What an extraordinary sensation, mamma, extraordinary!—We were so used to—It’s like a man risen from the dead after long years.—I’m frightened, mamma. MRS SCHOLZ. Do you suppose he’s come to the end of his money? AUGUSTA. Now—that would be—Well! I—that would be the last straw! MRS SCHOLZ. Well, in that case, how should we manage at all! We might as well go and beg at once. [_Ida fully dressed enters from stairway, presses Augusta’s hand joyfully._ IDA. Gussie! (_winningly_) It’s really true! Oh! I am so glad. [_Mrs Scholz and Augusta show a certain painful emotion._ [_Robert enters from one of the doors R.; he is of middle height, slender, pale-faced, and haggard-looking. His eyes are sunken, and at times glitter feverishly; moustache and imperial. He smokes Turkish tobacco out of a noticeably short-stemmed pipe._ ROBERT (_lightly_). You’re going to have it warm here, mother. MRS SCHOLZ. Now _he’s_ beginning! AUGUSTA. For all I care! [_Steals sidelong glances at Ida’s dress._ ROBERT (_to Ida, who has looked at him reproachfully_). Yes, that’s how I’m made, Miss Ida! IDA (_shaking her head at him incredulously_). No! no! AUGUSTA (_exploding_). You’re too maddening, Robert! ROBERT. Not intentionally! Don’t _get_ mad! [_Augusta makes a contemptuous gesture._ ROBERT. And then——? AUGUSTA. And then!—And then!—Bosh! ROBERT (_with simulated astonishment_). I beg your pardon—I thought—but you no longer depend on mere outward charms! IDA (_soothingly_). Oh! Mr Robert! ROBERT. H’m, mustn’t I defend myself? AUGUSTA (_half choked with tears_). Just like you! Just like you. Your whole—my age—it’s infamous of you! Mrs Buchner! isn’t it too mean of him? To me! I—I who have stuck to mother—through the best—most beautiful time of my young life!—whilst all of you—I—just as if I’d been a servant-girl! ROBERT. On my word!—that has the true ring—try the stage! (_with an altered manner: roughly_) Don’t play the fool; just think! you with a martyr’s halo, that would be too funny! You’d have come off even worse anywhere else than you have at home, that’s the truth of it! AUGUSTA. Mother! you can bear witness—haven’t I refused three proposals? ROBERT. Pff! If mother had only forked out the necessary money the gentlemen would no doubt have included you in the bargain. MRS SCHOLZ (_stepping up to Robert, holding her hand out_). There, take a knife—cut it out of me—cut the money out of my hand! AUGUSTA. Listen to me! Would you like to see the letters of refusal? MRS SCHOLZ (_interrupting_). Children! (_She makes a movement as if to bare her breast for a death-stroke._) Here—rather kill me at once! Haven’t you so much pity for me? Not so much? What? Ah! good Lord! Not five minutes! I never saw such children; not five minutes can you keep peace! ROBERT. Exactly, that’s what I said: things are warming up again.