going to beg you not to be petty, and I wanted first of all +to try to see whether you could gain some comprehension of what really +happened. Up to the moment when it was agreed that that tottery manikin +was to marry Rose--our relations were strictly honourable. But when that +marriage was determined on--it was all over.--It may be that my ideas are +becoming confused. I had seen the girl grow up ... some of our love for +little Kurt clung to her. First of all I wanted to protect her from +misfortune, and finally, one day, all of a sudden, the way such things +happen ... even old Plato has described that correctly in the passage in +Phaedrus about the two horses:--the bad horse ran away with me and then +... then the sea burst in and the dykes crashed down. + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis a real interesting story that you've told me, an' even tricked out +with learned allusions. An' when you men do that--you think there's no +more to say. A poor woman can look out then to see how to get even! Maybe +you did it all just to make Rose happy, an' sacrificed yourself into the +bargain ... There's no excuse for such things! + +FLAMM + +Very well, mother. Then we'll adjourn the session. Remember though, that +when Kurt died, I couldn't bear to see the girl around the house. Who +kept her and persuaded her to come back? + +MRS. FLAMM + +Because I didn't want life to become so dead around us. I didn't keep her +for my sake. + +FLAMM + +And I have said nothing for your sake. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Every tear is wasted that one might shed for you an' your kind. But you +can spare me your speeches, Flamm. + + _The MAID brings in the afternoon coffee._ + +THE MAID + +Rose Bernd's out in the kitchen. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Come, girl! Wheel me out! [_To FLAMM._] You can help shove me aside. +Somewhere in the world there'll be a little room for me! I won't be in +the way. You can call her in when I'm gone. + +FLAMM + +[_Sternly, to the MAID._] Tell the girl to wait for a moment. [_The MAID +leaves the room._] Mother, you have to say a word to her! I can't.... My +hands are tied. + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' what am I to say to her, Flamm? + +FLAMM + +Mother, you know that better than I! You know very well ... you spoke of +it yourself.... For heaven's sake, don't be petty at this moment! She +mustn't go from our door in any such fashion! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I can't clean her boots, Flamm! + +FLAMM + +And I don't want you to! It isn't a question of that! But you sent for +her yourself.--You can't change so completely in a moment as to forget +all compassion and sympathy. What did you say to me a while ago? And if +the lass goes to the devil ... you know I'm not such a scoundrel that I'd +care to drag out my life any longer. It's one thing or the other--don't +forget that! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, Christie ... you men are not worth it, to be sure. An' yet, in the +end, what is a body to do?--The heart bleeds! 'Tis our own fault. Why +does a woman deceive herself again an' again, when she's old enough an' +sensible enough to know better! An' don't deceive yourself about this +thing either, Christie.... I'm willin'! I can do it! I'll talk to her! +Not for your sake, but because it's right. But don't imagine that I can +make whole what you've broken.--You men are like children in that +respect! + + _The MAID comes back._ + +THE MAID + +She don't want to wait no more! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Send her in! + + _The MAID withdraws again._ + +FLAMM + +Be sensible, mother! On my word of honour.... + +MRS. FLAMM + +You needn't give it! You needn't break it! + + _FLAMM leaves the room. MRS. FLAMM sighs and picks up her crochet + work again. Thereupon ROSE BERND enters._ + +ROSE + +[_Showily dressed in her Sunday clothes. Her features are peaked and +there is a feverish gleam in her eyes._] Good-day, madam. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Good-day! Sit down. Well, Rose, I've asked you to come here ... I suppose +you've kept in mind what we talked about that time. There's many a thing +that's changed since then!... In many respects, anyhow! But that made me +want to talk to you all the more. That day, to be sure, you said I +couldn't help you, that you wanted to fight it all out alone! An' to-day +a good bit has grown clear to me--your strange behaviour that time, an' +your unwillingness to let me help you.--But I don't see how you're goin' +to get along all alone. Come, drink a cup o' coffee. [_ROSE sits down on +the edge of a chair by the table._] August was here to see me a while +ago. If I had been in your shoes, lass, I'd have risked it long ago an' +told him the truth. [_Looking sharply at her._] But now, the way things +has gone--I can't even advise you to do it! Isn't that true? + +ROSE + +Oh, but why, madam? + +MRS. FLAMM + +'Tis true, the older a person gets, the less can she understand mankind +an' their ways. We've all come into the world the same way, but there's +no mention to be made o' that! From the Emperor an' the archbishop down +to the stable boy--they've all gotten their bit o' life one way ... one +way ... an' 'tis the one thing they can't besmirch enough. An' if the +stork but flies past the chimney-top--the confusion of people is great. +Then they run away in every direction. A guest like that is never +welcome! + +ROSE + +Oh, madam, all that would ha' been straightened up this long time, if it +hadn't ha' been for this criminal an' scoundrel here ... this liar ... +this Streckmann ... + +MRS. FLAMM + +No, girl. I don't understand that. How can you bear to say that the man +lies? 'Tis your shape that almost tells the story now! + +ROSE + +He lies! He lies! That's all I know. + +MRS. FLAMM + +But in what respect does he lie? + +ROSE + +In every respeck an' in every way! + +MRS. FLAMM + +I don't believe you've really thought it all out! Do you remember who I +am? Think, lass, think! In the first place you confessed it all to me, +and furthermore, I know more than what you said: I know all that you +didn't say. + +ROSE + +[_Shivering with nervousness but obdurate._] An' if you was to kill me, I +couldn't say what I don't know. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Is that so? Oh! Is that your policy now? I must say I didn't take you for +a girl of that kind! It comes over me unexpectedly! I hope you talked a +little plainer than that when you were questioned in court. + +ROSE + +I said just the same thing there that I'm tellin' you. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Girl, come to your senses! You're talking dreadful folly! People don't +lie that way before the Judge! Listen to what I'm tellin' you! Drink a +bit o' coffee, an' don't be frightened! Nobody's pursuing you, an' I +won't eat you up either!--You haven't acted very well toward me: no one +could say that you had! You might at least have told me the truth that +day; maybe an easier way out could ha' been found. 'Tis a hard matter +now! An' yet, we won't be idle, an' even to-day, maybe, some way o' +savin' you can be found! Some way it may be possible yet! Well then!... +An' especially ... this much is certain ... an' you can trust to that +surely ... you shan't, either of you, ever suffer any need in this world! +Even if your father abandons you and August, maybe, goes his own way, +I'll provide for you an' for your child. + +ROSE + +I don't hardly know what you mean, madam! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Well, girl, then I'll tell you straight out! If you don't know that an' +have forgotten it, then it's simply because you have a bad conscience! +Then you've been guilty of something else! An', if you _has_ another +secret, it's connected with nobody but with Streckmann. Then, he's the +fellow that's bringin' trouble upon you! + +ROSE + +[_Violently._] No, how can you think such a thing o' me! You say that ... +oh, for the good Lord's sake ... how has I deserved it o' you!... If only +my little Kurt ... my dear little fellow ... + + [_She wrings her hands hysterically in front of the child's picture._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +Rose, let that be, I beg o' you! It may be that you've deserved well o' +me in other days. We're not arguin' about that now! But you're so +changed, so ... I can never understand how you've come to change so! + +ROSE + +Why didn't my little mother take me to herself! She said she would when +she died. + +MRS. FLAMM + +Come to your senses, lass. You're alive. What is your trouble? + +ROSE + +It has nothin' to do with Streckmann! That man has lied his soul black. + +MRS. FLAMM + +What did he lie about? Did he make his statements under oath? + +ROSE + +Oath or no oath! I says he lies, lies ... + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' did you have to take an oath too? + +ROSE + +I don't know.--I'm not such a wicked lass ... If that was true,'twould be +a bitter crime!... An' that August lost his eye ... it wasn't I that was +the cause o' it. The pains that poor man had to suffer ... they follows +me day an' night. An' he might well despise me if they didn't. But you +try an' work an' pray to save somethin' from the flames o' the world ... +an' men comes an' they breaks your strength. + + _FLAMM enters in intense excitement._ + +FLAMM + +Who is breaking your strength? Look at mother here! On the contrary, we +want to save you! + +ROSE + +'Tis too late now! It can't be done no more. + +FLAMM + +What does that mean? + +ROSE + +Nothin'!--I can't wait no longer. Good-bye, I'll go my ways. + +FLAMM + +Here you stay! Don't move from this spot! I was at the door and heard +everything, and now I want to know the whole truth. + +ROSE + +But I'm tellin' you the truth! + +FLAMM + +About Streckmann too? + +ROSE + +There wasn't nothin' between us. He lies! + +FLAMM + +Does he say that there was something between you? + +ROSE + +I say nothin' but that he lies! + +FLAMM + +Did he swear to that lie? + + _ROSE is silent._ + +FLAMM + +[_Regards ROSE long and searchingly. Then:_] Well, mother, think as +charitably of me as you can. Try to forgive me as much as possible. I +know with the utmost certainty that that matter doesn't concern me in the +least any longer! I simply laugh at it! I snap my fingers at it. + +MRS. FLAMM + +[_To ROSE._] Did you deny everything? + +ROSE + +... + +FLAMM + +I spoke the truth in court, of course. Streckmann doesn't lie at such +times neither. Perjury is a penitentiary crime--a man doesn't lie under +such circumstances! + +MRS. FLAMM + +An' didn't you tell the truth, girl? You lied when you were under oath, +maybe?--Haven't you any idea what that means an' what you've done? How +did you happen to do that? How could you think o' such a thing? + +ROSE + +[_Cries out brokenly._] I was so ashamed! + +MRS. FLAMM + +But Rose ... + +FLAMM + +Every word is wasted! Why did you lie to the judge? + +ROSE + +I was ashamed, I tell ye!... I was ashamed! + +FLAMM + +And I? And mother? And August? Why did you cheat us all? And you probably +cheated Streckmann in the end too? And I wonder with whom else you +carried on!... Yes, oh, yes; you have a very honest face. But you did +right to be ashamed! + +ROSE + +He baited me an' he hunted me down like a dog! + +FLAMM + +[_Laughing._] Oh, well, that's what you women make of us--dogs. This man +to-day; that man to-morrow! 'Tis bitter enough to think! You can do what +you please now; follow what ways you want to!--If I so much as raise a +finger in this affair again, it'll be to take a rope and beat it about my +ass's ears until I can't see out of my eyes! + + _ROSE stares at FLAMM in wide-eyed horror._ + +MRS. FLAMM + +What I said, Rose, stands for all that! You two'll always be provided +for. + +ROSE + +[_Whispering mechanically._] I was so ashamed! I was so ashamed! + +MRS. FLAMM + +Do you hear what I say, Rose?--[ROSE _hurries out._] The girl's +gone!--'Tis enough to make one pray for an angel to come down.... + +FLAMM + +[_Stricken to the heart, breaks out in repressed sobbing._] God forgive +me, mother, but ... I can't help it. + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +FIFTH ACT + + + _The living room in old BERND'S cottage. The room is fairly large; it + has grey walls and an old-fashioned whitewashed ceiling supported by + visible beams. A door in the background leads to the kitchen, one at + the left to the outer hall. To the right are two small windows. A + yellow chest of drawers stands between the two windows; upon it is + set an unlit kerosene lamp; a mirror hangs above it on the wall. In + the left corner a great stove; in the right a sofa, covered with + oil-cloth, a table with a cloth on it and a hanging lamp above it. + Over the sofa on the wall hangs a picture with the Biblical subject: + "Suffer little children to come unto me"; beneath it a photograph of + BERND, showing him as a conscript, and several of himself and his + wife. In the foreground, to the left, stands a china closet, filled + with painted cups, glasses, etc. A Bible is lying on the chest of + drawers; over the door to the hall hangs a chromolithograph of + "Christ with the crown of thorns." Mull curtains hang in front of the + windows. Each of four or five chairs of yellow wood has its own + place. The whole room makes a neat but very chilly impression. + Several Bibles and hymnals lie on the china closet. On the door-post + of the door to the hall hangs a collecting-box._ + + _It is seven o'clock in the evening of the same day on which the + events in Act Four have taken place. The door that leads to the hall + as well as the kitchen door stands open. A gloomy dusk fills the + house._ + + _Voices are heard outside, and a repeated knocking at the window. + Thereupon a voice speaks through the window._ + +THE VOICE + +Bernd! Isn't there a soul at home? Let's be goin' to the back door! + + _A silence ensues. Soon, however, the back door opens and voices and + steps are heard in the hall. In the door that leads to the hall + appear KLEINERT and ROSE BERND. The latter is obviously exhausted and + leans upon him._ + +ROSE + +[_Weak and faint._] No one's at home. 'Tis all dark. + +KLEINERT + +I can't be leavin' you alone this way now! + +ROSE + +An' why not, Kleinert? There's nothin' the matter with me! + +KLEINERT + +Somebody else can believe that--that there's nothin' wrong! I wouldn't +ha' had to pick you up in that case! + +ROSE + +Eh, but I'd only gotten a bit dizzy. Truly ... 'tis better now. I really +don't need you no more. + +KLEINERT + +No, no, lass; I can't leave you this way! + +ROSE + +Oh, yes, father Kleinert! I do thank you, but 'tis well! There's nothin' +wrong with me! I'm on my feet an' strong again! It comes over me that way +sometimes; but 'tis nothin' to worry over. + +KLEINERT + +But you lay half dead yonder behind the willow! An' you writhed like a +worm. + +ROSE + +Kleinert, go your ways.... I'll be lightin' a light! An' I must light a +fire, too ... go your ways ... the folks will be comin' to their +supper!... Oh, no, Kleinert, Kleinert! But I'm that tired! Oh, I'm so +terrible tired! No one wouldn't believe how tired I am. + +KLEINERT + +An' then you want to be lightin' a fire here? That's nothin' for you! Bed +is the place where you ought to be! + +ROSE + +Kleinert, go your ways, go! If father, an' if August ... they mustn't +know nothin'! For my sake, go! Don't do nothin' that'll only harm me! + +KLEINERT + +I don't want to do nothin' that'll harm you! + +ROSE + +No, no, I know it! You was always good to me! [_She has arisen from the +chair at the right on which, she had sunk down, gets a candle from behind +the oven and lights it._] Oh, yes, yes, I'm well off again.--There's +nothin' wrong.--You can be easy in your mind. + +KLEINERT + +You're just sayin' that! + +ROSE + +Because 'tis really so! + + _MARTHEL comes in from the fields with bare arms and feet._ + +ROSE + +An' there's Marthel, too! + +MARTHEL + +Rose, is that you? Where have you been all day? + +ROSE + +I dreamed I was at the court. + +KLEINERT + +No, no; she was really at the court! Take a bit o' care o' your sister, +Marthel. Look after her at least till your fatter comes back. 'Tisn't +well with the girl. + +ROSE + +Marthel, hurry! Light the fire, so's we can start to put on the +potatoes.--Where's father? + +MARTHEL + +On August's land. + +ROSE + +An' August? + +MARTHEL + +I don't know where he is. He was out on the field to-day. + +ROSE + +Have you got new potatoes? + +MARTHEL + +I have an apron full! + + [_Immediately behind the kitchen door she pours out the potatoes on + the floor._ + +ROSE + +Fetch me a pan and a saucepan, so's I can begin the peelin'. I can't get +nothin' for myself. + +KLEINERT + +D'you want me to be givin' a message anywhere? + +ROSE + +To whom? To the grave-digger, maybe?... No, no, godfather, not on my +account. 'Tis a special bit o' ground where I'll find rest. + +KLEINERT + +Well, good-bye! + +ROSE + +Good-bye to you! + +MARTHEL + +[_Cheerily._] Come again, godfather! + + _KLEINERT as usual with his pipe in his mouth, departs shaking his + head._ + +MARTHEL + +[_Lighting the fire._] Don't you feel well, Rosie? + +ROSE + +Oh, yes; well enough! [_Softly wringing her hands, she speaks to the +crucifix._] Jesus, Mary, have mercy on me! + +MARTHEL + +Rose! + +ROSE + +What? + +MARTHEL + +What's the matter with you? + +ROSE + +Nothin'. Bring me a pan an' the potatoes. + +MARTHEL + +[_Has started the fire to burning and now brings ROSE an earthenware bowl +of potatoes and a paring knife._] Oh, but Rosie, I'm that frightened! You +look so ...! + +ROSE + +How does I look? Tell me that? How? Has I got spots on my hands? Is it +branded over my eyes? Everythin's kind o' ghastly to me this day. +[_Laughing a ghastly laugh._] Lord! I can't see the face o' you! Now I +see one hand! Now I see two eyes! Just dots now! Martha, maybe I'm +growin' blind! + +MARTHEL + +Rosie, did somethin' happen to you? + +ROSE + +God protect you from what's happened to me.... You'd better be wishin' +yourself an early death! Because, even if a body dies to this world, they +do say that he passes into rest. Then you don't have to live an' draw +breath no more.--How did it go with little Kurt Flamm? I've clean forgot +... I'm dizzy ... I'm forgettin' ... I've forgotten everythin' ... life's +that hard ... If I could only keep on feelin' this way ... an' never wake +up again ...! What's the reason o' such things comin' to pass in this +world? + +MARTHEL + +[_Frightened._] If only father would come home! + +ROSE + +Martha, come! Listen to me! You mustn't tell father that I was here or +that I am here ... Martha, sure you'll promise me that, won't you?... +Many a thing I've done for the love o' you ... Martha! You haven't +forgotten that, nor you mustn't forget it, even if things grows dark +around me now. + +MARTHEL + +Will you drink a bit of coffee? There's a drop left in the oven. + +ROSE + +An' don't be frightened! I'll go upstairs in the room an' lie down a wee +bit ... just a bit. Otherwise I'm all right ... otherwise there's nothin' +that ails me. + +MARTHEL + +An' I'm not to say nothin' to father? + +ROSE + +Not a word! + +MARTHEL + +An' not to August neither? + +ROSE + +Not a syllable! Lass, you've never known your mother an' I've raised you +with fear an' heartache.--Many's the night I've watched through in terror +because you was ill! I wasn't as old as you when I carried you about on +my arm till I was near breakin' in two! Here you was--at my breast! An' +if you go an' betray me now, 'tis all over between us! + +MARTHEL + +Rosie, 'tis nothin' bad is it ... nothin' dangerous, I mean? + +ROSE + +I don't believe it is! Come, Martha, help me a bit, support me a bit!... +A body is left too lonely in this world ... too deserted! If only a body +wasn't so lonely here ... so lonely on this earth! + + [_ROSE and MARTHEL pass out through the hall door._ + + _For some moments the room remains empty. Then old BERND appears in + the kitchen. He puts down his basket and the potato hoe and looks + about him, earnestly and inquiringly. Meanwhile MARTHEL re-enters the + living-room from the hall._ + +MARTHEL + +Is it you, father? + +BERND + +Is there no hot water! You know I have to have my foot bath! Isn't Rose +here yet? + +MARTHEL + +She isn't here yet, father! + +BERND + +What? Hasn't she come back from court yet? That isn't possible hardly! +'Tis eight o'clock. Was August here? + +MARTHEL + +Not yet. + +BERND + +Not yet either? Well, maybe she's with him then.--Have you seen that +great cloud, Marthel, that was comin' over from the mountain about six +o'clock, maybe? + +MARTHEL + +Yes, father; the world got all dark! + +BERND + +There'll come a day o' greater darkness than this! Light the lamp on the +table for me an' put the Good Book down next to it. The great thing is to +be in readiness. Marthel, are you sure you keep thinkin' o' the life +eternal, so that you can stand up before your Judge on that day? Few is +the souls that think of it here! Just now as I was comin' home along the +water's edge, I heard some one cryin' out upon me from behind, as they +often does. "Bloodsucker!" cried he. An' was I a bloodsucker when I was +overseer on the domain? Nay, I did my duty,--that was all! But the powers +of evil is strong! If a man is underhanded, an' closes his eyes to evil, +an' looks on quietly upon cheatin'--then his fellows likes him well.--But +I leans upon the Lord Jesus. We human bein's all need that support. +'Tisn't enough just to do good works! Maybe if Rose had given more +thought to that, maybe we'd ha' been spared many a visitation an' a deal +o' heaviness an' bitterness. [_A CONSTABLE appears in the doorway._] +Who's comin' there? + +CONSTABLE + +I have a summons to serve, I must speak to your daughter. + +BERND + +My oldest daughter? + +CONSTABLE + +[_Reads from the document._] To Rose Bernd. + +BERND + +My daughter hasn't come back from court yet. Can I give her the letter? + +CONSTABLE + +No; I've got to make a personal search, too. I'll be back at eight in the +mornin'. + + _AUGUST appears hastily._ + +BERND + +There's August, too. + +AUGUST + +Isn't Rose here? + +BERND + +No; an' the sergeant here is askin' after her, too. I thought you an' she +was together. + +CONSTABLE + +I has to make a search into one matter an' also to serve this paper. + +AUGUST + +Always an' forever this Streckmann business. 'Tis not only the loss of my +eye--now we has these everlastin' troubles an' annoyances. It seems, God +forgive me, to come to no end. + +CONSTABLE + +Good evenin'. To-morrow mornin' at eight! + + [_Exit._ + +AUGUST + +Marthel, go into the kitchen a bit of a while.--Father, I've got to speak +with you. Go, Marthel; go an' shut the door. But Marthel, didn't you see +anythin' o' Rose? + +MARTHEL + +No, nothin'! [_Surreptitiously she beckons to him with her hand._] I'll +tell you something August. + +AUGUST + +Close the door, lass. I have no time now. [_He himself closes the kitchen +door._] Father, you'll have to withdraw your suit. + +BERND + +Anythin' but that, August. I can't do that! + +AUGUST + +'Tis not Christian. Yon must withdraw. + +BERND + +I don't believe that 'tis not Christian!--For why? 'Tis a piece of infamy +to cut off a girl's honour that way. 'Tis a crime that needs to be +punished. + +AUGUST + +I hardly know how to begin, father Bernd.... You've been too hasty in +this matter.... + +BERND + +My wife who's in her grave demands that of me! An' my honour demands it +... the honour o' my house and o' my lass. An' yours, too, if you come to +think. + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd, father Bernd, how am I to speak to you if you're so set on +not makin' peace? You've spoke o' so many kinds of honour. But we're not +to seek our honour or glory in this world, but God's only an' no other! + +BERND + +'Tis otherwise in this matter. Here woman's honour is God's too! Or have +you any complaint to make against Rose? + +AUGUST + +I've said to you: I make no complaint! + +BERND + +Or is your own conscience troublin' you on her account? + +AUGUST + +You know me in that respeck, father Bernd. Before I'd depart from the +straight an' narrow way ... + +BERND + +Well, then. I know that! I always knew that! An' so justice can take its +course. + +AUGUST + +[_Wiping the sweat from his forehead._] If only we knew where Rose is! + +BERND + +Maybe she isn't back from the court at Striegau yet! + +AUGUST + +An examination like that don't take very long. She meant to be home by +five o'clock. + +BERND + +Maybe she went to buy some things on the way. Wasn't she to get several +things yet? I thought you were wantin' one thing or another. + +AUGUST + +But she didn't take along any money. An' the things we was needin' for +the shop--curtains for the windows an' the door--we intended to buy those +together. + +BERND + +I was thinkin' that she'd come with you! + +AUGUST + +I went to meet her on the road--more'n a mile, but I heard an' saw +nothin' of her. Instead o' that, I met Streckmann. + +BERND + +I calls that meetin' the devil! + +AUGUST + +Ah, father, that man has a wife an' children too! His sins are no fault +o' theirs! What good does it do me that he's got to go to gaol? If a man +repents ... that's all I asks! + +BERND + +That bad man don't know repentance! + +AUGUST + +It looked very much as if he did. + +BERND + +Did you speak to him? + +AUGUST + +He gave me no peace. He ran along next to me an' talked an' talked. There +wasn't a soul to be seen far an' wide! In the end I felt sorry for him; I +couldn't help it. + +BERND + +You answered him! What did he say? + +AUGUST + +He said you should withdraw your suit. + +BERND + +I couldn't rest quiet in my grave if I did! 'Twouldn't matter if it +concerned me! I can bear it; I can laugh at it! I'm not only a man but a +Christian! But 'tis a different thing with my child! How could I look you +in the face if I let that shameful thing stick to her! An' now, +especially, after that terrible misfortune! Look, August, that can't be! +That mustn't be!--Everybody's always been at our heels, because we lived +different from the rest o' the world! Hypocrites they called us an' +bigots, an' sneaks an' such names! An' always they wanted to trump up +somethin' against us! What a feast this here thing would be to 'em! An' +besides ... How did I bring up the lass? Industrious an' with the fear o' +God in her heart so that if a Christian man marries her, he can set up a +Christian household! That's the way! That's how I gives her out o' my +care! An' am I goin' to let that poison cling to her? Rather would I be +eatin' bread an' salt all my days than take a penny from you then! + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd, God's ways is mysterious! He can send us new trials daily! +No man has a right to be self-righteous! An' even if I wanted to be, I +couldn't! I can't spare you the knowledge no longer, father. Our Rose has +been but a weak human bein' like others. + +BERND + +How do you mean that, August? + +AUGUST + +Father, don't ask me no more, + +BERND + +[_Has sat down on a chair by the table in such a way that his face is +turned to the wall. At AUGUST'S last words he has looked at him with +eyes, wide-open and estranged. Then he turns to the table, opens the +Bible with trembling hands, and turns its leaves hither and thither in +growing excitement. He ceases and looks at AUGUST again. Finally he folds +his hands over the book and lets his head sink upon them while his body +twitches convulsively. In this posture he remains for a while, Then he +straightens himself up._] No. I don't understand you rightly! Because, +you see, if I did understand you rightly ... that'd be really ... an' I +wouldn't know ... my God, the room swims with me ... why, I'd have to be +deaf an' blind!--Nay, August, an' I'm not deaf an' blind! Don't let +Streckmann impose on you! He'll take any means to get out o' the trap +that he's in now. It's comin' home to him, an' he wants to sneak out at +any cost! An' so he's incitin' you against the lass. No, August, ... +truly, August ... not on that bridge ... you mustn't start for to cross +that bridge!... Anybody can see through his villainy! ... He's laid traps +enough for the lass. An' if one way don't succeed, he'll try another!... +Now he's hit on this here plan.--Maybe he'll separate you two! It's +happened in this world, more than once or twice that some devil with his +evil schemes has tore asunder people that God meant for each other. They +always grudged the girl her good fortune. Good: I'm willin'! I won't +throw Rose after you! We've satisfied our hunger up to now! But if you'll +heed my word: I'll put my right hand in the fire for.... + +AUGUST + +But Mr. Flamm took oath. + +BERND + +Ten oaths against me ... twenty oaths against me!... Then he has sworn +falsely an' damned hisself in this world an' in the world to come! + +AUGUST + +Father Bernd.... + +BERND + +Now wait a bit before ever you say another word! Here I take the books! +Here I take my hat! Here I take the collecting box o' the missions. An' +all these things I puts together here. An' if that's true what you've +been sayin'--if there's so much in it as a grain o' truth--then I'll go +this minute to the pastor an' I'll say: Your reverence, this is how +things is: I can't be a deacon no more; I can't take care o' the treasury +for missions no more! Good-bye! And then nobody would see me no more! No, +no, no, for the love o' God! But now go on! Say your say! But don't +torture me for nothin'. + +AUGUST + +I had the same thought, too. I want to sell my house an' my land! Maybe +one could find contentment somewhere else. + +BERND + +[_In unspeakable astonishment._] You want to sell your house an' your +land, August? How do all these strange things come about all of a sudden! +It's enough ... A body might be tempted to make the sign o' the cross, +even though we're not Catholics.--Has the whole world gone mad? Or is the +Day o' Judgment at hand? Or maybe, 'tis but my last hour that has come. +Now answer me, August, how is it? As you hope for a life to come, how is +it? + +AUGUST + +However it is, father Bernd, I won't desert her. + +BERND + +You can do about that as you please. That don't concern me! I don't want +to know if a man'd like a wench o' that kind in his house or not. Not me! +I'm not that kind of a man. Well now ...? + +AUGUST + +I can't say nothin' more than this--somethin' must ha' happened to her! +Whether 'twas with Flamm or with Streckmann.... + +BERND + +That makes two of 'em ...! + +AUGUST + +I can't tell exactly ...! + +BERND + +Well, then I'll be goin' to the pastor! Brush me off, August, clean me a +bit! I feel as if I had the itch on my body! + + [_He steps into the hall._ + + _At the same moment MARTHEL rushes out of the kitchen and speaks to + AUGUST in intense terror._ + +MARTHEL + +I believe a misfortune has happened to Rose! She's upstairs! She's been +home this long time! + +BERND + +[_Returns, changed somewhat by a fright which he has felt._] Somebody +must be upstairs. + +AUGUST + +Marthel is just sayin' that Rose is there. + +MARTHEL + +I hear her. She's comin' down the stairs. + +BERND + +God forgive me the sin! I don't want to see her. + + _He sits down at the table, as before, holds his thumbs over his ears + and bends his head deep over the Bible. ROSE appears in the door. She + has her house skirt on and a loose bodice of cotton cloth. She keeps + herself erect by sheer force of will. Her hair hangs down, partly + loose, partly braided. There is in her face an expression of + terrible, fatalistic calm and of bitter defiance. For several moments + she lets her eyes wander over the room, over OLD BERND sitting there + with his Bible, over AUGUST who has slowly turned from the door and + pretends to be looking intently out of the window. Then, groping for + some support, she begins to talk with desperate energy._ + +ROSE + +Good-evenin' to all o' ye!--?