Heinecke. Angry! (_Then recalling his severity_) That is--yes--very. But for once we'll allow mercy to take the place of justice. (_Turning around_) That was pretty good, eh? Frau Heinecke. (_Strokes_ Alma's _hair and leads her toward the left_) Come, sit down. No, here on the arm-chair! Alma. What is it--what's happened? Heinecke. Ha! ha! (All _take their places about him._) Alma. And I can go to the masked ball? Heinecke. Ha--ha! Yes, you can go to the masked ball. Auguste. (_Ironically_) The poor child! Heinecke. (_Jumping up_) I must go this minute to the bank! Michalski. (_Opening bottle of liqueur_) Wait! We'll wet up our luck so it'll stick! Alma, some glasses. Frau Heinecke. (_Getting up_) Let the poor child sit still! I'll 'tend to that myself! (_She goes to the washstand and brings a set of liqueur glasses. To_ Auguste) What did you mean before about Robert? Auguste. You'll see quick enough. Frau Heinecke. He won't grudge us old folks a little good luck, will he? Michalski. (_Sings_) "_So leben wir, so leben wir!_" (_The moving of a chair is heard in bedroom._) Michalski. Ladies and Gentlemen, I drink to Fraulein Alma Heinecke, our lucky-child, and above all, the House that has always shown itself, generous---- Heinecke. The house of Muhlingk! Long live the House of Muhlingk! Hurrah! (Robert _appears at the bedroom door._) All. Hurrah! Hurrah! Frau Heinecke. (_Startled_) There he is! (_Embarrassed silence._) Michalski. Morning, brother-in-law. Robert. Will you kindly explain, Mother, how these two happen to be sitting at the table of respectable people? Michalski. Oh! Heinecke. Don't be so inhospitable! Frau Heinecke. (_Going toward him_) Bobby, you mustn't be proud, specially to your own flesh and blood. Robert. Hm--Alma, what is that? Who gave you permission----? Heinecke. And you may as well know now as any time, there's no use having any hopes about India. I prefer to spend my money in Germany. Robert. (_Confused_) What has happened? Frau Heinecke. You tell him, Father, you're the one that got the check! Robert. What check? Heinecke. (_Assuming a pose_) My son!--one doesn't often seem what one really is--Such things are deeper--For that reason one must always be respectful--you can never tell what is hidden under tattered clothes. Anyone can wear a fur-lined coat. Robert. Will you please explain what--- Heinecke. Explain?--What is there to explain--Don't look at me like that! What are you looking at me that way for. Mother, I won't stand it! Frau Heinecke. Go on! Go on! Heinecke. Well, as I said, it's simple enough. The Herr Councillor was here. Robert. He? Why didn't you call me.