Frau Heinecke. (_She goes to the bed-room door_) Alma! (_No answer_) Robert. Oh, she never should have been left alone. Frau Heinecke. (_Opens the door_) Just as I said, she's asleep. Robert. She can sleep! Frau Heinecke. Will you get up, you worthless girl? Heinecke. Come, get up, or there'll be trouble. Robert. Father, Mother, quick, before she comes! Don't be too hard with her. It will only make her more stubborn. Frau Heinecke. You are a good deal more clever than your old mother, but just the same I know how to take care of my children. I'll keep her like in a reform-school if it breaks my heart:--cleaning boots, peeling potatoes, cleaning floors, scrubbing steps, she's got to do it all. Robert. And suppose she runs away some night? Heinecke. Pah, she'll be locked up. I'll have the key in my pocket. How'll she run away then? Robert. But think, she is only a child! And the rest are more to blame than she. Her own sister--Ah, if you want to be severe you ought to be severe with that damned procuress!--I hope I can demand once for all that Alma be taken absolutely away from under the influence of her sister and that you'll show Auguste and her husband the door! Heinecke. Certainly, we'll make a clean sweep of that outfit. I've had enough of Michalski. Now you see. Mother, Robert has to come all the way from India to say it! You haven't any respect for me, poor old man! Robert. I beg your pardon. Father--this doesn't concern you. Heinecke. Just the same---- Frau Heinecke. (_Her apron over her face_) But she is my child, too! And I love all my children the same! Robert. Even if they aren't worthy of your love? Frau Heinecke. Then all the more. Robert. Shh! (Alma _appears in the bed-room door dressed in a nightgown and a while underskirt, her hair is down and she looks fearfully from one to the other._) Heinecke. Hoho! Frau Heinecke. (_Wringing her hands_) Child! child, is this our reward? Haven't I done everything in the world for you? Haven't I kept you like a princess? But now it's over. What are you standing there for? Get a broom! Sweep the room! (Alma _slips past her with her elbows up, as if fearing a blow, into the kitchen._) Heinecke. (_Walking excitedly up and down_) I'm your poor old father and I tell you I brought you into the world!--Yes, an honest old man! That I am! (Alma _appears in the kitchen door with broom and dustpan._) Robert. (_To himself_) How sweet she looks in her penitence! and she---- Frau Heinecke. Well, are you going to begin? Heinecke. (_Ceremoniously_) Alma, my daughter, come here--close! Alma. Please, please, don't strike me. Heinecke. That is the least I'll do! I'm an honest old man! Yes, here lies honor! Do you know what I'm going to do with you now? I'm going to curse you! What do you say to that? Alma. Go away--let me alone. Heinecke. You defy me, do you?--you don't know me yet! you! Frau Heinecke. Father, be still! she's got to work.