--Good evenin'. + +AUGUST + +[_After some hemming._] The same to you. + +ROSE + +[_With bitter iciness._] If you don't want me, I can go again. + +AUGUST + +[_Simply._] Where else do you want to go to? An' where have you been? + +ROSE + +He that asks much, hears much. More sometimes than he'd like +to.--Marthel, come over here to me a bit. [_MARTHEL goes. Rose has seated +herself not far from the stove and takes the younger girl's hand. Then +she says:_] What's the matter with father? + +MARTHEL + +[_Embarrassed, timid, speaks softly._] I don't know that neither. + +ROSE + +What's the matter with father? You can speak right out! An' with you, +August? What is the matter with you?... You've got cause, that you have, +August, to despise me. I don't deny that. No.... + +AUGUST + +I don't despise no one in this world. + +ROSE + +But I do! All of 'em ... all ... all! + +AUGUST + +Those is dark words to me that you're speakin'. + +ROSE + +Dark? Yes! I know it. The world's dark! An' you hear the roarin' o' wild +beasts in it. An' then, later, it gets brighter ... but them are the +flames o' hell that make it bright.--Martha.... + +BERND + +[_Who has been listening a little, arises and frees MARTHEL'S wrist from +ROSE'S grasp._] Don't poison the little lass's mind. Take your hand +away!--March off to bed! [_MARTHEL goes weeping._] A man would like to be +deaf, to be blind! A man'd like to be dead. + + [_He becomes absorbed again in his Bible._ + +ROSE Father!--I'm alive!--I'm sittin' here!--That's somethin'!--Yes, +that's something when you considers!--I think, father, you might +understand that! This is a world ...! Nobody can never do nothin' more to +me! O Jesus, my Saviour--! All o' you, all o' you--you live together in a +bit o' chamber an' you don't know what goes on outside in the world! I +know it now ... I've learned it in bitterness an' wailin'! I had to get +out o' that little chamber! An' then--somehow--the walls gave way, one +wall an' another ... an' there I stood, outside, in the storm ... an' +there--was nothin' under me an' nothin' above me ... nothin'. You're all +like children compared to me. + +AUGUST + +[_Frightened._] But, Rose, if it's true what Streckmann says, then you've +committed perjury!... + +ROSE + +[_Laughing bitterly._] I don't know. 'Tis possible ... I can't just +remember this moment. The world is made up o' lies an' deception. + +BERND + +[_Sighs._] O God ... my refuge evermore. + +AUGUST + +Is it so easy that you take the swearin' o' false oaths? + +ROSE + +That's nothin'! Nothin'! How could that be anythin'? There's somethin' +that lies, out there, under a willow ... That's ... somethin' ... The +rest don't concern me! There ... there ... I wanted to look up at the +stars! I wanted to cry out an' to call out! No heavenly Father stirred to +help me. + +BERND + +[_Frightened, trembling._] You're blasphemin' our heavenly Father? Has it +gone so far with you? Then I don't know you no more! + +ROSE + +[_Approaching him on her knees._] 'Tis gone so far! But you know me +anyhow, father! You cradled me on your knees, an' I've stood by you too +many a time.--Now somethin' has come over us all--I've fought against it +and struggled against it.... + +BERND + +[_Deeply perplexed._] What is it? + +ROSE + +I don't know ... I don't know! + + [_Trembling and kneeling, she crouches and stares at the floor._ + +AUGUST + +[_Overwhelmed and taken out of himself by the pity of the sight._] Rosie, +get up! I won't desert you! Get up, I can't bear to see you lyin' there! +We're all sinners together! An' anyone who repents so deep, is bound to +be forgiven. Get up, Rose, Father, raise her up! We're not among them +that condemns--not I, at least. There's nothin' in me o' the Pharisee! I +see how it goes to her heart! Come what will, I'll stand by you! I'm no +judge ... I don't judge. Our Saviour in Heaven didn't judge neither. +Truly, he bore our sickness for us, an' we thought he was one that was +tortured an' stricken, by God! Maybe we've all been guilty of error. I +don't want to acquit myself neither. I've been thinkin'. Before the lass +hardly knew me, she had to say her yea an' amen! What do I care about the +world? It don't concern me. + +ROSE + +August, they clung to me like burrs ... I couldn't walk across the street +safe ... All the men was after me!... I hid myself ... I was that scared! +I was so afraid o' men!... It didn't help! 'Twas worse an' worse! After +that I fell from one snare into another, till I hardly came to my senses +no more. + +BERND + +You used to have the strictest notion o' such things. You condemned the +Leichner girl an' despised the Kaiser wench! You boasted--you'd like to +see someone come across your path! You struck the miller's journeyman in +the face! A girl as does that, you said, don't deserve no pity; she can +go an' hang herself! An' now you speak o' snares. + +ROSE + +I know better now. + +AUGUST + +Come what will, I'll stand by you, Rose. I'll sell my land! We'll go out +into the world! I have an uncle in Brazil, across the ocean. We'll get +our bit o' livin' somehow--one way or t'other. Maybe 'tis only now that +we're ripe an' ready to take up our life together. + +ROSE + +O Jesus, Jesus, what did I do? Why did I go an' creep home? Why didn't I +stay with my little baby? + +AUGUST + +With whom? + +ROSE + +[_Gets up._] August, it's all over with me! First there was a burnin' in +my body like flames o' fire! Then I fell into a kind o' swoon! Then there +came one hope: I ran like a mother cat with her kitten in her mouth! But +the dogs chased me an' I had to drop it.... + +BERND + +Do you understand one word, August? + +AUGUST + +No, not o' this.... + +BERND + +Do you know how I feel? I feel as if one abyss after another was openin', +was yawnin' for us here. What'll we hear before the end? + +ROSE + +A curse! A curse will ye have to hear: I see you! I'll meet you! On the +Day o' Judgment I'll meet you! I'll tear out your gullet an' your jaws +together! You'll have to give an accountin'! You'll have to answer me, +there! + +AUGUST + +Whom do you mean, Rosie? + +ROSE + +_He_ knows ... _he_ knows. + + [_A great exhaustion overtakes her and, almost swooning, she sinks + upon a chair. A silence follows._ + +AUGUST + +[_Busying himself about her._] What is it that's come over you? Suddenly +you're so.... + +ROSE + +I don't know.--If you'd asked me earlier, long ago, maybe ... to-day I +can't tell you!--There wasn't nobody that loved me enough. + +AUGUST + +Who can tell which love is stronger--the happy or the unhappy love. + +ROSE + +Oh, I was strong, strong, so strong! Now I'm weak! Now it's all over with +me. + + _The CONSTABLE appears._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +[_With a quiet voice._] They say your daughter is at home. Kleinert said +she was here. + +AUGUST + +It's true. We didn't know it a while ago. + +THE CONSTABLE + +Then I might as well get through now. There's somethin' to be signed +here. + + [_Without noticing ROSE in the dim room, he lays several documents on + the table._ + +AUGUST + +Rose, here's somethin' you're to sign. + + _ROSE laughs with horrible and hysterical irony._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +If you're the one, Miss, it's no laughin' matter.--Please! + +ROSE + +You can stay a minute yet. + +AUGUST + +An' why? + +ROSE + +[_With flaming eyes, a malice against the whole world in her voice._] +I've strangled my child. + +AUGUST + +What are you sayin'? For the love of God, what are you sayin'? + +THE CONSTABLE + +[_Draws himself up, looks at her searchingly, but continues as though he +had not heard._] It'll be somethin' connected with the Streckmann +'affair. + +ROSE + +[As before, harshly, almost with a bark.] Streckmann? He strangled my +child. + +BERND + +Girl, be still. You're out o' your mind. + +THE CONSTABLE + +Anyhow, you have no child at all--? + +ROSE + +What? I has none? Could I ha' strangled it with my hands?... I strangled +my baby with these hands!!! + +THE CONSTABLE + +You're possessed! What's wrong with you? + +ROSE + +My mind's clear. I'm not possessed. I woke up clear in my mind, so +clear.... [_Coldly, mildly, but with cruel firmness._] It _was_ not to +live! I didn't want it to live! I didn't want it to suffer my agonies! It +was to stay where it belonged. + +AUGUST + +Rose, think! Don't torment yourself! You don't know what you're sayin' +here! You'll bring down misery on us all. + +ROSE + +You don't know nothin' ... that's it ... You don't see nothin'. You was +all blind together with your eyes open. He can go an' look behind the +great willow ... by the alder-trees ... behind the parson's field ... by +the pool ... there he can see the wee thing.... + +BERND + +You've done somethin' so awful? + +AUGUST + +You've been guilty o' somethin' so unspeakable? + + _ROSE faints. The men look upon her confounded and helpless. AUGUST + supports her._ + +THE CONSTABLE + +'Twould be best if she came along with me to headquarters. There she can +make a voluntary confession. If what she says isn't just fancies, it'll +count a good deal in her favour. + +AUGUST + +[_From the depth of a great experience._] Those are no fancies, sergeant. +That girl ... what she must have suffered! + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +THE RATS + +A BERLIN TRAGI-COMEDY + + + + +PERSONS + + +HARRO HASSENREUTER, _formerly a theatrical manager._ + +MRS. HARRO HASSENREUTER. + +WALBURGA, _their daughter._ + +PASTOR SPITTA. + +ERICH SPITTA, _postulant for Holy Orders, his son._ + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH, _actress._ + +NATHANAEL JETTEL, _court actor._ + +KÄFERSTEIN, DR. KEGEL, _Pupils of HASSENREUTER._ + +JOHN, _foreman mason._ + +MRS. JOHN. + +BRUNO MECHELKE, _her brother._ + +PAULINE PIPERCARCKA, _a servant girl._ + +MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE. + +SELMA, _her daughter._ + +QUAQUARO, _house-steward._ + +MRS. KIELBACKE. + +POLICEMAN SCHIERKE. + +TWO INFANTS. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + _The attic of a former cavalry barracks in Berlin, A windowless room + that receives all its light from a lamp which burns suspended over a + round table. From the back wall opens a straight passage which + connects the room with the outer door--a door with iron hasps and a + primitive signal bell which any one desiring to enter rings by means + of a bell rope. A door in the right wall leads to an adjoining room, + one in the left wall leads to the stairs into the loft immediately + under the roof. Into this store room, as well as into the space + visible to the spectator, the former theatrical manager, HARRO + HASSENREUTER has gathered his collection of properties. In the + prevalent gloom it is difficult to decide whether the place is the + armour room of an old castle, a museum of antiquities or the shop of + a costumer. Stands with helmets and breast-plates are put up on + either side of the passage; a row of similar stands almost covers the + two sides of the front room. The stairs wind upward between two + mailed figures. At the head of the stairs is a wooden trap-door. In + the left foreground, against the wall, is a high desk. Ink, pens, old + ledgers, a tall stool, as well as several chairs with tall backs and + the round table make it clear that the room serves the purposes of an + office. On the table is a decanter for water and several glasses; + above the desk hang a number of photographs. These photographs + represent HASSENREUTER in the part of Karl Moor (in Schiller's + "Robbers"), as well as in a number of other parts. One of the mailed + dummies wean a huge laurel wreath about its neck. The laurel wreath + is tied with a riband which bears, in gilt letters, the following + inscription: "To our gifted manager Hassenreuter, from his grateful + colleagues." A series of enormous red bows shows the inscriptions: + "To the inspired presenter of Karl Moor ... To the incomparable, + unforgettable Karl Moor" ... etc., etc. The room is utilised as far + as its space will permit for the storing of costumes. Wherever + possible, German, Spanish and English garments of every age hang on + hooks. Swedish riding boots, Spanish rapiers and German broadswords + are scattered about. The door to the left bears the legend: Library. + The whole room displays picturesque disorder, Trumpery of all + kinds--weapons, goblets, cups--is scattered about. It is Sunday + toward the end of May._ + + _At the table in the middle of the room are sitting, MRS. JOHN + (between thirty-five and forty) and a very young servant girl, + PAULINE PIPERCARCKA. PAULINE, vulgarly overdressed--jacket, hat, + sunshade--sits straight upright. Her pretty, round little face shows + signs of long weeping. Her figure betrays the fact that she is + approaching motherhood. She draws letters on the floor with the end + of her sunshade._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, sure now! That's right! That's what I says, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +All right. So I'm goin' to Schlachtensee or to Halensee. I gotta go and +see if I c'n meet him! + + [_She dries her tears and is about to rise._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Prevents PAULINE from getting up._] Pauline! For God's sake, don't you +be doin' that! Not that there, for nothin' in the world! That don't do +nothin' but raise a row an' cost money an' don't bring you in nothin'. +Look at the condition you're in! An' that way you want to go an' run +after that there low lived feller? + +PAULINE + +Then my landlady c'n wait an' wait for me to-day. I'll jump into the +Landwehr canal an' drownd myself. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline! An' what for? What for, I'd like to know? Now you just listen to +me for a speck of a minute, just for God's sake, for the teeniest speck +of one an' pay attention to what I'm goin' to propose to you! You know +yourself how I says to you, out on Alexander square, right by the +chronomoneter--says I to you right out, as I was comin' out o' the market +an' sees your condition with half an eye. He don't want to acknowledge +nothin', eh? That's what I axed you right out!--That happens to many gals +here, to all of 'em--to millions! An' then I says to you ... what did I +say? Come along, I says, an' I'll help you! + +PAULINE + +O' course, I don't never dare to show myself at home lookin' this way. +Mother, she'd cry it out at the first look. An' father, he'd knock my +head against the wall an' throw me out in the street. An' I ain't got no +more money left neither--nothin' but just two pieces o' gold that I got +sewed up in the linin' o' my jacket. That feller didn't leave me no crown +an' he didn't leave me no penny. + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss, my husband, he's a foreman mason. I just wants you to pay attention +... just for heaven's sake, pay attention to the propositions that I'm +goin' to make to you. They'll help us both. You'll be helped out an' the +same way I'll be. An' what's more, Paul, that's my husband, he'll be +helped, because he'd like, for all the world, to have a child, an' our +only one, little Adelbert, he went an' died o' the croup. Your child'll +be as well taken care of as an own child. Then you c'n go an' you c'n +look up your sweetheart an' you c'n go back into service an' home to your +people, an' the child is well off, an' nobody in the world don't need to +know nothin'. + +PAULINE + +I'll do it just outa spite--that's what! An' drownd myself! [_She +rises._] An' a note, a note, I'll leave in my jacket, like this: You +drove your Pauline to her death with your cursed meanness! An' then I'll +put down his name in full: Alois Theophil Brunner, instrument-maker. Then +he c'n see how he'll get along in the world with the murder o' me on his +conscience. + +MRS. JOHN + +Wait a minute, Miss! I gotta unlock the door first. + + _MRS. JOHN acts, as though she were about to conduct PAULINE to the + door._ + + _Before the two women reach the passage, BRUNO MECHELKE enters with + slow and suspicious demeanour by the door at the left and remains + standing in the room. BRUNO is short rather than tall, but with a + powerful bull's neck and athletic shoulders. His forehead is low and + receding, his close-clipped hair like a brush, his skull round and + small. His face is brutal and his left nostril has been ripped open + sometime and imperfectly healed. The fellow is about nineteen years + old. He bends forward, and his great, lumpish hands are joined to + muscular arms. The pupils of his eyes are small, black and piercing. + He is trying to repair a rat trap._ + + _BRUNO whistles to his sister as he would to a dog._ + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm comin' now, Bruno! What d'you want? + +BRUNO + +[_Apparently absorbed by the trap._] Thought I was goin' to put up traps +here. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did you put the bacon in? [_To PAULINE._] It's only my brother. Don't be +scared, Miss. + +BRUNO + +[_As before._] I seen the Emperor William to-day. I marched along wi' the +guard, + +MRS. JOHN + +[_To PAULINE, who stands fearful and moveless in BRUNO'S presence._] +'Tain't nothin' but my brother. You c'n stay.--[_To BRUNO._] Boy, what're +you lookin' that way for again? The young lady is fair scared o' you. + +BRUNO + +[_As before, without looking up._] Brrr-rr-rr! I'm a ghost. + +MRS. JOHN + +Hurry an' go up in the loft an' set your traps. + +BRUNO + +[_Slowly approaching the table._] Aw, that business ain't no good 'cept +to starve on! When I goes to sell matches, I gets more outa it. + +PAULINE + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Raging at her brother._] Are you goin' to leave me alone? + +BRUNO + +[_Knuckling under._] Aw, don' go on so. I'm leavin'. + + _Obediently he withdraws into the adjoining room. MRS. JOHN locks the + door behind him with a determined gesture._ + +PAULINE + +That's a feller I wouldn't like to meet in the _Tiergarten_. Not by night +an' not by day neither. + +MRS. JOHN + +If I sets Bruno on anyone an' he gets at him, God help him! + +PAULINE + +Good-bye. I don't like this here place. If you wants to see me again, +Mrs. John, I'd rather meet you at a bench on the _Kreuzberg_. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline, I brought up Bruno with sorrow and trouble by day an' by night. +An' I'll be twenty times better to your child. So when it's born, +Pauline, I'll take it, an' I swears to you by my father an' mother what +died in the Lord an' what I goes to visit the graves of out in Rüdersdorf +one Sunday a year an' puts candles on 'em an' don' let nobody keep me +back--I swears to you that little crittur'll live on the fat o' the land +just like a born prince nor a born princess couldn't be treated no +better. + +PAULINE + +I'm goin' and with my last penny I'm goin' to buy vitriol--I don' care +who it hits! An' I'll throw it in the face o' the wench that he goes with +... I don' care who it hits ... right in the middle o' the mug. I don' +care! It c'n burn up his fine-lookin' phiz! I don' care! It c'n burn off +his beard an' burn out his eyes if he goes with other women! What did he +do? Cheated me! Ruined me! Took my money! Robbed me o' my honour! That's +what the damn' dog did--seduced me an' lied to me an' left me an' kicked +me out into the world! I don' care who it hits! I wants him to be blind! +I wants the stuff to burn his nose offa his face! I wants it to burn him +offa the earth! + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline, as I hopes to be happy hereafter, I tells you, from the minute +where that there little one is born ... it's goin' to be treated like ... +well, I don' know what!... as if it was born to be put in silks an' in +satins. All you gotta do is to have some confidence--that's what! You +just say: Yes. I got it all figgered out. It c'n be done, it c'n be +done--that's what I tells you! An' no doctor an' no police an' no +landlady don't has to know nothin'. An' then, first of all, you gets paid +a hundred an' twenty crowns what I saved scrubbin' an' charrin' here for +manager Hassenreuter. + +PAULINE + +I might strangle it when it's born, rather 'n sell it! + +MRS. JOHN + +Who's talkin' about sellin'? + +PAULINE + +Look at the frights an' the misery I've stood from October las' to this +very day. My intended gives me the go; my landlady puts me out! They +gives me notice at a lodgin's. What does I do that I has to be despised +an' cursed an' kicked aroun'? + +MRS. JOHN + +That's what I says. That's cause the devil is still gettin' the better of +our Lord Jesus. + + _Unnoticed and busy with the trap as before BRUNO has quietly + re-entered by the door._ + +BRUNO + +[_With a strange intonation, sharply and yet carelessly._] Lamps! + +PAULINE + +That feller scares me. Lemme go! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Makes violently for BRUNO._] Is you goin' to go where you belongs? I +told you I'd call you! + +BRUNO + +[_In the same tone as before._] Well, Jette, I jus' said: Lamps! + +MRS. JOHN + +Are you crazy? What's the meanin' o' that--lamps? + +BRUNO + +Ain't that a ringin' o' the front bell? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Is frightened, listens and restrains PAULINE, who makes a motion to +go._] Sh, Miss, wait! Just wait one little minute! + + [_BRUNO continues whittling as the two women stop to listen._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Softly and in a frightened tone to BRUNO._] I don't hear nothin'! + +BRUNO + +You ol' dried up piece! You better go an' get another pair o' ears! + +MRS. JOHN + +That'd be the first time in all the three months that the manager'd be +comin' in when it's Sunday. + +BRUNO + +If that there theayter feller comes, he c'n engage me right on the spot. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Violently._] Don' talk rot! + +BRUNO + +[_Grinning at PAULINE._] Maybe you don' believe it, Miss, but I went an' +took the clown's hoss at Schumann's circus aroun' the ring three times. +Them's the kind o' things I does. An' is I goin' to be scared? + +PAULINE + +[_Seeming to notice for the first time the fantastic strangeness of the +place in which she finds herself. Frightened and genuinely perturbed._] +Mother o' God, what kind o' place is this? + +MRS. JOHN + +Whoever c'n that be? + +BRUNO + +'Tain't the manager, Jette! More like it's a spout what's drippin'! + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss, you be so kind an' go for two minutes, if you don' mind, up into +this here loft. Maybe somebody's comin' that just wants some information. + + _In her growing terror PAULINE does as she is asked to do. She + clambers up the stairs to the loft, the trap door being open. MRS. + JOHN has taken up a position in which she can, at need, hide PAULINE + from anyone entering the room. PAULINE disappears: MRS. JOHN and + BRUNO remain alone._ + +BRUNO + +What business has you with that pious mug? + +MRS. JOHN + +That ain't none o' your business, y'understan'? + +BRUNO + +I was just axin' 'cause you was so careful that nobody should see her. +Otherwise I don't know's I gives a damn. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' you ain't supposed to! + +BRUNO + +Much obliged. Maybe I better toddle along, then. + +MRS. JOHN + +D'you know what you owes me, you scamp? + +BRUNO + +[_Carelessly._] What are you gettin' excited for? What is I doin' to you? +What d'you want? I gotta go to my gal now. I'm sleepy. Las' night I slept +under a lot o' bushes in the park. An' anyhow, I'm cleaned out--[_He +turns his trowsers pockets inside out._] An' in consequence o' that I +gotta go an' earn somethin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +Here you stays! Don't you dare move! If you do you c'n whine like a +whipped purp an' you'll never be gettin' so much as a penny outa me no +more--that's what you won't! Bruno, you're goin' ways you hadn't ought +to. + +BRUNO + +Aw, what d'you think? Is I goin' to be a dam' fool? D'you think I ain' +goin' when I gets a good livin' offa Hulda? [_He pulls out a dirty +card-case._] Not so much as a measly pawn ticket has I got. Tell me what +you want an' then lemme go! + +MRS. JOHN + +What I wants? Of you? What're you good for anyhow? You ain't good for +nothin' excep' for your sister who ain't right in her head to feel sorry +for you, you loafer an' scamp! + +BRUNO + +Maybe you _ain'_ right in your head sometimes! + +MRS. JOHN + +Our father, he used to say when you was no more'n five an' six years old +an' used to do rowdy things, that we couldn't never be proud o' you an' +that I might as well let you go hang. An' my husband what's a reel honest +decent man ... why, you can't be seen alongside of a good man like him. + +BRUNO + +Sure, I knows all that there, Jette. But things ain' that easy to +straighten out. I knows all right I was born with a kind o' a twist in my +back, even if nobody don't see it. No, I wasn't born in no castle. Well, +I gotta do what I c'n do with my twist. All right. What d'you want? +'Tain't for the rats you're keepin' me. You wanta hush up somethin' wi' +that whore! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Shaking her hand under BRUNO'S nose._] You give away one word o' this +an' I'll kill you, I'll make a corpse o' you! + +BRUNO + +Well now, looka here! I'm goin', y'understan'? [_He mounts the stairs._] +Maybe someday I'll be droppin' into good luck without knowin' it. + + _He disappears through the trap-door, MRS. JOHN hurriedly blows out + the lamp and taps her way to the door of the library. She enters it + but does--not wholly close the door behind her.--The noise that BRUNO + actually heard was that of a key being turned in a rusty keyhole. A + light step is now heard approaching the door. For a moment the street + noises of Berlin as well as the yelling of children in the outer + halls had been audible. Strains of a hurdy-gurdy from the + yard.--WALBURGA HASSENREUTER enters with hesitating and embarrassed + steps. The girl is not yet sixteen and is pretty and innocent of + appearance. Sunshade, light-coloured summer dress, not coming below + the ankle._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Halts, listens, then says nervously:_] Papa!--Isn't any one up here +yet? Papa! Papa! [_She listens long and intently and then says:_] Why, +what an odour of coal oil there is here! [_She finds matches, lights one, +is about to light the lamp and burns her fingers against the hot +chimney._] Ouch! Why, dear me! Who is here? + + [_She has cried out and is about to run away._ + + _MRS. JOHN reappears._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, Miss Walburga, who's goin' to go an' kick up a row like that! You +c'n be reel quiet. 'Tain't nobody but me! + +WALBURGA + +Dear me, but I've had an awful fright, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, then I advise you to be gettin' out o' here to-day--on Sunday? + +WALBURGA + +[_Laying her hand over her heart._] Why, my heart is almost standing +still yet, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +What's the matter, Miss Walburga? What's frightenin' you? You oughta know +that from your pa that Sunday an' week day I gotta be workin' aroun' here +with them boxes an' cases, dustin' an' tryin' to get rid o' the moths! +An' then, after two or three weeks, when I've gone over the twelve or +eighteen hundred theayter rags that're lyin' here--then I gotta start all +over again. + +WALBURGA + +I was frightened because the chimney of the lamp was still quite hot to +the touch. + +MRS. JOHN + +That's right. That there lamp was burnin' 'an' I put it out jus' a minute +ago. [_She lifts up the chimney._] It don't burn me; my hands is hard. +[_She lights the wick._] Well, now we has light. Now I lit it again. +What's the danger here? I don' see nothin'. + +WALBURGA + +But you do look like a ghost, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +How do you say I looks? + +WALBURGA + +Oh, it just seems so when one comes out of the vivid sunlight into the +darkness, into these musty holes. It seems as though one were surrounded +by ghosts. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you little ghost, why did you come up here? Is you alone or has you +got somebody with you? Maybe papa'll be comin' in yet? + +WALBURGA + +No, papa has been granted an important audience out in Potsdam to-day. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right! What're you lookin' for here then? + +WALBURGA + +I? Oh, I just came out for a walk! + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, then I advise you to be gettin out o' here again. No sun don't +shine into your papa's lumber-room. + +WALBURGA + +You look so grey! You had better go out into the sunlight yourself! + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, the sunlight's just for fine folks! All I needs is a couple o' pounds +o' dust an' dirt on my lungs.--You just go along, missie! I gotta get to +work. I don' need nothin' else. I jus' lives on mildew an' insec'-powder. + + [_She coughs._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Nervously._] You needn't tell papa that I was up here. + +MRS. JOHN + +Me? Ain't I got somethin' better to do'n that? + +WALBURGA + +[_With assumed carelessness._] And if Mr. Spitta were to ask after me.... + +MRS. JOHN + +Who? + +WALBURGA + +The young gentleman who gives us private lessons at home.... + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, s'posin'? + +WALBURGA + +Then be so kind as to tell him that I've been here but left again at +once. + +MRS. JOHN + +So I'm to tell Mr. Spitta but not papa? + +WALBURGA + +[_Involuntarily._] Oh, for heaven's sake, no! + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you jus' wait an' see! You jus' look out! There's many a one has +looked like you an' has come from your part o' the city an'--has gone to +the dogs in the ditch in Dragoner street or, even, behind Swedish +hangin's in Barnim street. + +WALBURGA + +Surely you don't mean to insinuate, Mrs. John, and surely you don't +believe that there's anything unpermitted or improper in my relations +with Mr. Spitta? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In extreme fright._] Shut up!--Somebody's put the key into the keyhole. + +WALBURGA + +Blow out the lamp! + + [_MRS. JOHN blows out the lamp quickly._ + +WALBURGA + +Papa! + +MRS. JOHN + +Miss! Up into the loft with you! + + _MRS. JOHN and WALBURGA both disappear through the trap-door, which + closes behind them._ + + _Two gentlemen, the manager HARRO HASSENREUTER and the court actor + NATHANAEL JETTEL, appear in the frame of the outer door. The manager + is of middle height, clean shaven, fifty years old. He takes long + steps and shows a lively temperament in his whole demeanour. The cut + of his face is noble, his eyes have a vivid, adventurous expression. + His behaviour is somewhat noisy, which accords with his thoroughly + fiery nature. He wears a light overcoat, a top-hat thrust back on his + head, full dress suit and patent leather boots. The overcoat, which + is unbuttoned, reveals the decorations which almost cover his + chest--JETTEL wears a suit of flannels under a very light spring + overcoat. In his left hand he holds a straw hat and an elegant cane; + he wears tan shoes. He also is clean shaven and over fifty years old. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Calls:_] John! Mrs. John!--Well, now you see my catacombs, my dear +fellow! _Sic transit gloria mundi!_ Here I've stored everything--_mutatis +mutandis_--that was left of my whole theatrical glory--trash, trash! Old +rags! Old tatters!--John! John! She's been here, for the lamp chimney is +still quite hot! [_He strikes a match and lights the lamp._] _Fiat lux, +pereat mundus!_ Now you can get a good view of my paradise of moths and +rats and fleas! + +JETTEL + +You received my card, didn't you, my dear manager? + +HASSENREUTER + +Mrs. John!--I'll see if she is in the loft up there. [_He mounts the +stairs and rattles at the trap-door._] Locked! And of course the wretched +creature has the key tied to her apron. [_He beats enragedly against the +trap-door with his fist._] John! John! + +JETTEL + +[_Somewhat impatient._] Can't we manage without this Mrs. John? + +HASSENREUTER + +What? Do you think that I, in my dress suit and with all my decorations, +just back from His Highness, can go through my three hundred boxes and +cases just to rout out the wretched rags that you are pleased to need for +your engagement here? + +JETTEL + +I beg your pardon. But I'm not wont to appear in rags on my tours. