HUGENBERG. Where does that man come from? Out of the same door! He jumped out of the same door! ALVA. I've taken him into my service. He is dependable. HUGENBERG. (_Grasping his temples._) Fool that I am! Oh, fool! RODRIGO. Oh, yah, we've seen each other here before! Cut away now to your vice-mamma. Your kid brother might like to uncle his brothers and sisters. Make your sir-papa the grandfather of his children! You're the only thing we've missed. If you once get into my sight in the next two weeks, I'll beat your bean up for porridge. ALVA. Be quiet, you! HUGENBERG. I'm a fool! RODRIGO. What do you want to do with your fire? Don't you know the lady's been dead three weeks? HUGENBERG. Did they cut off her head? RODRIGO. No, she's got that still. She was mashed by the cholera. HUGENBERG. That is not true! RODRIGO. What do you know about it! There, read it: here! (_Taking out a paper and pointing to the place._) "The murderess of Dr. Schoen...." (_Gives Hugenberg the paper. He reads:_) HUGENBERG. "The murderess of Dr. Schoen has in some incomprehensible way fallen ill of the cholera in prison." It doesn't say that she's dead. RODRIGO. Well, what else do you suppose she is? She's been lying in the churchyard three weeks. Back in the left-hand corner behind the rubbish-heap where the little crosses are with no names on them, there she lies under the first one. You'll know the spot because the grass hasn't grown on it. Hang a tin wreath there, and then get back to your nursery-school or I'll denounce you to the police. I know the female that beguiles her leisure hours with you! HUGENBERG. (_To Alva._) Is it true that she's dead? ALVA. Thank God, yes!--Please, do not keep me here any longer. My doctor has forbidden me to receive visitors. HUGENBERG. My future is worth so little now! I would gladly have given the last scrap of what life is worth to me for her happiness. Heigh-ho! One way or another I'll sure go to the devil now! RODRIGO. If you dare in any way to approach me or the doctor here or my honorable friend Schigolch too near, I'll inform on you for intended arson. You need three good years, to learn where not to stick your fingers in! Now get out! HUGENBERG. Fool! RODRIGO. Get out!! (_Throws him out the door. Coming down._) I wonder you didn't put your purse at that rogue's disposal, too! ALVA. I won't stand your damned jabbering! The boy's little finger is worth more than all you! RODRIGO. I've had enough of this Geschwitz's company! If my bride is to become a corporation with limited liability, somebody else can go in ahead of me. I propose to make a magnificent trapeze-artist out of her, and willingly risk my life to do it. But then I'll be master of the house, and will myself indicate what cavaliers she is to receive!