RODRIGO. She had sent Papa Schigolch and me together in chase of some strong antidote for sleeplessness. We each got a twenty-mark piece for expenses. There we see the youngster sitting in the Night-light Cafe. He was sitting like a criminal on the prisoner's bench. Schigolch sniffed at him from all sides, and remarked, "He is still virgin." (_Up in the gallery, dragging steps are heard._) There she is! The future magnificent trapeze-artiste of the present age! (_The curtains part at the stair-head, and Lulu, supported by Schigolch, and in a black dress, slowly and wearily descends._) SCHIGOLCH. Hui, old mold! We've still to get over the frontier to-day. RODRIGO. (_Glaring stupidly at Lulu._) Thunder of heaven! Death! LULU. (_Speaks, to the end of the act, in the gayest tones._) Slowly! You're pinching my arm! RODRIGO. How did you ever get the shamelessness to break out of prison with such a wolf's face?! SCHIGOLCH. Stop your snout! RODRIGO. I'll run for the police! I'll give information! This scarecrow let herself be seen in tights?! The padding alone would cost two months' salary!--You're the most perfidious swindler that ever had lodging in Ox-butter Hotel! ALVA. Kindly refrain from insulting the lady! RODRIGO. Insulting you call that?! For this gnawed bone's sake I've worn myself away! I can't earn my own living! I'll be a clown if I can still stand firm under a broom-stick! But let the lightning strike me on the spot if I don't worm ten thousand marks a year for life out of your tricks and frauds! I can tell you that! A pleasant trip! I'm going for the police! (_Exit._) SCHIGOLCH. Run, run! LULU. He'll take good care of himself! SCHIGOLCH. We're rid of *him*!--And now some black coffee for the lady! ALVA. (_At the table left._) Here is coffee, ready to pour. SCHIGOLCH. I must look after the sleeping-car tickets. LULU. (_Brightly._) Oh, freedom! Thank God for freedom! SCHIGOLCH. I'll be back for you in half an hour. We'll celebrate our departure in the station-restaurant. I'll order a supper that'll keep us going till to-morrow.--Good morning, doctor. ALVA. Good evening. SCHIGOLCH. Pleasant rest!--Thanks, I know every door-handle here. So long! Have a good time! (_Exit._) LULU. I haven't seen a room for a year and a half. Curtains, chairs, pictures.... ALVA. Won't you drink it? LULU. I've swallowed enough black coffee these five days. Have you any brandy? ALVA. I've got some elixir de Spaa. LULU. That reminds one of old times. (_Looks round the hall while Alva fills two glasses._) Where's my picture gone? ALVA. I've got it in my room, so no one shall see it here. LULU. Bring it down here now. ALVA. Didn't you even lose your vanity in prison?