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man alive, then play in your drawers for all I care! It wouldn't worry +me! Only don't quite forget who's standing before you. Because the court +actor Jettel is pleased to emit a whistle--well, that's no reason why the +manager Harro Hassenreuter should begin to dance. Confound it, because +some comedian wants a shabby turban or two old boots, is that any reason +why a _pater familias_ like myself must give up his only spare time at +home on Sunday afternoon? I suppose you expect me to creep about on all +fours into the corners here? No, my good fellow, for that kind of thing +you'll have to look elsewhere! + +JETTEL + +[_Quite calmly._] Would you mind telling me, if possible, who has been +treading on your corns? + +HASSENREUTER + +My boy, it's scarcely an hour since I had my legs under the same table +with a prince; _post hoc, ergo propter hoc!_--On your account I got into +a confounded bus and drove out to this, confounded bole, and so ... if +you don't know how to value my kindness, you can get out! + +JETTEL + +You made an appointment with use for four o'clock. Then you let me wait +one solid hour in this horrible tenement, in these lovely halls with +their filthy brats! Well, I waited and didn't address the slightest +reproach to you. And now you have the good taste and the good manners to +use me as a kind of a cuspidor! + +HASSENREUTER + +My boy ... + +JETTEL + +The devil! I'm not your boy! You seem to be kind of a clown that I ought +to force to turn sommersaults for pennies! + + [_Highly indignant, he picks up his hat and cane and goes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Starts, breaks out into boisterous laughter and then calls out after +JETTEL:_] Don't make yourself ridiculous! And, anyhow, I'm not a +costumer! + + _The slamming of the outer door is heard._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pulls out his watch._] The confounded idiot! The damned mutton +head.--It's a blessing the ridiculous ass went! [_He puts the match back +into his pocket, pulls it out again at once and listens. He walks +restlessly to and fro, then stops, gases into his top-hat, which contains +a mirror, and combs his hair carefully. He walks over to the middle door +and opens a few of the letters that lie heaped up there. At the same time +he sings in a trilling voice:_ + + "O Strassburg, O Strassburg, + Thou beautiful old town." + +_Once more he looks at his watch. Suddenly the doorbell at his head +rings._] On the minute! Ah, but these little girls can be punctual when +they really care about it! [_He hurries out into the hall and is heard to +extend a loud and merry welcome to someone. The trumpet notes of his +voice are soon accompanied by the bell-like tones of a woman's speaking. +Very soon he reappears, at his side an elegant young lady, ALICE +RÜTTERBUSCH._]--Alice! My little Alice! Come here where I can see you, +little girl! Come here into the light! I must see whether you're the same +infinitely delightful, mad little Alice that you were in the great days +of my career in Alsace? Girl, it was I who taught you to walk! I held +your leading strings for your first steps. I taught you how to talk, +girl! The things you said! I hope you haven't forgotten! + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Now, look here! You don't believe that I'm an ungrateful girl? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Draws up her veil._] Why, girlie, you've grown younger instead of +older. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +[_Flushed with delight._] Well, a person would just have to be like +everything to say that you had changed to your disadvantage! But, do you +know--it's awful dark up here really and--Harro, maybe you wouldn't mind +opening a window a little--oh, the air's a bit heavy, too, + +HASSENREUTER + + "Pillicock sat on Pillicock-hill" + "But mice and rats and such small deer + Have been Tom's food for seven long year." + +In all seriousness I have passed through dark and difficult times! In +spite of the fact that I preferred not to write you of it, I have no +doubt that you are informed. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +But it wasn't extra friendly, you know, for you not to answer one little +word to the long, nice letter I wrote you. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! What's the use of answering a little girl's letter if one has +both hands full taking care of oneself and can't possibly be of the +slightest use to her? Pshaw! _E nihilo nihil fit!_ In the vernacular: You +can't get results out of nothing! Moth and dust! Dust and moths! And +that's all my efforts for German culture in the west profited me! + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +So you didn't turn over your collection of properties to manager Kunz. + +HASSENREUTER + + "O Strassburg, O Strassburg, + Thou beautiful old town!" + +No, little one, I didn't leave my properties in Strassburg! This +ex-waiter, ex-innkeeper and lessee of disreputable dance halls, this +idiot, this imbecile who succeeded me, didn't happen to want my stuff. +No, I didn't leave my collection of properties there, but what I did have +to leave there was forty thousand crowns of hard-earned money left me +from my old touring days as an actor, and, in addition, fifty thousand +crowns which formed the dowry of my excellent wife. However, it was a +piece of good luck, after all, that I kept the properties. Ha, ha, ha! +These fellows here ... [_he touches one of the mailed figures_] ... +surely you remember them? + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Could I forget my pasteboard knights? + +HASSENREUTER + +Very well, then: it was these pasteboard knights and all the other trash +that surrounds them, that actually, after his hegira, kept the old +rag-picker and costumer, Harro Eberhard Hassenreuter, above water. But +let's speak of cheerful things: I saw with pleasure in the paper that his +Excellency has engaged you for Berlin. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +I don't care a great deal about it! I'd rather play for you, and you must +promise me, whenever you undertake the management of a theatre again--you +will promise, won't you?--that you'll let me break my contract right +away? [_The MANAGER laughs heartily._] I had to be annoyed quite enough +for three long years by the barn-stormers of the provinces. Berlin I +don't like, and a court theatre least of all. Lord, what people and what +a profession it is! You know I belong to your collection--I've always +belonged to it! + + [_She stands up primly among the pasteboard knights._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha, ha! Well then, come to my arms, faithful knight! + + [_He opens his arms wide, she flies into them, and they now salute + each other with long, continuous kisses._ + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Go on, Harro. Now tell me. How is your wife? + +HASSENREUTER + +Teresa gets along very well except that she gets fatter every day in +spite of sorrow and worries.--Girl, girl, how fragrant you are! [_He +presses her to him._] Do you know that you're a devilish dangerous +person? + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +D'you think I'm an idiot? Of course I'm dangerous! + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, I'll be ...! + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Why, do you think if I didn't know it was dangerous, dangerous for us +both, I'd make an appointment with you out here in this lovely +neighbourhood, under this stuffy roof? By the way, though, since I'm +always bound to have the queerest luck if ever I do go a bit on +questionable ways, whom should I meet on the stairs but Nathanael Jettel? +I almost ran into the gentleman's arms! He'll take good care that my +visiting you doesn't remain our secret. + +HASSENREUTER + +I must have made a mistake in writing down the date. The fellow insists +on asserting--ha, ha, ha!--that I made an engagement with him for this +very afternoon. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +And that wasn't the only person I met on the six flights. And as for the +dear little children that roll about on the stairs here! What they called +out after me was unparliamentary to a degree--such vulgarities as I've +never heard from such little beggars in my life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Laughs, then speaks seriously._] Ah, yes! But one gets accustomed to +that. You could never write down all the life that sweeps down these +stairs with its soiled petticoats--the life that cringes and creeps, +moans, sighs, sweats, cries out, curses, mutters, hammers, planes, jeers, +steals, drives its dark trades up and down these stairs--the sinister +creatures that hide here, playing their zither, grinding their +accordions, sticking in need and hunger and misery, leading their vicious +lives--no, it's beyond one's power of recording. And your old manager, +last but not least, runs, groans, sighs, sweats, cries out and curses +with the best of them. Ha, ha, ha, girlie! I've had a pretty wretched +time. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Oh, by the way, d'you know whom I ran into just as I was making for the +railroad station at the Zoological Garden? The good old Prince +Statthalter! And straight off, cool as a cucumber--that's my way you +know--I tripped along next to him for twenty minutes and got him absorbed +in a conversation. And then something happened, Harro, upon my honour, +just as I'm going to tell you--literally and truly: Suddenly on the +bridle-path His Majesty came riding along with a great suite. I thought +I'd sink into the earth with embarrassment. And His Majesty laughed right +out and threatened his Serenity playfully with his finger. But I was +delighted, you may believe me. The main thing comes now, however. Just +think! His Serenity asked me whether I'd be glad to go back to Strassburg +if the manager Hassenreuter were to assume direction of the theatre there +again. Well, you may know that I almost jumped for joy! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Throws off his overcoat and stands with his decorations displayed._] +You probably couldn't help noticing that His Serenity had had a most +excellent breakfast. Aha! We had breakfast together! We attended an +exquisite little stag party given by Prince Ruprecht out in Potsdam. I +don't deny, therefore, that a turn for good may take place in the +miserable fate of your friend. + +ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH + +Sweetheart, you look like a statesman, like an ambassador! + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, don't you know this breast covered with high and exalted decorations? +Klärchen and Egmont! Here you can drink your fill! [_They embrace each +other anew._] _Carpe diem!_ Enjoy the passing hour! Ah, my little Miss +Simplicity, champagne is not recorded at present on the repertory of your +old manager, inspirer and friend. [_He opens a wooden case and draws +forth a bottle of wine._] But this old cloister vintage isn't to be +sneezed at either! [_He pulls the cork. At the same moment the door bell +rings._] What? Sh! I wonder who has the monstrous impudence to ring here +on Sunday afternoon? [_The bell rings with increased violence._] Confound +it all--the fellow must be a lunatic. Little girl, suppose you withdraw +into the library. [_ALICE hurries into the library. The ringing is +repeated. He hurries to the door._] Either be patient or go to the devil. +[_He is heard opening the door._] Who? What? "It is I, Miss Walburga." +What? I am not Miss Walburga. I am not the daughter. I am the father. Oh, +it's you, Mr. Spitta! Your very humble servant. I'm only her father--only +her father! What is it that you want? + + _HASSENREUTER reappears in the passage accompanied by ERICH SPITTA, a + young man of twenty-one, spectacled, with keen and not + undistinguished features, SPITTA passes as a student of theology and + is correspondingly dressed. He does not hold himself erect and his + development shows the influence of over-study and underfeeding._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Did you intend to give my daughter one of your private lessons here in my +storeroom? + +SPITTA + +I was riding past on the tram-car and I really thought I had seen Miss +Walburga hurry into the doorway downstairs. + +HASSENREUTER + +No possibility of such a thing, my dear Spitta. At this moment my +daughter Walburga is attending a ritualistic service with her mother in +the Anglican church. + +SPITTA + +Then perhaps you'll forgive my intrusion. I took the liberty of coming +upstairs because I thought that Miss Walburga might not find it +unpleasant or useless to have an escort home through this neighbourhood. + +HASSENREUTER + +Very good! Very excellent! But she isn't here. I regret it. I'm here +myself by the merest chance--on account of the mail. And in addition, I +have other pressing engagements. Can I do anything else for you? + + _SPITTA polishes his glasses and betrays signs of embarrassment._ + +SPITTA + +One doesn't grow used to the darkness at once. + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps you stand in need of the tuition due you. Sorry, but +unfortunately I have the habit of going out with only some small change +in my waistcoat pocket. So I must ask you to have patience until I am at +home again. + +SPITTA + +Not the least hurry in the world. + +HASSENREUTER + +Yes, it's easy for you to say that. I'm like a hunted animal, my dear +fellow ... + +SPITTA + +And yet I would like to beg for a minute of your precious time. I can't +but look upon this unexpected meeting as a kind of providential +arrangement. In short: may I put a question to you? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_With his eyes on his watch, which he has just been winding._] One +minute exactly. By the watch, my good fellow! + +SPITTA + +Both my question and your answer need hardly take that long. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, then! + +SPITTA + +Have I any talent for the stage? + +HASSENREUTER + +For the love of God, man! Have you gone mad?--Forgive me, my dear fellow, +if a case like this excites me to the point of being discourteous. You +have certainly given the lie to the saying: _natura non facit saltus_ by +the unnatural leap that you've taken. I must first get my breath after +that! And now let's put an end to this at once. Believe me, if we were +both to discuss the question now we wouldn't come to any conclusion in +two or three weeks, or rather, let us say years.--You are a theologian by +profession, my good fellow, and you were born in a parsonage. You have +all the necessary connections and a smooth road to a comfortable way of +life ahead of you. How did you hit upon such a notion as this? + +SPITTA + +That's a long story of the inner life, Mr. Hassenreuter, of difficult +spiritual struggles--a story which, until this moment, has been an +absolute secret and known only to myself. But my good fortune led me into +your house and from that moment on I felt that I was drawing nearer and +nearer to the true aim of my life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Wildly impatient._] That's very creditable to me; that does honour to +my family and myself! [_He puts his hands on SPITTA'S shoulders._] And +yet I must make it in the form of an urgent request that, at this moment, +you refrain from a further discussion of the question. My affairs cannot +wait. + +SPITTA + +Then I will only add the expression of my absolutely firm decision. + +HASSENREUTER + +But, my dear Spitta, who has put these mad notions into year head? I've +taken real pleasure in the thought of you. I've really been quietly +envying you the peaceful personage that was to be yours. I've attached no +special significance to certain literary ambitions that one is likely to +pick up in the metropolis. That's a mere phase, I thought, and will be +quite passing in his case! And now you want to become an actor? God help +you, were I your father! I'd lock you up on bread and water and not let +you out again until the very memory of this folly was gone. _Dixi!_ And +now, good-bye, my dear man. + +SPITTA + +I'm afraid that locking me op or resorting to force of any kind would not +help in my case at all. + +HASSENREUTER + +But, man alive, you want to become an actor--you, with your round +shoulders, with your spectacles and, above all, with your hoarse and +sharp voice. It's impossible. + +SPITTA + +If such fellows as I exist in real life, why shouldn't they exist on the +stage too? And I am of the opinion that a smooth, well-sounding voice, +probably combined with the Goethe-Schiller-Weimar school of idealistic +artifice, is harmful rather than helpful. The only question is whether +you would take me, just as I am, as a pupil? + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Hastily draws on his overcoat._] I would not. In the first place my +school of acting is only one of the schools of idealistic artifice which +you mention. In the second place I wouldn't be responsible to your father +for such an action. And in the third place, we quarrel enough as it +is--every time you stay to supper at my house after giving your lessons. +If you were my pupil, we'd come to blows. And now, Spitta, I must catch +the car. + +SPITTA + +My father is already informed. In a letter of twelve pages, I have given +him a full history of the change that has taken place within me.... + +HASSENREUTER + +I'm sure the old gentleman will feel flattered! And now come along with +me or I'll go insane! + + _HASSENREUTER forcibly takes SPITTA out with him. The door is heard + to slam. The room grows silent but for the uninterrupted roar of + Berlin, which can now be clearly heard. The trap-door to the loft is + now opened and WALBURGA HASSENREUTER clambers down in mad haste, + followed by MRS. JOHN._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Whispering vehemently._] What's the matter? Nothin' ain't happened. + +WALBURGA + +Mrs. John, I'll scream! I'll have to scream in another second! Oh, for +heaven's sake, I can't help it much longer, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Stuff a handkerchief between your teeth! There ain't nothin'! Why d'you +take on so? + +WALBURGA + +[_With chattering teeth, making every effort to suppress her sobs._] I'm +frightened! Oh, I'm frightened to death, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +I'd like to know what you're so scared about! + +WALBURGA + +Why, didn't you see that horrible man? + +MRS. JOHN + +That ain't nothin' so horrible. That's my brother what sometimes helps me +clean up your pa's things here. + +WALBURGA + +And that girl who sits with her back to the chimney and whines? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, your mother didn't act no different when you was expected to come +into the world. + +WALBURGA + +Oh, it's all over with me. I'll die if papa comes back. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well then hurry and get out an' don' fool roun' no more! + + [_MRS. JOHN accompanies the horrified girl along the passage, lets + her out, and then returns._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Thank God, that girl don' know but what the moon _is_ made o' cheese! + + [_She takes the uncorked bottle, pours out a glass full of wine and + takes it with her to the loft into which she disappears._ + + _The room is scarcely empty when HASSENREUTER returns._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Still in the door. Singing._] "Come on down, O Madonna Teresa!" [_He +calls:_] Alice! [_Still in the door._] Come on! Help me put up my iron +bar with a double lock before the door, Alice! [_He comes forward._] Any +one else who dares to interrupt our Sunday quiet--_anathema sit!_ Here! +You imp! Where are you, Alice? [_He observes the bottle and lifts it +against the light._] What? Half empty! The little scamp! [_From behind +the door of the library a pleasant woman's voice is heard singing +coloratura passages._] Ha, ha, ha, ha! Heavens and earth! She's tipsy +already. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + _MRS. JOHN'S rooms on the second floor of the same house in the + attics of which HASSENREUTER has stored his properties. A high, deep, + green-tinted room which betrays its original use as part of a + barracks. The rear wall shows a double door which gives on the outer + hall. Above this door there hangs a bell connected by a wire with the + knob outside. To the right of the door a partition, covered with + wall-paper, projects into the room. This partition takes a + rectangular turn and extends to the right wall. A portion of the room + is thus partitioned off and serves as sleeping-chamber. From within + the partition, which is about six feet high, cupboards are seen + against the wall._ + + _Entering the room from the hall, one observes to the left a sofa + covered with oil-cloth. The back of the sofa is pushed against the + partition wall. The latter is adorned with small photographs: the + foreman-mason JOHN as a soldier, JOHN and his wife in their wedding + garb, etc. An oval table, covered with a faded cotton cloth, stands + before the sofa. In order to reach the entrance of the + sleeping-chamber from the door it is necessary to pass the table and + sofa. This entrance is closed by hangings of blue cotton cloth. + Against the narrow front wall of the partition stands a neatly + equipped kitchen cabinet. To the right, against the wall of the main + room, the stove. This corner of the room serves the--purposes of + kitchen and pantry. Sitting on the sofa, one would look straight at + the left wall of the room, which is broken by two large windows. A + neatly planed board has been fastened to the nearer of the windows to + serve as a kind of desk. Upon it are lying blue-prints, + counter-drawings, an inch-measure, a compass and a square. A small, + raised platform is seen beneath the farther window. Upon it stands a + small table with glasses. An old easy chair of cane and a number of + simple wooden chairs complete the frugal equipment of the room, which + creates an impression of neatness and orderliness such as is often + found in the dwellings of childless couples._ + + _It is about five o'clock of an afternoon toward the end of May. The + warm sunlight shines through the windows._ + + _The foreman-mason JOHN, a good-natured, bearded man of forty, sits + at the desk in the foreground taking notes from the building plans._ + + _MRS. JOHN sits sewing on the small platform, by the farther window. + She is very pale. There is something gentle and pain-touched about + her, but her face shows an expression of deep contentment, which is + broken only now and then by a momentary gleam of restlessness and + suspense. A neat new perambulator stands by her side. In it lies a + newborn child._ + +JOHN + +[_Modestly._] Mother, how'd it be if I was to open the window jus' a +speck an' was to light my pipe for a bit? + +MRS. JOHN + +Does you have to smoke? If not, you better let it be! + +JOHN + +No, I don't has to, mother. Only I'd like to! Never mind, though. A +quid'll be just as good in the end. + + [_With comfortable circumstantiality he prepares a new quid._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_After a brief silence._] How's that? You has to go to the public +registry office again? + +JOHN + +That's what he told me, that I had to come back again an' tell him +exackly ... that I had to give the exack place an' time when that little +kid was born. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Holding a needle in her mouth._] Well, why didn't you tell him that +right away? + +JOHN + +How was I to know it? I didn't know, you see. + +MRS. JOHN + +You didn't know that? + +JOHN + +Well, I wasn't here, was I? + +MRS. JOHN + +You wasn't. That's right. If you goes an' leaves me here in Berlin an' +stays from one year's end to another in Hamburg, an' at most comes to see +me once a month--how is you to know what happens in your own home? + +JOHN + +Don't you want me to go where the boss has most work for me? I goes where +I c'n make good money. + +MRS. JOHN + +I wrote you in my letter as how our little boy was born in this here +room. + +JOHN + +I knows that an' I told him that. Ain't that natural, I axes him, that +the child was born in our room? An' he says that ain't natural at all. +Well then, says I, for all I cares, maybe it was up in the loft with the +rats an' mice! I got mad like 'cause he said maybe the child wasn't born +here at all. Then he yells at me: What kind o' talk is that? What? says +I. I takes an interest in wages an' earnin' an' not in talk--not me, Mr. +Registrar! An' now I'm to give him the exack day an' hour ... + +MRS. JOHN + +An' didn't I write it all out for you on a bit o' paper? + +JOHN + +When a man's mad he's forgetful. I believe if he'd up and axed me: Is you +Paul John, foreman-mason? I'd ha' answered: I don' know. Well an' then +I'd been a bit jolly too an' taken a drink or two with Fritz. An' while +we was doin' that who comes along but Schubert an' Karl an' they says as +how I has to set up on account o' bein' a father now. Those fellers, they +didn't let me go an' they was waitin' downstairs in front o' the public +registry. An' so I kept thinkin' o' them standin' there. So when he axes +me on what day my wife was delivered, I didn't know nothin' an' just +laughed right in his face. + +MRS. JOHN + +I wish you'd first attended to what you had to an' left your drinkin' +till later. + +JOHN + +It's easy to say that! But if you're up to them kind o' tricks in your +old age, mother, you can't blame me for bein' reel glad. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right. You go on to the registry now an' say that your child was +borne by your wife in your dwellin' on the twenty-fifth o' May. + +JOHN + +Wasn't it on the twenty-sixth? 'Cause I said right along the +twenty-sixth. Then he must ha' noticed that I wasn't quite sober. So he +says: If that's a fac', all right; if not, you gotta come back. + +MRS. JOHN + +In that case you'd better leave it as it is. + + _The door is opened and SELMA KNOBBE pushes in a wretched + perambulator which presents the saddest contrast to MRS. JOHN'S. + Swaddled in pitiful rags a newly born child lies therein._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, no, Selma, comin' into my room with that there sick child--that was +all right before. But that can't be done no more. + +SELMA + +He just gasps with that cough o' his'n. Over at our place they smokes all +the time. + +MRS. JOHN + +I told you, Selma, that you could come from time to time and get milk or +bread. But while my little Adelbert is here an' c'n catch maybe +consumption or somethin', you just leave that poor little thing at home +with his fine mother. + +SELMA + +[_Tearfully._] Mother ain't been home at all yesterday or to-day. I can't +get no sleep with this child. He just moans all night. I gotta get some +sleep sometime! I'll jump outa the window first thing or I'll let the +baby lie in the middle o' the street an' run away so no policeman can't +never find me! + +JOHN + +[_Looks at the strange child._] Looks bad! Mother, why don't you try an' +do somethin' for the little beggar? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pushing SELMA and the perambulator out determinedly._] March outa this +room. That can't be done, Paul. When you got your own you can't be +lookin' out for other people's brats. That Knobbe woman c'n look after +her own affairs. It's different with Selma. [_To the girl._] You c'n come +in when you want to. You c'n come in here after a while an' take a nap +even. + + [_She locks the door._ + +JOHN + +You used to take a good deal o' interest in Knobbe's dirty little brats. + +MRS. JOHN + +You don' understan' that. I don' want our little Adelbert to be catchin' +sore eyes or convulsions or somethin' like that. + +JOHN + +Maybe you're right. Only, don't go an' call him Adelbert, mother. That +ain't a good thing to do, to call a child by the same name as one that +was carried off, unbaptised, a week after it was born. Let that be, +mother. I can't stand for that, mother, + + _A knocking is heard at the door. JOHN is about to open._ + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? + +JOHN + +Well, somebody wants to get in! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Hastily turning the key in the lock._] I ain't goin' to have everybody +runnin' in on me now that I'm sick as this. [_She listens at the door and +then calls out:_] I can't open! What d'you want? + +A WOMAN'S VOICE + +[_Somewhat deep and mannish in tone._] It is Mrs. Hassenreuter. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Surprised._] Goodness gracious! [_She opens the door._] I beg your +pardon, Mrs. Hassenreuter! I didn't even know who it was! + + _MRS. HASSENREUTER has now entered, followed by WALBURGA. She is a + colossal, asthmatic lady aver fifty. WALBURGA is dressed with greater + simplicity than in the first act. She carries a rather large + package._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +How do you do, Mrs. John? Although climbing stairs is ... very hard for +me ... I wanted to see how everything ... goes with you after the ... +yes, the very happy event. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm gettin' along again kind o' half way. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +That is probably your husband, Mrs. John? Well, one must say, one is +bound to say, that your dear wife, in the long time of waiting--never +complained, was always cheery and merry, and did her work well for my +husband upstairs. + +JOHN + +That's right. She was mighty glad, too. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Well, then we'll have the pleasure--at least, your wife will have the +pleasure of seeing you at home oftener than heretofore. + +MRS. JOHN + +I has a good husband, Mrs. Hassenreuter, who takes care o' me an' has +good habits. An' because Paul was workin' out o town you musn't think +there was any danger o' his leavin' me. But a man like that, where his +brother has a boy o' twelve in the non-commissioned officers' school ... +it's no kind o' life for him havin' no children o' his own. He gets to +thinkin' queer thoughts. There he is in Hamburg, makin' good money, an' +he has the chance every day and--well--then he takes a notion, maybe, +he'd like to go to America. + +JOHN + +Oh, that was never more'n a thought. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you see, with us poor people ... it's hard-earned bread that we +eats ... an' yet ... [_lightly she runs her hand through JOHN'S hair_] +even if there's one more an' you has more cares on that account--you see +how the tears is runnin' down his cheeks--well, he's mighty happy anyhow! + +JOHN + +That's because three years ago we had a little feller an' when he was a +week old he took sick an' died. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +My husband has already ... yes, my husband did tell me about that ... how +deeply you grieved over that little son of yours. You know how it is ... +you know how my good husband has his eyes and his heart open to +everything. And if it's a question of people who are about him or who +give him their services--then everything good or bad, yes, everything +good or bad that happens to them, seems just as though it had happened to +himself. + +MRS. JOHN + +I mind as if it was this day how he sat in the carridge that time with +the little child's coffin on his knees. He wouldn't let the gravedigger +so much as touch it. + +JOHN + +[_Wiping the moisture out of his eyes._] That's the way it was. No. I +couldn't let him do that. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Just think, to-day at the dinner-table we had to drink wine--suddenly, to +drink wine! Wine! For years and years the city-water in decanters has +been our only table drink ... absolutely the only one. Dear children, +said my husband.