Frau Heinecke. Don't whistle! The folks in front can hear that from the balcony, and they'll send round to find out what's the matter with our family affairs!--And the boss was so tickled over his new title, that he was feelin' free with his pocket-book and he promised to take care of us and give our oldest an education. Frau Hebenstreit. And did he stick to it? Heinecke. (_Working_) Ah, there! Frau Heinecke. Couldn't 've done better! They gave us a place here on the alley, where, thank God, we still are, and they sent Robert off to the school where he got his learning. And when he came back home on his vacations, he was always invited over on the avenue to drink chocolate with whip-cream,--on purpose to play with the little Miss. Young Herr Kurt was still sucking a rubber nipple then. Frau Hebenstreit. That was all before Alma--? Frau Heinecke. (_More quietly_) What do you mean by that? Frau Hebenstreit. Aw, nothing, I---- Frau Heinecke. And then afterwards they sent him to Hamburg to learn about the foreign business, you know--and when he was seventeen off he goes to India, where they say it's so outlandish hot! The Councillor's nephew is out there. He's got a big coffee and tea plantation! Heinecke. It grows out there just like daisies do around here! (_Gets down from the stool_) Fine, eh? Frau Heinecke. And he got along pretty well out there, and, Lord, here he is home again and I stand around and---- Frau Hebenstreit. I'm a-going. Good-bye, and don't forget the poison in the rat's tail! (_Aside_) It's a pretty kettle of fish! (_She goes out_) Heinecke. She's an old poison-toad herself! Frau Heinecke. Jealousy--jealousy--jealousy! Heinecke. Well! Where did you get the pound-cake! Frau Heinecke. The cook brought it, with the compliments of the Miss. Heinecke. (_Turning away_) What comes from the avenue don't interest me! The boy must have had enough sleep by this time. The factory whistle will blow for the second lunch[3] in a minute! (_Looking lovingly at the placard_) "Welcome, beloved son----" Frau Heinecke. (_Suddenly_) Father, he's here! Heinecke. Who? Frau Heinecke. Our boy! Heinecke. (_Pointing to placard_) We're ready for him! Frau Heinecke. Shh! I heard something! (_Listening_) Yes, I told you! He's putting on his shoes. When I think of it! There he is a-sitting putting on his shoes, and in a minute he'll come through this door---- Heinecke. All I'll say is: "Welcome, beloved"--did you put some of that swell soap of Alma's on his washstand? Frau Heinecke. And how many times have I set here and thought to myself: has he even got a decent bed under him?--and--and--have the savages eaten him up already? And now all of a sudden here he is, Father--Father we've got him again! May the luck keep up! Heinecke. Look here a minute--does this look all right? Frau Heinecke. Quiet!--He's coming. Your tie's slipped up again! I'm ashamed of you! (_Smoothes the cover of the arm-chair_) Lord, how nervous I am!