Frau Heinecke. Just like any young girl goes with a young gentleman. Robert. Goes? Where? Frau Heinecke. To concerts, to restaurants--If he's got money, to the theater, and in summer to Grunewald[7] or Treptow.[8] Robert. Alone? Frau Heinecke. Alone? (_Clacks her tongue_) No! With the young man! Robert. I meant: without her parents? Frau Heinecke. Certainly. Or do you expect the old mother is going to toddle after the young ones on her weak legs. Robert. Mm! So you knew she "went" with him? Frau Heinecke. No, I just thought so. Robert. And when you asked her? Frau Heinecke. Why should I ask? That would only be wasting breath. A girl ought to know herself what's good for her. Robert. Oh! Frau Heinecke. But that she--oh, who'd have thought it! Lord, how you tremble. I must get this room warm for you. (_Goes to stove_) Robert. (_To himself_) No way out! No way to save things! Shame!--a life of shame! Frau Heinecke. (_Into the kitchen_) Father, bring in some coke! (_Kneels and shakes down the fire_) Robert. (_To himself_) What sort of satisfaction can he have meant? Marriage? (_He laughs_) And if it came to that, I'm not sure whether I should want marriage for her. At least there is the chance of a duel. If he shoots me down, then I'm saved. But--what will become of these? (_Gesture_) (_Enter_ Heinecke _in a torn dressing-gown, and large felt slippers, he carries a basket of coke._) Heinecke. (_Gruffly_) Good-morning. Robert. Good-morning, Father. Heinecke. (_Muttering_) Yes, yes---- Frau Heinecke. Quit grumbling, Father. Help me make a fire. Heinecke. Yes--Yes, we'll make a fire, (_They both kneel before the stove_) Robert. (_To himself_) And if I kill him? I'll admit that would be a relief! But the question remains: what will become of them? (_Looking toward his parents_) I'm afraid that I can't afford the luxury of a sense of honor. (_Crying out_) Oh, how vile I am! Heinecke. Something wrong, my boy? Frau Heinecke. It's because of Alma. He hasn't even been to bed. Heinecke. Yes, Alma! That's what a man grows gray in honor for. But I always said it: the Avenue'll bring us trouble some day. Frau Heinecke. (_To_ Heinecke) Father, don't cry! (_They embrace_) Robert. (_To himself_) But someone's heart must break! Heinecke. Oh, I'm not crying! I'm master of this house! I know what I've got to do! Poor cripple has his honor, too. Think I'll stand for it! My daughter! She'll see! (_Swinging the poker_) I'll give her my curse! My paternal curse! Frau Heinecke. (_Arranging the bed_) Now, now, now---- Heinecke. Yes, you! You don't understand anything about honor. (_Strikes his breast_) There lies honor! Out into the streets she'll go! Out into the night and the storm! Robert. Do you want her to be absolutely ruined? Frau Heinecke. Let him talk, he don't mean anything. Robert. Won't you see where she is? I suppose she's ashamed to show herself. Frau Heinecke. She wanted to sleep. Robert. Oh!