--You know that he had just returned from an eleven or +twelve day trip to Alsace. Let us drink, my husband said, the health of +my good and faithful Mrs. John, because ... he cried out in his beautiful +voice ... because she is a visible proof of the fact that the cry of a +mother heart is not indifferent to our Lord.--And so we drank your +health, clinking our glasses! Well, and here I'm bringing you at my +husband's special ... at his very special and particular order ... an +apparatus for the sterilisation of milk.--Walburga, you may unpack the +boiler. + + _HASSENREUTER enters unceremoniously through the outer door which has + stood ajar. He wears a top-hat, spring overcoat, carries a + silver-headed cane, in a word, is gotten up in his somewhat shabby + meek-day outfit. He speaks hastily and almost without pauses._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Wiping the sweat from his forehead._] Berlin is hot, ladies and +gentlemen, hot! And the cholera is as near as St. Petersburg! Now you've +complained to my pupils, Spitta and Käferstein, Mrs. John, that your +little one doesn't seem to gain in weight. Now, of course, it's one of +the symptoms of the general decadence of our age that the majority of +mothers are either--unwilling to nurse their offspring or incapable of +it. But you've already lost one child on account of diarrhoea, Mrs. John. +No, there's no help for it: we must call a spade a spade. And so, in +order that you do not meet with the same misfortune over again, or fall +into the hands of old women whose advice is usually quite deadly for an +infant--in order that these things may not happen, I say, I have caused +my wife to bring you this apparatus. I've brought up all my--children, +Walburga included, by the help of such an apparatus ...Aha! So one gets a +glimpse of you again, Mr. John! Bravo! The emperor needs soldiers, and +you needed a representative of your race! So I congratulate you with all +my heart. + + [_He shakes JOHN'S hand vigorously._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Leaning over the infant._] How much ... how much did he weigh at birth? + +MRS. JOHN + +He weighed exactly eight pounds and ten grams. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_With noisy joviality._] Ha, ha, ha! A vigorous product, I must say! +Eight pounds and ten grams of good healthy, German national flesh! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Look at his eyes! And his little nose! His father over again! Why, the +little fellow is really, really, the very image of you, Mr. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +I trust that you will have the boy received into the communion of the +Christian Church. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_With happy impressiveness._] Oh, he'll be christened properly, right in +the parochial church at the font by a clergyman. + +HASSENREUTER + +Right! And what are his baptismal names to be? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, you know the way men is. That's caused a lot o' talk. I was +thinkin' o' "Bruno," but he won't have it! + +HASSENREUTER + +Surely Bruno isn't a bad name. + +JOHN + +That may be. I ain't sayin' but what Bruno is a good enough name. I don't +want to give no opinion about that. + +MRS. JOHN + +Why don't you say as how I has a brother what's twelve years younger'n me +an' what don't always do just right? But that's only 'cause there's so +much temptation. That boy's a good boy. Only you won't believe it. + +JOHN + +[_Turns red with sudden rage._] Jette ... you know what a cross that +feller was to us! What d'you want? You want our little feller to be the +namesake of a man what's--I can't help sayin' it--what's under police +soopervision? + +HASSENREUTER + +Then, for heaven's sake, get him some other patron saint. + +JOHN + +Lord protect me from sich! I tried to take an interest in Bruno! I got +him a job in a machine-shop an' didn't get nothin' outa it but annoyance +an' disgrace! God forbid that he should come aroun' an' have anythin' to +do with this little feller o' mine. [_He clenches his fist._] If that was +to happen, Jette, I wouldn't be responsible for myself!! + +MRS. JOHN + +You needn't go on, Paul! Bruno ain't comin'. But I c'n tell you this much +for certain, that my brother was good an' helpful to me in this hard +time. + +JOHN + +Why didn't you send for me? + +MRS. JOHN + +I didn't want no man aroun' that was scared. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aren't you an admirer of Bismarck, John? + +JOHN + +[_Scratching the back of his head._] I can't say as to that exackly. My +brothers in the masons' union, though, they ain't admirers o' him. + +HASSENREUTER + +Then you have no German hearts in your bodies! Otto is what I called my +eldest son who is in the imperial navy! And believe me [_pointing to the +infant_] this coming generation will well know what it owes to that +mighty hero, the great forger of German unity! [_He takes the tin boiler +of the apparatus which WALBURGA has unpacked into his hands and lifts it +high up._] Now then: the whole business of this apparatus is mere child's +play. This frame which holds all the bottles--each bottle to be filled +two-thirds with water and one-third with milk--is sunk into the boiler +which is filled with boiling water. By keeping the water at the +boiling-point for an hour and a half in this manner, the content--of the +bottles becomes free of germs. Chemists call this process sterilisation. + +JOHN + +Jette, at the master-mason's house, the milk that's fed to the twins is +sterilised too. + + _The pupils of HASSENREUTER, KÄFERSTEIN and DR. KEGEL, two young men + between twenty and twenty-five years of age, have knocked at the door + and then opened it._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Noticing his pupils._] Patience, gentlemen. I'll be with you directly. +At the moment I am busying myself with the problems of the nourishment of +infants and the care of children. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +[_His head bears witness to a sharply defined character: large nose, +pale, a serious expression, beardless, about the mouth a flicker of +kindly mischievousness. With hollow voice, gentle and suppressed._] You +must know that we are the three kings out of the East. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who still holds the apparatus aloft in his hands._] What are you? + +KÄFERSTEIN + +[_As before._] We want to adore the babe. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha, ha! If you are the kings out of the East, gentlemen, it seems +to me that the third of you is lacking. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +The third is our new fellow pupil in the field of dramaturgic activity, +the _studiosus theologiae_, who is detained at present at the corner of +Blumen and Wallnertheater streets by an accident partly sociological, +partly psychological in its nature. + +DR. KEGEL + +We made all possible haste to escape. + +HASSENREUTER + +Do you see, a star stands above this house, Mrs. John! But do tell me, +has our excellent Spitta once more made some public application of his +quackery for the healing of the so-called sins of the social order? Ha, +ha, ha, ha! _Semper idem!_ Why, that fellow is actually becoming a +nuisance! + +KÄFERSTEIN + +A crowd gathered in the street for some reason and it seems that he +discovered a friend in the midst of it. + +HASSENREUTER + +According to my unauthoritative opinion this young Spitta would have done +much better as a surgeon's assistant or Salvation Army officer. But +that's the way of the world: the fellow must needs want to be an actor. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Mr. Spitta, the children's tutor, wants to become an actor? + +HASSENREUTER + +That is exactly the plan he has proposed to me, mama.--But now, if you +bring incense and myrrh, dear Käferstein, out with them! You observe what +a many sided man your teacher is. Now I help my pupils, thirsty after +the contents of the Muses' breasts, to the nourishment they +desire--_nutrimentum spiritus_--again I.... + +KÄFERSTEIN + +[_Rattles a toy bank._] Well, I deposit this offering, which is a +fire-proof bank, next to the perambulator of this excellent offspring of +the mason, with the wish that he will rise to be at least a royal +architect. + +JOHN + +[_Having put cordial glasses on the table, he fetches and opens a fresh +bottle._] Well, now I'm goin' to uncork the _Danziger Goldwasser_. + +HASSENREUTER + +To him who hath shall be given, as you observe, Mrs. John. + +JOHN + +[_Filling the glasses._] Nobody ain't goin' to say that my child's +unprovided for, gentlemen. But I takes it very kindly o' you, gentlemen! +[_All except MRS. HASSENREUTER and WALBURGA lift up their glasses._] To +you health! Come on, mother, we'll drink together too. + + [_The action follows the words._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_In a tone of reproof._] Mama, you must, of course, drink with us. + +JOHN + +[_Having drunk, with jolly expansiveness._] I ain't goin' to Hamburg no +more now. The boss c'n send some other feller there. I been quarrelin' +with him about that these three days. I gotta take up my hat right now +an' go there; he axed me to come roun' to his office again at six. If he +don' want to give in, he needn't. It won't never do for the father of a +family to be forever an' a day away from his family ... I got a +friend--why, all I gotta do's to say the word 'n I c'n get work on the +layin' o' the foundations o' the new houses o' Parliament. Twelve years I +been workin' for this same boss! I c'n afford to make a change some time. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pats JOHN'S shoulder._] Quite of your opinion, quite! Our family life +is something that neither money nor kind words can buy of us. + + _ERICH SPITTA enters. His hat is soiled; his clothes show traces of + mud. His tie is gone. He looks pale and excited and is busy wiping + his hands with his handkerchief._ + +SPITTA + +Beg pardon, but I wonder if I could brush up here a little, Mrs. John? + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! For heaven's sake, what have you been up to, my good Spitta? + +SPITTA + +I only escorted a lady home, Mr. Hassenreuter--nothing else! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who has joined in the general, outburst of laughter called forth by +SPITTA'S explanation._] Well now, listen here! You blandly say: Nothing +else! And you announce it publicly here before all these people? + +SPITTA + +[_In consternation._] Why not? The lady in question, was very well +dressed; I've often seen her on the stairs of this house, and she +unfortunately met with an accident on the street. + +HASSENREUTER + +You don't say so? Tell us about it, dear Spitta! Apparently the lady +inflicted spots on your clothes and scratches on your hands. + +SPITTA + +Oh, no. That was probably the fault of the mob. The lady had an attack of +some kind. The policeman caught hold of her so awkwardly that she slipped +down in the middle of the street immediately in front of two omnibus +horses. I simply couldn't bear to see that, although I admit that the +function of the Good Samaritan is, as a rule, beneath the dignity of +well-dressed people on the public streets. + + _MRS. JOHN wheels the perambulator behind the partition and reappears + with a basin full of water, which she places on a chair._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Did the lady, by any chance, belong to that international high society +which we either regulate or segregate? + +SPITTA + +I confess that that was quite as indifferent to me in the given instance, +as it was to one of the omnibus horses who held his left fore foot +suspended in the air for five, six or, perhaps, even eight solid minutes, +in order not to trample on the woman who lay immediately beneath it. +[_SPITTA is answered by a round of laughter._] You may laugh! The +behaviour of the horse didn't strike me as in the least ludicrous. I +could well understand how some people applauded him, clapped their hands, +and how others stormed a bakery to buy buns with which to feed him. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Fanatically._] I wish he'd trampled all he could! [_MRS. JOHN'S remark +calls forth another outburst of laughter._] An' anyhow! That there Knobbe +woman! She oughta be put in some public place, that she ought, publicly +strapped to a bench an' then beaten--beaten--that's what! She oughta have +the stick taken to her so the blood jus' spurts! + +SPITTA + +Exactly, I've never been deluded into thinking that the so-called Middle +Ages were quite over and done with. It isn't so long ago, in the year +eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, as a matter of fact, that a widow +named Mayer was publicly broken on the wheel right here in the city of +Berlin on Hausvogtei Square,--[_He displays fragments of the lenses of +his spectacles._] By the way, I must hurry to the optician at once. + +JOHN + +[_To SPITTA._] You must excuse us. But didn't you take that there fine +lady home on this very floor acrost the way? Aha! Well, mother she +noticed it right off that that couldn't ha' been nobody but that Knobbe +woman what's known for sendin' girls o' twelve out on the streets! Then +she stays away herself an' swills liquor an' has all kinds o' dealin's +an' takes no care o' her own children. Then when she's been drunk an' +wakes up she beats 'em with her fists an' with an umbrella. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Pulling himself together and bethinking himself._] Hurry, gentlemen! We +must proceed to our period of instruction. We're fifteen minutes behind +hand as it is and our time is limited. We must close the period quite +punctually to-day. I'm sorry. Come, mama. See you later, ladies and +gentlemen. + + [_HASSENREUTER offers his arm to his wife and leaves the room, + followed by KÄFERSTEIN and DR. KEGEL. JOHN also picks up his slouch + hat._ + +JOHN + +[_To his wife._] Good-bye. I gotta go an' see the boss. + + [_He also leaves._ + +SPITTA + +Could you possibly lend me a tie? + +MRS. JOHN + +I'll see what c'n be found in Paul's drawer. [_She opens the drawer of +the table and turns pale._] O Lord! [_She takes from the drawer a lock of +child's hair held together by a riband._] I found a bit of a lock o' hair +here that was cut off the head of our little Adelbert by his father when +he was lyin' in the coffin. [_A profound, grief-stricken sadness suddenly +comes over her face, which gives way again, quite as suddenly, to a gleam +of triumph._] An' now the crib is full again after all! [_With an +expression of strange joyfulness, the lock of hair in her hand, she leads +the young people to the door of the partition through which the +perambulator projects into the main room by two-thirds of its length. +Arrived there she holds the lock of hair close to the head of the living +child._] Come on! Come on here! [_With a strangely mysterious air she +beckons to WALBURGA and SPITTA, who take up their stand next to her and +to the child._] Now look at that there hair an' at this! Ain't it the +same? Wouldn't you say it was the same identical hair? + +SPITTA + +Quite right. It's the same to the minutest shade, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +All right! That's all right! That's what I wanted to know. + + [_Together with the child she disappears behind the partition._ + +WALBURGA + +Doesn't it strike you, Erich, that Mrs. John's behaviour is rather +peculiar? + +SPITTA + +[_Taking WALBURGA'S hands and kissing them shyly but passionately._] I +don't know, I don't know ... Or, at least, my opinion musn't count +to-day. The sombre state of my own mind colours all the world. Did you +get the letter? + +WALBURGA + +Yes. But I couldn't make out why you hadn't been at our house in such a +long while. + +SPITTA + +Forgive me, Walburga, but I couldn't come. + +WALBURGA + +And why not? + +SPITTA + +Because my mind was not at one with itself. + +WALBURGA + +You want to become an actor? Is that true? You're going to change +professions? + +SPITTA + +What I'll be in the end may be left to God. But never a parson--never a +country parson! + +WALBURGA + +Listen! I've had my fortune told from the cards. + +SPITTA + +That's nonsense, Walburga. You mustn't do that. + +WALBURGA + +I swear to you, Erich, that it isn't nonsense. The woman told me I was +betrothed in secret and that my betrothed is an actor. Of course I +laughed her to scorn. And immediately after that mama told me that you +wanted to be an actor. + +SPITTA + +Is that a fact? + +WALBURGA + +It's true--every bit of it. And in addition the clairvoyant said that we +would have a visitor who would cause us much trouble. + +SPITTA + +My father is coming to Berlin, Walburga, and it's undoubtedly true that +the old gentleman will give us not a little trouble. Father doesn't know +it, but my views and his have been worlds asunder for a long time. It +didn't need these letters of his which seem actually to burn in my pocket +and by which he answered my confession--it didn't need these letters to +tell me that. + +WALBURGA + +An evil, envious, venomous star presided over our secret meeting here! +Oh, how I used to admire my papa! And since that Sunday I blush for him +every minute. And however much I try, I can't, since that day, look +frankly and openly into his eyes. + +SPITTA + +Did you have differences with your father too? + +WALBURGA + +Oh, if it were nothing more than that! I was so proud of papa! And now I +tremble to think of even your finding it out. You'd despise us! + +SPITTA + +_I_ despise anyone? Dear child, I can't think of anything less fitting +for me! Look here: I'll set you an example in the matter of frankness. A +sister of mine, six years older than I, was governess in a noble family. +Well, a misfortune happened to her and ... when she sought refuge in the +house of her parents, my Christian father put her out of doors! I believe +he thought that Jesus would have done the same. And so my sister +gradually sank lower and lower and some day we can go and visit her in +the little suicides' graveyard near Schildhorn where she finally found +rest. + +WALBURGA + +[_Puts her arms around SPITTA._] Poor boy, you never told me a word of +that. + +SPITTA + +Circumstances have changed now and I speak of it. I shall speak of it to +papa too even if it causes a breach between us.--You're always surprised +when I get excited, and that I can't control myself when I see some poor +devil being kicked about, or when I see the rabble mistreating some poor +fallen girl. I have actual hallucinations sometimes. I seem to see ghosts +in bright daylight and my own sister among them! + + _PAULINE PIPERCARCKA enters, dressed as before. Her little face seems + to have grown paler and prettier._ + +PAULINE + +Good mornin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_From behind the partition._] Who's that out there? + +PAULINE + +Pauline, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Pauline? I don't know no Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Pauline Pipercarcka, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Who? Oh, well then you c'n wait a minute, Pauline. + +WALBURGA + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Emerges from behind the partition and carefully draws the hangings._] +That's right. I got somethin' to discuss with this here young person. So +you young folks c'n see about getting out. + + _SPITTA and WALBURGA leave hastily. MRS. JOHN locks the door behind + them._ + +MRS. JOHN + +So it's you, Pauline? An' what is it you want? + +PAULINE + +What should I be wantin'? Somethin' jus' drove me here! Couldn't wait no +longer. I has to see how everythin' goes. + +MRS. JOHN + +How what goes? What's everythin'? + +PAULINE + +[_With a somewhat bad conscience._] Well, if it's well; if it's gettin' +on nicely. + +MRS. JOHN + +If what's well? If what's gettin' on nicely? + +PAULINE + +You oughta know that without my tellin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +_What_ ought I to know without your tellin' me? + +PAULINE + +I wants to know if anythin's happened to the child! + +MRS. JOHN + +What child? An' what could ha' happened? Talk plainly, will you? There +ain't a word o' your crazy chatter that anybody c'n understand! + +PAULINE + +I ain't sayin' nothin' but what's true, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, what is it? + +PAULINE + +My child ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Gives her a terrific box on the ear._] Say that again an' I'll bang my +boots about your ears so that you'll think you're the mother o' triplets. +An now: get outa here! An' don' never dare to show your face here again! + +PAULINE + +[_Starts to go. She shakes the door which is locked._] She's beaten me! +Help! Help! I don' has to--stand that! No! [_Weeping._] Open the door! +She's maltreated me, Mrs. John has! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Utterly transformed, embraces PAULINE, thus restraining her._] Pauline! +For God's sake, Pauline! I don' know what could ha' gotten into me! You +jus' be good now an' quiet down an' I'll beg your pardon. What d'you want +me to do? I'll get down _on_ my knees if you wants me to! Anythin'! +Pauline! Listen! Let me do _some_thin'! + +PAULINE + +Why d'you go 'n hit me in the face? I'm goin' to headquarters and say as +how you slapped me in the face. I'm goin' to headquarters to give notice! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Thrusts her face forward._] Here! You c'n hit me back--- right in the +face! Then it's all right; then it's evened up. + +PAULINE + +I'm goin' to headquarters ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Yes, then it's evened up. You jus' listen to what I says: Don't you see +it'll be evened up then all right! What d'you want to do? Come on now an' +hit me! + +PAULINE + +What's the good o' that when my cheek is swollen? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Striking herself a blow on the cheek._] There! Now my cheek is swollen +too. Come on, my girl, hit me an' don' be scared!--- An' then you c'n +tell me everythin' you got on your heart. In the meantime I'll go an' +I'll cook for you an' me, Miss Pauline, a good cup o' reel coffee made o' +beans--none o' your chicory slop, so help me! + +PAULINE + +[_Somewhat conciliated._] Why did you has to go an' be so mean an' rough +to a poor girl like me, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +That's it'--that's jus' what I'd like to know my own self! Come on, +Pauline, an' sit down! So! It's all right, I tells you! Sit down! It's +fine o' you to come an' see me! How many beatin's didn't I get from my +poor mother because sometimes I jus' seemed to go crazy an' not be the +same person no more. She said to me more'n onct: Lass, look out! You'll +be doin' for yourself some day! An' maybe she was right; maybe it'll be +that way. Well now, Pauline, tell me how you are an' how you're gettin' +along? + +PAULINE + +[_Laying down bank-notes and handfuls of silver, without counting them, +on the table._] Here is the money: I don't need it. + +MRS. JOHN + +I don' know nothin' about no money, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Oh, you'll know about the money all right! It's been jus' burnin' into +me, that it has! It was like a snake under my pillow ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Oh, come now ... + +PAULINE + +Like a snake that crept out when I went to sleep. An' it tormented me an' +wound itself aroun' me an' squeezed me so that I screamed right out an' +my landlady found me lyin' on the bare floor jus' like somebody what's +dead. + +MRS. JOHN + +You jus' let that be right now, Pauline. Take a bit of a drink first of +all! [_She pours out a small glassful of brandy._] An' then come an' eat +a bite. It was my husband's birthday yesterday. + + [_She gets out some coffee-cake of which she cuts an oblong piece._ + +PAULINE + +Oh, no, I don' feel like eatin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +That strengthens you; that does you good; you oughta eat that! But I is +pleased to see, Pauline, how your fine constitootion helped you get back +your strength so good. + +PAULINE + +But now I want to have a look at it, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? What d'you want to have a look at? + +PAULINE + +If I could ha' walked I'd ha' been here long ago. I want to see now what +I come to see! + + _MRS. JOHN, whose almost creeping courtesies have been uttered with + lips aquiver with fear, pales ominously and keeps silent. She goes to + the kitchen cabinet, wrenches the coffee handmill out and pours beans + into it. She sits down, squeezes the mill between her knees, grasps + the handle, and stares with a consuming expression of nameless hatred + over at PAULINE._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Eh? Oh, yes! What d'you want to see? What d'you want to see now all of a +sudden? That what you wanted to throttle with them two hands o' yours, +eh? + +PAULINE + +Me? + +MRS. JOHN + +D'you want to lie about it? _I'll_ go and give notice about you! + +PAULINE + +Now you've tormented me an' jabbed at me an' tortured me enough, Mrs. +John. You followed me up; you wouldn't leave me no rest where I went. +Till I brought my child into the world on a heap o' rags up in your loft. +You gave me all kinds o' hopes an' you scared me with that rascal of a +feller up there! You told my fortune for me outa the cards about my +intended an' you baited me an' hounded me till I was most crazy. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' that's what you are. Yes, you're as crazy as you c'n be. _I_ +tormented you, eh? Is that what I did? I picked you up outa the gutter! I +fetched you outa the midst of a blizzard when you was standin' by the +chronometer an' stared at the lamplighter with eyes that was that +desperate scared! You oughta seen yourself! An' I hounded you, eh? Yes, +to prevent the police an' the police-waggon an' the devil hisself from +catchin' you! I left you no rest, eh? I tortured you, did I? to keep you +from jumpin' into the river with the child in your womb! [_Mocking her._] +"I'll throw myself into the canal, mother John! I'll choke the child to +death! I'll kill the little crittur with my hat pin! I'll go an' run to +where its father plays the zither, right in the midst o' the saloon, an' +I'll throw the dead child at his feet!" That's what you said; that's the +way you talked--all the blessed day long and sometimes half the night too +till I put you to bed an' petted you an' stroked you till you went to +sleep. An' you didn't wake up again till next day on the stroke o' +twelve, when the bells was ringin' from all the churches, Yes, that's the +way I scared you, an' then gave you hope again, an' didn't give you no +peace! You forgot all that there, eh? + +PAULINE + +But it's my child, Mrs. John ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Screams._] You go an' get your child outa the canal! + + [_She jumps up and walks hastily about the room, picking up and + throwing aside one object after another._ + +PAULINE + +Ain't I goin' to be allowed to see my child even? + +MRS. JOHN + +Jump into the water an' get it there! Then you'll have it! I ain't +keepin' you back. God knows! + +PAULINE + +All right! You c'n slap me, you c'n beat me, you c'n throw things at my +head if you wants to. Before I don' know where my child is an' before I +ain't seen it with my own eyes, nothin' an' nobody ain't goin' to get me +away from this place. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Interrupting her._] Pauline, I put it out to nurse! + +PAULINE + +That's a lie! Don't I hear it smackin' its lips right behind that there +partition. [_The child behind the partition begins to cry. PAULINE +hastens toward it. She exclaims with pathetic tearfulness, obviously +forcing the note of motherhood a little._] Don' you cry, my poor, poor +little boy! Little mother's comin' to you now! + + [_MRS. JOHN, almost beside herself, has sprung in front of the door, + thus blocking PAULINE'S way._ + +PAULINE + +[_Whining helplessly but with clenched fists._] Lemme go in an' see my +child! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_A terrible change coming over her face._] Look at me, girl! Come here +an' look me in the eye!--D'you think you c'n play tricks on a woman that +looks the way I do? [_PAULINE sits down still moaning._] Sit down an' +howl an' whine till ... till your throat's swollen so you can't give a +groan. But if you gets in here--then you'll be dead or I'll be dead an' +the child--he won't be alive no more neither. + +PAULINE + +[_Rises with some determination._] Then look out for what'll happen. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Attempting to pacify the girl once more._] Pauline, this business was +all settled between us. Why d'you want to go an' burden yourself with the +child what's my child now an' is in the best hands possible? What d'you +want to do with it? Why don't you go to your intended? You two'll have +somethin' better to do than listen to a child cryin' an' takin' all the +care an' trouble he needs! + +PAULINE + +No, that ain't the way it is! He's gotta marry me now! They all says +so--Mrs. Keilbacke, when I had to take treatment, she said so. They says +I'm not to give in; he has to marry me. An' the registrar he advised me +too. That's what he said, an' he was mad, too, when I told him how I +sneaked up into a loft to have my baby! He cried out loud that I wasn't +to let up! Poor, maltreated crittur--that's what he called me an' he put +his hand in his pocket an' gave me three crowns! All right. So we needn't +quarrel no more, Mrs. John. I jus' come anyhow to tell you to be at home +to-morrow afternoon at five o'clock. An' why? Because to-morrow an +official examiner'll come to look after things here. I don't has to worry +myself with you no more.... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Moveless and shocked beyond expression._] What? You went an' give +notice at the public registry? + +PAULINE + +O' course? Does I want to go to gaol? + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you tell the registrar? + +PAULINE + +Nothin' but that I give birth to a boy. An' I was so ashamed! Oh my God, +I got red all over! I thought I'd just have to go through the floor. + +MRS. JOHN + +Is that so? Well, if you was so ashamed why did you go an' give notice? + +PAULINE + +'Cause my landlady an' Mrs. Kielbacke, too, what took me there, didn't +give me no rest. + +MRS. JOHN + +H-m. So they knows it now at the public registry? + +PAULINE + +Yes; they had to know, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Didn't I tell you over an' over again? + +PAULINE + +You gotta give notice o' that! D'you want me to be put in gaol for a +investergation? + +MRS. JOHN + +I told you as how I'd give notice. + +PAULINE + +I axed the registrar right off. Nobody hadn't been there. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you say exackly? + +PAULINE + +That his name was to be Aloysius Theophil an' that he was boardin' with +you. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' to-morrow an officer'll be comin' in. + +PAULINE + +He's a gentlemen from the guardian's office. What's the matter with that? +Why don't you keep still an' act sensible. You scared me most to death a +while ago! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_As if absent-minded._] That's right. There ain't nothin' to be, done +about that now. An' there ain't so much to that, after all, maybe. + +PAULINE + +All right. An' now c'n I see my child, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +Not to-day. Wait till to-morrow, Pauline. + +PAULINE + +Why not to-day? + +MRS. JOHN + +Because no good'd come of it this day. Wait till to-morrow, five o'clock +in the afternoon. + +PAULINE + +That's it. My landlady says it was written that way, that a gentleman +from the city'll be here to-morrow afternoon five o'clock. