Never a day passes without that, my dear sir. I am accustomed to it. What about that coffee, Rosa? [_MRS. DREISSIGER goes ill-humouredly and gives one or two violent tugs at the broad embroidered bell-pull._ DREISSIGER I wish you had been downstairs just now, Mr. Weinhold. You'd have gained a little experience. Besides.... But now let us have our game of whist. KITTELHAUS By all means, sir. Shake off the dust and burden of the day, Mr. Dreissiger; forget it in our company. DREISSIGER [_Has gone to the window, pushed aside a curtain, and is looking out. Involuntarily._] Vile rabble!! Come here. Rosa! [_She goes to the window._] Look ... that tall red-haired fellow there!... KITTELHAUS That's the man they call Red Becker. DREISSIGER Is he the man that insulted you the day before yesterday? You remember what you told me--when John was helping you into the carriage? MRS. DREISSIGER [_Pouting, drawls._] I'm sure I don't know. DREISSIGER Come now, drop that offended air! I must know. I am thoroughly tired of their impudence. If he's the man, I mean to have him arrested. [_The strains of the Weavers' Song are heard._] Listen to that! Just listen! KITTELHAUS [_Highly incensed._] Is there to be no end to this nuisance? I must acknowledge now that it is time for the police to interfere. Permit me. [_He goes forward to the window._] See, see, Mr. Weinhold! These are not only young people. There are numbers of steady-going old weavers among them, men whom I have known for years and looked upon as most deserving and God-fearing. There they are, taking part in this unheard-of mischief, trampling God's law under foot. Do you mean to tell me that you still defend these people? WEINHOLD Certainly not, Mr. Kittelhaus. That is, sir ... _cum grano salis_. For after all, they are hungry and they are ignorant. They are giving expression to their dissatisfaction in the only way they understand. I don't expect that such people.... MRS. KITTELHAUS [_Short, thin, faded, more like an old maid than a married woman._] Mr. Weinhold, Mr. Weinhold, how can you? DREISSIGER Mr. Weinhold, I am sorry to be obliged to.... I didn't bring you into my house to give me lectures on philanthropy, and I must request that you will confine yourself to the education of my boys, and leave my other affairs entirely to me--entirely! Do you understand? WEINHOLD [_Stands for a moment rigid and deathly pale, then bows, with a strained smile. In a low voice._] Certainly, of course I understand. I have seen this coming. It is my wish too. [_Goes out._ DREISSIGER [_Rudely._] As soon as possible then, please. We require the room. MRS. DREISSIGER William, William! DREISSIGER Have you lost your senses, Rosa, that you're taking the part of a man who defends a low, blackguardly libel like that song? MRS. DREISSIGER But, William, he didn't defend it. DREISSIGER Mr. Kittelhaus, did he defend it or did he not? KITTELHAUS