[_During the Doctor’s approach William shows more and more excitement. His colour changes quickly, he thrusts his hands through his hair, breathes deeply, makes movements with his right hand as though playing the piano. It is quite evident that he is torn by different emotions, that his resolution is shaken. He seems about to rush away, but is stopped by the Doctor’s entrance. He has caught hold of the back of a chair to support himself and stands there white and trembling. The Doctor, drawn up to his full imposing height, measures his son with a look in which terror, hate and contempt are expressed. There is a silence. Friebe, who has entered with the Doctor, whom he has led and lighted down the stairs, makes use of the pause to slink away into the kitchen. William shows marked signs of his mental conflict. He tries to speak, his voice fails him, only his lips move noiselessly. He takes his hand from the chair back and steps up to the old man. He stumbles, staggers, and almost falls; stops and tries to speak again, and cannot; drags himself nearer, and clasping his hands, sinks at the old man’s feet. In Doctor Scholz’s face the expression has changed from hate to astonishment, growing sympathy and confusion._ DR SCHOLZ. My boy—my dear boy! My—(_he tries to raise him by his hands_.) Only get up! (_He takes William’s head, which has sunk between both hands, and turns it towards him._) My boy—only look at me! Ah! what is the matter? [_William moves his lips._ DR SCHOLZ (_with trembling voice_). What—what are you saying to me? WILLIAM. Father—I— DR SCHOLZ. What?—Do you mean? WILLIAM. I have—I h—ha—have— DR SCHOLZ. Nonsense, nonsense. No more of such— WILLIAM. I have sinned against you— DR SCHOLZ. Nonsense, nonsense. I don’t know what you are talking about! Bygones are bygones! For my sake—my boy! WILLIAM. Only take it from me! Take this burden from me! DR SCHOLZ. Forgiven and forgotten, boy! Forgiven and forgotten! WILLIAM. Thank— [_He draws a deep breath and loses consciousness._ DR SCHOLZ. My boy! What are you doing—what— [_He lifts William, quite unconscious, drags and puts him in a large armchair near R. table. Whilst he does so, Ida, Robert, Augusta, Mrs Scholz and Mrs Buchner come hastily out of dining-room, Friebe out of the kitchen._ Some wine—quick, some wine. [_Ida in a moment goes and returns with wine._ MRS SCHOLZ. Oh God-oh-God-oh-God!!! water! sprinkle him with water! [_Dr Scholz puts wine to his mouth._ AUGUSTA. What was it? IDA (_pale and in tears, laying one cheek against William’s arm_). How icy cold he is. MRS SCHOLZ. But what has the boy got into such a state of excitement for? that’s what I should like to know. That is completely— ROBERT (_seizes her hand and stops her_). Mother! MRS BUCHNER. Sprinkle more water, more water, Doctor! DR SCHOLZ.