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pushing PAULINE out and herself going out of the room with her, in the +same detached tone._] All right. Let him come, girl. + + _MRS. JOHN has gone out into the hall for a moment. She now returns + without PAULINE. She seems strangely changed and absent-minded. She + takes a few hasty steps toward the door of the partition; then stands + still with an expression of fruitless brooding on her face. She + interrupts herself in this brooding and runs to the window. Having + reached it she turns and on her face there reappears the expression + of dull detachment. Slowly, like a somnambulist, she walks up to the + table and sits down beside it, leaning her chin on her hand. SELMA + KNOBBE appears in the doorway._ + +SELMA + +Mother's asleep, Mrs. John, an' I'm that hungry. Might I have a bite o' +bread? + + _MRS. JOHN rises mechanically and cuts a slice from the loaf of bread + with the air of one under an hypnotic influence._ + +SELMA + +[_Observing MRS. JOHN'S state of mind._] It's me! What's the matter, Mrs. +John? Whatever you do, don't cut yourself with the bread knife. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Lets the loaf and the bread-knife slip involuntarily from her hand to +the table. A dry sobbing overwhelms her more and more._] +Fear!--Trouble!--You don' know nothin' about that! + + [_She trembles and grasps after some support._ + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + _The same decoration as in the first act. The lamp is lit. The dim + light of a hanging lamp illuminates the passage._ + + _HASSENREUTER is giving his three pupils, SPITTA, DR. KEGEL and + KÄFERSTEIN instruction in the art of acting. He himself is seated at + the table, uninterruptedly opening letters and beating time to the + rhythm of the verses with a paper cutter. In front of him stand, + facing each other, KEGEL and KÄFERSTEIN on one side, SPITTA on the + other, thus representing the two choruses in Schiller's "Bride of + Messina." The young men stand in the midst of a diagram drawn with + chalk on the floor and separated, like a chess-board, into sixty-four + rectangles. On the high stool in front of the office desk WALBURGA is + sitting. Waiting in the background stands the house steward QUAQUARO, + who might be the manager of a wandering circus and, in the capacity + of athlete, its main attraction. His speech is uttered in a guttural + tenor. He wears bedroom slippers. His breeches are held up by an + embroidered belt. An open shirt, fairly clean, a light jacket, a cap + now held in his hand, complete his attire._ + +DR. KEGEL AND KÄFERSTEIN + +[_Mouthing the verses sonorously and with exaggerated dignity._] + + "Thee salute I with reverence, + Lordliest chamber, + Thee, my high rulers' + Princeliest cradle, + Column-supported, magnificent roof. + Deep in its scabbard ..." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Cries in a rage._] Pause! Period! Period! Pause! Period! You're not +turning the crank of a hurdy-gurdy! The chorus in the "Bride of Messina" +is no hand-organ tune! "Thee salute I with reverence!" Start over again +from the beginning, gentleman! "Thee salute I with reverence, Lordliest +chamber!" Something like that, gentlemen! "Deep in its scabbard let the +sword rest." Period! "Magnificent roof." I meant to say: Period! But you +may go on if you want to. + +DR. KEGEL AND KÄFERSTEIN + + "Deep in its scabbard + Let the sword rest, + Fettered fast by your gateway + Moveless may lie Strife's snaky-locked monster. + For ..." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_As before._] Hold on! Don't you know the meaning of a full stop, +gentlemen? Haven't you any knowledge of the elements? "Snaky-haired +monster." Period! Imagine that a pile is driven there! You've got to +stop, to pause. There must be silence like the silence of the dead! +You've got to imagine yourself wiped out of existence for the moment, +Käferstein. And then--out with your best trumpeting chest-notes! Hold on! +Don't lisp, for God's sake. "For ..." Go on now! Start! + +DR. KEGEL AND KÄFERSTEIN + + "For this hospitable house's + Inviolable threshold + Guardeth an oath, the Furies' child...." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Jumps up, runs about and roars._] Oath, oath, oath, oath!!! Don't you +know what an oath is, Käferstein? "Guardeth an oath!!--the Furies' +child." This oath is said to be the child of the Furies, Dr. Kegel! +You've got to use your voice! The audience, to the last usher, has got to +be one vast quivering gooseflesh when you say that! One shiver must run +through every bone in the house! Listen to me: "For this house's ... +threshold Guardeth an oath!!! The Furies' child, The fearfullest of the +infernal deities!"--Go ahead! Don't repeat these verses. But you can stop +long enough to observe that an oath and a Munich beer radish are, after +all, two different things. + +SPITTA + +[_Declaims._] + + "Ireful my heart in my bosom burneth...." + +HASSENREUTER + +Hold on! [_He runs up to SPITTA and pushes and nudges the latter's arms +and legs in order to produce the desired tragic pose._]--First of all, +you lack the requisite statuesqueness of posture, my dear Spitta. The +dignity of a tragic character is in nowise expressed in you. Then you did +not, as I expressly desired you to do, advance your right foot from the +field marked ID into that marked IIC! Finally, Mr. Quaquaro is waiting; +so let us interrupt ourselves for a moment. So; now I'm at your service, +Mr. Quaquaro. That is to say, I asked you to come up because, in making +my inventory, it became clear that several cases and boxes cannot be +found or, in other words, have been stolen. Now, before lodging +information with the authorities which, of course, I am determined to do, +I wanted first to get your advice. I wanted to do that all the more +because, in place of the lost cases, there was found, in a corner of the +attic, a very peculiar mess--a find that could appropriately be sent to +Dr. Virchow. First there was a blue feather-duster, truly prehistoric, +and an inexpressible vessel, the use of which, quite harmless in itself, +is equally inexpressible. + +QUAQUARO + +Well, sir, I can climb up there if you want me to. + +HASSENREUTER + +Suppose you do that. Up there you'll meet Mrs. John, whom the find in +question has disquieted even more than it has me. These three gentlemen, +who are my pupils, won't be persuaded that something very like a murder +didn't take place up there. But, if you please, let's not cause a +scandal! + +KÄFERSTEIN + +When something got lost in my mother's shop in Schneidemühl, it was +always said that the rats had eaten it. And really, when you consider the +number of rats and mice in this house--I very nearly stepped on one on +the stairs a while ago--why shouldn't we suppose that the cases of +costumes were devoured in the same way. Silk is said to be sweet. + +HASSENREUTER + +Very excellent! Very good! You're relieved from the necessity of +indulging in any more notion-shopkeepers' fancies, my good Käferstein! +Ha, ha, ha! It only remains for you to dish up for us the story of the +cavalry man Sorgenfrei, who, according to your assertion, when this house +was still a cavalry barracks, hanged himself--spurred and armed--in my +loft. And then the last straw would be for you to direct our suspicions +toward him. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +You can still see the very nail he used. + +QUAQUARO + +There ain't a soul in the house what don't know the story of the soldier +Sorgenfrei who put an end to hisself with a rope somewhere under the +rooftree. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +The carpenter's wife downstairs and a seamstress in the second story have +repeatedly seen him by broad daylight nodding out of the attic window and +bowing down with military demeanour. + +QUAQUARO + +A corporal, they says, called the soldier Sorgenfrei a windbag an' gave +him a blow outa spite. An' the idjit took that to heart. + +HASSENREUTER + +Ha, ha, ha! Military brutalities and ghost stories! That mixture is +original, but hardly to our purpose. I assume that the theft, or whatever +it was, took place during those eleven or twelve days that I spent on +business in Alsace. So look the matter over and have the goodness, later, +to report to me. + + _HASSENREUTER turns to his pupils. QUAQUARO mounts the stairs to the + loft and disappears behind the trap-door._ + +HASSENREUTER + +All right, my good Spitta: Fire away! + + _SPITTA recites simply according to the sense and without any tragic + bombast._ + + "Ireful my heart in my bosom burneth, + My hand is ready for sword or lance, + For unto me the Gorgon turneth + My foeman's hateful countenance. + Scarce I master the rage that assails me. + Shall I salute him with fair speech? + Better, perchance, my ire avails me? + Only the Fury me affrighteth, + Protectress of all within her reach, + And God's truce which all foes uniteth." + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Who has sat down, supports his head on his hand and listens resignedly. +Not until SPITTA has ceased speaking for some moments does he look up, as +if coming to himself._] Are you quite through, Spitta? If so, I'm much +obliged!--You see, my dear fellow, I've really gotten into a deuce of a +situation as far as you are concerned: either I tell you impudently to +your face that I consider your method of elocution excellent--and in that +case I'd be guilty of a lie of the most contemptible kind: or else I tell +you that I consider it abominable and then we'd get into another beastly +row. + +SPITTA + +[_Turning pale._] Yes, all this stilted, rhetorical stuff is quite +foreign to my nature. That's the very reason why I abandoned theology. +The preacher's tone is repulsive to me. + +HASSENREUTER + +And so you would like to reel off these tragic choruses as a clerk of +court mumbles a document or a waiter a bill of fare? + +SPITTA + +I don't care for the whole sonorous bombast of the "Bride of Messina." + +HASSENREUTER + +I wish you'd repeat that charming opinion. + +SPITTA + +There's nothing to be done about it, sir. Our conceptions of dramatic art +diverge utterly, in some respects. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man alive, at this particular moment your face is a veritable monogram of +megalomania and impudence! I beg your pardon, but you're my pupil now and +no longer the tutor of my children. Your views and mine! You ridiculous +tyro! You and Schiller! Friedrich Schiller! I've told you a hundred times +that your puerile little views of art are nothing but an innate striving +toward imbecility! + +SPITTA + +You would have to prove that to me, after all. + +HASSENREUTER + +You prove it yourself every time you open your mouth! You deny the whole +art of elocution, the value of the voice in acting! You want to +substitute for both the art of toneless squeaking! Further you deny the +importance of action in the drama and assert it to be a worthless +accident, a sop for the groundlings! You deny the validity of poetic +justice, of guilt and its necessary expiation. You call all that a vulgar +invention--an assertion by means of which the whole moral order of the +world is abrogated by the learned and crooked understanding of your +single magnificent self! Of the heights of humanity you know nothing! You +asserted the other day that, in certain circumstances, a barber or a +scrubwoman might as fittingly be the protagonist of a tragedy as Lady +Macbeth or King Lear! + +SPITTA + +[_Still pale, polishing his spectacles._] Before art as before the law +all men are equal, sir. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aha? Is that so? Where did you pick up that banality? + +SPITTA + +[_Without permitting himself to be disconcerted._] The truth of that +saying has become my second nature. In believing it I probably find +myself at variance with Schiller and Gustav Freytag, but not at all with +Lessing and Diderot. I have spent the past two semesters in the study of +these two great dramaturgic critics, and the whole stilted French +pseudo-classicism is, as far as I'm concerned, utterly destroyed--not +only in creative art itself but in such manifestations as the boundless +folly of the directions for acting which Goethe prescribed in his old +age. These are mere superannuated nonsense. + +HASSENREUTER + +You don't mean it? + +SPITTA + +And if the German stage is ever to recuperate it must go back to the +young Schiller, the young Goethe--the author of "Götz"--and ever again to +Gotthold Ephraim Lessing! There you will find set down principles of +dramatic art which are adapted to the rich complexity of life in all its +fullness, and which are potent to cope with Nature itself! + +HASSENREUTER + +Walburga! I'm afraid Mr. Spitta is taking us for each other. Mr. Spitta, +you're about to give a lesson! Walburga, you and your teacher are free to +retire to the library.--If human arrogance and especially that of very +young people could be crystallised into one formation--humanity would be +buried under that rock like an ant under the granite masses of an +antediluvian mountain range! + +SPITTA + +But I wouldn't in any wise be refuted thereby. + +HASSENREUTER + +Man, I tell you that I've not only passed through two semesters of formal +study, but I have grown grey in the practice of the actor's art! And I +tell you that Goethe's catechism for actors is the alpha and the omega of +my artistic convictions! If you don't like that--get another teacher! + +SPITTA + +[_Pursuing his argument calmly._] According to my opinion, Goethe with +his senile regulations for actors denied, in the pettiest way, himself +and his whole original nature. What is one to say of his ruling that +every actor, irrespective of the quality of the character represented by +him, must--these are his very words--show an ogre-like expression of +countenance in order that the spectator be at once reminded of the nature +of lofty tragedy. Actually, these are his very words! + + _KÄFERSTEIN and KEGEL make an effort to assume ogre-like + expressions._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Get out your note-book, most excellent Spitta, and record your opinion, +please, that Manager Hassenreuter is an ass, that Schiller is an ass, +Goethe an ass, Aristotle, too, of course--[_he begins suddenly to laugh +like mad_]--and, ha, ha, ha! a certain Spitta a--night watchman! + +SPITTA + +I'm glad to see, sir, that, at least, you've recovered your good humour. + +HASSENREUTER + +The devil! I haven't recovered it at all! You're a symptom. So you +needn't think yourself very important.--You are a rat, so to speak. One +of those rats who are beginning, in the field of politics, to undermine +our glorious and recently united German Empire! They are trying to cheat +us of the reward of our labours! And in the garden of German art these +rats are gnawing at the roots of the tree of idealism. They are +determined to drag its crown into the mire!--Down, down, down into the +dust with you! + + _KÄFERSTEIN and KEGEL try to preserve their gravity but soon break + out into loud laughter, which HASSENREUTER is impelled to join. + WALBURGA looks on in wide-eyed astonishment. SPITTA remains serious._ + + _MRS. JOHN is now seen descending the stairs of the loft. After a + little while QUAQUARO follows her._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Perceives MRS. JOHN and points her out to SPITTA with violent +gesticulations as if he had just made an important discovery._] There +comes your tragic Muse! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Approaches, abashed by the laughter of HASSENREUTER, KEGEL and +KÄFERSTEIN._] Why, what d'you see about me? + +HASSENREUTER + +Nothing but what is good and beautiful, Mrs. John! You may thank God that +your quiet, withdrawn and peaceful life unfits you for the part of a +tragic heroine.--But tell me, have you, by any chance, had an interview +with ghosts? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Unnaturally pale._] Why do you ax that? + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps you even saw the famous soldier Sorgenfrei who closed his career +above as a deserter into a better world? + +MRS. JOHN + +If it was a livin' soul, maybe you might be right. But I ain't scared o' +no dead ghosts. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, Mr. Quaquaro, how did it look under the roof there? + +QUAQUARO + +[_Who has brought down with him a Swedish riding-boot._] Well, I took a +pretty good look aroun' an' I came to the conclusion that, at least, some +shelterless ragamuffins has passed the night there; though how they got +in I ain't sayin'. An' then I found this here boot.-- + + [_Out of the boot he draws an infant's bottle, topped by a rubber + nipple and half filled with milk._ + +MRS. JOHN + +That's easily explained. I was up there settin' things to rights an' I +had little Adelbert along with me. But I don' know nothin' about the +rest. + +HASSENREUTER + +Nobody has undertaken to assert that you do, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +When you considers how my little Adelbert came into the world ... an' +when you considers how he died ... nobody c'n come an' tell me nothin' +about bein' a reel mother ... But I gotta leave now, sir ... I can't be +comin' up here for two three days. Good-bye! I has to go to my +sister-in-law an' let Adelbert enjoy the country air a little. + + [_She trots off through the door to the outer hall._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Can you make anything of her wild talk? + +QUAQUARO + +There's been a screw loose there ever since her first baby came, an' all +the more after it took an' died. Now since she's got the second one, +there's two screws what's wobbly. Howsoever, she c'n count--that's a +fac'. She's got a good bit o' money loaned out at interest on pawned +goods. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, but what is the injured party--namely, myself--to do? + +QUAQUARO + +That depends on where the suspicion falls. + +HASSENREUTER + +In this house?--You'll admit yourself, Mr. Quaquaro ... + +QUAQUARO + +That's true all right. But it won't be long before we'll have a little +cleanin' up aroun' here! The widow Knobbe with all her crowd is goin' to +be put out! An' then there's a gang in wing B, where there's some tough +customers by what Policeman Schierke tells me. Well, they're goin' to +come from headquarters pretty soon and blow up that crowd. + +HASSENREUTER + +There must be a glee club somewhere in the house. At least I hear +excellent male voices singing from time to time things like "Germany, our +highest glory," and "Who has built thee, noble wood," and "In a cool +galley turneth." + +QUAQUARO + +Them's the very fellers! That's right! An' they do sing fine! The sayin' +is that bad men has no songs, but I wouldn't advise no one to fool with +_them_! I wouldn't go into that company my own self without Prince. +That's my bull dog. You just go an' lay information against 'em an' you +won't be doin' no harm, sir. + + [_QUAQUARO exit._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Referring to QUAQUARO._] The gleam in his eye demands security. His +lips demand cash. His fist portends immediate warning. He's a lucky +creature who doesn't dream of him at the end of the month. And whoever +dreams of him roars for help. A horrible, greasy fellow. But without him +the people who rent this old shell would get no money and the +army-treasurer could strike the income of these rentals from his +books.--[_The door bell rings._]--That Is Miss Alice Rütterbusch, the +young soubrette with whom, unfortunately, I haven't been able to make a +hard and fast contract yet on account of the way the aldermen of +Strassburg shilly shally about their final decision. After my +appointment, which I will secure by God's help, her engagement will be my +first managerial act.--Walburga and Spitta, march up into the loft! Count +the contents of the six boxes marked "Journalists" in order that we may +complete our inventory at the proper time.--[_To KÄFERSTEIN and DR. +KEGEL._] You may withdraw into the library in the meantime.... + + [_He steps forward in order to open the door._ + + _WALBURGA and SPITTA disappear swiftly and very willingly into the + loft; KÄFERSTEIN and KEGEL retire into the library._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_In the background._] If you please, step right in, my dear lady! I +_beg_ your pardon, sir! I was expecting a lady ... I was expecting a +young lady ... But, please, come in. + + _HASSENREUTER comes forward accompanied by PASTOR SPITTA. The latter + is sixty years old. A village parson, somewhat countrified. One might + equally well take him to be a surveyor or a landowner in a small way. + He is of vigorous appearance--short-necked, well-nourished, with a + squat, broad face like Luther's. He wears a slouch-hat, spectacles + and carries a cane and a coat of waterproof cloth over his arm. His + clumsy boots and the state of his other garments show that they have + long been accustomed to wind and weather._ + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Do you know who I am, Mr. Hassenreuter? + +HASSENREUTER + +Not quite exactly, but I would hazard ... + +PASTOR SPITTA + +You may, you may! You needn't hesitate to call me Pastor Spitta from +Schwoiz in Uckermark, whose son Erich--yes, that's it--has been employed +in your family as private tutor or something like that. Erich Spitta: +that's my son. And I'm obliged to say that with deep sorrow. + +HASSENREUTER + +First of all, I'm very glad, to have the privilege of your acquaintance. +I hasten at once to beg you, however, dear Pastor, not to be too much +worried, not to be too sorrowful concerning the little escapade in which +your son is indulging. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Oh, but I am greatly troubled, I am deeply grieved. [_Sitting down on a +chair he surveys the strange place in which he finds himself with +considerable interest._] It is hard to say; it is extremely difficult to +communicate to any one the real depth of anxiety. But forgive me a +question, sir: I was in the trophy-chamber.--[_He touches one of the +armored dummies with his cane._] What kind of armor is this? + +HASSENREUTER + +These figures are to represent the cuirassiers in Schiller's +"Wallenstein." + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Ah, ah, my idea of Schiller was so very different! [_Collecting +himself._] Oh, this city of Berlin! It confuses me utterly. You see a man +before you, sir, who is not only grieved, whom this Sodom of a city has +not only stirred to his very depths, but who is actually broken-hearted +by the deed of his son. + +HASSENREUTER + +A deed? What deed? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Is there any need to ask? The son of an honest man desiring to become an +... an ... an actor! + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Drawing himself up. With the utmost dignity._] My dear sir, I do not +approve of your son's determination. But I am myself--_honi soit qui mal +y pense_--the son of an honest man and myself, I trust, a man of honour. +And I, whom you see before you, have been an actor, too. No longer than +six weeks ago I took part in the Luther celebration--for I am no less an +apostle of culture in the broadest sense--not only as manager but by +ascending the boards on which the world is shadowed forth as an actor! +From my point of view, therefore, your son's determination is scarcely +open to objection on the score of his social standing or his honourable +character. But it is a difficult calling and demands, above all, a high +degree of talent. I am also willing to admit that it is a calling not +without peculiar dangers to weak characters. And finally I have myself +proved the unspeakable hardships of my profession so thoroughly that I +would like to guard anyone else from entering it. That is the reason why +I box my daughters' ears if the slightest notion of going on the stage +seizes them, and why I would rather tie stones about their necks and +drown them where the sea is deepest than see them marry actors. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +I didn't mean to wound any one's feelings. I admit, too, that a simple +country parson like myself can't very well have much of a conception of +such things. But consider a father now--just such a poor country +parson--who has saved and hoarded his pennies in order that his son might +have a career at the university. Now consider, further, that this son is +just about to take his final examinations and that his father and his +mother--I have a sick wife at home--are looking forward with anxiety and +with longing, whichever you call it, toward the moment in which their son +will mount the pulpit and deliver the trial sermon before the +congregation of his choice. And then comes this letter. Why, the boy is +mad! + + _The emotion of the Pastor is not exactly consciously directed; it is + controlled. The trembling of the hand with which he searches for the + letter in his inner pocket and hands it to the manager is not quite + convincing._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Young men search after various aims. We mustn't be too much taken by +surprise if, once in a while, a crisis of this kind is not to be avoided +in a young man's life. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +Well, this crisis _was_ avoidable. It will not be difficult for you to +see from this letter who is responsible for this destructive change in +the soul of a young, an excellent, and hitherto thoroughly obedient +youth. I should never have sent him to Berlin. Yes, it is this so-called +scientific theology, this theology that flirts with all the pagan +philosophers, that would change the Lord our God into empty smoke and +sublimate our blessed Saviour into thin air--it is this that I hold +responsible for the grievous mistake of my child. And to this may be +added other temptations. I tell you, sir, I have seen things which it is +impossible for me to speak of! I have circulars in every pocket--"Ball of +the Élite! Smart waitresses!" and so on! I was quietly walking, at half +past twelve one night, through the arcade that connects Friedrich street +with the Linden, and a disgusting fellow sidles up to me, wretched, +undergrown, and asks me with a kind of greasy, shifty impudence: Doesn't +the gentleman want something real fetching? And these show windows in +which, right by the pictures of noble and exalted personages, naked +actresses, dancers, in short the most shocking nudities are displayed! +And finally this Corso--oh, this Corso! Where painted and bedizened vice +jostles respectable women from the sidewalk! It's simply the end of the +world! + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, my dear Pastor, the world doesn't so easily come to an end--nor, +surely, will it do so on account of the nudities that offend or of the +vice which slinks through the streets at night. The world will probably +outlive me and the whole scurrilous interlude of humanity. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +What turns these young people aside from the right path is evil example +and easy opportunity. + +HASSENREUTER + +I beg your pardon, Pastor, but I have not observed in your son the +slightest inclination toward leading a frivolous life. He is simply +attracted to literature, and he isn't the first clergyman's son--remember +merely Lessing and Herder--who has taken the road of literary study and +creative art. Very likely be has manuscript plays in his desk even now. +To be sure, I am bound to admit that the opinions which your son defends +in the field of literature frighten even me at times! + +PASTOR SPITTA + +But that's horrible! That's frightful! That far exceeds my worst fears! +And so my eyes have been opened.--My dear sir, I have had eight children, +of whom Erich seemed our fairest hope and his next-oldest sister our +heaviest trial. And now, it seems, the same accursed city has demanded +them both as its victims. The girl developed prematurely, she was +beautiful ... and ... But I must mention another circumstance now, I +have, been in Berlin for three days and I haven't seen Erich yet. When I +tried to see him to-day, he was not at home in his rooms. I waited for a +while and naturally looked about me in my son's dwelling. And now: look +at this picture, sir! + + [_Replacing ERICH'S letter in his pocket he extracts therefrom a + small photograph and holds it immediately under HASSENREUTER'S eyes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Takes the picture and holds it at varying distances from him. He is +disconcerted._] Why should I look at this? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +The silly little face is of no importance. But pray look at the +inscription. + +HASSENREUTER + +Where? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +[_Reads._] "From Walburga to her only sweetheart." + +HASSENREUTER + +Permit me!--- What's the meaning of this? + +PASTOR SPITTA + +It simply means some seamstress if not, what is worse, some shady +waitress! + +HASSENREUTER + +H-m. [_He slips the picture into his pocket._] I shall keep this +photograph. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +It is in such filth that my son wallows. And consider the situation in +which it puts me: with what feelings, with what front shall I +henceforward face my congregation from the pulpit ...? + +HASSENREUTER + +Confound it, what business is that of mine? What have I to do with your +offspring, with your lost sons and daughters? [_He pulls out the +photograph again._] And furthermore, as far as this excellent and +sound-hearted young lady is concerned, you're quite mistaken in your +ideas about waitresses and such like. I'll say nothing more. All other +matters will adjust themselves. Good-bye. + +PASTOR SPITTA + +I confess frankly, I don't understand you. Probably this tone is the +usual one in your circles, I will go and not annoy you any longer. But as +a father I have the right before God, to demand of you that henceforth +you refuse to my deluded son this so-called dramatic instruction. I hope +I shall not have to look for further ways and means of enforcing this +demand. + +HASSENREUTER + +I won't only do that, but I'll actually put him out of doors. + + [_He accompanies the PASTOR to the door, slams it behind him and + returns alone._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Waving his arms through the air._] All that one can say here is: Plain +parson! [_He rushes halfway up the stairs to the loft._] Spitta! +Walburga! Come down here, will you? + + _WALBURGA and SPITTA come down._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_To WALBURGA, who looks at him questioningly._] Go to your high stool +over there and sit down on the humorous part of your anatomy! Well, and +you, my dear Spitta, what do you want? + +SPITTA + +You called us both, sir. + +HASSENREUTER + +Exactly. Now look me in the eye! + +SPITTA Certainly. + + [_He looks straight at HASSENREUTER._ + +HASSENREUTER + +You two want to make an ass of me. But you won't succeed! Silence! Not a +word! I would have expected something very different from you! This is a +striking proof of ingratitude. Keep still! Furthermore, a gentleman was +here just now! That gentleman is afraid in Berlin! March! Follow him! +Take him down into the street and try to make it clear to him that I'm +neither your bootblack nor his. + + [_SPITTA shrugs his shoulders, takes his hat and goes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Strides up to WALBURGA energetically and tweaks her ear._] And as for +you, my dear, you'll have your ears soundly boxed if ever again without +my permission you exchange two words with this rascal of a theologian +gone to smash! + +WALBURGA + +Ouch, papa, ouch! + +HASSENREUTER + +This fellow who is fond of making such an innocent face as if he couldn't +harm a fly and whom I was careless enough to admit to my house is, +unfortunately, a man behind whose mask the most shameless impudence lies +in wait. I and my house are in the service of true propriety. Do you want +to besmirch the escutcheon of oar honour as the sister of this fellow +seems to have done--a girl who disgraced, her parents by coming to an end +in the street and the gutter? + +WALBURGA + +I don't share your opinion about Erich, papa. + +HASSENREUTER + +What's that? Well, at least you know my opinion. Either you give him his +walking papers or else you can look out for yourself and find out what it +is to get along, away from your parental roof, in a way of life +regardless of honour, duty and decency! In that case you can go! I have +no use for daughters of that kind! + +WALBURGA + +[_Pale and sombre._] You are always saying, papa, that you too had to +make your way independently and without your parents. + +HASSENREUTER + +You're not a man. + +WALBURGA + +Certainly not. But think, for instance, of Alice Rütterbusch. + + [_Father and daughter look firmly into each other's eyes._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Why should I? Have you a fever, eh? Or have you gone mad? [_He drops the +whole discussion, noticeably put out of countenance, and taps at the +library door._] Where did we leave off? Begin at the proper place. + + _KEGEL and KÄFERSTEIN appear._ + +KEGEL _and_ KÄFERSTEIN + +[_Declaim:_] + + "A wiser temper + Beseemeth age. + I, being reasonable, + Salute him first." + + _Led and directed by SPITTA appear PAULINE PIPERCARCKA in street + dress and MRS. KIELBACKE, who carries an infant on a pillow._ + +HASSENREUTER + +What do you want here? What kind of women are you bringing here to annoy +me? + +SPITTA + +It isn't my fault, sir. The women insisted on coming to you. