ADOLF. No, I noticed as much, for when I remarked, some time back, that you wanted to sneak away from me, and get a set of your own, so as to be able to deck yourself out with my feathers, to scintillate with my jewels, I wanted to remind you of your guilt. And then I changed from your point of view into that inconvenient creditor, whom a woman would particularly prefer to keep at a safe distance from one, and then you would have liked to have canceled the debt, and to avoid getting any more into my debt; you ceased to pilfer my coffers and transferred your attention to others. I was your husband without having wished it, and your hate began to arise; but now I'm going to be your husband, whether you want it or not. I can't be your lover any more, that's certain! [_He sits down in his previous place on the right._] THEKLA [_half joking, she moves away behind the table and goes behind the sofa_]. Don't talk such nonsense. ADOLF. You be careful! It's a dangerous game, to consider every one else an ass and only oneself smart. THEKLA. Everybody does that more or less. ADOLF. And I'm just beginning to suspect that that husband of yours wasn't such an ass after all. THEKLA. Good God! I really believe you're beginning to have sympathy--for him? ADOLF. Yes, almost. THEKLA. Well, look here. Wouldn't you like to make his acquaintance, so as to pour out your heart to him if you want to? What a charming picture! But I, too, begin to feel myself drawn to him somehow. I'm tired of being the nurse of a baby like you. [_She goes a few steps forward and passes by Adolf on the right._] He at any rate was a man, even though he did make the mistake of being my husband. ADOLF. Hush, hush! But don't talk so loud, we might be heard. THEKLA. What does it matter, so long as we're taken for man and wife. ADOLF. So this is what it comes to then? You are now beginning to be keen both on manly men and pure boys. THEKLA. There are no limits to my keenness, as you see. And my heart is open to the whole world, great and small, beautiful and ugly. I love the whole world. ADOLF [_standing up_]. Do you know what that means? THEKLA. No, I don't know, I only feel. ADOLF. It means that old age has arrived. THEKLA. Are you starting on that again now? Take care! ADOLF. You take care! THEKLA. What of? ADOLF. Of this knife. [_Goes towards her._] THEKLA [_flippantly_]. Little brother shouldn't play with such dangerous toys. [_She passes by him behind the sofa._] ADOLF. I'm not playing any longer.