NATO [_crying_]. It is out of the question, mamma. No, not for the world could I marry a business man! I will not have one! I would rather jump into the water than marry one! [_Crying, she gives the money back_.] Take it back! What do I need it for now? Why should I go out and make purchases? For whom, then? [_Takes off her mantle, flings her parasol aside, sits down on the sofa and begins to cry_. SALOME. O great heaven! is this not torture? I get it on both sides. [_Turning to Nato_:] Be still, you stupid girl! NATO. For this I have learned so much; for this you have brought me up so grandly and given yourself so much trouble and care! [_Weeping_.] Is he, also, to take me walking on the boulevard? Is he to accompany me to the club and to the theatre? [_Sobbing_. SALOME. Be quiet! Enough! Give yourself no unnecessary heartache. NATO [_jumps up and embraces Salome_]. Dear, dear mamma! dearest mamma, save me! SALOME. Oh, rather would your mother be dead than to see this day! NATO. Dear mamma, save me! save me, or I shall go into consumption! God is my witness! SALOME [_weeping_]. The deuce take everything! [_Wipes away her tears_. NATO. Mamma, if you please, I would rather not marry at all. I will serve you here at home like a housemaid. Only make them stop this affair! SALOME. That has already happened, my child. NATO. Dear mamma, please do it. SALOME. But I tell you, truly. NATO. Is it really true? SALOME. As true as the sun shines. NATO [_kissing Salome_]. O my dear, dear mamma! SALOME. At last I am rid of you. Your eyes are real tear-fountains. It would not have taken much more to make me cry, too. NATO [_laughing_]. Ha! ha! ha! SALOME. You can laugh now. NATO. Ha! ha! ha! you gave me such a fright! SALOME. You are terribly flighty. [_Presses the money into her hand_.] Here, take it; and do not be too long. [_Smoothes Nato's hair_. NATO [_pulling herself away from her mother_]. Very well, mamma. [_Taking her parasol and mantle_. SALOME. Wipe your eyes, I pray, or they will laugh at you! NATO. They are quite dry; and what does anybody care about my eyes? [_Going._ SALOME. Come back soon; don't allow yourself to be delayed. NATO. I will come back right away, dear mamma. [_Goes toward the right into the ante-room._ SCENE IV SALOME [_alone_]. No, there is no other way out. Cost what it will, I shall accomplish what I want. Yes, I must, if I am ruined by it. Mother of God, plead for my Nato! OSSEP [_enters, right_]. Where has Nato gone? SALOME. Just across the way, to the store. She needed some music. OSSEP. These are fine times for me! And a girl like this is to become a good citizen's wife! [_Sits down on the sofa_.