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +No; all we wants is to see Mrs. John. + +PAULINE + +An' Mrs. John she's always up here with you! + +HASSENREUTER + +True. But I'm beginning to regret the fact, and I must insist, at all +events, that she hold her private receptions in her own rooms and not +here. Otherwise I'll soon equip the door here with patent locks and +mantraps.--What's the matter with you, my good Spitta? I suppose you'll +have to have the goodness to show these ladies the place they really want +to go to. + +PAULINE + +But Mrs. John ain't to be found in her rooms downstairs. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, she's not to be found up here either. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +The reason is because this here young lady has her little son boardin' +with Mrs. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +Glad to hear it! Please march now without further delay! Save me, +Käferstein! + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +An' now a gentleman's come from the city, from the office of the +government guardian office to see how the child is an' if it's well taken +care of an' in good condition. An' then he went into Mrs. John's room an' +we went with him. An' there was the child an' a note pinned to it what +said that Mrs. John was workin' for you up here. + +HASSENREUTER + +Where was the child boarding? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +With Mrs. John. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Impatiently._] That's simply a piece of imbecility. You are quite +wrong.--Spitta, you would have been much better employed accompanying the +old gentleman after whom I sent you than aiding these ladies to come +here. + +SPITTA + +I looked for the gentleman you speak of but he was already gone. + +HASSENREUTER + +These ladies don't seem to believe me. Will you kindly inform them, +gentlemen, that Mrs. John has no child in board, and that they are quite +obviously mistaken in the name. + +KÄFERSTEIN + +I am asked to tell you that you are probably mistaken in the name. + +PAULINE + +[_Vehemently and tearfully._] She has got my baby! She had my baby +boardin' with her. An' the gentleman came from the city an' he said that +the child wasn't in no good hands an' that it was neglected. She went an' +ruined my baby's health. + +HASSENREUTER + +There is no doubt but what you have mistaken the name of the woman of +whom you speak, Mrs. John has no child in board. + +PAULINE + +She had my baby in her claws, that's what! An' she let it starve an' get +sick! I gotta see her! I gotta tell her right out! She's gotta make my +little baby well again! I gotta go to court. The gentleman says as how I +gotta go to court an' give notice. + +HASSENREUTER + +I beg of you not to get excited. The fact is that you are mistaken! How +did you ever hit on the idea that Mrs. John has a child in board? + +PAULINE + +Because I gave it to her myself. + +HASSENREUTER + +But Mrs. John has her own child and it just occurs to me that she has +taken it along with her on a visit to her sister-in-law. + +PAULINE + +She ain't got no child. No, Mrs. John ain't got none! She cheats an' she +lies. She ain't got none. She took my little Alois an' she ruined him. + +HASSENREUTER + +By heaven, ladies, you are mistaken! + +PAULINE + +Nobody won't believe me that I had a baby. My intended he wrote me a +letter an' he says it ain't true an' that I'm a liar an' a low creature. +[_She touches the pillow on which the infant is resting._] It's mine an' +I'll prove it in court! I c'n swear it by the holy Mother o' God. + +HASSENREUTER + +Do uncover the child. [_It is done and HASSENREUTER observes the infant +attentively._]--H-m, the matter will not remain long in obscurity. In the +first place ... I know Mrs. John. If she had had this child in board it +could never look as it does. And that is true quite simply because, where +it is a question of children, Mrs. John has her heart in the right place. + +PAULINE + +I want to see Mrs. John. That's all I says. I don't has to tell my +business to everybody in the world. I c'n tell everythin' in court, down +to the least thing--the day an' the hour an' jus' exackly the place where +it was born! People is goin' to open their eyes; you c'n believe me. + +HASSENREUTER + +What you assert, then, if I understand you rightly, is that Mrs. John has +no baby of her own at all, and that the one which passes as such is in +reality yours. + +PAULINE + +God strike me dead if that ain't the truth! + +HASSENREUTER + +And this is the child in question? I trust that God won't take you at +your word this time.--You must know that I, who stand before you, am +manager Hassenreuter and I have personally had in my own hands the child +of Mrs. John, my charwoman, on three or four occasions. I even weighed it +on the scales and found it to weigh over eight pounds. This poor little +creature doesn't weigh over four pounds. And on the basis of this fact I +can assure you that this child is not, at least, the child of Mrs. John. +You may be right in asserting that it is yours. I am in no position to +throw doubt on that. But I know Mrs. John's child and I am quite sure +that it is, in no wise, identical with this. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +[_Respectfully._] No, no; that's right enough. It ain't identical. + +PAULINE + +This baby here is identical enough all right, even if it's a bit underfed +an' weakly. This business with the child is all straight enough! I'll +take an oath that it's identical all right. + +HASSENREUTER + +I am simply speechless. [_To his pupils._] Our lesson is ruled by an evil +star to-day, my dear boys. I don't know why, but the error which these +ladies are making engrosses me. [_To the women._] You may have entered +the wrong door. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +No, me an' the gentleman from the guardian's office an' the young lady +went an' fetched this here child outa the room what has the name plate o' +Mrs. John on it, an' took it out into the hall. Mrs. John wasn't there +an' her husband the mason is absent in Hamburg. + + _POLICEMAN SCHIERKE comes in, fat and good-natured._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Ah, there's Mr. Schierke! What do you want here? + +SCHIERKE + +I understand, sir, that two women fled up here to you. + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +We ain't fled at all. + +HASSENREUTER + +They were inquiring for Mrs. John. + +SCHIERKE + +May I be permitted to ax somethin' too? + +HASSENREUTER + +If you please. + +PAULINE + +Jus' let him ax. We don't has to worry. + +SCHIERKE + +[_To MRS. KIELBACKE._] What's your name? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +I'm Mrs. Kielbacke. + +SCHIERKE + +You're connected with the society for raisin' children, eh? Where do you +live? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +Linien street number nine. + +SCHIERKE + +Is that your child that you have there? + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +That's Miss Pipercarcka her child. + +SCHIERKE + +[_To PAULINE._] An' your name? + +PAULINE + +Paula Pipercarcka from Skorzenin. + +SCHIERKE + +This woman asserts that the child is yours. Do you assert that too? + +PAULINE + +Sergeant, I has to ax for your protection because suspicions is cast on +me an' I'm innercent. The gentleman from the city did come to me. An' I +did get my child outa the room o' Mrs. John what I had it in board with +... + +SCHIERKE + +[_With a searching look._] Yes? Maybe it was the door across the way +where the restaurant keeper's widow Knobbe lives. Nobody knows what +you're up to with that child nor who sent you an' bribed you. You ain't +got a good conscience! You took the child an' slipped up here with it +while its rightful mother, the widow Knobbe, what it's been stolen from, +is huntin' all over the stairs an' halls for it an' while a detective is +standin' acrost the way. + +PAULINE + +I don't care about no detective. I'm ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You are refuted, my good girl. Can't you comprehend that? First you say +that Mrs. John has no child. Next you say--kindly attend to me--that you +had taken your child, which has been passing for Mrs. John's, out of the +latter's room. However; all of us here happen to know Mrs. John's child +and the one you have here is another. Is that clear to you? Hence your +assertion cannot, in any circumstances, be a correct one!--And now, +Schierke, you would do me a favour if you would conduct these ladies out +so that I can continue giving my lesson. + +SCHIERKE + +All right, but if I does that we'll get into that Knobbe crowd. Because +her child has been stolen. + +PAULINE + +It ain't me that done it; it's Mrs. John. + +SCHIERKE + +That's all right. [_Continuing his account to HASSENREUTER._] And they +says that the child has blue blood in it on its father's side. So Mrs. +Knobbe thinks as how it's a plot of enemies 'cause they grudges her the +alimony in some quarters an' a gentleman's eddication for the kid. +[_Someone is beating at the door with fists._] That's the Knobbe woman. +There she comes now! + +HASSENREUTER + +Mr. Schierke, you are responsible to me. If these people trespass on my +premises and I suffer any damages thereby, I'll complain to the chief of +police. I know Mr. Maddei very well. Don't be afraid, my dear boys. You +are my witnesses. + +SCHIERKE + +[_At the door._] You stay out there! You don't get in here! + + _A small mob howls outside of the door._ + +PAULINE + +They c'n holler all they wants to but they can't get my child. + +HASSENREUTER + +Perhaps this is the better way. You go into the library for the present. +[_He escorts PAULINE, MRS. KIELBACKE and the child into the library._] +And now, Mr. Schierke, we might risk letting that fury enter in here. + +SCHIERKE + +[_Opening the door slightly._] All right. But only Mrs. Knobbe! Come in +here a minute. + + _MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE appears. She is tall and emaciated and dressed + in a badly worn but fashionable summer gown. Her face bears the + stigma, of a dissolute life but gives evidence of a not ungentle + origin. Her air is curiously like that of a gentlewoman. She talks + affectedly and her eyes show addiction to alcohol and morphine._ + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Sailing in._] There is no cause for any anxiety, Mr. Hassenreuter. +Those without are principally little boys and girls who have come with me +because I am fond of children. Pray pardon me if I intrude. One of the +children told me that two women had sneaked up here with my little boy. I +am looking for my little son, named Helfgott Gundofried, who has actually +disappeared from my dwelling. At the same time I do not wish to incommode +you. + +SCHIERKE + +An' you better not do that if I has any say about it. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Disregarding these words except by a proud toss of the head._] To my +great regret I caused a certain amount of disturbance in the yard. From +the yard as a place of vantage it is possible to command every window and +I made inquiries of the poor cigar maker in the second story and of the +consumptive little seamstress in the third as to whether my Selma and my +little son were with either of them. But nothing is farther from my +intention than to create a scandal. I want you to know--- for I am quite +conscious of being in the presence of a distinguished, indeed, of a +famous man--you are to know that where Helfgott Gundofried is concerned I +am obliged to be strictly on my guard! [_With quivering voice and an +occasional application of her handkerchief to her eyes._] I am an +unfortunate woman who is pursued by fate, who has sunk low but who has +seen better days. I do not care to bore you with my troubles. But I am +being pursued and there are those who would rob me of my last hope. + +SCHIERKE + +Aw, hurry up an' say what you has to! + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_As before._] It is not enough that I was forced to lay aside my honest +name. Later I lived in Paris and then married a brutal person, a south +German inn-keeper, because I had the foolish thought that my affairs +might be bettered thereby. O these scoundrels of men! + +SCHIERKE + +This don't lead to nothin'! You cut it short, I tell you. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +But I am glad of the opportunity of standing, once more, face to face +with a man of culture and intellect. I could a tale unfold ... Popularly +I am known here as "the countess" and God is my witness that in my +earlier youth I was not far removed from that estate! For a time I was an +actress, too. What did I say! I could unfold a tale from my life, from my +past, which would have the advantage of not being invented! + +SCHIERKE + +Maybe not. Nobody c'n tell. + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_With renewed emphasis._] My wretchedness is not invented, although it +may seem so when I relate how, one night, sunk in the deepest abysses of +my shame, I met on the street a cousin--the playmate of my youth--who is +now captain in the horse-guards. He lives in the world: I live in the +underworld ever since my father from pride of rank and race disowned me +because in my earliest youth I had made a mistake. Oh, you have no +conception of the dullness, the coarseness, the essential vulgarity that +obtains in those circles. I am a trodden worm, sir, and yet not for a +moment do I yearn to be there, in that glittering wretchedness.... + +SCHIERKE + +Maybe you don't mind comin' to the point now! + +HASSENREUTER + +If you please, Mr. Schierke, all that interests me. So suppose you don't +interrupt the lady for a while. [_To MRS. KNOBBE._] You were speaking of +your cousin. Didn't you say that he is a captain in the horse-guards? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +He was in plain clothes. He is, however, a captain in the horse-guards. +He recognised me at once and we dedicated some blessed though painful +hours to memories. Accompanying him there was--I will not call his +name--a very young lieutenant, a fair, sweet boy, delicate and brooding. +Mr. Hassenreuter, I have forgotten what shame is! Was I not even, the +other day, turned out of church? Why should a down-trodden, dishonoured, +deserted creature, more than once punished by the laws--why should such +an one hesitate to confess that _he_ became the father of Helfgott +Gundofried? + +HASSENREUTER + +Of this baby that's been stolen from you? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +Yes, stolen! At least it is so asserted! It may be! But though my enemies +are mighty and have every means at their command, I am not yet wholly +convinced of it. And yet it may be a plot concocted by the parents of the +child's father whose name you would be astonished to hear, for they +represent one of the oldest and most illustrious families. Farewell! +Whatever you may hear of me, sir, do not think that my better feelings +have been wholly extinguished in the mire into which I am forced to cast +myself. I need this mire in which I am on terms of equality with the +dregs of mankind. Here, look! [_She thrusts forward her naked arm._] +Forgetfulness! Insensibility! I achieve it by means of chloral, of opium. +Or I find it in the abysses of human life. And why not? To whom am I +responsible?--There was a time when my dear mama was scolded by my father +on my account! The maid had convulsions because of me! Mademoiselle and +an English governess tore each other's _chignons_ from their heads +because each asserted that I loved _her_ best--! Now ... + +SCHIERKE + +Aw, I tell you to shut it now! We can't take up people's time an' lock +'em up. [_He opens the library door._] Now tell us if this here is your +kid? + + _PAULINE, staring at MRS. KNOBBE with eyes full of hatred, comes out + first. MRS. KIELBACKE, carrying the child, comes next. SCHIERKE + removes the shawl, that has been thrown over the child._ + +PAULINE + +What d'you want o' me? Why d'you come chasin' me? I ain' no gypsy! I don' +go in people's houses stealin' their children! Eh? You're crazy, I +wouldn't do no such thing. I ain't hardly got enough to eat for myself +an' my own child. D'you s'pose I'm goin' to steal strange children an' +feed 'em till they're grown when the one I got is trouble an' worry +enough! + + _MRS. KNOBBE stares about her inquiringly and as if seeking help. + Rapidly she draws a little flask from her pocket and pours its + contents upon a handkerchief. The latter she carries swiftly to her + mouth and nose, inhaling the fragrance of the perfume to keep her + from fainting._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, why don't you speak, Mrs. Knobbe? This girl asserts that she is the +mother of the child--not you. + + _MRS. KNOBBE lifts her umbrella in order to strike out with it. She + is restrained by those present._ + +SCHIERKE + +That won't do! You can't practice no discipline like that here! You c'n +do that when you're alone in your nursery downstairs.--The main thing is: +who does here kid belong to? An' so--now--Mrs. Knobbe, you just take care +an' think so's to tell nothin' but the truth here! Well! Is it yours or +is it her'n? + +MRS. KNOBBE + +[_Bursts out_] I swear by the holy Mother of God, by Jesus Christ, +Father, Son and Holy Ghost that I am the mother of this child. + +PAULINE + +An' I swears by the Holy Mother o' God ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You'd better not if you want to save your soul! We may have a case here +in which the circumstances are complicated in the extreme! It is +possible, therefore, that you were about to swear in perfectly good +faith. But you will have to admit that, though each of you may well be +the mother of twins--two mothers for one child is unthinkable! + +WALBURGA + +[_Who, like MRS. KNOBBE, has been staring steadily at the child._] Papa, +papa, do look at the child a moment first! + +MRS. KIELBACKE + +[_Tearfully and horrified._] Yes, the poor little crittur's been a-dyin', +I believe, ever since I was in the other room there! + +SCHIERKE + +What? + +HASSENREUTER + +How? [_Energetically he strides forward, and now regards the child +carefully too._] The child is dead. There's no question about that! It +seems that invisible to us, one has been in our midst who has delivered +judgment, truly according to the manner of Solomon, concerning the poor +little passive object of all this strife. + +PAULINE + +[_Who has not understood._] What's the matter? + +SCHIERKE + +Keep still!--You come along with me. + + _MRS. KNOBBE seems to have lost the power of speech. She puts her + handkerchief into her mouth. A moaning sob is heard deep in her + chest. SCHIERKE, MRS. KIELBACKE with the dead child, followed by MRS. + KNOBBE and PAULINE PIPERCARCKA, leave the room. A dull murmur is + heard from the outer hall. HASSENREUTER returns to the foreground + after he has locked the door behind those who have left._ + +HASSENREUTER + +_Sic eunt fata hominum._ Invent something like that, if you can, my good +Spitta. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + _The dwelling of the foreman-mason JOHN as in the second act. It is + eight o'clock on a Sunday morning._ + + _JOHN is invisible behind the partition. From his plashing and + snorting it is clear that he is performing his morning ablutions._ + + _QUAQUARO has just entered. His hand is still on the knob of the + outer door._ + +QUAQUARO + +Tell me, Paul, is your wife at home? + +JOHN + +[_From behind the partition._] Not yet, Emil. My wife went with the boy +out to my married sister's in Hangelsberg. But she's goin' to come back +this mornin'. [_Drying his hands and face, JOHN appears in the door of +the partition wall._] Good mornin' to you, Emil. + +QUAQUARO + +Mornin', Paul. + +JOHN + +Well, what's the news? I didn't come from the train till about half an +hour ago. + +QUAQUARO + +Yes, I saw you goin' into the house an' mountin' the stairs. + +JOHN + +[_In a jolly frame of mind._] That's right, Emil! You're a reglar old +watch-dog, eh? + +QUAQUARO + +Tell, me, Paul: How long has your wife'n the kid been out in Hangelsberg? + +JOHN + +Oh, that must be somethin' like a week now, Emil. D'you want anythin' of +her? I guess she paid her rent an' on time all right. By the way, I might +as well give you notice right now. We got it all fixed. We're goin' to +move on the first of October. I got mother to the point at last that we +c'n move outa this here shaky old barracks an' into a better +neighbourhood. + +QUAQUARO + +So you ain't goin' back to Hamburg no more? + +JOHN + +Naw. It's a good sayin': Stay at home an' make an honest livin'! I'm not +goin' outa town no more. Not a bit of it! First of all, it's no sort o' +life, goin' from one lodgin' to another. An' then--a man don' get no +younger neither! The girls, they ain't so hot after you no more ... No, +it's a good thing that all this wanderin' about is goin' to end. + +QUAQUARO + +Your wife--she's a fine schemer. + +JOHN + +[_Merrily._] Well, this is a brand new household what's jus' had a child +born into it. I said to the boss: I'm a newly married man! Then he axed +me if my first wife was dead. On the contrary an' not a bit of it, I +says. She's alive an' kickin', so that she's jus' given birth to a +kickin' young citizen o' Berlin, that's what! When I was travellin' along +from Hamburg this mornin' by all the old stations--Hamburg, Stendal, +Ultzen--an' got outa the fourth-class coach at the Lehrter station with +all my duds, the devil take me if I didn't thank God with a sigh. I guess +he didn't hear on account o' the noise o' the trains. + +QUAQUARO + +Did you hear, Paul, that Mrs. Knobbe's youngest over the way has been +taken off again? + +JOHN + +No. What chance did I have to hear that? But if it's dead, it's a good +thing, Emil. When I saw the poor crittur a week ago when it had +convulsions an' Selma brought it in an' me an' mother gave it a spoonful +o' sugar an' water--well, it was pretty near ready for heaven then. + +QUAQUARO + +An' you mean to tell me that you didn't hear nothin' o' the +circumstances, about the how an' the why o' that child's death? + +JOHN + +Naw! [_He fetches a long tobacco pipe from behind the sofa._] Wait a +minute! I'll light a pipe first! I didn't have no chanct to hear nothin'. + +QUAQUARO + +Well, I'm surprised that your wife didn't write you nothin' at all. + +JOHN + +Aw, since we has a child o' our own, mother's taken no interest in them +Knobbe brats no more. + +QUAQUARO + +[_Observing JOHN with lurking curiosity._] You're wife was reel crazy to +have a son, wasn't she? + +JOHN + +Well, that's natural. D'you think I wasn't? What's a man to work for? +What do I slave away for? It's different thing savin' a good lump o' +money for your own son from doin' it for your sister's children. + +QUAQUARO + +So you don't know that a strange girl came here an' swore that the Knobbe +woman's child wasn't hers but belonged to the girl? + +JOHN + +Is that so? Well, Mrs. Knobbe an' child stealin'--them two things don't +go together. Now if it'd been mother, that would ha' been more likely. +But not that Knobbe woman! But tell me, Emil, what's all this here +business about? + +QUAQUARO + +Well, one person says one thing an' another says another. The Knobbe +woman says that certain people has started a plot with detectives an' +such like to get hold o' the brat. An' there ain't no doubt o' this. It's +proved that the child was hers. C'n you maybe give me a tip as to where +your brother-in-law's been keepin' hisself the past few days? + +JOHN + +You mean the butcher in Hangelsberg? + +QUAQUARO + +Naw, I don' mean the husband o' your sister, but the feller what's +brother o' your wife. + +JOHN + +It's Bruno you mean? + +QUAQUARO + +Sure, that's the feller. + +JOHN + +How do I know? I'd sooner be watchin' if the dogs still plays on the +curb. I don't want to have no dealin's with Bruno. + +QUAQUARO + +Listen to me, Paul. But don't get mad. They knows at the police station +that Bruno was seen in company o' the Polish girl what wanted to claim +this here child, first right outside o' the door here an' then at a +certain place on Shore street where the tanners sometimes looses their +soakin' hides. An' now the girl's jus' disappeared. I don' know nothin' +o' the particulars, excep' that the police is huntin' for the girl. + +JOHN + +[_Resolutely putting aside the long pipe which he had lit._] I don' know, +but I can't take no enjoyment in it this mornin'. I don' know what's +gotten into me. I was as jolly as can be. An' now all of a sudden I feel +so dam' mean I'd like to go straight back to Hamburg an' hear an' see +nothin' more!--Why d'you come aroun' with stories like that? + +QUAQUARO + +I jus' thought I'd tell you what happened while you an' your wife was +away right here in your own house? + +JOHN + +In my own house? + +QUAQUARO + +That's it! Yessir! They says that Selma pushed the perambulator with her +little brother in here where the strange girl an' her friend came an' +took him an' carried him off. But upstairs, in the actor's place, they +caught her. + +JOHN + +What's that? + +QUAQUARO + +So up there the strange girl an' the Knobbe woman pretty near tore each +other's hair out over the child's body. + +JOHN + +What I'd like to know is how all that concerns me? Ain't there trouble +here over some girl most o' the time? Let 'em go on! I don' care! That is +to say, Emil, if there ain't more to it than you're tellin' me. + +QUAQUARO + +That's why I come to you! There is more. The girl said in front o' +witnesses more'n onct that that little crittur o' Knobbe's was her own +an' that she had expressly given it in board to your wife. + +JOHN + +[_First taken aback, then relieved. Laughing._] She ain't quite right in +her upper story. That's all. + + _ERICH SPITTA enters._ + +SPITTA + +Good morning, Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Good mornin', Mr. Spitta. [_To QUAQUARO, who is still loitering in the +door._] It's all right, Emil. I'll take notice o' what you says an' act +accordin'. + + _QUAQUARO exit._ + +JOHN + +Now jus' look at a feller like that, Mr. Spitta. He's more'n half a gaol +bird an' yet he knows how to make hisself a favourite with the district +commissioner at headquarters! An' then he goes aroun' pokin' his nose +into honest folks' affairs. + +SPITTA + +Has Miss Walburga Hassenreuter been asking after me, Mr. John? + +JOHN + +Not up to this time; not that I knows of! [_He opens the door to the +hall._] Selma! Excuse me a minute, will you? Selma! I gotta know what +that there girl c'n tell me. + + _SELMA KNOBBE enters._ + +SELMA + +[_Still at the door._] What d'you want? + +JOHN + +You shut the door a minute an' come in! An' now tell me, girl, what's all +this that happened in this room about your little dead brother and the +strange girl? + +SELMA + +[_Who has, obviously, a bad conscience, gradually comes forward +watchfully. She now answers glibly and volubly._] I pushed the +perambulator over into the room here. Your wife wasn't in an' so I thinks +that maybe here there'd be more quiet, 'cause my little brother, you +know, he was sick anyhow an' cryin' all the time. An' then, all of a +sudden, a gentleman an' a lady an' another woman all comes in here, an' +they picked the little feller right outa the carridge an' put clean +clothes on him an' carried him off. + +JOHN + +An' then the lady said as how it was her child an' how she'd given it in +board with mother, with my old woman? + +SELMA + +[_Lies._] Naw, not a bit. I'd know about that if it was so. + +JOHN + +[_Bangs his fist on the table._] Well, damn it all, it'd be a idjit's +trick to have said that. + +SPITTA + +Permit me, but she did say that. I take it you're talking of the incident +with the two women that took place upstairs at manager Hassenreuter's? + +JOHN + +Did you see that? Was you there when the Knobbe woman an' the other one +was disputin' about the little crittur? + +SPITTA + +Yes, certainly. I was present throughout. + +SELMA + +I tell you all I knows. An' I couldn't say no more if officer Schierke or +the tall police lieutenant hisself was to examine me for hours an' hours. +I don' know nothin'. An' what I don' know I can't tell. + +JOHN + +The lieutenant examined you? + +SELMA + +They wanted to take mama to the lock-up because people went an' lied. +They said that our little baby was starved to death. + +JOHN + +Aha! 's that so? Well, Selma, s'pose you go over there an' cook a little +coffee. + + _SELMA goes over to the stove where she prepares coffee for JOHN. + JOHN himself goes up to his working table, takes up the compass. Then + he draws lines, using a piece of rail as a ruler._ + +SPITTA + +[_Conquering his diffidence and shame._] I really hoped to meet your wife +here, Mr. John. Someone told me that your wife has been in the habit of +lending out small sums to students against security. And I am somewhat +embarrassed. + +JOHN + +Maybe that's so. But that's mother's business, Mr. Spitta. + +SPITTA + +To be quite frank with you, if I don't get hold of some money by +to-night, the few books and other possessions I have will be attached for +rent by my landlady and I'll be put into the street. + +JOHN + +I thought your father was a preacher. + +SPITTA + +So he is. But for that very reason and because I don't want to become a +preacher, too, he and I had a terrible quarrel last night. I won't ever +accept a farthing from him any more. + +JOHN + +[_Busy over his drawing._] Then it'll serve him right if you starve or +break your neck. + +SPITTA + +Men like myself don't starve, Mr. John. But if, by any chance, I were to +go to the dogs--I shouldn't greatly care. + +JOHN + +No one wouldn't believe how many half-starved nincompoops there is among +you stoodents. But none o' you wants to put your hand to some reel +work.