IDA (_sings softly to the same tune as her song in Act I. roguishly_). Now you see how right I was. [_Mrs Scholz comes a step into the room, sees the lovers and is going quickly out._ IDA (_noticing her, breaks off her song, and runs up to her_). You’re not to run away, little mother-in-law! MRS SCHOLZ. Ah, why not! You don’t need me. (_William embraces and kisses his mother and helps to pull her into the room._) (_Crossly_) You are so awkward! You are—you are pulling me to pieces. WILLIAM. Oh, mother! what does that matter to-day—Mother! You see quite another man before you! (_Between his mother and Ida, holding a hand of each._) Come, little old mother, look at one another in the eyes, give each other your hands. MRS SCHOLZ. Silly fellow! WILLIAM. Kiss each other! MRS SCHOLZ (_after wiping her mouth with her apron_). There, stupid boy, if nothing else will do.—You needn’t use force to us.—There, Ida! [_They kiss each other laughing._ WILLIAM. And now—peace! MRS SCHOLZ. _Unberufen_, my boy! [_Friebe comes out of the kitchen carrying a steaming punch-bowl, goes towards the next room._ WILLIAM. Oho! What have we here? Is it good, Friebe? FRIEBE (_crossing room_). Ay, if you was to set thirty such like in front of me, not a gulp would I let down my throat. WILLIAM. Really not, Friebe? FRIEBE. There was a time—ay, yes—but now I’ve sworn off, ages ago. Now I drink only—mostly bitters. [_Goes out._ IDA (_who has been tying William’s necktie and pulling his coat straight_). There! now— WILLIAM. Thank you, darling.—Is father in good spirits? MRS SCHOLZ. He’s telling his tales. Often one can’t understand a word. WILLIAM. My heart is beginning to beat again. MRS SCHOLZ. If only Robert would not drink so much! WILLIAM. Ah, mother, to-day!—to-day nothing matters! To-day— IDA. Now come along quickly, before you— WILLIAM (to _Mrs Scholz_). You’re coming too? MRS SCHOLZ. Only be off with you! Be off! [_Ida and William go into the next room. Mrs Scholz stands thinking, draws her hand over her brow, and moved by a sudden idea, goes to the door of the adjoining room where she listens._ FRIEBE (_steps in through the same door. He is evidently excited_). Missis! MRS SCHOLZ. What do you want? FRIEBE (_whispering mysteriously_). I’ve got a—surprise, Mrs Sch—olz— MRS SCHOLZ (_shrinking back_). You’ve been drinking! You— FRIEBE. I’ve been on the look out, all sorts of ways, and I’ve—got something to tell you. MRS SCHOLZ. Well? yes, yes! Only say quickly what you’ve got to say. FRIEBE. H’m, I only mean— MRS SCHOLZ. Well, speak then, Friebe. FRIEBE. I only mean—that’s not the way. In my position there are many things I mustn’t talk about. I only mean your husband—he can’t possibly keep it up much longer— MRS SCHOLZ. Oh Jesus! Jesus! Friebe! has he—has he—complained? then, O Jesus! is he ill? FRIEBE. Ah, as to that, what should I know? MRS SCHOLZ.