--[_The distant sound of thunder is heard. JOHN looks out through +the window._]--Sultry day. It's thunderin' now. + +SPITTA + +Yon can't say that of me, Mr. John, that I haven't been willing to do +real work. I've given lessons, I've addressed envelopes for business +houses! I've been through everything and in all these attempts I've not +only toiled away the days but also the nights. And at the same time I've +ground away at my studies like anything! + +JOHN + +Man alive, go to Hamburg an' let 'em give you a job as a bricklayer. When +I was your age I was makin' as much as twelve crowns a day in Hamburg. + +SPITTA + +That may be. But I'm a brain worker. + +JOHN + +I know that kind. + +SPITTA + +Is that so? I don't think you do know that kind, Mr. John. I beg you not +to forget that your Socialist leaders--your Bebels and your +Liebknechts--are brain workers too. + +JOHN + +All right. Come on, then! Let's have some breakfast first. Things look +mighty different after a man's had a good bite o' breakfast. I s'pose you +ain't had any yet, Mr. Spitta? + +SPITTA + +No, frankly, not to-day. + +JOHN + +Well, then the first thing is to get somethin' warm down your throat. + +SPITTA + +There's time enough for that. + +JOHN + +I don' know. You're lookin' pretty well done up. An' I passed the night +on the train too. [_To SELMA, who has brought in a little linen bag filed +with rolls._] Hurry an' bring another cup over here. [_He has seated +himself at his ease on the sofa, dips a roll into the coffee and begins +to eat and drink._] + +SPITTA + +[_Who has not sat down yet._] It's really pleasanter to pass a summer +night in the open if one can't sleep anyhow. And I didn't sleep for one +minute. + +JOHN + +I'd like to see the feller what c'n sleep when he's outa cash. When a +man's down in the world he has most company outa doors too. [_He suddenly +stops chewing._]--Come here, Selma, an' tell me exackly just how it was +with that there girl an' the child that she took outa our room here. + +SELMA + +I don' know what to do. Everybody axes we that. Mama keeps axin' me about +it all day long; if I seen Bruno Mechelke; if I know who it was that +stole the costumes from the actor's loft up there! If it goes on that way +... + +JOHN + +[_Energetically._] Girl, why didn't you cry out when the gentleman and +the young lady took your little brother outa his carridge? + +SELMA + +I didn't think nothin' 'd happen to him excep' that he'd get some clean +clothes. + +JOHN + +[_Grasps SELMA by the wrist._] Well, you come along with me now. We'll go +over an' see your mother. + + _JOHN and SELMA leave the room. As soon as they are gone SPITTA + begins to eat ravenously. Soon thereafter WALBURGA appears. She is in + great haste and strongly excited._ + +WALBURGA + +Are you alone? + +SPITTA + +For the moment, yes. Good morning, Walburga. + +WALBURGA + +Am I too late? It was only by the greatest cunning, by the greatest +determination, by the most ruthless disregard of everything that I +succeeded in getting away from home. My younger sister tried to bar the +door. Even the servant girl! But I told mama that if they wouldn't let me +out through the door, they might just as well bar the window, else I'd +reach the street through it, although it's three stories high. I flew. +I'm more dead than alive. But I am prepared for anything. How was it with +your father, Erich? + +SPITTA + +We have parted. He thought that I was going out to eat husks with the +swine as the Prodigal Son did, and told me not to take it into my mind +ever again to cross the threshold of my father's house in my future +capacity as acrobat or bareback rider, as he was pleased to express it. +His door was not open to such scum! Well, I'll fight it down! Only I'm +sorry for my poor, dear mother.--You can't imagine with what abysmal +hatred a man of his kind considers the theatre and everything connected +with it. The heaviest curse is not strong enough to express his feelings. +An actor is, to his mind, _a priori_, the worst, most contemptible scamp +imaginable. + +WALBURGA + +I've found out, too, how papa discovered our secret. + +SPITTA + +My father gave him your picture. + +WALBURGA + +O Erich, if you knew with what awful, with what horrible names papa +overwhelmed me in his rage. And I had to be silent through it all. I +might have said something that would have silenced all his lofty moral +discourses and made him quite helpless before me. I was almost on the +point of saying it, too. But I felt so ashamed for him! My tongue refused +to form the words! I couldn't say it, Erich! Finally mama had to +intervene. He struck me! For eight or nine hours he locked me in a dark +alcove--to break my stubbornness, as he put it, Erich. Well, he won't +succeed! He won't break it! + +SPITTA + +[_Taking WALBURGA into his arms._] You dear, brave girl! I am beginning +to see now what I possess in having your love, what a treasure you are! +[_Passionately._] And how beautiful you look, Walburga! + +WALBURGA + +Don't! Don't!--I trust you, Erich; that's all. + +SPITTA + +And you shall not be disappointed, dearest. You see, a man like me in +whom everything is still in a ferment, who feels that he was born to +achieve something great and significant but something which, for the +present, he can make sufficiently clear neither to himself nor to the +world--such a man has, at twenty, every man's hand against his and is a +burden and a laughing-stock to all the world. But believe me: it will not +always be so! The germs of the future lie in us! The soil is being +loosened even now by the budding shoots! Unseen to-day, _we_ are the +harvest of the future! We _are_ the future! And the time will come when +all this great and beautiful world will be ours! + +WALBURGA + +Ah, go on, Erich! What you say heals my heart. + +SPITTA + +Walburga, I did more, last night! I flung straight out into my father's +face, just as I felt it, my accusation of the crime committed against my +sister. And that made the break definite and unbridgeable. He said +stubbornly: He had no knowledge of such a daughter as I was describing. +Such a daughter had no existence in his soul, and it seemed to him that +his son would also soon cease to exist there. O these Christians! O these +servants of the good shepherd who took the lost lamb with double +tenderness into his arms! O thou good Shepherd, how have your words been +perverted; How have your eternal truths been falsified into their exact +contrary. But to-day when I sat amidst the flash of lightning and the +roll of thunder in the _Tiergarten_ and certain Berlin hyaenas were +prowling about me, I felt the crushed and restless soul of my sister +close beside me. How many nights, in her poor life, may she not have sat +shelterless on such benches, perhaps on this very bench in the +_Tiergarten_, in order to consider in her loneliness, her degradation, +her outcast estate, how, two thousand years after the birth of Christ, +this most Christian world is drenched with Christianity and with the love +of its fellow-men! But whatever she thought, this is what I think; the +poor harlot, the wretched sinner who is yet above the righteous, who is +weighed down by the sins of the world, the poor outcast and her terrible +accusation shall never die in my soul! And into this flame of our goals +we must cast all the wretchedness, all the lamentations of the oppressed +and the disinherited! Thus shall my sister stay truly alive, Walburga, +and effect noble ends before the face of God through the ethical impulse +that lends wings to my soul, and that will be more powerful than all the +evil, heartless parson's morality in the world. + +WALBURGA + +You were in the _Tiergarten_ all night, Erich? Is that the reason why +your hands are so icy cold, and why you look so utterly worn out? Erich, +you must take my purse! No, please, you must! Oh, I assure you what is +mine is yours! If you don't feel that, you don't love me. Erich, you're +suffering! If you don't take my few pennies, I'll refuse all nourishment +at home! By heaven, I'll do it, I'll do it, unless you're sensible about +that! + +SPITTA + +[_Chokes down his rising tears and sits down._] I'm nervous; I'm +overwrought. + +WALBURGA + +[_Puts her purse into his pocket._] And you see, Erich, this is the real +reason why I asked you to meet me here. To add to all my misfortunes I +received yesterday this summons from the court. + +SPITTA + +[_Regards a document which she hands to him._] Look here? What's behind +this, Walburga? + +WALBURGA + +I'm quite sure that it must have some connection with the stolen goods +upstairs in the loft. But it does disquiet me terribly. If papa were to +discover this ... oh, what would I do then? + + _MRS. JOHN enters, carrying the child in her arms. She is dressed for + the street, and looks dusty and harassed._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Frightened, suspicious._] Well, what d'you want here? Is Paul home yet? +I jus' went down in the street a little with the baby. + + [_She carries the child behind the partition._ + +WALBURGA + +Erich, do mention the summons to Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why, Paul's at home. There's his things! + +SPITTA + +Miss Hassenreuter wanted very much to talk to you. She received a summons +to appear in court. It's probably about those things that were stolen +from the loft. You know. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Emerging from behind the partition._] What's that? You reelly got a +summons, Miss Walburga? Well, then you better look out! I ain't jokin'. +An' maybe you're thinkin' o' the black man! + +SPITTA + +What you're saying there is quite incomprehensible, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Taking up her domestic tasks._] Did you hear that 'way out in the +Lauben settlement, beyond the Halle Gate, the lightenin' struck a man an' +a woman an' a little girl o' seven this mornin'. It was right under a +tall poplar tree. + +SPITTA + +No, Mrs. John, we didn't hear that. + +MRS. JOHN + +The rain's splashin' down again. + + _One hears a shower of rain beginning to fall._ + +WALBURGA + +[_Nervously._] Come, Erich, let's get out into the open anyhow. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Speaking louder and louder in her incoherent terror._] An' I tell you +another thing: I was talking to the woman what was struck by lightenin' +jus' a short time before. An' she says--now listen to me, Mr. Spitta--if +you takes a dead child what's lyin' in its carridge an' pushes it out +into the sun ... but it's gotta be summer an' midday ... it'll draw +breath, it'll cry, it'll come back to life!--You don't believe that, eh? +But I seen that with my own eyes! + + [_She circles about the room in a strange fashion, apparently + becoming quite oblivious of the presence of the two young people._ + +WALBURGA + +Look, here, Mrs. John is positively uncanny! Let's go! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Speaking still louder._] You don' believe that, that it'll come to life +again, eh? I tell you, its mother c'n come an' take it. But it's gotta be +nursed right off. + +SPITTA + +Good-bye, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In strange excitement accompanies the two young people to the door. +Speaking still more loudly._] You don' believe that! But it's the solemn +truth, Mr. Spitta! + + _SPITTA and WALBURGA leave the room._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still holding the door in her hand calls out after them._] Anybody that +don' believe that don' know nothin' o' the whole secret that I +discovered. + + _The foreman-mason JOHN appears in the door and enters at once._ + +JOHN + +Why, there you are, mother! I'm glad to see you. What's that there secret +you're talkin' about? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_As though awakening, grasps her head._] Me?--Did I say somethin' about +a secret? + +JOHN + +That you did unless I'm hard o' hearin'. An' it's reelly you unless it's +a ghost. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Surprised and frightened._] Why d'you think I might be a ghost? + +JOHN + +[_Pats his wife good-naturedly on the back._] Come now, Jette, don't bite +me. I'm reel glad, that I am, that you're here again with the little kid! +[_He goes behind the partition._] But it's lookin' a little measly. + +MRS. JOHN + +The milk didn't agree with him. An' that's because out there in the +country the cows is already gettin' green fodder. I got milk here from +the dairy company that comes from dry fed cows. + +JOHN + +[_Reappears in the main room._] That's what I'm sayin'. Why did you have +to go an' take the child on the train an' outa town. The city is +healthier. That's my notion. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'm goin' to stay at home now, Paul. + +JOHN + +In Hamburg everythin' is settled, too. To-day at noon I'm goin' to meet +Karl an' then he'll tell me when I c'n start workin' for the new +boss!--Look here: I brought somethin' with me, too. + + [_He takes a small child's rattle from his breeches pocket and shakes + it._ + +MRS. JOHN + +What's that? + +JOHN + +That's somethin' to bring a bit o' life into the place, 'cause it's +pretty quiet inside in Berlin here! Listen how the kid's crowin'. [_The +child is heard making happy little noises._] I tell you, mother, when a +little kid goes on that way--there ain't nothin' I'd take for it! + +MRS. JOHN + +Have you seen anybody yet? + +JOHN + +No!--Leastways only Quaquaro early this mornin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_In timid suspense._] Well ...? + +JOHN + +Oh, never mind! Nothin! There was nothin' to it. + +MRS. JOHN [_As before._] What did he say? + +JOHN + +What d'you think he said? But if you're bound to know--'tain't no use +talkin' o' such things Sunday mornin'--he axed me after Bruno again. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pale and speaking hastily._] What do they say Bruno has done again? + +JOHN + +Nothin'. Here, come'n drink a little coffee, Jette, an' don' get excited! +It ain't your fault that you got a brother like that. We don't has to +concern ourselves about other people. + +MRS. JOHN + +I'd like to know what an old fool like that what spies aroun' all day +long has always gotta be talkin' about Bruno. + +JOHN + +Jette, don' bother me about Bruno--You see ...aw, what's the use ... +might as well keep still!... But if I was goin' to tell you the truth, +I'd say that it wouldn't surprise me if some day Bruno'd come to a pretty +bad end right out in the yard o' the gaol, too--a quick end. [_MRS. JOHN +sits down heavily beside the table. She grows grey in the face and +breathes with difficulty._] Maybe not! Maybe not! Don't take it to heart +so right off!--How's the sister? + +MRS. JOHN + +I don' know. + +JOHN + +Why, I thought you was out there visitin' her? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Looks at him absently._] Where was I? + +JOHN + +Well, you see, Jette, that's the way it is with you women! You're jus' +shakin', but oh no--you don' want to go to no doctor! An' it'll end +maybe, by your havin' to take to your bed. That's what comes o' +neglectin' nature. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Throwing her arms about JOHN'S neck._] Paul, you're goin' to leave me! +For God's sake, tell me right out that it's so! Don' fool me aroun' an' +cheat me! Tell me right out! + +JOHN + +What's the matter with you to-day, Henrietta? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Pulling herself together._] Don' attend to my fool talk. I ain't had no +rest all night--that's it. An' then I got up reel early, an' anyhow, it +ain't nothin' but that I'm a bit weak yet. + +JOHN + +Then you better lie down flat on your back an' rest a little. [_MRS. JOHN +throws herself on the sofa and stares at the ceiling._] Maybe you'd +better comb yourself a bit afterwards, Jette!--It musta been mighty dusty +on the train for you to be jus' covered all over with sand the way you +are! [_MRS. JOHN does not answer but continues staring at the ceiling._] +I must go an' bring that there little feller into the light a bit. + + [_He goes behind the partition._ + +MRS. JOHN + +How long has we been married, Paul? + +JOHN + +[_Plays with the rattle behind the partition. Then answers_:] That was in +eighteen hundred and seventy-two, jus' as I came back from the war. + +MRS. JOHN + +Then you came to father, didn't you? An' you assoomed a grand position +an' you had the Iron Cross on the left side o' your chest. + +JOHN + +[_Appears, swinging the rattle and carrying the child on its pillow. He +speaks merrily._] That's so, mother. An' I got it yet. If you want to see +it, I'll pin it on. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still stretched out on the sofa._] An' then you came to me an' you said +that I wasn't to be so busy all the time ... goin' up an' down, runnin' +upstairs an' downstairs ... that I was to be a bit more easy-goin'. + +JOHN + +An' I'm still sayin' that same thing to-day. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' then you tickled me with your moustache an' kissed me right behind my +left ear! An' then ... + +JOHN + +Then it didn't take long for us to agree, eh? + +MRS. JOHN + +Yes, an' I laughed an', bit by bit, I looked at myself in every one o' +your brass buttons. I was lookin' different then! An' then you said ... + +JOHN + +Well, mother, you're a great one for rememberin' things, I must say! + +MRS. JOHN + +An' then you said: When we has a boy, an' that'll be soon, he c'n follow +the flag into the field too "with God for King an' country." + +JOHN + +[_Sings to the child, playing with the rattle._] + + "To heaven he turns his glances bold + Whence gaze the hero sires of old: + The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!"... + +Well, an' now that I has a little feller like that I ain't half so keen +on sendin' him to the war to be food for powder. + + [_He retires with the child behind the partition._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Still staring at the ceiling._] Paul, Paul! Seems as if all that was a +hundred years ago! + +JOHN + +[_Reappears from behind the partition without the child._] Not as long +ago as all that. + +MRS. JOHN + +Look here, what d'you think? How would it be if you was to take me an' +the child an' go to America? + +JOHN + +Now listen here, Jette! What's gotten into you, anyhow? What is it? Looks +as if there was nothin' but ghosts aroun' me here! You know I has a good +easy temper! When the workmen heave bricks at each other, I don't even +get excited. An' what do they say? Paul has a comfortable nature. But +now: what's this here? The sun's shinin'; it's bright daylight! I can't +_see_ nothin'; that's a fac'. But somethin's titterin' an' whisperin' an' +creepin' aroun' in here. Only when I stretches out my hand I can't lay +hold on nothin'! Now I wants to know what there is to this here story +about the strange girl what came to the room. Is it true? + +MRS. JOHN + +You heard, Paul, that the young lady didn't come back no more. An' that +shows you, don't it ... + +JOHN + +I hear what you're sayin'. But your lips is fair blue an' your eyes look +as if somebody was tormentin' you. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Suddenly changing her attitude_] Yes. Why do you leave me alone year in +an' year out, Paul? I sits here like in a cave an' I ain't got a soul to +who I c'n say what I'm thinkin'. Many a time I've sat here an' axed +myself why I works an' works, why I skimps an' saves to get together a +few crowns, an' find good investments for your earnin's an' try to add to +'em. Why? Was all that to go to strangers? Paul, it's you who's been the +ruin o' me! + + [_She lays her head on the table and bursts out in sobs._ + + _Softly and with feline stealth BRUNO MECHELKE enters the room at + this moment. He has on his Sunday duds, a sprig of lilac in his hat + and a great bunch of it in his hand. JOHN drums with his fingers on + the window and does not observe him._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Has gradually realised BRUNO'S presence as though he were a ghost._] +Bruno, is that you? + +BRUNO + +[_Who has recognised JOHN in a flash, softly._] Sure, it's me, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +Where d'you come from? What d'you want? + +BRUNO + +I been dancin' all night, Jette! You c'n see, can't you, that I'm dam' +jolly? + +JOHN + +[_Has been staring steadily at BRUNO. A dangerous pallor has overspread +his face. He now goes slowly to a small cupboard, takes out an old army +revolver and loads it. MRS. JOHN does not observe this._] You! Listen! +I'll tell you somethin'--somethin' you forgot, maybe. There ain't no +reason on God's earth why I shouldn't pull this here trigger! You +scoundrel! You ain't fit to be among human bein's! I told you ... las' +fall it was ... that I'd shoot you down if I ever laid eyes on you in my +home again! Now go ... or I'll ... shoot. Y'understan'? + +BRUNO + +Aw, I ain't scared o' your jelly squirter. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Who observes that JOHN, losing control of himself, is slowly +approaching BRUNO with the weapon and raising it._] Then kill me too, +Paul. 'Cause he's my brother. + +JOHN + +[_Looks at her long, seems to awaken and change his mind._] All right. +[_He replaces the revolver carefully in the cupboard._] You're right, +anyhow, Jette! It's hell, Jette, that your name's got to be on the tongue +of a crittur like that. All right. The powder'd be too good, too. This +here little pistol's tasted the blood o' two French cavalry men! Heroes +they was! An' I don't want it to drink no dirt. + +BRUNO + +I ain' doubtin' that there's dirt in your head! An' if it hadn't been +that you board with my sister here I'd ha' let the light into you long +ago, you dirt eater, so you'd ha' bled for weeks. + +JOHN + +[_With tense restraint._] Tell me again, Jette, that it's your brother. + +MRS. JOHN + +Go, Paul, will you? I'll get him away all right! You know's well as I +that I can't help it now that Bruno's my own brother. + +JOHN + +All right. Then I'm one too many here. You c'n bill an' coo. [_He is +dressed for the street as it is and hence proceeds to go. Close by BRUNO +he stands still._] You scamp! You worried your father into his grave. +Your sister might better ha' let you starve behind some fence rather'n +raise you an' litter the earth with another criminal like you. I'll be +back in half an hour! But I won't be alone. I'll have the sergeant with +me! + + [_JOHN leaves by the outer door, putting on his slouch hat._ + + _So soon as JOHN has disappeared BRUNO turns and spits out after him + toward the door._ + +BRUNO + +If I ever gets hold o' you! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why d'you come, Bruno? Tell me, what's the matter? + +BRUNO + +Tin's what you gotta give me. Or I'll go to hell. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Locks and latches the outer door._] Wait till I close the door! Now, +what's the matter? Where d'you come from? Where has you been? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I danced about half the night an' then, about sunrise, I went out +into the country for a bit. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did Quaquaro see you comin' in, Bruno? Then you better look out that you +ain't walked into no trap. + +BRUNO + +No danger. I crossed the yard an' then went through the cellar o' my +friend what deals in junk an' after that up through the loft. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' what happened? + +BRUNO + +Don' fool aroun', Jette. I gotta have railroad fare. I gotta take to my +heels or I'll go straight to hell. + +MRS. JOHN + +An' what did you do with that there girl? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I found a way, Jette! + +MRS. JOHN + +What's the meanin' o' that? + +BRUNO + +Oh, I managed to make her a little more accommodatin' all right! + +MRS. JOHN + +An' is it a sure thing that she won't come back now? + +BRUNO + +Sure. I don' believe that she'll come again! But that wasn't no easy +piece of work, Jette. But I tell you ... gimme somethin' to +drink--quick!... I tell you, you made me thirsty with your damned +business--thirsty, an' hot as hell. + + [_He drains a jug full of water._ + +MRS. JOHN + +People saw you outside the door with the girl. + +BRUNO + +I had to make a engagement with Arthur. She didn't want to have nothin' +to do with me. But Arthur, he came dancin' along in his fine clothes an' +he managed to drag her along to a bar. She swallowed the bait right down +when he told her as how her intended was waitin' for her there. [_He +trills out, capering about convulsively._] + + "All we does in life's to go + Up an' down an' to an' fro + From a tap-room to a show!" + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' then? + +BRUNO + +Then she wanted to get away 'cause Arthur said that her intended had gone +off! Then I wanted to go along with her a little bit an' Arthur an' +Adolph, they came along. Next we dropped in the ladies' entrance at +Kalinich's an' what with tastin' a lot o' toddy an' other liquors she got +good an' tipsy. An' then she staid all night with a woman what's Arthur's +sweetheart. All next day there was always two or three of us boys after +her, didn't let her go, an' played all kinds o' tricks, an' things got +jollier an' jollier. + + [_The church bells of the Sunday morning services begin to ring._ + +BRUNO + +[_Goes on._] But the money's gone. I needs crowns an' pennies, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Rummaging for money._] How much has you got to have? + +BRUNO + +[_Listening to the bells._] What? + +MRS. JOHN + +Money! + +BRUNO + +The old bag o' bones in the junk shop downstairs was thinkin' as how I'd +better get across the Russian frontier! Listen, Jette, how the bells is +ringin'. + +MRS. JOHN + +Why do you has to get acrost the frontier? + +BRUNO + +Take a wet towel, Jette, an' put a little vinegar on it. I been bothered +with this here dam' nosebleed all night. + + [_He presses his handkerchief to his nose._ + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Breathing convulsively, brings a towel._] Who was it scratched your +wrist into shreds that way? + +BRUNO + +[_Listening to the bells._] Half past three o'clock this mornin' she +could ha' heard them bells yet. + +MRS. JOHN + +O Jesus, my Saviour! That ain't true! That can't noways be possible! I +didn't tell you nothin' like that, Bruno! Bruno, I has to sit down. Oh! +[_She sits down._] That's what our father foretold to me on his dyin' +bed. + +BRUNO + +It ain't so easy jokin' with me. If you go to see Minna, jus' tell her +that I got the trick o' that kind o' thing an' that them goin's on with +Karl an' with Fritz has to stop. + +MRS. JOHN + +But, Bruno, if they was to catch you! + +BRUNO + +Well, then I has to swing, an' out at the Charity hospital they got +another stiff to dissect. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Giving him money._] Oh, that ain't true. What did you do, Bruno? + +BRUNO + +You're a crazy old crittur, Jette.--[_He puts his hand on her not without +a tremor of emotion._] You always says as how I ain't good for nothin'. +But when things can't go on no more, then you needs me, Jette. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, but how? Did you threaten the girl that she wasn't to let herself +be seen no more? That's what you ought to ha' done, Bruno! An' did you? + +BRUNO + +I danced with her half the night. An' then we went out on the street. +Well, a gentleman came along, y'understan'? Well, when I told him that I +had some little business o' my own to transact with the lady an' pulled +my brass-knuckles outa my breeches, o' course he took to his heels.--Then +I says to her, says I: Don't you be scared. If you're peaceable an' don' +make no outcry an' don' come no more to my sister axin' after the +child--well, we c'n make a reel friendly bargain. So she toddled along +with me a ways. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, an' then? + +BRUNO + +Well, she didn't want to! An' all of a sudden she went for my throat that +I thought it'd be the end o' me then an' there! Like a dawg she went for +me hot an' heavy! An' then ... then I got a little bit excited too--an' +then, well ... that's how it come ... + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Sunk in horror._] What time d'you say it was? + +BRUNO + +It must ha' been somewhere between three an' four. The moon had a big +ring aroun' it. Out on the square there was a dam' cur behind the planks +what got up an' howled. Then it began to drip an' soon a thunderstorm +came up. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Changed and with sudden self-mastery._] It's all right. Go on. She don' +deserve no better. + +BRUNO + +Good-bye. I s'pose we ain't goin' to see each other for years an' years. + +MRS. JOHN + +Where you goin' to? + +BRUNO + +First of all I gotta lie flat on my back for a couple o' hours. I'm goin' +to Fritz's. He's got a room for rent in the old police station right +acrost from the Fisher's Bridge. I'm safe there all right. If there's +anythin' of a outcry you c'n lemme know. + +MRS. JOHN + +Don' you want to take a peek at the child onct more? + +BRUNO + +[_Trembling._] Naw! + +MRS. JOHN + +Why not? + +BRUNO + +No, Jette, not in this here life! Good-bye, Jette. Hol' on a minute: Here +I got a horseshoe. [_He puts a horseshoe on the table._] I found it. +That'll bring you good luck. I don' need it. + + _Stealthily as he has come, BRUNO MECHELKE also disappears. MRS. + JOHN, her eyes wide with horror, stares at the spot where he stood. + Then she totters backward a few paces, presses her hands, clenched + convulsively as if in prayer, against her mouth, and collapses, still + trying in vain to stammer out a prayerful appeal to heaven._ + +MRS. JOHN + +I ain't no murderer! I ain't no murderer! I didn't want that to happen! + + + + +FIFTH ACT + + + _JOHN'S room. MRS. JOHN is asleep on the sofa. WALBURGA and SPITTA + enter from the outer hall. The loud playing of a military band is + heard from the street._ + +SPITTA + +No one is here. + +WALBURGA + +Oh, yes, there is, Erich. Mrs. John! She's asleep here. + +SPITTA + +[_Approaching the sofa together with WALBURGA._] Is she asleep? So she +is! I don't understand how anyone can sleep amidst this noise. + + _The music of the band trails off into silence._ + +WALBURGA + +Oh, Erich, sh! I have a perfect horror of the woman. Can you understand +anyhow why policemen are guarding the entrance downstairs and why they +won't let us go out into the street? I'm so awfully afraid that, maybe, +they'll arrest us and take us along to the station. + +SPITTA + +Oh, but there's not the slightest danger, Walburga! You're seeing ghosts +by broad daylight. + +WALBURGA + +When the plain clothes man came up to you and looked at us and you asked +him who he was and he showed his badge under his coat, I assure you, at +that moment, the stairs and the hall suddenly began to go around with me. + +SPITTA + +They're looking for a criminal, Walburga. It is a so-called raid that is +going on here, a kind of man hunt such as the criminal police is at times +obliged to undertake. + +WALBURGA + +And you can believe me, too, Erich, that I heard papa's voice. He was +talking quite loudly to some one. + +SPITTA + +You are nervous. You may have been mistaken. + +WALBURGA + +[_Frightened at MRS. JOHN, who is speaking in her sleep._] Listen to her: +do! + +SPITTA + +Great drops of sweat are standing on her forehead. Come here! Just look +at the rusty old horseshoe that she is clasping with both hands. + +WALBURGA + +[_Listens and starts with fright again._] Papa! + +SPITTA + +I don't understand you. Let him come, Walburga. The essential thing is +that one knows what one wants and that one has a clean conscience. I am +ready. I long for the explanation to come about. + + _A loud knocking is heard at the door._ + +SPITTA + +[_Firmly._] Come in! + + _MRS. HASSENREUTER enters, more out of breath than usual. An + expression of relief comes over her face as she catches sight of her + daughter._ + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Thank God! There you are, children! [_Trembling, WALBURGA throws herself +into her mother's arms._] Girlie, but what a fright you've given your old +mother. + + [_A pause in which only the breathing of MRS. HASSENREUTER is heard._ + +WALBURGA + +Forgive me, mama: I couldn't act differently. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Oh, no! One doesn't write letters containing such thoughts to one's own +mother. And especially not to a mother like me. If your soul is in pain +you know very well that you can always count on me for help and counsel. +I'm not a monster, and I was young myself once. But to threaten to drown +yourself ... and things like that ... no, that's all wrong. You shouldn't +have done that. Surely you agree with me, Mr. Spitta. And now this very +minute ... heavens, how you both look!... this very minute you must both +come home with me!--What's the matter with Mrs. John? + +WALBURGA + +Oh yes, help us! Don't forsake us! Take us with you, mama! Oh, I'm _so_ +glad that you're here! I was just paralysed with fright! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Very well, then. Come along. That would be the last straw if one had to +be prepared for such desperate follies from you, Mr. Spitta, or from this +child! At your age one should have courage. If everything doesn't go +quite smoothly you have no right to think of expedients by which one has +nothing to gain and everything to lose. We live but once, after all. + +SPITTA + +Oh, I have courage! And I'm not thinking of putting an end to myself as +one who is weary and defeated ... unless Walburga is refused to me. In +that case, to be sure, my determination is firm. It doesn't in the least +undermine my belief in myself or in my future that I am poor for the +present and have to take my dinner occasionally in the people's kitchen. +And I am sure Walburga is equally convinced that a day must come that +will indemnify us for all the dark and difficult hours of the present. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Life is long; and you're almost children to-day. It's not so very bad for +a student to have to take an occasional meal in the people's kitchen. It +would be much worse, however, for Walburga as a married woman. And I hope +for the sake of you both that you'll wait till something in the nature of +a hearthstone of your own with the necessary wood and coal can be +founded. In the meantime I've succeeded in persuading papa to a kind of +truce. It wasn't easy and it might have been impossible had not this +morning's mail brought the news of his definitive appointment as manager +of the theatre at Strassburg. + +WALBURGA + +[_Joyously._] Oh, mama, mama! That is a ray of sunshine, isn't it? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Sits up with a start._] Bruno! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Apologising._] Oh, we've wakened you, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +Is Bruno gone? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Who? Who's Bruno? + +MRS. JOHN + +Why, Bruno! Don' you know Bruno? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Ah, yes, yes! That's the name of your brother. + +MRS. JOHN + +Was I asleep? + +SPITTA + +Fast asleep. But you cried out aloud in your sleep just now. + +MRS. JOHN + +Did you see, Mr. Spitta, how them boys out in the yard threw stones at my +little Adelbert's wee grave? But I got after 'em, eh? An' they wasn't no +bad slaps neither what I dealt out. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +It seems that you've been dreaming of your first little boy who died, +Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +No, no; all that's fac'! I ain't been dreamin'. An' then I took little +Adelbert an' I went with him to the registrar's office. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +But if your little boy's no longer alive ... how could you ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Aw, when a little child is onct born, it don't matter if it's dead ... +it's still right inside o' its mother. Did you hear that dawg howlin' +behind the board fence? An' the moon had a big ring aroun' it! Bruno, you +ain' doin' right! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_Shaking MRS. JOHN._] Wake up, my good woman! Wake up, Mrs. John! You +are ill! Your husband ought to take you to see a physician. + +MRS. JOHN + +Bruno, you ain' doin' right! [_The bells are ringing again._] Ain't them +the bells? + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +The service is over, Mrs. John. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Wholly awake now, stares about her._] Why does I wake up? Why didn't +you take an ax when I was asleep an' knock me over the head with +it?--What did I say? Sh! Only don't tell a livin' soul a word, Mrs. +Hassenreuter. + + [_She jumps up and arranges her hair by the help of many hairpins._ + + _Manager HASSENREUTER appears in the doorway._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Starting at the sight of his family._] + + "Behold, behold, Timotheus, + _Here_ are the cranes of Ibicus!" + +Didn't you tell me there was a shipping agent's office in the +neighbourhood, Mrs. John?--[_To WALBURGA._] Ah, yes, my child! While, +with the frivolousness of youth you have been thinking of your pleasure +and nothing but your pleasure, your papa has been running about for three +whole hours again purely on business.--[_To SPITTA._] You wouldn't be in +such a hurry to establish a family, young man, if you had the least +suspicion how hard it is--a struggle from day to day--to get even the +wretched, mouldy necessary bit of daily bread for one's wife and child! I +trust it will never be your fate to be suddenly hurled one day, quite +penniless, into the underworld of Berlin and be obliged to struggle for a +naked livelihood for yourself and those dear to you, breast to breast +with others equally desperate, in subterranean holes and passages! But +you may all congratulate me! A week from now we will be in Strassburg. +[_MRS. HASSENREUTER, WALBURGA and SPITTA all press his hand._] Everything +else will be adjusted. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +You have fought an heroic battle for us during these past years, papa. +And you did it without stooping to anything unworthy. + +HASSENREUTER + +It was a fight like that of drowning men who struggle for planks in the +water. My noble costumes, made to body forth the dreams of poets, in what +dens of vice, on what reeking bodies have they not passed their +nights--_odi profanum vulgus_--only that a few pennies of rental might +clatter in my cashbox! But let us turn to more cheerful thoughts. The +freight waggon, alias the cart of Thespis is at the door in order to +effect the removal of our Penates to happier fields--[_Suddenly turning +to SPITTA._] My excellent Spitta, I demand your word of honour that, in +your so-called despair, you two do not commit some irreparable folly. In +return I promise to lend my ear to any utterances of yours characterised +by a modicum of good sense.--Finally: I've come to you, Mrs. John, +firstly because the officers bar all the exits and will permit no one to +go out; and secondly because I would like exceedingly to know why a man +like myself, at the very moment when his triumphant flag is fluttering in +the wind again, should have become the object of a malicious newspaper +report! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Dear Harro, Mrs. John doesn't understand you. + +HASSENREUTER + +Aha! Then let us begin _ab ovo_. I have letters here [_he shows a bundle +of them_] one, two, three, five--about a dozen! In these letters unknown +but malicious individuals congratulate me upon an event which is said to +have taken place in my storage loft. I would pay no attention to these +communications were they not confirmed by a news item in the papers +according to which a newborn infant is said to have been found in the +loft of a costumer in the suburbs ... a costumer, forsooth! I would have +said nothing, I repeat, if this item had not perplexed me. Undoubtedly +there is a case of mistaken identity involved here. In spite of that, I +don't like to have the report stick to me. Especially since this cub of a +reporter speaks of the costumer as being a bankrupt manager of barn +stormers. Read it, mama: "The Stork Visits Costumer." I'll box that +fellow's ears! This evening my appointment at Strassburg is to be made +public in the papers and at the same time I am to be offered as a kind of +comic dessert _urbi et orbi_. As if it were not obvious that of all +curses that of being made ridiculous is the worst! + +MRS. JOHN + +You say there's policemen at the door downstairs, sir? + +HASSENREUTER + +Yes, and their watch is so close that the funeral procession of Mrs. +Knobbe's baby has been brought to a standstill. They won't even let the +little coffin and the horrid fellow from the burial society who is +carrying it go out to the carriage. + +MRS. JOHN + +What child's funeral was that? + +HASSENREUTER + +Don't you know? It's the little son of Mrs. Knobbe which was brought up +to me in so mysterious a way by two women and died almost under my very +eyes, probably of exhaustion. _À propos_ ... + +MRS. JOHN + +The Knobbe woman's child is dead? + +HASSENREUTER + +_À propos_, Mrs. John, I was going to say that you ought really to know +how the affair of those two half-crazy women who got hold of the child +finally ended? + +MRS. JOHN + +Well now, tell me, ain't it like the very finger of God that they didn't +take my little Adelbert an' that he didn't die? + +HASSENREUTER + +Just why? I don't understand the logic of that. On the other hand, I have +been asking myself whether the confused speeches of the Polish girl, the +theft committed in my loft, and the milk bottle which Quaquaro brought +down in a boot--whether all these things had not something to do with the +notice in the papers. + +MRS. JOHN + +No, there ain't no connection between them things. Has you seen Paul, +sir? + +HASSENREUTER + +Paul? Ah yes; that's your husband. Yes, yes. Indeed I saw him in +conversation with detective Puppe, who visited me too in connection with +the theft. + + _JOHN enters._ + +JOHN + +Well, Jette, wasn't I right? This here thing's happened soon enough! + +MRS. JOHN + +What's happened? + +JOHN + +D'you want me to go an' earn the thousand crowns' reward what's offered +accordin' to placards on the news pillars by the chief o' police's office +for denouncin' the criminal? + +MRS. JOHN + +How's that? + +JOHN + +Don't you know that all this manoeuverin' o' police an' detectives is +started on account o' Bruno? + +MRS. JOHN + +How so? Where? What is it? What's been started? + +JOHN + +The funeral's been stopped an' two o' the mourners--queer customers they +is, too--has been taken prisoner. Yes, sir! That's the pass things has +come to, Mr. Hassenreuter. I'm a man, sir, what's tied to a women as has +a brother what's bein' pursued by the criminal police an' by detectives +because he killed a woman not far from the river under a lilac bush. + +HASSENREUTER + +But my dear Mr. John: God forbid that that be true! + +MRS. JOHN + +That's a lie! My brother don' do nothin' like that. + +JOHN + +Aw, don' he though, Jette? Mr. Hassenreuter, I was sayin' the other day +what kind of a brother that is! [_He notices the bunch of lilacs and +takes it from the table._] Look at this here! That there monster's been +in my home! If he comes back I'll be the first one that'll take him, +bound hand an' foot, an' deliver him up to justice! + + [_He searches through the whole room._ + +MRS. JOHN + +You c'n tell dam' fools there's such a thing as justice. There ain't no +justice, not even in heaven. There wasn't a soul here. An' that bit o' +lilac I brought along from Hangelsberg where a big bush of it grows +behind your sister's house. + +JOHN + +Jette, you wasn't at my sister's at all. Quaquaro jus' told me that! They +proved that at headquarters. You was seen in the park by the river ... + +MRS. JOHN + +Lies! + +JOHN + +An' 'way out in the suburbs where you passed the night in a arbour! + +MRS. JOHN + +What? D'you come into your own house to tear everythin' into bits? + +JOHN + +All right! I ain't sorry that things has come to this. There ain't no +more secrets between us here. I foretold all that. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Tense with interest._] Did that Polish girl who fought like a lioness +for Mrs. Knobbe's baby the other day ever show herself again? + +JOHN + +She's the very one. She's the one what they pulled out o' the water this +morning. An' I has to say it without bitin' my tongue off: Bruno Mechelke +took that girl's life. + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Quickly._] Then she was probably his mistress? + +JOHN + +Ask mother! I don' know about that! That's what I was scared of; that's +the reason I rather didn't come home at all no more, that my own wife was +loaded down with a crowd like that an' didn't have the strength to shake +it off. + +HASSENREUTER + +Come, children! + +JOHN + +Why so? You jus' stay! + +MRS. JOHN + +You don' has to go an' open the windows an' cry out everythin' for all +the world to hear! It's bad enough if fate's brought a misfortune like +that on us. Go on! Make a noise about it if you want to. But you won't +see me very soon again. + +HASSENREUTER + +And you mean to say that that ... + +JOHN + +That's jus' what I'll do! Jus' that! I'll call in anybody as wants to +know--outa the street, offa the hall, the carpenter outa the yard, the +boys an' the girls what takes their confirmation lessons--I'll call 'em +all an' I'll tell 'em what a woman got into on account o' her fool love +for her brother! + +HASSENREUTER + +And so that good-looking girl who laid claim to the child is actually +dead to-day? + +JOHN + +Maybe she was good-lookin'. I don' know nothin' about that, whether she +was pretty or ugly. But it's a fac' that she's lyin' in the morgue this +day. + +MRS. JOHN + +I c'n tell you what she was! She was a common, low wench! She had +dealin's with a Tyrolese feller that didn't want to have nothin' more to +do with her an' she had a child by him. An' she'd ha' liked to kill that +child while it was in her own womb. Then she came to fetch it with that +Kielbacke what's been in prison eighteen months as a professional +baby-killer. Whether she had any dealin's with Bruno, I don' know! Maybe +so an' maybe not! An' anyhow, I don' see how it concerns me what Bruno's +gone an' done. + +HASSENREUTER + +So you _did_ know the girl in question, Mrs. John? + +MRS. JOHN + +How so? I didn't know her a bit! I'm only sayin' what everybody as knows +says about that there girl. + +HASSENREUTER + +You're an honourable woman: you're an honourable man, Mr. John. This +matter with your wayward brother is terrible enough as a fact, but it +ought not seriously to undermine your married life. Stay honest and ... + +JOHN + +Not a bit of it! I don't stay with such people; not anywhere near 'em. +[_He brings his fist down on the table, taps at the walls, stamps on the +floor._] Listen to the crackin'! Listen, how the plasterin' comes +rumblin' down behind the wall-paper! Everything rotten here, everythin's +worm eaten! Everythin's undermined by varmint an' by rats an' by mice. +[_He see-saws on a loose plank in the floor._] Every thin' totters! Any +minute the whole business might crash down into the cellar.--[_He opens +the door._] Selma! Selma! I'm goin' to pull outa here before the whole +thing just falls together into a heap o' rubbish! + +MRS. JOHN + +What do you want o' Selma? + +JOHN + +Selma is goin' to take that child an' I'll go with 'em on the train an' +take it out to my sister. + +MRS. JOHN + +You'll hear from me if you try that! Oh, you jus' try it! + +JOHN + +Is my child to be brought up in surroundin's like this, an' maybe some +day be driven over the roofs with Bruno an' maybe end in the +penitentiary? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Cries out at him._] That ain't your child at all! Y'understan'? + +JOHN + +'S that so? Well, we'll see if an honest man can't be master o' his own +child what's got a mother that's gone crazy an' is in the hands of a +crowd o' murderers. I'd like to see who's in the right there an' who's +the stronger. Selma! + +MRS. JOHN + +I'll scream! I'll tear open the windows! Mrs. Hassenreuter, they wants to +rob a mother o' her child! That's my right that I'm the mother o' my +child! Ain't that my right? Ain't that so, Mrs. Hassenreuter? They're +surroundin' me! They wants to rob me o' my rights! Ain't it goin' to +belong to me what I picked up like refuse, what was lyin' on rags +half-dead, an' I had to rub it an' knead it all I could before it began +to breathe an' come to life slowly? If it wasn't for me, it would ha' +been covered with earth these three weeks! + +HASSENREUTER + +Mr. John, to play the part of an arbitrator between married people is not +ordinarily my function. It's too thankless a task and one's experiences +are, as a rule, too unhappy. But you should not permit your feeling of +honour, justly wounded as, no doubt, it is, to hurry you into acts that +are rash. For, after all, your wife is not responsible for her brother's +act. Let her have the child! Don't increase the misery of it all by such +hardness toward your wife as must hurt her most cruelly and +unnecessarily. + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, that child's like as if it was cut outa my own flesh! I bought that +child with my blood. It ain't enough that all the world's after me an' +wants to take it away from me; now you gotta join 'em an' do the same! +That's the thanks a person gets! Why, it's like a pack o' hungry wolves +aroun' me. You c'n kill me! But you can't touch my baby! + +JOHN + +I comes home, Mr. Hassenreuter, only this mornin'. I comes home with all +my tools on the train, jolly as c'n be. I broke off all my connections in +Hamburg. Even if you don' earn so much, says I to myself, you'd rather be +with your family, an' take up your child in your arms a little, or maybe +take it on your knee a little! That was about the way I was thinkin'! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul! Here, Paul! [_She goes close up to him._] You c'n tear my heart out +if you want to! + + [_She stares long at him, then runs behind the partition, whence her + loud weeping is heard._ + + _SELMA enters from the hall. She is dressed in mourning garments and + carries a little wreath in her hand._ + +SELMA + +What is I to do? You called me, Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Put on your cloak, Selma. Ax your mother if you c'n go an' take a trip +with me to Hangelsberg. You'll earn a bit o' money doin' it. All you +gotta do is to take my child on your arm an' come along with me. + +SELMA + +No, I ain' goin' to touch that child no more. + +JOHN + +Why not? + +SELMA + +No; I'm afraid, Mr. John! I'm that scared at the way mama an' the police +lieutenant screamed at me. + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Appears._] Why did they scream at you? + +SELMA + +[_Crying vociferously._] Officer Schierke even slapped my face. + +MRS. JOHN + +Well, I'll see about that ... he oughta try that again. + +SELMA + +I can't tell why that Polish girl took my little brother away. If I'd +known that my little brother was goin' to die, I'd ha' jumped at her +throat first. Now little Gundofried's coffin stands on the stairs. I +believe mama has convulsions an' is lyin' down in Quaquaro's alcove. An' +me they wants to take to the charity organisation, Mrs. John. + + [_She weeps._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Then you c'n be reel happy. They can't treat you worse'n you was treated +at home. + +SELMA + +An' I gotta go to court! An' maybe they'll take me to gaol! + +MRS. JOHN + +On account o' what? + +SELMA + +Because they says I took the child what the Polish girl had up in the +loft an' carried it down to you. + +HASSENREUTER + +So a child actually was born up there. + +SELMA + +Certainly. + +HASSENREUTER + +In _whose_ loft? + +SELMA + +Why, where them actors lives! It ain't none o' my business! How is I to +know anythin' about it? All I c'n say is ... + +MRS. JOHN + +You better hurry on about your business now, Selma! You got a clean +conscience! You don' has to care for what people jabber. + +SELMA + +An' I don' want to betray nothin' neither, Mrs. John. + +JOHN + +[_Grasps SELMA, who is about to run away, and holds her fast._] Naw, you +ain't goin'! Here you stays! The truth! "I don' want to betray nothin'," +you says. You heard that, too, Mrs. Hassenreuter? An' Mr. Spitta an' the +young lady here heard it too. The truth! You ain't goin' to leave this +here spot before I don' know the rights o' this matter about Bruno an' +his mistress, an' if you people did away with that child! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, I swear before God that I ain't done away with it! + +JOHN + +Well ...? Out with what you know, girl! I been seein' for a long time +that there's been some secret scheming between you an' my wife. There +ain't no use no more in all that winkin' an' noddin'. Is that child dead +or alive? + +SELMA + +No, that child is alive all right. + +HASSENREUTER + +The one, you mean, that you carried down here under your apron or in some +such way? + +JOHN + +If it's dead you c'n be sure that you an' Bruno'll both be made a head +shorter'n you are! + +SELMA + +I'm tellin' you the child is alive. + +HASSENREUTER + +But you said at first that you hadn't brought down any child at all. + +JOHN + +An' you pretend to know nothin' o' that whole business, mother? [_MRS. +JOHN stares at him; SELMA gazes helplessly and confusedly at MRS. JOHN._] +Mother, you got rid o' the child o' Bruno an' that Polish wench an' then, +when people came after it, you went an' substitooted that little crittur +o' Knobbe's. + +WALBURGA + +[_Very pale and conquering her repugnance._] Tell me, Mrs. John, what +happened on that day when I so foolishly took flight up into the loft at +papa's coming? I'll explain that to you later, papa. On that occasion, as +became clear to me later, I saw the Polish girl twice: first with Mrs. +John and then with her brother. + +HASSENREUTER + +You, Walburga? + +WALBURGA + +Yes, papa. Alice Rütterbusch was with you that day, and I had made an +engagement to meet Erich here. He came to see you finally but failed to +meet me because I kept hidden. + +HASSENREUTER + +I can't say that I have any recollection of that. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +[_To her husband._] The girl has really passed more than one sleepless +night on account of this matter. + +HASSENREUTER + +Well, Mrs. John, if you are inclined to attach any weight to the opinion +of a former jurist who exchanged the law for an artistic career only +after having been plucked in his bar examination--in that case let me +assure you that, under the circumstances, ruthless frankness will prove +your best defense. + +JOHN + +Jette, where did you put that there child? The head detective told me--I +jus' remember it now--that they're still huntin' aroun' for the child o' +the dead woman! Jette, for God's sake, don't you have 'em suspect you o' +layin' hands on that there newborn child jus' to get the proofs o' your +brother's rascality outa the world! + +MRS. JOHN + +_Me_ lay hands on little Adelbert, Paul? + +JOHN + +Nobody ain't talkin' o' Adelbert here. [_To SELMA._] I'll knock your head +off for you if you don' tell me this minute what's become o' the child o' +Bruno an' the Polish girl! + +SELMA + +Why, it's behind your own partition, Mr. John! + +JOHN + +Where is it, Jette? + +MRS. JOHN + +I ain't goin' to tell that. + + _The child begins to cry._ + +JOHN + +[_To SELMA._] The truth! Or I'll turn you over to the police, +y'understan'? See this rope? I'll tie you hand and foot! + +SELMA + +[_Involuntarily, in the extremity of her fear._] It's cryin' now! You +know that child well enough. Mr. John. + +JOHN + +Me? + + [_Utterly at sea he looks first at SELMA, then at HASSENREUTER. + Suddenly a suspicion flashes upon him as he turns his gaze upon his + wife. He believes that he is beginning to understand and wavers._ + +MRS. JOHN + +Don't you let a low down lie like that take you in, Paul! It's all +invented by the fine mother that girl has outa spite! Paul, why d'you +look at me so? + +SELMA + +That's low of you, mother John, that you wants to make me out so bad now. +Then I won't be careful neither not to let nothin' out! You know all +right that I carried the young lady's child down here an' put it in the +nice, clean bed. I c'n swear to that! I c'n take my oath on that! + +MRS. JOHN + +Lies! Lies! You says that my child ain't my child! + +SELMA + +Why, you ain't had no child at all, Mrs. John! + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Embraces her husband's knees._] Oh, that ain't true at all! + +JOHN + +You leave me alone, Henrietta! Don' dirty me with your hands! + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul, I couldn't do no different. I had to do that, I was deceived myself +an' then I told you about it in my letter to Hamburg an' then you was so +happy an' I couldn't disappoint you an' I thought: it's gotta be! We c'n +has a child this way too an' then ... + +JOHN + +[_With ominous calmness._] Lemme think it over, Jette. [_He goes to the +chest of drawers, opens a drawer and flings the baby linen and baby +dresses that he finds therein into the middle of the room._] C'n anybody +understan' how week after week, an' month after month, all day long an' +half the nights she could ha' worked on this trash till her fingers was +bloody? + +MRS. JOHN + +[_Gathers up the linen and the dresses in insane haste and hides them +carefully in the table drawer and elsewhere._] Paul, don' do that! You +c'n do anythin' else! It's like tearin' the last rag offa my naked body! + +JOHN + +[_Stops, grasps his forehead and sinks into a chair._] If that's true, +mother, I'll be too ashamed to show my face again. + + [_He seems to sink into himself, crosses his arms over his head and + hides his face._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Mrs. John, how could you permit yourself to be forced into a course of so +much error and deception? You've entangled yourself in the most frightful +way! Come, children! Unhappily there is nothing more for us to do here. + +JOHN + +[_Gets up._] You might as well take me along with you, sir. + +MRS. JOHN + +Go on! Go on! I don' need you! + +JOHN + +[_Turning to her, coldly._] So you bargained for that there kid someway +an' when its mother wanted it back you got Bruno to kill her? + +MRS. JOHN + +You ain't no husband o' mine! How could that be! You been bought by the +police! You took money to give me up to my death! Go on, Paul, you ain't +human even! You got poison in your eyes an' teeth like wolves'! Go on an' +whistle so they'll come an' take me! Go on, I says! Now I see the kind o' +man you is an' I'll despise you to the day o' judgment! + + [_She is about to run from the room when policeman SCHIERKE and + QUAQUARO appear._ + +SCHIERKE + +Hold on! Nobody can't get outa this room. + +JOHN + +Come right in, Emil! You c'n come in reel quiet, officer. Everything in +order here an' all right. + +QUAQUARO + +Don't get excited, Paul! This here don' concern you! + +JOHN + +[_With rising rage._] Did you laugh, Emil? + +QUAQUARO + +Man alive, why should I? Only Mr. Schierke is to take that there little +one to the orphan house in a cab. + +SCHIERKE + +Yessir! That's right. Where is the child? + +JOHN + +How is I to know where all the brats offa junk heaps that witches use in +their doin's gets to in the end? Watch the chimney! Maybe it flew outa +there on a broomstick. + +MRS. JOHN + +Paul!--Now it _ain't_ to live! No, outa spite! Now it don' _has_ to live! +Now it's gotta go down under the ground with me! + + [_With lightning-like rapidity she has run behind the partition and + reappears at once with the child and makes for the door. HASSENREUTER + and SPITTA throw themselves in front of the desperate woman, intent + on saving the child._ + +HASSENREUTER + +Stop! I'll interfere now! I have the right to do so at this point! +Whomever the little boy may belong to--so much the worse if its mother +has been murdered--it was born on my premises! Forward, Spitta! Fight for +it, my boy! Here your propensities come properly into play! Go on! +Careful! That's it! Bravo! Be as careful as though it were the Christ +child! Bravo! That's it! You yourself are at liberty, Mrs. John. We don't +restrain you. You must only leave us the little boy. + + _MRS. JOHN rushes madly out._ + +SCHIERKE + +Here you stays! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +The woman is desperate. Stop her! Hold her! + +JOHN + +[_With a sudden change._] Look out for mother! Mother! Stop her! Catch +hold o' her! Mother! Mother! + + _SELMA, SCHIERKE and JOHN hurry after MRS. JOHN. SPITTA, + HASSENREUTER, MRS. HASSENREUTER and WALBURGA busy themselves about + the child, which lies on the table._ + +HASSENREUTER + +[_Carefully wrapping the infant._] The horrible woman may be desperate +for all I care! But for that reason she needn't destroy the child. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +But, dearest papa, isn't it quite evident that the woman has pinned her +love, silly to the point of madness as it is, to this very infant? +Thoughtless and harsh words may actually drive the unhappy creature to +her death. + +HASSENREUTER + +I used no harsh words, mama. + +SPITTA + +An unmistakable feeling assures me that the child has only now lost its +mother. + +QUAQUARO + +That's true. Its father ain't aroun' an' don' want to have nothin' to do +with it. He got married yesterday to the widow of a man who owned a +merry-go-roun'! Its mother was no better'n she should be! An' if Mrs. +Kielbacke was to take care of it, it'd die like ten outa every dozen what +she boards. The way things has come aroun' now--it'll have to die too. + +HASSENREUTER + +Unless our Father above who sees all things has differently determined. + +QUAQUARO + +D'you mean Paul, the mason? Not now! No sir! I knows him! He's a ticklish +customer where his honour is concerned. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Just look how the child lies there! It's incomprehensible! Fine +linen--even lace! Neat and sweet as a doll! It makes one's heart ache to +think how suddenly it has become an utterly forlorn and forsaken orphan. + +SPITTA + +Where I judge in Israel ... + +HASSENREUTER + +You would erect a monument to Mrs. John! It may well be that many an +element of the heroic, much that is hiddenly meritorious, lurks in these +obscure fates and struggles. But not even Kohlhaas of Kohlhaasenbrück +with his mad passion for justice could fight his way through! Let us use +practical Christianity! Perhaps we could permanently befriend the child. + +QUAQUARO + +You better keep your hands offa that! + +HASSENREUTER + +Why? + +QUAQUARO + +Unless you're crazy to get rid o' money an' are anxious for all the +worries an' the troubles you'll have with the public charities an' the +police an' the courts. + +HASSENREUTER + +For such things I have no time to spare, I confess. + +SPITTA + +Won't you admit that a genuinely tragic fatality has been active here? + +HASSENREUTER + +Tragedy is not confined to any class of society. I always told you that! + + _SELMA, breathless, opens the outer door._ + +SELMA + +Mr. John! Mr. John! Oh, Mr. John! + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Mr. John isn't here. What do you want, Selma? + +SELMA + +Mr. John, you're to come out on the street! + +HASSENREUTER + +Quiet, quiet now! What is the matter? + +SELMA + +[_Breathlessly._] Your wife ... your wife ... The whole street's crowded +... 'buses an' tram-cars ... nobody can't get through ... her arms is +stretched out ... your wife's lyin' on her face down there. + +MRS. HASSENREUTER + +Why, what has happened? + +SELMA + +Lord! Lord God in Heaven! Mrs. John has killed herself. + + +THE END + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dramatic Works of Gerhart +Hauptmann by Gerhart Hauptmann + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DRAMATIC WORKS OF *** + +This file should be named 8hwk210.txt or 8hwk210.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8hwk211.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8hwk210a.txt + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Thomas Berger and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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